Kick-off for the Japan battle
The Japanese Grand Prix sets the stage this weekend for the second of seven consecutive overseas stops. Ayumu Sasaki and Collin Veijer travel to Motegi more hungry for victory than ever, having both been involved in podium battles lately. In Moto2, Darryn Binder continues to make big strides back to his old ways and will be joined this weekend by Junior GP rider Senna Agius, who in turn will step in for the injured Lukas Tulovic.
There is hardly any time to rest for the protagonists of the motorcycle world championship, because only one week after the hair-raising premiere race in India, it is time for Ayumu Sasaki to race at his home Grand Prix in Motegi, where he will be celebrated as a national hero by his fans, as the Japanese rider is currently only one World Championship point behind the leading duo. Meanwhile, his first win of the season is yet to come, but the 22-year-old knows by now that consistency can win world championships and so, while he will fight doggedly for victory, he will not lose sight of the bigger picture. One man who is getting closer to the podium with every race is rookie Collin Veijer. A week ago, the fast Dutchman was in the middle of the podium fight when a crash in the penultimate corner put an end to all hopes for the time being. The smart 18-year-old didn't worry for long, aware of his strong pace and quick learning ability, he turned his focus directly to the next challenge on the 4.8 km Motegi circuit, which has 14 corners in total.
When the MotoGP returns to Japan from the 29th of September to the 1st of October, one rider from the LIQUI MOLY Husqvarna Intact GP team will not be on the grid, as Lukas Tulovic will have to sit it out due to injury after the German broke his foot as well as his left collarbone in India, which was operated while still there. He will be replaced by a familiar face from the team's own Moto2 Junior Team: Senna Agius. The Australian will be competing in Motegi, a track he has previously raced on in 2018 and 2019 with the Asian Talent Cup as well as the Japanese MFJ Championship and is looking forward to this opportunity. Darryn Binder is similarly looking forward to the Japanese Grand Prix after his strong comeback just a week ago. At the 14th race of the season, the 25-year-old wants to do everything he can to pave the way for a point full race with a successful qualifying session. The Moto2 race starts on Sunday at 06:15 (CEST).
Schedule (CEST)
Friday, 29th of September
02:00 – 02:35 Moto3 Practice 1
02:50 – 03:30 Moto2 Practice 1
03:45 – 04:30 MotoGP Practice 1
06:15 – 06:50 Moto3 Practice 2
07:05 – 07:45 Moto2 Practice 2
08:00 – 09:00 MotoGP Practice
Saturday, 30th of September
01:40 – 02:10 Moto3 Practice 3
02:25 – 02:55 Moto2 Practice 3
03:10 – 03:40 MotoGP Free Practice 2
03:50 – 04:05 MotoGP Qualifying 1
04:15 – 04:30 MotoGP Qualifying 2
05:50 – 06:05 Moto3 Qualifying 1
06:15 – 06:30 Moto3 Qualifying 2
06:45 – 07:00 Moto2 Qualifying 1
07:10 – 07:25 Moto2 Qualifying 2
08:00 MotoGP-Sprint (12 Laps)
Sunday, 1st of October
03:40 – 03:50 MotoGP Warm-Up
05:00 Moto3-Race (17 Laps)
06:15 Moto2-Race (19 Laps)
08:00 MotoGP-Race (24 Laps)