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VICTORY MISSED BY JUST THREE TENTHS AFTER A BRILLIANT RACE
THE GAMBLE ON THE "SOFT" DOESN’T PAY OFF FOR ALEIX, STILL IN THE POINTS
He believed, he tried, and he missed by just three tenths of a second after an extraordinary race. This sums up Maverick’s second place in Indonesia, a well-deserved podium after battling with both Martin (who then crashed) and Bagnaia. And, in the finale, contending with Quartararo’s aggressive attacks.
After a good start, Viñales settled in behind Martin, moving into the race lead during the twelfth lap. The narrow gap allowed Bagnaia to catch up and Maverick yielded the top spot to him during the nineteenth lap. When everything seemed to be set in stone, the Aprilia rider came back strong, even making a play for the win (which he missed by just three tenths of a second) under the chequered flag.
Aleix’s gamble choosing the soft rear tyre did not pay off. The compound he was most confident with did not allow him to be incisive after mid-race, after which the goal was simply to make it to the chequered flag without any pointless mistakes. The six points awarded for his tenth place are – in light of the pace demonstrated throughout the weekend – small consolation.
ALEIX
"Choosing the soft tyre for the rear was undoubtedly a mistake. Unfortunately, during the warm-up session this morning, I did not have a good feeling with the medium, and we decided to take the risk on the starting grid. I expected a drop in performance, but not so soon. Basically, after ten laps, it turned into a race of survival. It’s a pity because being competitive, being able to make a play for the podium in this MotoGP is anything but simple, so squandering chances like this leaves a bitter taste in your mouth."
MAVERICK
"Today I took advantage of yesterday’s experience. When Martin began to lap fast, I was patient, looking after the tyre. I knew that if I pushed too hard at the beginning, it would create difficulties in the finale. From this point of view, it was not a simple race. When there were just a few laps left, I decided to go all in. I wanted to put the pressure on Pecco and make a play for the win. In any case, it is still a good result and it confirms that when we exploit our technical package well, we can battle with the best."
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AFTER OUTSTANDING QUALIFIERS, MAVERICK FINISHES FOURTH IN MANDALIKA
CRASH AND DNF FOR ALEIX
All the elements were there for an Aprilia-coloured Sprint Race. Aleix and Maverick were fast in all the sessions, all the way to brilliant qualifiers where they took the second (Viñales) and third (Espargaró) spots on the starting grid. The thirteen laps today, however, left a bitter taste for the Italian team, fourth in the end with Maverick who had a bold start ahead of the rest, leading the race with confidence in the early stages and then limited by tyre wear. The podium that was just barely missed today is the minimum goal for the race.
Aleix had to make up ground after a less than perfect start – a mission which was anything but impossible, given the pace he had demonstrated up to that point. Just as he was overtaking, the Aprilia rider lost the front end of his RS-GP, involving a blameless Binder in a crash. He apologised straight away to his rival for the mistake and Aleix is now extra motivated to seek redemption tomorrow.
ALEIX
"First of all, I want to apologise to Brad. I did not intend for my move to be an aggressive one, but on this track, leaving your line by even just a few centimetres can be lethal. I’m sorry to have compromised his Sprint Race as much as I did my own. Unfortunately, I had to make up for lost ground after a less than optimum start. I had the pace and the confidence to do it, and that is important. I would have been able to continue, but given the gap, it would have been impossible to finish in the points, so I went back to the garage."
MAVERICK
"In other cases, I’d be happy with a fourth place, but I can’t be today because we had the potential to win. I started well and I was in complete control, without pushing to the limit. Unfortunately, from mid-race, I had no more grip at the rear. We are still analysing the reasons why and we still don’t have any certain results as to the causes at the moment. I am extremely proud of my team but, also in view of tomorrow’s race, we need to understand what happened and improve. Being unsatisfied today shows our mentality. On my part, I always give one hundred percent, and on the part of the team, they work constantly to achieve the result we know we deserve."
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THE APRILIA RS-GP MACHINES ARE AHEAD OF THE REST ON THE FIRST DAY IN INDONESIA
ALEIX, FIRST, AND MAVERICK, SECOND, BREAK THE MANDALIKA TRACK RECORD
The Aprilia Factory RS-GP machines started off strong for the first day of practice on the spectacular Indonesian Mandalika circuit. And they did so from the morning free practice sessions, with Viñales second and Espargaró third, both immediately at ease astride the Italian bike. And when things got serious, the two factory riders did even better, dominating the afternoon session, which is where the top ten riders are chosen to go straight through to Saturday’s Q2 qualifying session.
Aleix, in spite of a crash on one of his fast laps, set the new track record with a time of 1’30.474, just 154 thousandths faster than Maverick who, extremely consistent on every run and, although not finding a perfect lap, also finished faster than the old record.
ALEIX
"Today I really had fun riding the RS-GP. The new asphalt is an important step. Despite it being only Friday, it already has good grip and there are no bumps. The characteristics are suited both to the Aprilia and to my riding style. I’m especially pleased about our pace even on used tyres. After doing a good time, I was pushing perhaps a bit too hard and I crashed, but without consequences. It was important to get back out on the track and drop the time even farther with a less than perfect lap. That means that we have the right feeling and that there is still margin for improvement."
MAVERICK
"It was an extremely positive day, even over and above the final position, which is obviously outstanding. And the time came in spite of being unable to do a truly clean lap due to the yellow flags. We worked well and it is extremely satisfying to see how much we’ve improved since last season. Now we need to keep working well. We have the FP3 session tomorrow to get a good idea of how the bike is performing and to make a tyre choice."
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Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership as the headline sponsor for the Indian Riders Fest 2024 (IRF24). This partnership marks the continuation of a successful collaboration that marks the 10th anniversary of the official Indian Riders Group and celebrates the spirit of riding. With an extra day added to the program off the back of record-breaking attendance of over 3000 people from 39 nationalities in 2023, IRF24 aims to bring together riders and fans from all corners of the globe to reconfirm its position as one of the most significant gatherings of Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts globally.
Located in ÄŒeské BudÄ›jovice (Budweis), Czech Republic, from July 13-16, IRF24 promises to be an unforgettable experience for motorcycle enthusiasts with a host of exciting activities, exclusive product showcases, and unforgettable rides. In addition, the festival’s 2024 theme, ‘Back In Time,’ will take participants on a journey through the storied history of Indian Motorcycle with an immersive experience that pays homage to the classic designs and innovations that have defined the brand over the years, illustrated with a display of iconic vintage models.
“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Jean-Marie and the IRF team for Indian Riders Fest for 2024,” said Grant Bester, Vice President International for Indian Motorcycle. “Indian Motorcycle has always been committed to the riding community, and the IRF is not just a celebration of our motorcycles but also highlights the dedication of our riders. The rapid evolution of the IRF since 2019 is a testament to the team and as the major event on the international calendar, it allows us to connect with owners at a deeper level. After the hugely enjoyable time I had at the 2023 event, I cannot wait to meet, and ride, with everyone in Budweis again next year.”
Jean-Marie Guyon, the organiser of the IRF, commented, “I am thrilled at this renewed commitment from Indian Motorcycle. It marks another exciting chapter in our ongoing collaboration. We look forward to taking IRF24 to new heights and creating unforgettable moments for the Indian Motorcycle community. Indian Motorcycle and the IRF team are eagerly anticipating the event and invite motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the globe to come and be part of this extraordinary event. With our theme of ‘Back In Time,’ we’ll take you on a nostalgic journey back to an era filled with music and freedom, a time before social media dominated our lives. Let’s make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Alongside a variety of food and retail stalls, festival goers will be thrilled with heart-stopping performances from the Wall of Death, fearless stunt riders, live concerts, a genuine Indian Motorcycle apparel shop, the Indian Motorcycle Roadshow truck offering test rides on the latest models, and much more.
Another major feature of the 2023 festival was the AMD-approved Budweis Indian Motorcycle Custom Show, the only custom show to be 100% dedicated to Indian Motorcycle. Back with official AMD approval for 2024, the larger custom show will again be a showcase for skilful builders and incredible craftsmanship. More details of the 2024 Budweis Indian Motorcycle Custom Show will be detailed in a future release.
Until the end of October, attendees can take advantage of special “early bird” discounted prices on IRF24 tickets, Riders Packs, and hotel accommodations. Additionally, the event offers a unique “Two Person” ticket option and Riders Pack, providing a 15% saving over buying two separate tickets, an excellent opportunity for riding partners and friends to join in the festivities.
To stay up to date with all the latest news and developments about IRF24, visit the newly redesigned IRF24 website which now includes an e-shop where enthusiasts can purchase tickets, Riders Packs, and even hotel accommodations.
The Indian Riders Fest has become an essential date for Indian Motorcycle riders welcoming everyone, regardless of motorcycle brand. Anyone interested in planning on attending IRF24 should mark their calendars, visit the festival website to secure their tickets, and get ready for four days filled with laughter, new friendships, and a celebration of the simplicity and freedom that characterised a bygone era.
Below is just a taste of the packed program throughout the weekend:
• Larger Budweis Custom Indian Motorcycle Show – AMD-Approved
• Indian Riders Group 10th Anniversary Celebration
• Indian Motorcycle Demo Rides
• Vintage Indian Motorcycle Display
• Indian Motorcycle Bar & Chill-out Area
• Parade Ride – New Route
• Guided Motorcycle Tours
• Wall Of Death Shows
• Stunt Rider Displays
• Street Artists & Dance Shows
• Live Music & DJs
• Secured & Monitored 24h Parking
The IRF23 video offers a glimpse into the excitement and camaraderie that participants can expect at this year’s event.
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