19-19 – Valencia GP – Timetables and challenges of the 2018 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix –

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Timetables and challenges of the MotoGP 2018 Valencia Grand Prix

19-19 - Valencia GP - Timetables and challenges of the 2018 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix -

The 2018 MotoGP World Championship ends in Valencia this weekend! Admittedly, the names of the world champion and his MotoGP 2018 "vice-champion" are already known, but this fourth race of the year in Spain will not lack interest with its many farewells…. Presentation, schedules, statements and retrospectives of the GP of Valencia.

On a purely sporting level, and Andrea Dovizioso (220 points) is sure to keep his second place in the general classification, as in: even if he fell and Valentino Rossi (195 points) won the Valencia GP (!), L official Ducati would keep the advantage over the Doctor in terms of the number of victories. Rossi will, however, have to watch like milk on fire his teammate Maverick Viñales (193), who openly crosses his third place in the general classification….

Honda has already won the 2018 constructor title, but the ranking of private riders will be one of the challenges of the 2018 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix, as will the team title and that of best rookie..

With his 149 points, Johann Zarco will do everything to renew his and consolidate his title of best private driver, taking advantage of the absence of Cal Crutchlow (148), again this weekend, and the slight delay of Danilo Petrucci (144).

Among the "rookies", Franco Morbidelli (Marc VDS) is 10 points ahead of Hafizh Syahrin (Yamaha Tech3) for the title of best MotoGP rookie of the year, but the Malaysian arrives excited by his and the desire to leave Yamaha on a note. positive.

Farewell tour

Finally, in addition to its traditionally festive aspect in front of 150,000 fans, this Valencia GP will be marked by several farewells (or goodbyes)…

These include those of, like Hafizh Syahrin and Tech3 who will wear the colors, those of, those of who will line up with Honda alongside the reigning world champion and those of Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding who are leaving the premier class..

  • MNC special file :

Pilot declarations and objectives

Marc Marquez, Honda Repsol (world champion since) : "We won the world championship seven times (125 in, Moto2 in and MotoGP in,,, and, Editor’s note) and even if it seems a lot, we did it in a very short time," recalled this week -end the reigning champion who celebrated his victory in front of his relatives in Cervera, his native village in Catalonia. "I’m living a dream, so you have to enjoy it while it lasts. This title is special but I rejoice every time as if it were the first. Victory is my fuel. It allows me to progress and to keep evolving. Undoubtedly, the best part is being able to celebrate my title with my team and my fans like we did today. It’s really important because when you win we all win – and when we lose, same people are also around me in Cervera ". 

Triple crown

"Now I can’t wait to celebrate my title with all the fans in Valencia," Marquez continues. "We will no longer have the pressure we had last year when the title was still at stake, but I will be in exactly the same state of mind because I want to end the year in a good way. better to have the triple crown (driver, manufacturer and team, editor’s note), it’s important for us and for Honda and it would be perfect to end the season. I don’t want to lose my concentration and I will fight to win on Sunday ".

Andrea Dovizioso, Ducati (2nd in the championship with 220 points) : "My (and especially the, Editor’s note) assured me of finishing second in the championship and I wanted this result at all costs. In Valencia, we find a circuit on which we have had trouble in recent years, but this time I am ‘wait until we are quick. The race will also be an important test to understand what needs to be improved to be more competitive next year ".

Valentino Rossi, Yamaha Movistar (3rd in the championship with 195 points) : "It will be an interesting weekend for us because generally it is not a circuit where we are very fast, but we made progress on the previous races. In Malaysia we drove fast the whole weekend, including in the race. Unfortunately it did not end well (editor’s note) but there are still positive sides. In Valence we will do our best. I would like to end the season with a good result. Then there will be the tests in Valence , then to Jerez. The next few weeks are going to be very intense ".

Maverick Viñales, Yamaha Movistar (4th in the championship with 193 points) : "I arrive in Valencia in a very positive state of mind. After the last three races in Asia-Oceania, I spent time at home to rest and relax a bit because the races overseas are always exhausting. We have worked well the last few months and the bike is competitive. I really like the Ricardo Tormo circuit, its layout corresponds very well to my way of riding. Last year the race did not go well (, Editor’s note), but this year I will try to attack and give myself 100% to finish the season with another victory. I am very confident. I am now aiming for the third step of the general classification and I am very close (2 small points, Editor’s note). To finish the year in third position after such a difficult season, it would be a small success ".

Alex Rins, Suzuki Ecstar (5th in the championship with 149 points, tied with Johann Zarco) : "We obviously arrive very enthusiastic in Valence with performances in increases and podiums (2nd in and in and 3rd in and in, Editor’s note). Our objective is therefore as clear as it is obvious: we want to fight for the highest step We have proven that we are ready for the victory, the bike and my riding have improved a lot, we have to work and do our best. Most of the riders appreciate the Valencia circuit and our GSX-RR can be effective on this route ".

19-19 - Valencia GP - Timetables and challenges of the 2018 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix -

Johann Zarco, Yamaha Tech3 (6th in the championship with 149 points) : "After my podium in Malaysia, I arrive in Valencia with a smile and the will to achieve another great result. My main goal is to be the first independent rider and maybe a little more. If I could conclude the season in Valencia on the podium, ahead of Alex Rins and Danilo Petrucci, I could also be part of the top 5 of the final classification. It would be a very good result! "

"First of all, I hope for good weather and suitable temperatures, which will give me confidence on this circuit where I think the Yamaha can perform well," continued the French rider. "With my team we found good set-up during the overseas races. So we have to make the bike work again with all that. If we get there, I’m sure we will have a good week. -end. My fingers crossed to finish this 2018 season as well as possible ".

Andrea Iannone, Suzuki Ecstar (9th in the championship with 133 points, just ahead of Lorenzo) : "The Valencia circuit is nice and can be good for us. Last year I qualified on the front row (in, Editor’s note) and with Alex we had a good race (respectively and, Editor’s note). ‘we consider the considerable progress made since 2017, we can really envision a good weekend. We are on a good trend at the moment so I’m optimistic. In Malaysia I felt that I could fight for the podium (, Editor’s note) . We will try to give everything we have, to be consistent and to stay close to the outposts, so that we can aim for a good result..

Jorge Lorenzo, Ducati (10th in the championship with 130 points) : "This is the last race of the season and even though I still won’t be 100%, I would really like to end my adventure with Ducati with a good result. It’s hard to predict what condition my wrist will be in, but luckily I feel a lot better than at Sepang. Friday morning, I will take to the track, hoping not to have too much pain and to be competitive. My two years with Ducati have been very intense and I would love to leave my team with a good race. Our fans, who always come in force to Cheste, will help us to make this weekend a special one. ".

19-19 - Valencia GP - Timetables and challenges of the 2018 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix -

Dani Pedrosa, Honda Repsol (11th in the championship with 106 points) : "It is clear that this event in Valencia will be a bit special because it will be my … The feelings will be different but I will also be very taken with all the people, friends and family who will come to surround me. will get on the bike, I will be completely focused on driving. This circuit is one of my favorites on the calendar and of course I will try to do the best possible result on Sunday ".

Hafizh Syahrin, Yamaha Tech3 (16th in the championship with 40 points) : "I am focusing exclusively on my progress and my goal is to have a good race before the end of the season with Yamaha. I just want to be in front of all the rookies for the last round. I feel ready and I hope everything will be fine this weekend ".

"Without Yamaha Tech3 would not have become what it is today"

"Last year we had a dream weekend with Johann who had been very strong in the race, leading most of the time against Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa", remembers the team manager of Tech3, future KTM satellite team. . "We had a great result, but we were a little disappointed that we didn’t win this race. Anyway we finished second which was a great way to end the rookie season for Johann.".

"This year, in addition to the fact that it is the last race of the season, we cannot forget that it will be the last race for Tech3 and Yamaha after 20 seasons with Yamaha Japan", continues Herve Poncharal … "C ‘ is an honor for us, a great course, we have had some great seasons and although our decision is to move and change it will clearly be a very emotional race for us. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone members of Yamaha Motor Corporation Japan for their support, friendship, dedication and understanding in making us grow. Obviously without Yamaha Tech3 would not be what it is now. I always say we have helped each other . Success comes through stability, as evidenced by our relationship with Yamaha. I hope Tech3 and Yamaha will take advantage of these last four days to have fun together and I hope we have a great result to end this in credible partnership ".

MotoGP Valence Grand Prix retrospective

  • Valencia GP 2017 : Special file
  • Valencia GP 2016 : A spectacular finale…
  • Valencia GP 2015 : Lorenzo world champion
  • 2014 Valencia GP : A breathtaking final !
  • 2013 Valencia GP : Statements and Analysis
  • Valencia GP 2012 : Statements and Analysis
  • Valencia GP 2011 : Statements and Analysis
  • Valencia GP 2010 : Statements and Analysis
  • Valencia GP 2009 : Spanish treble for the last race of the season
  • Valencia GP 2008 : Turn-by-turn report
  • Valencia GP 2007 : Turn-by-turn report
  • Valencia GP 2006 : Turn-by-turn report
  • Valencia GP 2005 : Turn-by-turn report
  • 2004 Valencia GP : Turn-by-turn report
  • 2003 Valencia GP : Rossi wins and keeps the suspense going…

Timetables of the MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix 2018

Friday November 16, 2018

  • Free practice 1 Moto3: from 9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
  • MotoGP free practice 1: from 9:55 am to 10:40 am
  • Free practice 1 Moto2: from 10:55 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
  • Moto3 free practice 2: from 1:10 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
  • MotoGP Free Practice 2: 2:05 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.
  • Moto2 Free Practice 2: 3:05 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
  • MotoGP eSport Final: 6.30 p.m.

Saturday 17th November 2018

  • Moto3 free practice 3: from 9 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
  • MotoGP Free Practice 3: from 9:55 am to 10:40 am
  • Moto2 free practice 3: from 10:55 am to 11:40 am
  • Moto3 Qualifying: 12:35 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
  • MotoGP Free Practice 4: 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • MotoGP Q1 Qualifying: 2:10 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.
  • MotoGP Qualifying Q2: from 2:35 p.m. to 2:50 p.m.
  • Moto2 Qualifying: 3:05 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Sunday November 18, 2018

  • Moto3 warm-up: from 08:40 to 09:00
  • Moto2 warm-up: from 9:10 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • MotoGP warm-up: from 9:40 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
  • Moto3 race start: 11h00
  • Moto2 Race start: 12:20 p.m.
  • MotoGP race start: 2:00 p.m. (27 laps instead of 30 in previous years)
  • FIM Awards ceremony: 9:00 p.m.

2018 Valencia GP tire data

"After four overseas races, it’s good to come back to Europe, but we know very well that Valencia, at the end of November, is a new big challenge", predicts Piero Taramasso, two-wheeler director at Michelin Motorsport: "when we selected the tires for this race last February, we had to choose the best compounds for the cold morning temperatures and warmer – hopefully – afternoon. Valencia is one of the few circuits where the ‘We offer a full range of asymmetric tires because they spend a lot of time on the corner on this tortuous track. So we need a tire with different gums to give the riders confidence and guarantee the best performance. The championship is already in place. played, we hope that this race will be a good show. For the drivers who change teams after this weekend, this is the last opportunity to give a good result to their current team ".

The Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia

  • Winner 2017 : (Honda)
  • Pole position 2017 : (1’29.897)
  • Best lap in the race 2017 : Johann Zarco (1’31.576)
  • Best lap : (1’29.401) in 2016
  • Race record : (1’31.171) in 2016
  • Anti-clockwise
  • 9 left and 5 right turns

19-19 - Valencia GP - Timetables and challenges of the 2018 MotoGP Valencia Grand Prix -

Ranking of the 2018 MotoGP World Championship before Valencia

  1. Marc MARQUEZ Honda (SPA): 321 points
  2. Andrea DOVIZIOSO Ducati (ITA): 220 points
  3. Valentino ROSSI Yamaha (ITA): 195 points
  4. Maverick VIÑALES Yamaha (SPA): 193 points
  5. Alex RINS Suzuki (SPA): 149 points
  6. Johann ZARCO Yamaha (FRA): 149 points
  7. Cal CRUTCHLOW Honda (GBR): 148 points
  8. Danilo PETRUCCI Ducati (ITA): 144 points
  9. Andrea IANNONE Suzuki (ITA): 133 points
  10. Jorge LORENZO Ducati (SPA): 130 points
  11. Dani PEDROSA Honda (SPA): 106 points
  12. Alvaro BAUTISTA Ducati (SPA): 105 points
  13. Jack MILLER Ducati (AUS): 91 points
  14. Franco MORBIDELLI Honda (ITA): 50 points
  15. Aleix ESPARGARO Aprilia (SPA): 44 points
  16. Hafizh SYAHRIN Yamaha (MAL): 40 points
  17. Tito RABAT Ducati (SPA): 35 points
  18. Pol ESPARGARO KTM (SPA): 35 points
  19. Bradley SMITH KTM (GBR): 30 points
  20. Takaaki NAKAGAMI Honda (JPN): 23 points
  21. Scott REDDING Aprilia (GBR): 15 points
  22. Karel ABRAHAM Ducati (CZE): 10 points
  23. Mika KALLIO KTM (FIN): 6 points
  24. Stefan BRADL Honda (GER): 3 points
  25. Katsuyuki NAKASUGA Yamaha (JPN): 2 points
  26. Xavier SIMEON Ducati (BEL): 1 point
  27. Michele PIRRO Ducati (ITA): 1 point
  28. Thomas LUTHI Honda (SWI)
  29. Jordi TORRES Ducati (SPA)
  30. Mike JONES Ducati (AUS)
  31. Sylvain GUINTOLI Suzuki (FRA)
  32. Christophe PONSSON Ducati (FRA)

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