Even though the WSBK season is over (congratulations to Max Biaggi, Superbike champion; Aprilia, Superbike champion constructor; Kenan Sofoglu, Supersports champion; Honda Supersport champion constructor; there is still a heap happening elsewhere as well.
WSBK had a two-day test day at Magny Cours on Monday and Tuesday but Monday was washed out and Tuesday didn’t really produce much in the way on interest or surprises; lots of riders getting used to new bikes/teams as the way usually is.
Ten Kate’s Jonathan Rae has had surgery on his damaged wrist and is confident of a quick recovery in time to take part in the first official test session for Superbikes early next year.
MotoGP is buzzing, however. Dani Pedrosa will not compete in Malaysia this weekend due to on-going problems from his Motegi crash.
This virtually hands Lorenzo the title as long as he finishes and picks up a few points. It’s disappointing that the championship could be decided this way, but, as they say in the classics, that’s racing. Pedrosa is vowing to be on track at PI next weekend.
In other racing news, the GFC looks to have claimed another victim with the Interwetten team informing the organisers that they probably won’t be running a MotoGP bike next year. This also leaves Hiroshi Aoyama without a ride and, if Suzuki pull the pin, as many still suspect they might, the grid next year will be mighty thin.
Off track, the Intermot show took place while I was away with a swag of new models from the European manufacturers and a very low-key entry from the Japanese. Highlight would have to be the new Kawasaki ZX-10R and BMW’s new 6 cylinder K1600GT about which more details in the coming days.
The taxis are driving around for 161 laps at Bathurst this weekend, looking for a fare, so, if you have nothing else to do, the first few laps and thw last few will probably be worth a look at. Failing that, do what I hope to be doing; get on the bike and go for a ride.