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KJ MONONYANE RE-SIGNS WITH AGR FOR 2025 

October, 22 2024

South African rider Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane will contest the 2025 FIM JuniorGP World Championship with AGR Racing.


Mononyane, 17, has impressed since making his Moto3 debut – his work ethic and positive attitude fueling his progress on the track.

“I’m very excited and privileged to sign another year with AGR and have the opportunity to work with a team that has a strong history of developing champions,” he said.

“I’ve always been someone who thrives on a challenge and I know at AGR they will push me to improve in every aspect of my performance. The racing journey isn’t easy and there are moments where it feels like nothing is going your way and that’s where being in the right team environment becomes so important.

“My goal next year is not only to be competitive but improve my attributes off track too. All these goals will be achievable with a team so experienced and professional and I’m more motivated than ever to make 2025 a standout season in my racing career.”


Mononyane will contest dual championships again in 2025 after being invited to return to the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for a second season. 


AGR team manager Anscari Nadal said he was delighted to re-sign Mononyane.

“We will continue to work together and to learn. I love KJ as a person and, as a rider, I think he has a great attitude and we can get the best out of him,” he said.

“Next year I believe KJ can make a positive step in both Rookies Cup and the JuniorGP championship with AGR and I hope to be able to find the best KJ possible. He is a guy who puts in the effort, is focused and loves racing so for me it is a pleasure to help this kind of rider in his goal to world championship.”



AGR RIDERS BATTLING AT THE FRONT IN ARAGON

October, 13 2024

AGR Racing was battling at the front of the races during round six of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship staged at Motorland Aragon today.


In the European Talent Cup division, American Kristian Daniel Jr unleashed his best performance so far, nabbing the hole shot in both races and leading the field in stages before finishing an impressive P7 and P8.


“For me it’s been the two best races of my ETC career so I’m really happy. I wasn’t 100 percent confident because I qualified P2 in the rain so in the dry I didn’t know if I had the pace. I just pushed as much as I could. Hole shot in both races was super awesome for me,” he said.


“I improved and learned a lot in both races. I adapted to all the scenarios like the heat and the tyre wear and the bike honestly performed the best of the whole season for me. I felt super fast and I knew I had the pace in both races to be fighting for the podium so it was disappointing to drop back a bit. But it’s a really good booster for the team and motivation for me to train harder and do everything we can for the last round at Valencia.”


Teammate Afonso Almeida, of Portugal, demonstrated his potential to claim P19 and P23 in the competitive field of talent.


“It was my best weekend of the season. I felt really good on the bike in the wet and the dry conditions and I improved every session on track. Now we need to continue this momentum,” he said.


“Many thanks to my team for the great work they have done over the past days. Now it’s time to get back to work and get even stronger for the final round.”


In the sole JuniorGP race, New Zealander Cormac Buchanan battled to finish P6, missing out on his fourth top five of the season by the slimmest of margins.


“I’m somewhat happy. It’s a really good result for the championship in that we’ve closed in from 25 points to 16 points to second overall heading into the last round at Valencia where anything is possible,” he said.


“There is a bit of a bittersweet taste as to what could have been. I had a strategy going into the race with the focus on conserving my tyres for the end which is a massive part of the equation here at Aragon. It definitely worked in the sense I was able to finish really strong going from P12 to P5.


“Looking back now I was probably a bit too conservative in the opening laps and left myself too much work to do where I should have sacrificed some of the tyre. But overall, I’m happy with the race given it’s the first time I’ve had to ride with such a focus on the saving rubber. We were so close to P5 except a scrappy last corner with another rider denied me that on the line.


“We’ve been really focused on our goals and sticking to our own plan all weekend so it’s good to have a decent result after the disappointment of Jerez. Now we go into Valencia with the chance to fight for second overall and I will work hard to make the most of that opportunity.”


Owen van Trigt, of the Netherlands, overcame a difficult start to work his way back through the field and claim his first JuniorGP point with P15.


“The race was not bad. I struggled with the start and then someone crashed in front of me which cost me some places but I made up for it and overall we are happy with the result,” he said.


It was a frustrating race for Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, who had to settle for P25.


“At the start of the race, I made some good overtakes and got myself into a position I was hoping for. But after the long lap I had to serve, I had a high side and even though I managed to save it, I ended up in the gravel,” he said.


“After that the bike just didn’t feel the same and it was a struggle to regather my rhythm so I just focused on finishing the race.”


Tyre management proved a factor in both European Moto2 Championship races. Nicholas Spinelli, of Italy, claimed a solid P8 and P5 while American Max Toth continued his comeback from injury to finish a respectable P16 and P14.


Spinelli rated race two as his better performance.


“I feel happy. The team did a modification in the bike and it was very good. In the last lap I’m very confident and I go faster but I do a battle with another rider and this compromised me for the podium,” he said.


“I am content and I need to continue in this way. We will see in Valencia.”


Toth leave Aragon happy with his performance and nabbing two championship points.


“Our pace after the midway point was really, really good comparatively to the front guys we just lacked that jump at the start,” he said.


“I had a shifter glitch in race one which set me back to dead last and I couldn’t get my rhythm initially, but I just had to keep a consistent pace which brought me back to nearly within reach of the points.


“We have to be happy because this is the best races we’ve had all year and I think we have to look at it as ‘this is how we’re starting, not how we are midyear’. So, it’s not a bad way to come back after five months of not racing. It was very tough physically but we will focus on continuing our conditioning to be in the best shape possible for Valencia.”


FANTASTIC FRONT ROWS FOR AGR RIDERS AT ARAGON

October, 12 2024

Kristian Daniel Jr has secured his first front row in the European Talent Cup, qualifying an excellent P2 at Motorland Aragon today.


Adding to the team’s success, his AGR Racing team-mates Cormac Buchanan (JuniorGP) and Nicholas Spinelli (European Moto2) will start on row two in their respective categories in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship races tomorrow.


All riders were forced to tackle tough conditions in qualifying but performed strongly in their sessions, completing a positive day of action.


Kristian, of the United States, scorched to the top of the class in Group B – his P1 in Q2 earning his place on the coveted front row for tomorrow’s two races.


“In practice I think I was still a little bit hesitant because of the difficult day we had yesterday and I wasn’t really pushing. I knew I had a lot more margin so I just put in as many laps as possible to get the experience in the wet conditions,” he said.


“In qualifying, every lap I was improving. The track conditions were changing to the point where slicks could have been an option but we pushed on and managed to get P1 for the group, on the final lap to make it a bit more exciting.”


Portugal’s Afonso Almeida handled the pressure of Q1 and earned the chance to contest Q2 in Group A of the ETC, where he finished P12. He will start from P24 in the races.


“While I struggled a bit more in Q2, I was still two seconds faster than Q1. I wanted a better result but I am happy because step by step we are getting faster. We are working very good as a team this week and I hope tomorrow in both races we make even more progress,” Afonso said.


New Zealander Cormac was the highest qualifier in the Moto3 trio, securing P4 for tomorrow’s feature race.


“All season long we’ve shown we can be fast in the wet so for me practice was about consolidating a position in Q2. The third lap we did that and the fourth lap I had an incident with another rider where I tried to pass him then unfortunately lost the rear and he ended up running over my bike. It was badly damaged but thankfully my team were able to work really fast and got me back out for the end of the session to bank some data,” he said.


“In Q2 the conditions were iffy and we weren’t sure if it was slicks or wets so I gave myself two laps to decide. I stayed out and pushed as much as I could in the early laps and held P3 for the majority of the session but ended up getting knocked back to fourth.


“It’s a really solid position and we’ve been working on our race pace all weekend so tomorrow’s the time to show it.”


Wildcard entrant Owen van Trigt, of the Netherlands, impressed during practice to bank his spot in Q2, where he finished 16th.


“Today was not too bad. The practice went well and the qualifying was just really difficult with the conditions but overall I am happy with how the weekend is going,” he said.


Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, will start from P23. However, he will have to contend with a long lap penalty in the race due to a crash under a yellow flag.


“I have so much potential and worked hard with the team so I know I could have been up there fighting for the good grid positions but it wasn’t possible today because we had a lot of setbacks,” he said.


“We just got very unlucky and I know it will be a tough race tomorrow with a long lap. It will be fun to see how far I can push my limits and I will need to perform at my max so that is motivating. I still believe in myself to do a good race.”


In his debut with AGR, Spinelli, of Italy, will contest both European Moto2 races from P5.


“We started the day well. I feel good on the bike in the wet and I tried to push lap for lap but made a mistake near the end and crashed. But the feeling was good, I finished P2 and I am happy for this,” he said.


“In the qualifying, we choose the slick but it was the incorrect decision. We had to change and I got two laps. I am happy because the position is good but I am not happy because for me it’s possible to do better. Tomorrow is the race and we will see what we can do.”


Fellow Moto2 rider Max Toth, of the United States, was left to rue tyre choice and will have to settle for P18 on the grid.


“The day overall was really good. In the first session I surprised myself because I’ve never taken this bike out in the rain. To be that close to the front and go straight to Q2 was great especially given the struggles we’ve had and four months off the bike,” he said.


“In qualifying we simply made the wrong choice of tyres but I kept it upright, gained more confidence and I’m happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve been at a race weekend with a smile on my face for this long.”


VAN TRIGT SIGNED FOR 2025

October, 09 2024

Dutch teenager Owen van Trigt has signed with AGR Racing to contest the 2025 FIM JuniorGP World Championship.


van Trigt, who has previously represented the team in the European Talent Cup division, made his debut on the Moto3 at Jerez last month and is currently competing as a wildcard for the remaining 2024 races.


The talented 16-year-old jumped at the chance to join AGR permanently for 2025.


“This is the next step in my racing career and I am very happy to be making it with AGR Racing who have played a massive part in my journey over the past few years,” van Trigt said.


“The opportunity to compete in the last three rounds this year will be very beneficial to prepare for a full championship campaign in 2025 and I’m excited to keep learning and progressing in this incredibly competitive class.”


Team manager Anscari Nadal said van Trigt was a strong addition to the AGR environment.


“Owen has been performing really well on the Moto3 and for sure he will continue to excel as he gains more experience on the KTM machinery,” he said.


“I am excited to see him work hard and, with our help, maximise his potential as a racer.”


SPINELLI JOINS AGR FOR MOTORLAND ARAGON

October, 08 2024

MotoE World Championship racer Nicholas Spinelli will make his Moto2 debut with AGR Racing at Motorland Aragon next weekend.


The experienced campaigner, who finished a commendable 7th overall in the electric championship recently, will contest round six of the Moto2 European Championship with the team.


Spinelli, 23, was set to be part of the action at Jerez earlier this month but was unfortunately struck by illness.


Team manager Anscari Nadal was keen to see the Italian race after encouraging performances during testing.


“We are all looking forward to seeing Nicholas continue his Moto2 journey with us on race weekend,” he said.


A former Moto3 Italian champion, Spinelli has earned four wins and nine podiums since joining the MotoE ranks last year.


TOTH RETURNS FOR MOTORLAND ARAGON

October, 07 2024

Determination fuels American racer Max Toth as he stages his return to the Moto2 European Championship with AGR Racing at Motorland Aragon this weekend.


Now recovered from an unfortunate training injury which ruled him out of the previous round at Jerez, Toth definitely won’t be lacking for motivation.


“When injuries are the result of something out of your own control, it does feel even tougher to contend with. The most important thing was to focus solely on my recovery to make sure I’m 100 percent fit and ready to perform at Aragon,” Toth said.


“I’m determined to make sure the comeback is greater than the setback so I’m really excited to see what’s possible this weekend.”


Team manager Anscari Nadal said he was pleased to have Toth back in the AGR ranks.


“From an injury perspective, Max has faced a few battles which have impacted his season so it will be great to finally see him back on track showing his potential,” he said.



AGR FORCED TO REMOVE EMMANUEL FROM TEAM

September, 26 2024

Ongoing payment issues have forced the AGR squad to remove rider Geoffrey Emmanuel from the team for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Emmanuel, of India, competed in the JuniorGP category for the first half of the championship before switching to the Moto2 earlier this month in Jerez. 


However, contractual payment obligations have not been met throughout the year.


AGR team manager Anscari Nadal said he was extremely disappointed in the actions of Emmanuel and his management team.

“They have let us down time after time and we cannot continue like this,” he said.

“We have done the best we can for the rider and given him every opportunity to progress, including extra testing time and the chance to compete on the Moto2 machinery – every time being forced to absorb the costs involved.

“Despite numerous communications, the money has never arrived on time and there have been problems right from the start. We know the rider is backed by several personal sponsors and I’m sure this behavior is unacceptable to them as well.

“Both Geoffrey and his father have always been blaming his personal sponsors for not paying in time, as well as their own country for the tax rules. Now it has come to a point where we simply cannot allow this to carry on. The management of a rider needs to make the payments in time and I cannot understand, or tolerate, blaming the sponsors that help him year after year. It’s unacceptable.”

๏ปฟ

Nadal, who has been involved in motorcycle racing for over two decades, looks ahead to the Aragon race where the team will continue to work hard as always and give the best to their riders.



POINTS AND PROGRESS FOR AGR RIDERS AT JEREZ

September, 15 2024

AGR riders take home valuable points and important progress from round five of the 2024 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP world championship at Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto this weekend.


New Zealander Cormac Buchanan overcame adversity to secure two top 10 finishes in the Moto3 races. Due to a penalty in qualifying, he started race one from the back of the grid and scorched through the pack to put himself firmly in the battle for P4 but was forced to settle for P10.


“It was a fun race. I got into a rhythm and I felt that even when the tyre grip started to drop off, I was able to make even more moves. Getting to P10 and into the group battle after passing 23 bikes, I knew it was a really strong result against the odds so was prepared to consolidate the points if the opportunities to take more positions were limited,” he said.


Misfortune struck in race two when Buchanan’s rear tyre went flat after the opening few laps but he held his nerve to earn P10.


“I knew starting in 16th would penalise us a bit but I wasn’t prepared to use that as an excuse. After a few laps as we were closing into the group about 1.5 seconds ahead, it became very clear that our ability to fight was compromised due to the tyre deflating. So again, it was just a case of taking what I could from the situation. I could have pushed and tried to do something heroic but a top 10 is better than zero points.

“It’s a positive to finish inside the top 10 twice. We were one of the fastest but we didn’t get to show it due to a couple of mistakes. I will make sure that doesn’t happen again so we can arrive to Aragon in the best place possible. 

“We are still only 25 points from second in the championship and I am not going to give up until that chequered flag is waved at the end of race two in Valencia in November. I’m going to make sure this team gets the result it deserves.”


South Africa’s Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane had a solid day to earn P16 and P17.


“It was a difficult race but we managed the conditions without feeling like I was on the limit so I am happy for this,” KJ said.


“In the first lap, everyone was a tad more aggressive than me so I lost some positions. I managed to grab them back but I lost a lot of tyre in the process which impacted me in the final laps. 

“Fighting for the top 14, I made a move into the last corner and tried to overtake them on the brakes. I stopped the bike, got around the corner safely but, unfortunately, they slipstreamed me to the line so I just missed the points. But I’m happy I made a move instead of settling for a position without trying.

“As a team we made good steps and continue to move forward.”


In his Moto3 debut, Owen van Trigt, of the Netherlands, finished a respectable P27 and P21 – despite starting from pit lane in race one due to an issue with a new clutch.


“Overall, the pace was there and I have to be happy with that for my first races in the championship,” he said.


“I made some mistakes in the first lap but managed to catch the group in race two and make something of it into a good race. I am satisfied, I will learn from it and I think we can have some good races for the rest of the season.” 


Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, narrowly missed out on the points in his Moto2 debut, finishing P16.


“The race was very good and we improved a lot of things. I was held up by another rider I just couldn’t get passed and then the tyre started spinning and I couldn’t do my best lap,” he said.


“We have a lot of positives we can take from this first race after reviewing the data so we know what we have to do to keep progressing strongly.”


In the two European Talent Cup races, American pilot Kristian Daniel Jnr finished P19 and P20 – a result which left the talented teen disappointed.


“I just didn’t have the pace. I didn’t feel comfortable on the bike, made a few mistakes obviously. It is what it is and we will look forward to the next round in Aragon,” he said.


Afonso Almeida, of Portugal, finished an impressive P4 in the last chance race but wanted more. 


“It was not the result that we expected but it was another week where I learned a lot. I am trying to keep all of the information and continue to apply it every time I am on the track,” he said.


“I had some mistakes but each of these make me stronger so from that perspective I can treat them like a victory, not a defeat. I will come to Aragon full gas.”



AGR RIDERS READY TO TACKLE JEREZ

September, 14 2024

Qualifying served up a mix of fortunes for AGR Racing riders as the 2024 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP world championship resumed at Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto this weekend.


In the Moto3 ranks, Cormac Buchanan was the highest qualifier but was left unsatisfied with P16 after a crash on the final lap of Q2 halted his aspirations for a better grid position. 

However, his first penalty for slow sectors will see the kiwi start from the back of the grid.


“Today was a day of two halves. The goal initially is always to go straight to Q2 and the feeling I had in practice was really nice and we achieved that. We had really strong consistent pace and didn’t need a reference point or a slipstream which is going to bode well for tomorrow’s racing,” he said.


“Q2 was a very windy session which made conditions challenging. We found ourselves in a difficult situation where we only had one lap with the new tyre which is not ideal. Obviously, me being a racer, I’m going to push as hard as I can and I had one lap to be either P15 or whatever I could do with the new rubber. I tried my best and we were 0.0 seconds away from pole but, unfortunately, I had another crash at turn 8.


“It’s frustrating and not where we want to be but we know our pace is one of the strongest even if we didn’t show it in qualifying. Tomorrow will be the time to have some fun and it will make for a more exciting race.”

Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, will start from P20 – his best qualifying result of the season.


“In practice, I did push but I felt like I was coming up against a block. We made some changes to the bike and I took another step in qualifying. We tried to attack and even though it wasn’t quite enough, it is still my best qualifying result so we have to be happy with that. We are ready to race, tricky conditions or not, with the goal of closing the seconds to the front and being in a position to attack,” he said. 


In his Moto3 debut, Owen van Trigt, of the Netherlands, will start from P26.


“Qualifying was alright although I expected more but hit a bit of traffic which impacted the lap. I think we have the speed, especially in the hotter conditions, so we will see what’s possible tomorrow. My focus is to finish both races, learn and improve. It’s my first races so I will just enjoy the moment,” he said.


Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, is relishing the chance to step up to the Moto2 championship and qualified P25 for tomorrow’s race.

“My first qualifying on a Moto2 was much better than expected. We had a good feeling with the new tyres and were able to improve every lap. I think we have more of a chance tomorrow so let’s have some fun” he said.


Fellow Moto2 rider Max Toth, of the United States, continues to recover from a leg injury sustained during a training incident and aims to return to AGR for the next round at Aragon in October.


In the European Talent Cup, American pilot Kristian Daniel Jnr cemented his spot directly into Q2 with a strong practice, but also suffered a crash on the final lap, leaving him to start P25.


“Overall today was good and I had really good feelings throughout. It wasn’t the best ending but I know I have really good pace for tomorrow and I feel really confident,” Daniel said.


“I had several confidence boosters on the track so that’s really reinforced what we are capable of. I’m excited for tomorrow because I know I can make something happen because my pace is for the top five. I’ve been strong at passing throughout the weekend and it feels like just doing a drill so let’s see what we can do when the lights go out.”


Portugal’s Afonso Almeida will contest the last chance race tomorrow morning in a bid to secure his spot in the main event – a challenge the team’s rookie was eagerly anticipating.


“It’s hard because I worked very hard for this weekend but it’s more experience and more track time. We have to see the positives on this because from mistakes we learn. In qualifying I was on a good pace but I didn’t calculate the lap correctly. I am trying my best and trying to learn the most I can,” Afonso said.



VAN TRIGT SET FOR MOTO3 DEBUT

September, 12 2024

Talented Dutch teenager Owen van Trigt will make his Moto3 debut at the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in Jerez this weekend.


van Trigt returns to the AGR Racing environment after previously representing the team in the European Talent Cup division. This season he has opted to focus on training with 111 Management to hone his skills.


The opportunity to race emerged when permanent AGR rider Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, opted to be promoted into the Moto2 ranks for the remaining three rounds of the championship.


Team manager Anscari Nadal said van Trigt deserved the chance to race after a committed effort to training.


“Owen is no stranger to AGR and we are happy we can provide this opportunity for him. With Geoffrey keen to step up to the Moto2, we were looking for a talented young rider to replace him on the Moto3 and Owen was a natural choice. He’s been training hard this year to be ready for any chance to race.


“I have no doubt Owen will continue to excel over the next three rounds as he banks more and more experience on the KTM.” 


van Trigt was eager get back into race mode at Circuito de Angel Nieto in southern Spain.


“I’m excited to get back on the bike again, especially to race. You can train hard but nothing fully compares to racing. That’s what we’re here to do,” he said.


“The Moto3 is completely different to ride – there are more things to concentrate on doing right and connecting it all together to try and find the ideal lap. It’s a great challenge which I’m really enjoying.”



TOTH RULED OUT OF JEREZ; SPINELLI WAS TO REPLACE

September, 12 2024

AGR Moto2 rider Max Toth has been ruled out of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in Jerez this weekend.


A leg injury sustained during an unfortunate training incident will prevent Toth from joining his AGR Racing team-mates when the championship resumes at the iconic Circuito de Angel Nieto in southern Spain.


 “A few weeks ago, another rider had a mechanical issue which impacted me on the track and effectively blew the back of my leg open,” Toth said.


“As I progress well through my recovery, both my family and my team agree it's best I don't rush the process. The focus is to return to my Moto2 at 100 percent health. I look forward to being back on a bike very soon.”


He was to be replaced by MotoE World Championship rider Nicholas Spinelli but misfortune also struck the talented Italian in the form of illness which has plagued several riders from the elite paddock.


Team manager Anscari Nadal was eager to see Max back in action.


“The entire AGR family sends Max our best for a speedy recovery. He really hasn't had the chance to prove his potential this season for reasons often outside of his control which is disappointing both for Max and our team,” he said.


“The situation did present an opportunity for Nicholas to continue his Moto2 journey after a positive test with us at Jerez recently. We were excited to see what he could achieve during the race weekend but unfortunately he has been battling the illness which ruled riders like Joan Mir out of MotoGP at Misano.“


AGR will have a presence on track in the Moto2 ranks with permanent AGR rider Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, set to make his debut after opting to switch onto the bigger machinery during the test.


“Geoffrey is excited to step into this new challenge and continue to gain vital experience,” Nadal said.



A ROLLERCOASTER AT PORTIMAO FOR AGR RIDERS

June, 23 2024

The Portimao circuit lived up to its reputation, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions for the AGR team.


Scorching temperatures added a new factor into the equation for round four of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship – and the action was just as hot on the track.


New Zealander Cormac Buchanan chalked up a fifth consecutive top five finish in race one of the highly-competitive JuniorGP Moto3 class.


Two rodeo-style saves as he battled in podium contention certainly thrilled the fans and was testament to his determination.


“I was really happy with my pace in the first race and actually couldn’t stop grinning under the helmet making fun overtakes and battling hard. It was a blast,” he said.


“The heat certainly contributed to losing grip in the rear and I was faced with grip issues a lot earlier than I had anticipated – hence the two cowboy-esque saves.


“I was really motivated to fight for a strong result so there was no question, I was going to push through the challenges. As a racer you always want more and, on reflection, I believe a podium or better was possible, but I had to be content to cross the finish line fifth.”


Unfortunately, Buchanan’s luck ran out in race two, crashing with another rider on the second lap. Despite the team’s best efforts to get him in a position to rejoin, it was not possible.


“I was gutted to crash as I really wanted to continue our excellent momentum during the first half of the season and keep adding points to my championship tally. But this doesn’t take away from the great weekend we’ve had being in the front positions in every other session, nor the podiums and pole we’ve already achieved. It just leaves me hungry for more when the season reignites at Jerez in September.”


His fellow JuniorGP riders recorded their best race results of the season.


South Africa’s Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane snatched points in both races, finishing 13th and 15th respectively.


“It was the best race of my season and I really needed this because now we know where we stand and what we can do. We just have to have a better Saturday with the qualifying so I can start in a stronger position,” he said.


“I can call it a weekend I am proud of.”


India’s Geoffrey Emmanuel earned 24th and 26th, making strong progress over the past two days.


“It was a very good race weekend. We had good pace and it’s the closest I’ve been to the top this season,” he said.


It was a frustrating day for American Max Toth in the Moto2 ranks, a bout of illness coming back to haunt him. Forced to withdraw halfway through race one, he was physically unable to start the second.


“I just don’t have any words. I got really sick Thursday night, that screwed up our Friday and then Saturday was fine and now the illness has screwed up race day,” he said.


“Hopefully this bad luck will halt soon.”


In the sole European Talent Cup race, Kristian Daniel Jr, of the United States, secured points but was ultimately disappointed with his P14 effort.


“This was probably one of the hardest races I’ve raced this year. I was struggling the whole race with this wind, I was doing everything I could but ended up just over-riding too much and tired myself out,” he said.


“The heat affected me endurance wise which made it harder to hold the pace. I will keep training for these conditions and try the next race.”


Portugal’s Afonso Almeida earned himself a spot on the grid for the main race after finishing third in the last chance event.


“I knew if I finished third I could make the grid so I was intelligent. I felt I could win, but I stayed in third place instead of taking risks,” he said.


“It was a hard race because it was very hot and the tyres were a little bit finished. I was very tired and the bike started to move a lot becouse of the heat. I got to battle with some riders which was a lot of fun.


“I know I can do better and my goal in the next race is to qualify straight through and fight for a good grid position and then points in the race.”


BARCELONA DELIVERS LESSONS FOR AGR RIDERS

June, 22 2024

AGR riders have positioned themselves strongly to fight for top honours in round four of the FIM JuniorGP world championship at Portimao.


In challenging conditions as the temperature soared, riders kept their cool on track to secure their grid positions.


In the Moto3 ranks, New Zealander Cormac Buchanan continued his impressive form and will start from P7 on the grid for both races tomorrow.


“I am confident we can achieve an excellent result given the times are so incredibly close and just 0.18 seconds separated me from pole position,” he said.


“Tomorrow I have two opportunities to reward my hard-working team and you can bet I will be giving it my all to achieve the best result I can, focusing on my processes to get the job done.”


His fellow JuniorGP rider Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, finished the day determined to improve from P26.


“Today was pretty difficult for me as I tried really hard to get back to the pace we achieved yesterday. I know I have the potential but the changing conditions affected what we could achieve,” he said.


“It’s my first time here and I am really enjoying the track and the challenges of it. My grid position adds to that challenge but I know I am capable of more – I just need to find that confidence we have been looking for all weekend.”


India’s Geoffrey Emmanuel will kick off proceedings from the back of the grid but was pleased to qualify in the mix.


“We had a lot of work to do today but we did manage to get the job done. We have a really good feeling for the races and I’m ready to go all out,” he said.


On the AGR Moto2 machine, American racer Max Toth overcame a bout of illness and zero practice time to put in a stellar performance and qualify straight to Q2. He will start from P18 for both races.


“It was a bittersweet day. We made a big step getting a direct placement into Q2 and I think we had a really competitive lap time for that which boosted everyone’s morale. Unfortunately Q2 didn’t go to plan as we had bad positioning from the start, weird laps


For the sole European Talent Cup race, Kristian Daniel Jr, of the United States, earned himself P6 in his Q2 group.


“This is my best qualifying so far in the dry and I know I could have gone a little bit faster but the wind played against us. Overall, I had a really good feeling today and I’m excited to see what’s possible.


“The bike has been performing really well all weekend. For the race I’m going to focus on staying calm as I know I have the pace to stay with the front group – I just need to eliminate the mistakes which have hindered me at times this season. It’s one shot and one opportunity to show what I can do.”


In his rookie year Portugal’s Afonso Almeida will contest the last chance race to earn his spot in the main event.


“It’s not the result I wanted today but this is a learning year and I will take the experience. My lap times mean I will start from pole which gives me a chance to really fight,” he said.


AFONSO ALMEIDA CHASING HIS DREAM 

June, 20 2024

Afonso Almeida’s journey to the FIM JuniorGP ranks hasn’t exactly been smooth but it has built a resilient young man determined to achieve his dream of racing MotoGP.

The personable 14-year-old joined the AGR Racing team this year to contest the European Talent Cup and continues to impress with an unwavering dedication.

“It is my dream and I want it,” he said, matter-of-factly.

“I love everything but the most is racing and competing. If I can’t race to go to MotoGP one day, I will stop because it is the competition I love and chasing the dream. What I love most is racing bikes, not just riding the bikes. It is the feeling and the adrenaline.”


Almeida twisted the throttle on his first motorbike as a fearless kid.


“This all started because of my dad and my mum. They met through motorcycles. I told my dad I want to ride a bike and when I was five years old, he put me in one motocross camp and I didn’t like it so I decided to switch to football,” he recalled.


“At 8-years-old, my dad met Paulo Oliveira and he asked if I wanted to try a road bike. I loved it because it was really different to motocross. It sparked my passion.

“My first race was really bad – I finished last, really last. The guy ahead of me in second last lapped me. My dad told me ‘we aren’t going to race, you can just have one bike and have fun with me at the kart tracks’. 

“I cried a lot and said ‘I want to race’. So, we trained a lot in the Oliveira Cup and I did fifth place and then I started to get some evolution.

“After the second race, I crashed almost in all the races for the rest of the year. But then the next year, I got the podium in my first race and finished third in the championship.”


The following three years were spent honing his skills in the competitive ESBK Championship, first in Moto-4 before moving up to Pre-Moto3 last year where he was consistently battling for the podium.

“I started to see my potential and get better results. I learn all the time,” he said.


His trophy cabinet is filling up with dual Portugese championships in the Moto-4 class in 2020 and 2021 and the Oliveira Cup in 2020. 


He is thriving in the professional AGR setup.

“When I came into the paddock and saw all the big trucks and the box, I knew it was the environment I wanted to be in. I love the atmosphere and the whole rider life of training to be the best and working hard to be the best. It is my motivation,” he said.


“I like a lot my teammates because they all push me and have been on this journey already. It helps me understand the evolution that’s possible and to get better. Sometimes when you have a bad result it’s hard to think you can do better. When something bad happens, in that moment it feels like the worst moment of my life. And then two days later, I realise it’s not so bad. So the guys really show me that it is a long career, there is good and bad in racing and it’s just a moment in time so we keep working.”


He doesn’t have too look far for motivation with Portugal’s Miguel Oliveira etching out a stellar MotoGP career.


“It’s not just because he’s Portugese, If he was Spanish or English, I would still like him a lot because, yes he is fast and a good rider, but he’s a really good person,” Almeida said. 


“One thing I like a lot is that he is one of the only MotoGP riders that finished school. I am very proud of him because of that. For me and my family, the school is very important and he did it and still achieved MotoGP. That inspires me because I don’t like school but I think ‘if Miguel can do it, I can do it’.


Now his focus is firmly on the undulations of Portimao, a circuit he rates highly.

“I know this track and I am confident we can do a good race weekend here,” he said.


“What I like the most, I’m not saying the downhills because everyone says that. I’m saying this is like a confidence track and I have confidence with the bike and I’m a little bit crazy so I like to explore the limits of the risk and this is the track for that.”



BARCELONA DELIVERS LESSONS FOR AGR RIDERS

May, 19 2024

Cormac Buchanan fighting for the podium and Max Toth in the points are two of the highlights the AGR team takes from round three of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in Barcelona today.


In both Moto3 races, Buchanan achieved an impressive P5 after race long battles, narrowly missing victory by just 0.4 and 0.5 seconds respectively.


“Two very difficult races but we were in the hunt. We want podiums but it’s more important to be consistent,” he said.

“In both races, I was patient within the group before pushing when it really counted. In race two, the last laps were crazy with a lot of pushing and contact and I ended up getting shifted back to fifth. 

“Given this was the track which was my most difficult last year, I’m proud of the progress we have made and we leave with really vital points for the championship. 

“It’s a race weekend we can be really proud of, especially considering the races were two of the biggest battles this season so far. Now I’m looking forward to Portimao where I’ll be looking to take another step.”


His fellow JuniorGP rider Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, narrowly missed out on the points, finishing a credible P16.

“I felt comfortable with the bike and it felt easy to overtake and make the pace. I just couldn’t strategise well with managing the tyres which affected the results,” he said.


“But I ended both races much closer to the front than the previous round so the progress is there. I need to focus on qualifying because getting a better grid position will put me in the hunt for the front group. The race pace is there but the one lap time we need in qualifying I am struggling with.” 


On the AGR Moto2 machine, American racer Max Toth marked his return from injury with a courageous performance to bank valuable championship points in both races. 

“It feels good. Finally, we have points on the board – even if it did come with a little bit of luck from some people crashing. We started the race and we finished the race so that’s the important thing,” he said.


 “We gathered a lot of good info and we’re not as far off as we initially thought we were. It’s just going to take a few little things to get to the pace that we want.

“The important thing now is to recover because we are nowhere near full physical fitness and I felt it in both races. I think these were the hardest 32 laps of my life and I’m going to need to continue an intensive recovery to let my body heal.

“We have a month now to the next race weekend which is a good amount of time to train, recover and just sharpen everything up that we need to so we can make steps to the front.”


In the European Talent Cup race, Kristian Daniel Jr, of the United States, made progress from his grid position to finish P17. 

“I did a decent recovery job to end the weekend in a positive way. Obviously, I didn’t finish where I wanted to but I know for sure it was good to get back on the bike, go quick and get back into my rhythm so I was happy for that.

“I set myself up for a challenging race after messy practice and qualifying days. I am frustrated with myself because I know I could have gone better but it is what it is – I just need to improve on making sure my whole weekend is successful, not just race day. For me it’s now time reset and prepare for Portimao so we can have some more fun.”


In his rookie year, Portugal’s Afonso Almeida contested the last chance race, earning P7.

“I expected more and I tried hard to qualify. I am really sad because the team and I did a great job and our results don’t show how hard we are working. I still learned a lot this weekend and this is a learning year for me. We are still pushing and I will try my best at Portimao,” he said.



AGR RIDERS EXCITED FOR HOME RACES

May, 18 2024

Tricky conditions threw up some challenges for AGR riders at the FIM JuniorGP World Championship in Barcelona today, setting the team up strongly to perform on race day tomorrow.


In the JuniorGP ranks, Cormac Buchanan topped the time sheets to claim P1 in a wet practice, progressing straight to Q2. In the second session, strong pace on the final lap had him in the hunt for the front row of the grid before a high-speed crash forced him to settle for P7.


“Today is a day I can still be proud of, especially in the morning as I knew my pace in the wet has been good and we’ve been P1 in all of the wet sessions so far this year. In the dry it was a bit more of the unknown but I was confident we had strong pace from yesterday" he said. 


“In the second half of the session we put a new tyre on and I started to push. Unfortunately, I caught traffic and, although the lap was still good enough to put me in a solid place, I felt there was plenty more to achieve. 

“On the final lap my sectors had me on for the front row but I had a crash at the second to last corner. It’s a little bit unfortunate but it’s the best I’ve felt on the bike all season and I know my pace is there so it’s nothing to beat myself up about. These things happen and ultimately the race is where it counts.”


His fellow JuniorGP riders Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, and Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, finished P12 and P19 respectively in their Q1 session.


Mononyane will start the races from P26.

There are some real positives to take out of today. It was difficult this morning to improve when the track started to dry out as I feel most comfortable in the full wet conditions,” he said.


“I went alone in Q1 and improved my lap times. I was focusing on getting my pace more than the lap itself. We aren’t missing too much and we will see what we can achieve in the races.” 


Emmanuel was determined to keep working hard.

“We had a good feeling with the bike but we couldn’t make it to the race after a crash during practice yesterday limited my track time,” he said.


“It is important to keep my head up and continue to work harder for the next round in Portugal.”


After battling injury, American racer Max Toth staged his long-awaited return to the track on the AGR Moto2 machine. 

“It was good to finally get some laps. Unfortunately, we’re still not close at all to 100 percent physical condition but the important thing is we are back and building our confidence up on the bike,” he said.


“We’re treating this more as a test instead of a race weekend. I’m just trying to do the best I can with the cards that I’ve been dealt and we will keep coming back stronger. Right now, we have to keep our feet grounded and our heads out of the clouds. We aren’t going to do anything crazy for the races tomorrow – there’s no worries, no pressure and no stress. I will just keep progressing at the pace my current physical condition allows me to.” 


Kristian Daniel Jr, of the United States, is ready to fight for higher honours in the European Talent Cup division where he will start from P28.

“We finish today overall with good vibes and we know where we need to improve. The lap time didn’t come together but I know I have the speed and fighting spirit to push my way up the field,” he said.


“The team and I are going all out tomorrow to achieve what we have been working so hard for. I will push as hard as I can in the race.”


Portugal’s Afonso Almeida will contest the last chance race in the European Talent Cup, fighting to earn his spot in the feature race.

“Today was a day where I learned a lot. I didn’t pass to Q2 because I had some difficulties to get a strong lap time, but I am confident for tomorrow because I’m feeling good with the bike and the team is doing a very good job.”



AGR’S KRISTIAN DANIEL JR EXCITED TO RACE ON HOME TURF

May, 17 2024

There comes a time when a dream must morph into a plan. That time is now for Kristian Daniel Jr.


The talented teenager has set a strategy in motion which he hopes will ultimately see him reach coveted MotoGP status. To achieve it, he is firmly focused on each vital step.


His next assignment is round three of the FIM JuniorGP world championship where he will compete in the European Talent Cup division at Montmelo, near Barcelona, this weekend. 


“This is my home race and I want to show my family especially that what they’ve given me is the chance to fight competitively against the best in the world. That is the greatest reward I can give them,” he said.


Living just a short drive from the iconic circuit, Daniel Jr regards it as “home turf”, despite retaining his American twang. He was just 9-years-old when his family moved to Spain from the United States in 2019.


“This does feel like home now, 100 percent,” he said. 


“I wanted to come over here and race because honestly the level is just so much higher than in the US. In order for me to get on par with the Spanish riders as early as possible, we decided to move.


“I don’t really know what my dad saw in me to make such a massive decision but he saw something special. I guess he saw the dream I had and wanted to support me in achieving that.

“I still identify as American most of all but I’m getting to the point where I am getting really Spanish in some of my traits. I lead two lives in some respects and it’s really cool to be able to do that.”


Daniel Jr achieved a crucial step on his racing journey when selected to contest the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup this season and has already impressed with top 10 finishes on debut.


“It feels good to be in the top 10 and get some good results but at the same time I want more,” he said.


“I know a lot of the guys in Rookies Cup and I just want to beat them. It’s definitely an advantage having raced against them in Europe over the past few years because it’s forced me to develop a Spanish mindset.


“Rookies Cup is where you prove you have the skills to go to the world championship so it’s a vital step on the ladder. And it really is the best visibility possible because we get to race side-by-side with MotoGP.”


He was steadfast that’s where his future aspirations are.


“If I keep working hard and I keep learning every year, maintaining the steady progression I’ve had, for sure I can get there. But I need to keep following my plan and stay grounded,” he said.


“My goal now is to finish the Rookies Cup in a good place in the championship and then look to go into the JuniorGP on the Moto3 to hone my skills further before going into the world championship and working up the ranks.


“I’m really happy the path is getting clearer and the results are starting to reflect the hard work my family and I are putting in.”



BUCHANAN DELIVERS ANOTHER PODIUM FOR AGR 

May, 5 2024

New Zealander Cormac Buchanan has secured his second consecutive podium, finishing third in today’s FIM JuniorGP race at Circuito Estoril.


In fast-changing conditions, the New Zealander opted to switch to slick tyres while on the grid and his experienced AGR crew quickly delivered.

 

Scorching off the line, Buchanan reinforced it was the right decision by leading the first six laps of the shortened 10-lap stanza. Forced to avoid a crash in the lead group of four riders, the kiwi battled to the line, narrowly missing out on second by just 0.04 seconds.


“It was a really good race for me. We went with the slicks last minute and it was still quite a wet track so the priority for me was to come home with some points. Third place is a solid result,” he said.


“I think today the win was on the cards but there’s a few little things to improve and that comes with experience. Avoiding the crash detached me from the leader so I think if that didn’t happen we could have been in for more but third is still really good points for the championship and we keep focused on this.

“With such a cold track the tyres weren’t performing to their optimum and I still had the wet set up so in those circumstances you have to consolidate. Considering where we were on Friday with the big crash and injury, I’m really happy to get another podium. 

“My plan was always to get away fast and try to make the group as small as possible. I made a strong start and pushed really hard in the opening laps. It was really difficult because the conditions were changing all the time but it was good to lead the race and I felt really comfortable so this gives me really good confidence heading into Barcelona.”


Fellow JuniorGP racers Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, and Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, finished 19th and 28th respectively.


“I had some good battles in the group but I felt I could have gone faster and wanted more. It’s the past now and obviously it was a difficult weekend but the learning curve continues. We have to look on the positive side and we finished the race, we gained some good data and got a lot of experience,” Mononyane said.


Emmanuel was satisfied with his efforts.

“We’ve made some good steps in both dry and wet conditions this weekend. I’ve worked on very important things so I’m looking forward to Barcelona to put them into action again,” he said.


In the European Talent Cup ranks, American Kristian Daniel Junior had a challenging day, crashing in slippery wet conditions in race one. Despite two long lap penalties for a jump start in the second event, he fought hard to finish P15 and get points on the championship ladder.


“After a good Saturday, it’s a little bit infuriating to end Sunday on this note. We had pretty good pace in the wet but I crashed out of 6th place in the first lap as I was too eager to get past and move up positions,” he said.


“In the second race, I barely moved but the FIM is super strict – and rightly so, they should be like that – and I got a double long lap for a jump start. We got P15 and it’s an improvement because we finished the race and got on the points ladder. We have the pace to be at the front and I proved that – in the next race we just have to push a little bit more and not make any mistakes.”


After suffering a knee injury in qualifying, Afonso Almeida showed impressive strength of character to complete both races.


“Today I considered not racing but then the motivation hit me as this is my home round in Portugal and I am the only one from my country on the grid,” he said.


“I tried my best to ignore the pain to finish the races as strong as possible. I’m not completely happy because if I wasn’t injured, I know I could do better. I want to say thank you to my team because we achieved my first goal of getting to Q2. My next goal is to catch the points and I am confident we will do that in Barcelona.” 



FIRST POLE OF 2024 FOR AGR 

May, 4 2024

New Zealander Cormac Buchanan overcame incredibly challenging conditions to clinch pole position for tomorrow’s FIM JuniorGP race at Circuito Estoril.


Progressing straight to Q2 after a solid practice in the dry, Buchanan was forced to contend with rain and fog to determine his spot on the grid but reigned supreme by over 0.5 seconds from the rest of the highly competitive field.


Every racer strives to be at the front of that grid and I am stoked to finally be able to claim my first international pole in the last lap!,” Buchanan said. 


“It’s interesting because this is my first time riding this type of bike in the wet and on the wet Pirelli tyres so I had a lot of different things to contend with. I knew that I’m quite good in the wet so just needed to stay calm and let the session come to me.

“In these difficult conditions, it’s always the last lap you make that’s the best as the track improves and you are aquaplaning less and less. 


“I just focused on getting to that last lap because honestly it was very easy to crash in that session. Finally, I was able to pull out a good lap and then I felt I had more to give and tried to push more everywhere and I was able to improve that time again and get pole.

 

“It’s good because I know I wasn’t riding on the limit and I am on pole. For me that’s really important and, wet or dry tomorrow, I know we can have a good race and keep rewarding my team for all of our hard work.” 


In the European Talent Cup ranks, American Kristian Daniel Junior delivered a fantastic result to finish P3 in group A so he will start from the second row.


“I had a really strong morning and I was confident for Q2. The rain changed the conditions completely but it was a really fun session. We came into it with an open mind and treated it like a testing session in the wet given it is likely to be raining for the race.

“I just went out there to feel how it was and we came back with P3,” he enthused.

“I’m honestly really happy because I didn’t crash, I felt super comfortable on the bike and I feel I could have pushed even more. 

“P3 is my best qualifying yet and, even though it wasn’t in the dry, it’s the same conditions for everyone and I beat riders who have had the edge on me for a while so it really feels good to have that pace.”


Fellow ETC rider Alfonso Almeida continues to impress in his rookie season, earning a place in Q2 for his home event in Portugal. However, an unfortunate crash hindered his progress.


“We tried our best and achieved the first goal of Q2. In the rain, I struggled to get a good feeling and then I crashed. I am still happy with the job the team and I did and tomorrow I will push the best that I can,” Almeida said.

Joining Buchanan in the JuniorGP event, Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, will start P19 and Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, on the back row.


Mononyane was agonisingly close to a spot in Q2, finishing P5 in Q1. 


“After the rain at the opening round in Misano, we had some base settings so we weren’t starting from scratch. We made some good laps but the tyre gave us some problems when we were feeling really good and battling to get into Q2. I had a crash on the fastest lap, losing the rear at turn two. 


Emmanuel feels ready for anything.

“I had a good feeling in the wet conditions for the first time and even in the dry we made positive steps. We won’t know the conditions for the race until tomorrow but we are ready for whatever is thrown at us.”

“The position is not the target, I want to keep improving my lap times and enjoy.”



FIRST PODIUM OF 2024 FOR AGR

April, 21 2024

Cormac Buchanan has rewarded our hard-working AGR team with its first podium of the 2024 season.


In a frantic race, the talented New Zealander battled right to the line to earn an epic third place in the FIM JuniorGP world championship – his first podium in the category.


“This is the moment I have been chasing. It is ultimately payback for all of the hard work and sacrifices my team and my family have made to bring me to this point. Little me would be so proud to see this dream realised, standing on this podium in Europe against the best talents in the world,” Buchanan said.


“It makes me so hungry for more and we will keep striving for that top step. It is important to continue this positive trajectory and achieve what we know is possible. I have the crew beside me to do it.


“For now we will enjoy this moment and then it is time to reset and refocus for Estoril in two weeks.”


Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane, of South Africa, launched strongly into the action of the first JuniorGP race and made excellent progress before crashing out from P14.


“I felt really confident overtaking and the good set up with the bike made me feel like I could push and try to reach the front group. Despite the crash I am pretty happy with race one,” Mononyane said.


“In race two, I stalled on the sighting lap and had to start on the back of the grid in P32. I was very aggressive on the first lap to try and get my positions back. Unfortunately, the front group had broken away so I pushed until P15 and consolidated my position. On the last lap, I touched the green and received a 3 second penalty which left me in P19.


“I am satisfied with how I progressed throughout the weekend and I feel like I can stick with the front group, I just have to strategise my races better.


“Thank you to the team and everyone who has helped me achieve these results early on in the season.”


In the ETC ranks, it was a day of contrast for our two pilots. Kristian Daniel Junior unfortunately was taken out in the hectic early stages of both races, while Afonso Almeida earned credible finishes on debut.


“It was a very frustrating day. I was making up some positions at the start of the race and got taken out by another rider. For it to happen again in the second race was just unbelievable. This is the hardest part of racing but we will reset and make the comeback strong,” Daniel Jnr said.


Almeida leaves Misano smiling his trademark cheeky grin.


“It was a very positive weekend. The team and I worked hard to reach our goals – the first to pass to Q2 and I did it. In the first race, I was battling the group but I failed one corner and I was back to P23. In the second race, I was again in the group and I battled hard and finished P20,” he said.


“Thanks to the team and my family and sponsors. Next, we enjoy my home track.”


While Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, was ruled out of the race, he enjoyed watching the exploits of his teammates.


“I was disappointed not to be out there myself but I am proud of all of my AGR friends. I am looking forward to Estoril,” he said.



AGR RIDERS READY FOR FULL GAS

April, 20 2024

Italy’s iconic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli launches another chapter in the history of the AGR team as the 2024 Finetwork FIM JuniorGP season officially revved into action.


Today’s qualifying sessions resulted in promising progress for all AGR riders across both the Moto3 and European Talent Cup divisions. Unfortunately, our Moto2 rider Max Toth was unable to take part as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder sustained on Thursday.


Team owner Anscari Nadal was satisfied with the day’s proceedings, a highlight being Cormac Buchanan’s impressive P4 qualifying for tomorrow’s two Moto3 races. The New Zealand rider was on track to challenge for pole before a red flag forced an end to the session prematurely.


Buchanan: “It was a little bittersweet you could say. We went out on old tyres in the first run just to warm everything up, check the track after the rain and get prepared for a time attack. All weekend we have been riding alone so my goal was just to go out with clear track in front of me which we were able to do. I was able to put in a good lap – it didn’t feel great to me but apparently it was good enough for P4.


“The next lap we were arriving onto pole position but unfortunately we caught a red flag. So, definitely a little bittersweet in that sense but we’ve gained a lot of confidence and can be happy with the work we’ve been doing on ourselves, our processes and our own path. For the race tomorrow, we will reset and focus on staying calm and consistent.”  


South African Kgopotso ‘KJ’ Mononyane and Geoffrey Emmanuel, of India, earned P8 and P19 respectively in JuniorGP Q1.


Mononyane: “We worked a lot and we are going in the right direction. Our result really doesn’t reflect the way I feel but I know I can achieve good progression throughout the season, starting positively from this first race.”


Emmanuel: “I had a better feeling with the bike than yesterday …I could turn faster and carry more speed. I learned a lot of different things from the other moto3 veterans. I am improving step by step and it is the right direction so I am looking forward to more.”


For AGR’s European Talent Cup pilots, Misano presented a new adventure and both impressed.


Experienced campaigner Kristian Danial Jnr, of the United States, progressed straight to Q2 where he achieved a solid P5 finish in challenging conditions.


Kristian Daniel Jnr: “We went straight to Q2, despite a small crash, so even though I feel I could have got a better pace, it was still good. I was actually a bit nervous going into the next session as it looked like it was going to be a rainy session so it was very mixed conditions. It ended up being super dry which caught a lot of people off guard. I just pushed my maximum and gave it my all. The team worked super hard and we made a big step so I felt more comfortable to be at the faster pace so let’s see what we can do tomorrow.”


In his ETC debut, Portugal’s Afonso Almeida fought hard for P3 in Q1 to earn his place in Q2, finishing P12 in his group.


Almeida: “It was my first time in this category and I’m very happy. After the practice I was a little bit nervous because my goal was to pass straight to Q2 and qualify for the race but we had to go through Q1. I’m grateful to the team because we did a very good job and let’s see what we can achieve tomorrow.”


Tomorrow all our riders and crew will give their best to achieve strong results for AGR.



KRISTIAN DANIEL JR RETURNS TO AGR TEAM FOR THE 2024 SEASON

March, 04 2024


AGR Team is pleased to announce the return of Kristian Daniel Jr to the team in order to achieve great success together. The young Californian talent, who was previously an integral part of the AGR Team for the 2021 season, returns with a new perspective and valuable experience gained over the past three years.


Kristian, will continue his development in  the European Talent Cup category with which he already has three years of experience. He made his debut in the Championship at the tender age of 12, making him one of the youngest drivers in his category. His return home is an exciting opportunity to continue his growth as a professional driver. As a team, we are committed to ensuring the success of this exciting joint venture.



With a dedicated team and a determined rider, AGR Team anticipates an exciting season full of achievements in the European Talent Cup. Let's go for it!



Anscari Nadal: "I am pleased with the return of Kristian Daniel Jr to the AGR Team. We will continue where we left off and work together to achieve our goals with success. Kristian is a more mature rider with 3 years of experience. He started the European Talent Cup when he was only 12 years old, the youngest in the category, which was quite an achievement back then! We thank all the sponsors who make this new adventure possible. Although the budget presents challenges, AGR is committed to overcome them and move forward with determination."


Kristian Daniel Jr: "I'm very happy to announce that I will be competing in the 2024 season in the ETC category with the AGR team, where I was already in 2021 and had my first contact with the category. I am sure it will be a very funny season, as I know most of the mechanics and data guys, I am more mature and older now and I know I can bring a lot more to the table. It's a very special season for me”. 



KGOPOTSO MONONYANE II JOINS AGR TEAM FOR THE 2024 SEASON

February, 14 2024



AGR Team is delighted to announce the arrival of Kgopotso Mononyane II, better known as KJ. The 16 years old rider will be competing in the Junior GP category.


Kgopotso is a talented rider from Johannesburg, South Africa, who will make the leap to the Junior GP category this season as part of the FIM Junior GP, an effort and learning experience that will be complemented by his first participation in the prestigious Red Bull Rookies Cup.


KJ has impressed on the circuits since he began his sporting career in 2017. His dedication and skills have led him to win national championships, such as the SUB500 National MRSSA series in 2023, and to compete in Italy (CIV), where he got experience in the PreMoto3 and Moto3 categories.


With this participation in both Championships, KJ will continue his sporting progression that has only one target, the target to bring a South African to MotoGP. AGR Team is delighted to welcome KJ and looks forward to an exciting and successful season together. Welcome, KJ!"


GEOFFREY EMMANUEL JOINS AGR TEAM FOR THE 2024 SEASON

December, 29 2023


AGR Team is proud to announce the addition of promising Indian rider, Geoffrey Emmanuel, who will compete in the JuniorGP category during the upcoming season. His outstanding track record and dedication in previous seasons will bring great value to our team., consolidating his position as a professional rider. 



Geoffrey's passion for motorcycling began at the early age of 7, marking the start of his professional career. With four consecutive years at Honda Racing India since the age of 13, Emmanuel has demonstrated exceptional skills and unwavering determination. In 2022, he participated in the Hawkers European Talent Cup, becoming the first Indian rider to compete on stage at the age of 17 and in 2023, he made the step up to the JuniorGP category.



We are excited to see his progress and contribute to the development of his talent and this sporting union promises an exciting season!



Anscari Nadal: "Being able to have an Indian rider is a challenge, the target is to develop the rider and continue his progression in the FIM Junior GP and finally reach the promotion of a Wild Card in the World Championship. It is a mutual challenge for rider and team, but in AGR we like challenges and we will put a lot of impetus in finding out all the hidden talent of riders of different nationalities and will help them reach the World Championship".


Geoffrey Emmanuel: "I'm very excited to be part of the AGR Team and to be able to train with 111 Management to improve my career as a professional rider. I can't wait to live new experiences with my new team!"



AFONSO ALMEIDA MAKES THE JUMP TO JUNIORGP WITH AGR TEAM 

December, 20 2023

AGR Team is excited to welcome the talented Portuguese rider Afonso Almeida for the 2024 FIM Junior GP season, competing in the European Talent Cup class. Almeida, a young rider coming from the Spanish Pre-Moto3 Championship, will make his official appearance in the European Talent Cup category, after having already been part of the team during the last FIM Junior GP. 


From the team, we are pleased to welcome him and be part of this exciting chapter in his career. We look forward to seeing him demonstrate his skills on the track with the AGR Team


Anscari Nadal: "I am very happy to be able to count on Afonso next year. The test race he did in Valencia was not only a demonstration of his ability on the track, but also an encounter that left its mark on him. At AGR, Afonso has found more than a team; he feels at home. The connection he has established with our staff is palpable, everything flows and that is a good sign. We are aware that the road ahead is long and challenging, but at AGR, Afonso will have the best travelling companions on his way to the world championship."


Afonso Almeida: "I am very excited and pleased to be joining the AGR Team. I hope it will be a very positive year of learning a lot and enjoying riding on the track. My first target is to gain experience and confidence with the bike, as well as to adapt to the team. Every time I go out on the track, I go out to win. I 'm very grateful for this great opportunity and I will give my best to achieve great goals together. We are ready for an exciting 2024 together!"



AGR TEAM, SCHOOL OF CHAMPIONS

November, 20 2023

From the team we send our congratulations to Jaume Masia is an honor to have been able to have a Champion who has passed through our team.


MAX TOTH JOINS AGR TEAM FOR THE 2024 FIM JUNIORGP SEASON 

November, 06 2023

AGR Team is pleased to announce the signing of promising American rider Max Toth for the upcoming FIM JuniorGP season in the Moto2 class. At just 17 years old, Toth has shown his talent and skills on the track. The AGR team is excited to add an American rider to our ranks, and we are confident that he will be a key element for the future of the Championship. 

 

Max already has experience in the Moto2 class, Having made his debut this season. He also has experience within the Spanish ESBK and Italian CIV Championship, where he has achieved podium finish, which will be fundamental to his success in the FIM JuniorGP. This sporting alliance will represent a significant boost to the young rider's racing career. The team and the rider are looking forward to the start of next season. 

 

Anscari Nadal: "We are delighted to have an American rider back in our team. We are confident that we can help Max Toth to reach his full potential". 

 

Max Toth: "I am very excited to start this adventure with the AGR team. I want to thank Anscari for giving me this opportunity. From the test day in Aragon, I knew that this is a solid and very professional team. They have highly qualified professionals with a wide knowledge of how Moto2 works. Next year will be a year of learning. I am excited for this project to start, it will be a great year for us". 


END OF SEASON, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU

November, 05 2023



Two races in JuniorGP, one in Moto2 and one in the ETC closed the 2023 season for the AGR Team and its riders. The results in these last events were not what we expected, but riders and each member of the AGR Team gave everything until the last minute. 

2023 has been a season that, as every year, has given good and not so good moments. From the team we want to thank all the riders who have passed through our garage this year. We are already working to return stronger in 2024… We never give up






JUNIOR GP

Cormac Buchanan Race1 DNF / Race2 P20 Championship  14 Points  50

“Today I was one of the strongest on the track. In both races we did a nice start, but unfortunately another rider made a silly move and damaged my bike, which made me no possible to finish the race. In the second race it was more or less the same thing. Again another rider tried to make a silly move that cost me a lot of position. The next lap the same rider touched me and I crashed.I was able to remount and I think I finished P20. It not the end of the season I wanted nor the end of the season we deserved as we were one of the strongest. In the second race I really made a good start and was fighting in the front but things didn’t work in our way. I’m sure that in 2024 we can come back stronger. We got new goals for the next season and I’m sure we will achieve them.”


Torin Collins  Race1 P19 / Race2 P19 Championship  P29 Points  1

“This weekend has been a little bit emotional for me as it will be my last race in JuniorGP with this team and in Spain, so I was a little bit sad. Overall it went pretty good. The result was not amazing but I think it was a good way to finish the season. Looking forward to the future and I’m happy for what the team has done for me in the last two years.”


MOTO2

Mattia Rato P10 Championship  P4 Points  113

“It has been a complicated race. I didn’t start well and I really struggled in the first lap. Another rider tried to overtake me in an , let’s say, not appropriate moment, which disturbed me a lot. Later I managed to overtake him and another rider, and I started to ride alone. It was then when I found my pace. The shame is that the riders I had in front were too far away. And that was it.”


Sam Wilford P12 Championship  P13 Points  50

“Difficult end of the weekend, still suffering from an injury form eight weeks ago. I will take the winter to recover and come back next season fully fit to be fighting again where I think I can be. Thank you to the team for the work made and I hope to see everyone next year.” 


European Talent Cup ETC

Owen van Trigt  P20 Championship  P33 Points  1

“The day was OK. I didn’t do one of the best starts. The pace was OK, but too far from the front. The balance of the season is under the expectations I had, but the positive is that I have grown and learned as a rider this season.”


DIFFICULT WEATHER CONDITIONS MARK DAY 1 IN VALENCIA

November, 04 2023

The FIM Junior GP traveled this weekend to Valencia to celebrate its last round of the season at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. The weather in the form of rain and especially a strong wind has marked the two days prior to today's practice. 


It has been a difficult day because after being two days without being able to ride, riders went out to the track especially 'motivated'. An excess of desire that resulted in more than one crash. The AGR Team will have some more work to do tonight, but tomorrow our riders will have their bikes perfectly ready to face the last race of the season.


Special mention should be made of Sam Wilford, a home rider who fought so hard to get back on his bike after the very serious accident he suffered last year. The season that ends tomorrow has not met Sam's expectations for this year, mainly due to a ligament damage in one of his knees. From the team we want to put on record that we are sure that the speed he lacks will return once he has repaired this bad knee. Sam's best is yet to come, we are sure of it. 


JUNIOR GP


Cormac Buchanan P8

“Today was a very interesting day. I entered wanting just ride the bike after two days sitting around doing nothing.Unfortunately, in the practice session we did three laps and in corner 3I made a very big highside, one of the biggest in my career. I was in a lot of pain. This meant that I couldn't go straight into Q2. Anyway I was fast, so in Q1 I put a fast lap together, which was good enough to go to Q2. The Q2 session was quite difficult. At first because we missed the group in the first run, but in the last try I was able to make really fast sectors. I was one of the fastest. Unfortunately I was in a lot of traffic, which meant that I couldn’t put all my sectors together. So finally we start P8 for tomorrow’s race, but in an ideal lap I would have been on the front row. I’m a little bit disappointed but anyway I’m happy with the feeling and for tomorrow I’ll push.”    


Torin Colins P26 

"It has been a complicated day because of the wind. I couldn't get into Q2 straight away, and in Q1 I didn't feel comfortable at all. The wind was a nuisance today."


MOTO2


Mattia Rato P12

“A bad day, a difficult day. This morning I started having a good feeling, but Q1 was complicated due to the wind. I haven’t been able to do even one good lap. I lapped slow. In the afternoon we did an important step forward. With used tires i was one second faster. We had found the ride way. Then I put new tires and I crashed in a very fast point of the circuit. Fortunately I’m OK. Hope to have a good feeling tomorrow and do well.”


Sam Wilford P16

“A very strange weekend after not having any practice and going straight into qualifying. I hope tomorrow we can improve on our position and end the year on a high!”


European Talent Cup ETC

Owen van Trigt P15

"It was a complicated day because of the wind. Riding was very difficult. In the first session I felt comfortable on the bike and the feeling I had was that I was going fast, but in the end the time didn't come out.".


Afonso Almeida P23

It was a difficult day because after two days without being able to ride, the riders went out to the track especially 'motivated'. 

Unfortunately Afonso, who joined us this weekend, making his debut in the FIM Junior World Championship, suffered an accident entering the pitlane caused by a distraction. As a result of the crash the Portuguese rider will not be able to start tomorrow's race. 


From the AGR Team we can only regret this situation and wish him a speedy recovery. We wish to see him back on a motorcycle as soon as possible. 




AGR TEAM WELCOMES AFONSO ALMEIDA FOR THE LAST RACE OF THE FIM JUNIORGP AT THE RICARDO TORMO CIRCUIT

November, 01 2023


AGR Team is pleased to announce the participation of Portuguese rider Afonso Almeida for the last round of the FIM JuniorGP at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Almeida, a young rider coming from ESBK, will make his first appearance in the European Talent Cup category. 


Anscari Nadal: "It is an honor for AGR to give this opportunity to the young Portuguese rider Almeida, who comes to us from the ESBK and has the recommendation of Paulo Oliveira. This will be his first participation in this category and our main objective is for Almeida to gain confidence with the bike and go from strength to strength".



Afonso Almeida: "I’m very happy for the possibility given to me to compete in the last race of the European Talent Cup in a team like AGR. I am very grateful to the AGR team, Paulo Oliveira and Miguel Oliveira Racing Team for giving me the possibility to live this experience. I'm going to do my best this weekend to show my gratitude to everyone who believed in me."


YESTERDAY'S PENALTIES MARKED OUR RESULTS TODAY

October, 08 2023


In terms of results, it has not been the best weekend for our riders, who in all categories have been affected by the penalties received yesterday, which relegated them to start in positions that did not match the results obtained in the qualifying sessions.


From the AGR Team management we want to congratulate our riders and our team workers for having given everything throughout the weekend, regardless of the frustration that has caused us what we have explained above. We are a strong, experienced and dedicated team, always and in any circumstance to our riders.


We are all looking forward to the month before the race in Valencia so that we can provide our riders with the best possible equipment, as we have done throughout the season. In the races there are times when things go well and other times not so well, but in the AGR Team we never stop rowing.

JUNIOR GP


Cormac Buchanan P20 Championship P12 Points 50

“Many different emotions after today’s race. Firstly, I’m very happy with thw work we have done as a team. The qualifying P2 was very good. A grid position that was taken from us in what might have been a not very fair decision, but ultimately it is a steward decision and we have to respect that. It made the race very difficult at first

but we went from P26 to P10 in six laps, but unfortunately when you have to come through the pack there is a lot of risk involved. Om lap seven or eight I lost the front. I was able to pick up the bike and carry on. Ultimately is not the result I wanted for this weekend. I’m a bit disappointed. If we had started P2, which is where we deserved

to start, maybe the race would have been different. Obviously we wouldn’t have to take as many risks and we may have been able to go in the front and all the way. After the race it was a disappointing result, especially for the team. We hope to come back strong in Valencia and finish the season in a strong way.”


Torin Collins P22 Championship P28 Points 1

“Was quite a fun race. The position at the end wasn’t what I wanted but in the first couple of laps I was very aggressive and I made some good passes. In the middle of the race I was not so fast and other riders passed me. From then on I had a very good battle until the last corner. Although the result was not the one I wanted, it was a fun race.”


MOTO2


Mattia Rato  Race1 P12 / Race2 P11 Championship P4  Points 107

“In race 1 i started not bad. At the beginning I was able to be fast but in the middle of the race the steering damper failed and riding turned very difficult. In fact, at a certain point I thought I had a puncture in the front wheel and ran off the track trying to control the bike. In race 2 I started OK. As in the previous race I was able to catch up some positions. I was riding well until midrace. But from there on I lost the rhythm and wasn’t able to ride well and lost two positions."


Sam Wilford Race1 P15 / Race2 DNF Championship P12 Points 46

“Challenging two races today. Not where we want to be, we will keep working as a team to come back stronger and finish the last race in Valencia on a high..”


EUROPEAN TALENT CUP (ETC)


Owen van Trigt

 

Championship P31 Points 1


Unfortunately Owen was unable to race today as fog prevented the 'Last Chance' race from taking place.



EXCESSIVE STRICTNESS

October, 07 2023

After almost three months of hiatus, the FIM JuniorGP World Championship called its riders for its penultimate event. The setting, the Motorland circuit in Alcañiz. AGR Team will be present in this race with five riders:


โ— Cormac Buchanan and Torin Collins in Junior MotoGP

โ— Mattia Rato and Sam Wilford in Moto 2

โ— Owen van Trigt in the European Talent Cup.


Fog has become an unexpected protagonist, causing yesterday a two-hour delay in the scheduled timetable, and a half-hour delay today. It may happen that tomorrow it will be an issue.


In terms of sporting activity, the day was characterized by the rigorous application of the revised rule at the last race in Barcelona, which penalizes riders more strictly the riders who deliberately ride slowly on the track.




The severe use of this rule has led to a massive penalty in all categories. This has resulted in many of the faster riders starting from the back of the grid tomorrow, with many slower riders ahead of them. From the AGR Team we want to point out that this can generate high risk situations in the early stages of the race.


Obviously in the AGR Team we are totally aligned with the organizer of the championship in correcting situations on track that may generate danger for riders during the practice sessions. We also agree that the rules must be rigorously applied. But at the same time, we claim that in order to avoid unfair situations these rules must be applied with criteria, individually, to avoid that, as in the case of one of our riders, he is penalized for riding slow on the pit exit lap, only in one sector.


All our riders, except Torin Collins, have been penalized by the new rule, so regardless of their times in the qualifying sessions, they will have to start tomorrow from the back of their respective grids. 


JUNIOR GP 

Cormac Buchanan P*

“What to say about today? Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to the team for the work we have been doing all weekend. We started a little bit slow but kept improving. Saturday morning started really well. I did my best ever lap time on this track, mostly alone, which was really nice. Unfortunately on my out lap I did a slow sector. I had to start in the back of the grid. In Q2 it was quite funny, we took this position as a motivation and we did a very nice lap that put us on P2. Even if we have a penalty I’m sure we can have fun. I’m confident that we can get to the front even so. I’m excited for the race tomorrow.”


Torin Collins P*

“Today was quite difficult. It didn’t go how I wanted to. My grid position isn’t very good but I’m confident for tomorrow’s race.” 


*At the time of closing this release the final grid configuration was not known.


MOTO2

Mattia Rato P15

“A bad day. I fell down. In Q1 I felt good, I had improved the bike, but after three timed laps I crashed. In other words, I couldn't get the best out of one tire or the other. In the afternoon I went out with a good feeling, but after one timed lap I crashed again. This led me to do the last three laps very sore. To this we have to add a penalty. The result is that in race #1 we will start from the back."


Sam Wilford P18

“Difficult qualifying today and a penalty for race 1 tomorrow which puts us back of the grid. We will still try to do the best job tomorrow and come forward in the races.”



EUROPEAN TALENT CUP (ETC)

Owen van Trigt Not classified for main race  

“There is not much to say, it has been a bad day. Right now I’m pretty upset.” 



AGR TEAM ANNOUNCES THE DEPARTURE OF CARTER THOMPSON

October, 03 2023



With deep regret we announce the departure of the Australian rider Carter Thompson from AGR Team. So the team will compete at Motorland with only 5 riders.


Anscari Nadal: "It is very unusual to see a rider not finishing the season at AGR but from the team we could not do more, we have given all the facilities and we have done everything possible but this story must end here. We wish Carter all the best, first and foremost he is a good guy".



CORMAC BUCHANAN RENEWS FOR THE 2024 JUNIORGP SEASON

September, 04 2023

The AGR team is pleased to announce the renewal of the contract of Cormac Buchanan, one of our outstanding riders in the Junior GP category. After a season full of passion and excitement, we have decided to continue our sporting partnership with Cormac to further develop his racing career together.

Since Cormac joined the AGR team, he has shown incredible commitment and significant tenacity within the championship. The decision to renew his contract is  testament to our confidence in his ability to continue to represent the values and ethos of the AGR Team, both on and off the track. We look forward to the coming season and are confident that Cormac will continue to make his mark on the world of motorcycling.


Anscari Nadal 

"I am delighted with him and his work. We are already doing well this season, and we are sure that next season will be even better. We are very happy to have Cormac; he is a great person and a great professional, as well as being surrounded by a great family. We are delighted to help him achieve his goal of making the jump to the World Championship as quickly as possible."

 

Cormac Buchanan 

"I am very happy to be able to renew for next season. I feel that the team really has confidence in me. Throughout this year, we have made a big step forward; compared to 2022, we are now close to podium positions. I'm convinced that next season we can fight for the championship and the top positions.”



TOUGH AND INTENSE WEEKEND FOR THE FAMILY TEAM AGR

July, 16 2023

As yesterday, the heat was the protagonist of the fifth round of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, held at the Montmeló circuit, which made it the home race. Today, Sunday, two races were held in the JuinioGP and Moto2 categories, and one in the European Talent Cup. Now the championship enters a kind of lethargy that will last until October, when in Motorland Aragon and Valencia the FIM JuniorGP will hold the two remaining events.


JUNIOR GP


Cormac Buchanan Race 1, P17 / Race 2, P11 

“First race today was very difficult as we did the wrong choice in the gearing. Out of the corners we had no drive and we struggled a lot in the race. We changed the gearing for the second race and we could then do a good race. I was riding calm, choosing the time to push. In the last 8 laps we went to P9. I had a lot of tire left. The riders around me were not slow, but I could pass them easily. But then we had a problem on the bike which meant that we weren’t able to ride fast. We were 4/5 seconds slower per lap. That costed us a good result today, as we had pace for the podium. As I stayed on the track, some crashes helped me to finish P11. Some points are still good and for sure we will come back stronger   


Torin Colins Race 1, P27 / Race 2, P18 

“In ther first race I run off track while riding in a group. I rejoined the race but in the very back and riding alone. The second race went clearly better. I rode in a group and we had some nice fights. I took advantage of some crashes that happened to riders in front which allowed me to finish P18. I would say it’s a positive result.”


MOTO 2


Matia Rato Race 1, P6 / Race 2, P4

“Two pretty good races. In the first I didn’t start very well and also a rider pushed me out of my line. I pushed to recover the positions.In the last laps I had a tough battle with Ierai. This time he won. In the second race the start was better, which allowed me to catch up a good number of positions. After the race was similar to the previous one. Little by little I was gaining positions. This time I was lucky because two riders who were in front of me crashed and this made me finish P4. Definitely we have to improve our qualifying lap, because our pace equals the one of the riders who fight for the victory.” 


Sam Wilford Race 1, P8 / Race 2, DNF

“A difficult 2 races for us today. I feel like we had good pace but unfortunately crashed out of race 2. We have made really good progress throughout the season but haven’t had the chance to show our potential. I look forward to coming back stronger in Aragon!”



EUROPEAN TALENT CUP (ETC)


Carter Thompson DNF

“Today I started not so bad. I was in the front group but wasn’t able to push through as I wanted as down the straight I haven’t as much speed as the other riders. I was able to catch up in the corners. About midrace I was caught up in an incident. I tried to overtake one rider and we hit and I crashed.”


Owen van Trigt P18

“I did a good start but in turn #1 I was pushed out of the line. I started to catch uo, joined the group which was riding in front of me. We had a nice fight and finally I finished in front of the riders I was racing with. the result is not what I expected, but I’m positive because i feel that this weekend we made a clear progress.”


THE HEAT, THE PROTAGONIST OF THE PRACTICE SESSIONS AT THE CIRCUIT DE CATALUNYA

July, 15 2023



The Circuit of Catalunya hosts this weekend the fifth round of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, which will be the 'home race' for AGR Team. As usual, we are present with six riders distributed in three categories.


Under tremendous heat, with the track at more than 50º (122º Fº), today the free sessions were held and then the qualifying sessions that served to set the starting grid for tomorrow's races. JuniorMotoGP and Moto2 will race twice, the European talent Cup will race only once. 





JUNIOR GP


Cormac Buchanan P14

“It has been a difficult day. In the first practice at the start I did a decent lap riding alone but unfortunately we crashed, so I wasn’t able to improve that lap time. Luckily it was enough to go into Q2 straight away. In the Q2 session we didn’t make the best use of the new tire. Once we found a good pace on the track after we did not take out most of the new tire. We start P14 but I'm confident we can make a good comeback. Our goal is finishing in the front and I’m sure we can do that. We just have to wait and see how the race goes.


Torin Collins

“Today in practice I was able to make another step but the time wasn’t good enough to make me go straight to Q2. But I was happy with the progress we were making with our speed. In Q1 we tried a new strategy for us. It worked pretty good apart from m y two last flying laps with new tires. In the first lap a made a mistake, in the second lap a rider crashed in front of me. So it messed up my lap a little bit. Starting in the back of the grid is not where I wanted to for tomorrow but I’m still confident that I can perform well tomorrow.”


MOTO 2


Mattia Rato P11

"The key today was the set-up we went out with in the second run. I was one of the few who lowered the time in this session, as the hot conditions meant that most of the riders didn't improve their morning lap times. The position on the grid is not what I wanted, obviously, but I think I have the pace to be in the group that will fight for the top positions tomorrow.


Sam Wilford P13

“We will start tomorrow P13 of the grid. It is not where I thought we had potential for but hopefully we can move forward in the two races.”


EUROPEAN TALENT CUP (ETC)


Carter Thompson P4

“Today in qualifying I put some good laps in, had pretty good pace alone as well. I ended up P4 in the first session, which was pretty good. Could have been better but still positive. In the second practice it was a little bit harder. We had some problems with the rear grip so I wasn't able to put the fastest time in. We ended up P5 in the session but still P4 overall, so tomorrow should be good. I have a good pace so I think we will have a good race.”


Owen van Trigt

“Today was a good day. We did some changes on the bike that made me feel good. The second qualifying was good. I’m ready to race tomorrow. Full gas!".



OUR RIDERS CONTINUE TO GROW

July, 02 2023


Intense Sunday today in Portimao, where the FIM Junior MotoGP World Championship completed up to six races. For the AGR Team the fourth event of this championship has been an intense weekend in which the team has worked hard to put in the hands of its riders the most competitive bikes possible.

 

This weekend's results do not reflect the level of competitiveness shown by our riders in Portugal. In Junior MotoGP Cormac Thompson even led one of his races; in Moto2, Mattia Rato made a tremendous comeback in the first race, while in the second race Sam Willford put in his best performance of the season. The team is especially happy to see the best Sam back.

 


For our ETC drivers the weekend was not an easy one. Their races were affected by the lack of a good lap time in practice that would have allowed them to start further up the grid. Starting from the middle of the grid increases the risk of an incident in the first moments of the race, as it happened to Carter Thompson.

 

Junior MotoGP

Cormac Thompson Race 1 DNF / Race 2 P7

"In the first race I was really on fire. On the first lap I was P4 and soon after I was in the lead. Unfortunately I crashed out after that. I tried to get back into the race but it wasn't possible because of a broken shift guide. In the second race I had a good start, I was able to keep my position. I saw how the front group got away. My goal was to fight for the podium. But a driver touched me and took me off the track but I had lost a lot of positions. I was fighting for P4, to finally come in P7. It's not the result I was hoping for this weekend, especially the crash in the first race. I'm looking forward to the Barcelona race, where I'm sure we'll be fighting for the win."

 

Torin Collins Race 1 DNL / Race 2 P23

"My clutch overheated while I was waiting for the start and when the lights went out I couldn't get out of my position. I'm happy with the second race because I set my best lap time of the weekend, which means I've been improving. The final position doesn't reflect the reality of the race".


Moto2

Mattia Rato Race 1 P6 / Race 2 P8

"During the race, we had a slight problem with the bike that didn't allow us to have the right pace and finish in the desired position. The second race went better, but it was a complicated weekend from which we came away with points. Now we have to think about Barcelona to fight for the top positions".


Sam Wilford Race 1 P11 / Race 2 P7

"I'm happy that we managed to make a step forward in the second race. Hopefully we can keep the same line in the next race in Barcelona".

 

European Talent Cup

Carter Thompson P19

"Things didn't go as planned today. I had a pretty good start which allowed me to overtake some drivers in the first few corners. At turn #5 a rider almost crashed and in the manoeuvre to avoid him I went off the track. I came back on track but I was already in P24. I started to recover, I overtook the group in front of me and I thought I could make it to the next one, but the tyres started to feel the strain. I could make it up to two drivers in front of me, but it still wasn't a good qualifying. Now I'm just thinking about Barcelona."

 

Owen van Trigt DNF

"It wasn't the result I was hoping for because with three laps to go I crashed. But the positive thing is that my pace was going well up to that point. I am already looking forward to the race in Barcelona."




PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL'S DEMANDING ROLLER COASTER CIRCUIT

July, 01 2023

The FIM JuniorGP World Championship traveled this weekend to the south of Portugal to celebrate its fourth round. At the circuit located on the outskirts of Portimao, the riders encountered a very special track, unique in the world for its striking and continuous level changes, and for its high average speed.


The AGR Team faces this challenge with the same motivation as always and ready to give our riders the necessary tools to be able to perform at their highest level. As in the rest of the FIM JuniorGP rounds, the AGR Team is present in three of the four categories with its now classic line-up composed of riders of different nationalities. 


The free and timed practice sessions were held with good weather and the classic wind that blows in this part of Portugal. A wind that not only conditioned the riding of our riders, but also made the work of our technicians difficult. 



JuniorGP

Cormac has done very well. He has a lot of pace. He managed to do just one good lap in Q2, but it was enough to make P7. We believe that tomorrow he is a candidate for everything. As for Torin Collins, Portimao is costing him a lot. He hasn't finished in high spirits, but from the team, as always, we support him both technically and psychologically. There are weekends when he suffers more than others. 


Cormac Buchanan P6

"Today was a positive day for us. In the grid-setting session, we had a small problem with the bike at the first start; nothing major, just a sensor. On the next start I did 1.48.7, which put me P6, so I went straight through to Q2. In Q2 it was difficult with all the tactics and riders riding slowly on track. I tried to do my best, and in the end I decided to ride alone. I set my best time of the day, which puts me P7 on the grid for tomorrow. It's a good result and I feel strong. The bike is going well, the team is working.... I'm sure the race tomorrow will be a good one. I hope I can conquer a trophy or two for the team."  


Torin Collins 21

 "We improved on yesterday's time but I'm not happy with the day's result. Tomorrow we will have to give everything from the start in both races."


Moto2 

Both Mattia and Sam have good pace, but neither of our two riders managed to do the fastest lap to get into the first rows of the grid; they lacked. We hope that tomorrow, with a good start, they will be able to get into the group that will fight for positions much further ahead than those they have on the grid. 


Mattia Rato P12

"I had two small crashes in Q1 in the same corner, but I'm fine. This prevented me from being really fast. In Q2 it was a bit chaotic because everyone is waiting for everyone else to catch a slipstream. I'm confident that tomorrow, once the race starts, I'll be able to make up positions."


Sam Wilford P13

"We will start tomorrow's two races from 14th place. I think we can have a good two races here and make progress throughout."


European Talent Cup (ETC)

Carter Thompson, who was very good in free practice yesterday, didn't find the same pace today when he found himself riding in a group. But that's what Talent is for, a category for the riders to learn what top competition is like. Carter, however, has the pace for tomorrow. As for Owen, he has improved from yesterday's free practice. 


Carter Thompson TBC

"Today was not the best day. I wasn't able to do a good lap. But the feeling on the bike was good so I'm looking forward to tomorrow to push hard in the race.


Owen van Trigt TBC

"I didn't get the lap I was looking for, but we improved and I hope to make the most of tomorrow's race."




OUR RIDERS, PURE RACING SPIRIT

June, 04 2023


What a spectacular Sunday our riders starred today in Jerez de la Frontera, in the third round of the FIM Junior MotoGP. In intense races they showed us that, regardless of the final result, they are true fighters, and that is what we at AGR Team especially appreciate. The team gives everything to give its riders the best material, without sparing hours of work. Seeing how our riders do the same on the track motivates us to the maximum.


Junior GP

Two races were held in the JuniorGP category with two of our riders: Cormac Buchanan and Torin Collins. In both our New Zealander rider set the heart rate of those of us who follow the races from the box. 


In the first race Cormac's positions were a real roller coaster, because after passing first on the first lap, he was 15th with four laps to go, when he was imposed a long lap. But in a heart-stopping comeback -which he would repeat in the second race-, he ended up crossing under the checkered flag in fifth. The dynamics of the second race were similar. A good start, half of the race in the second group, and a devastating final sprint that took him to the lead with two laps to go. He finally entered the finish line fourth, completing his best weekend since he has been with us... Congratulations to him and his team.


Cormac Buchanan Race 1 P5 / Race 2 P4

"The first race was pretty good. I started third on the grid and took the lead. I was feeling pretty good, comfortable, but a few riders overtook me. In that part I had some problems with the heritage. From race direction I was penalized with a long lap, which dropped me down to P15, but I made a good comeback to P5 at the end of the race. The second race was very difficult. On the first lap I passed P2 and from then on it was a relentless fight. At one point I got to P9 and the race leader took some advantage, but I managed to neutralize the difference and I got to P1 with two laps to go. But unfortunately in the last corner a rider took me out of the line. I couldn't get back on the track because there was another rider, but I still finished P4, close to the podium. It was a good weekend, the first time I finished in the front group and less than half a second from victory. We also scored a lot of points for the championship. If I'm not mistaken, we're 4 points out of P5. Happy about that, and looking forward to Portimao where I want to take it and give the team one of the trophies they give out on the podium."


Torin Collins Race 1 P19 / Race 2 DNF

"The weekend has been quite difficult for me - Jerez is a circuit where I have suffered in the past. I confess I came into the weekend a little nervous, but we were determined to grow in confidence. Qualifying wasn't particularly good, but we took a step forward. In the first race the first few corners were good and the first half of the race I was quite fast. But at the end I lost the rhythm and got unhooked from the group. It was a bit disappointing, but we were ready to turn the situation around in the second race. But in race two my start was very bad. The start wasn't bad at all, but then I lost my rhythm again. I ended up crashing in turn #11, which is a very fast corner. Except for a little pain in the ankle, everything else is OK and I will be ready for the race in Portimao."


Moto 2

A great race for Mattia Rato in Moto2, showing that the second place in Valencia was not a coincidence but the confirmation of where the rider and the team are at the moment. In Jerez, Mattia was on the verge of the podium, a position he reached after a very mature race in which he knew how to have patience to make his way through the pack. Conditioned by a bad qualifying -P13-, Rato this time had to run more with his head than his heart, showing a maturity that positions him to fight to finish the championship at the top.


Mattia Rato's bike was timed as the fastest of the 22 that took the start, which is a sign of the level of the technicians of Team AGR, and of which we are logically proud.   



Mattia Rato P4

"I had a good start, but in the second corner I made a mistake in first gear. I lost a lot of positions; I think I went down to P12. Little by little, staying very concentrated, without making a mistake again, I made up a lot of positions. I'm happy because we had a bike that allowed me to make several overtakes. It left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth because I had the podium there, but I'm very happy with how we worked throughout the weekend. At one point I wasn't feeling good on the bike, but for the race the team gave me a tremendously efficient bike."  


Sam Wilford P12

“We managed to gain some positions in the race to take home some points. Obviously not where we want to be but we will continue working in the right direction.”


European Talent Cup

Our two ETC riders continue with their process of adaptation to a category that is new for Owen van Trigt, and in the case of Enzo Bellon it adds to his debut with the AGR Team. The races of both were conditioned by their respective positions on the grid. The important thing in both cases is that they took their respective bikes to the finish line, which is the best way to learn. 


Owen van Trigt Race 1 P18 / Race P20

“In the first race I was in a big group that was battling for points, but in the end I didn’t make it. In the second race the start was a little bit better but I lost contact with the front group and rode somehow alone, until the last five laps when I had a battle with Alomar, who I finally beat. I’m looking forward to the Portimao race to do better.”


Enzo Bellon Race 1 P25 / Race P25

“I did a not very good start in the first race and got stuck in a group that didn’t allow me to progress. Second race was more or less the same.”



RIDERS AND TEAM WITH GOOD VIBES FOR TOMORROW

June, 03 2023


FIM Junior GP Championship weekend. In its third round the championship traveled to the south of Spain, specifically to the mythical circuit of Jerez de la Frontera. Today qualifying sessions to form the starting grids for tomorrow's races were held. The AGR is present with its riders in three categories.


JuniorGP

A very good result for Cormac Buchanan today, who managed to get on the front row of the grid despite yesterday's heavy crash in free practice. His team deserves a good part of that credit for providing our New Zealander rider with an extremely competitive bike after it was badly damaged in yesterday's incident... Good job, guys!



Cormac Buchanan P3

“Today was a really nice day. I had a good feeling with the bike, despite the heavy crash I had yesterday on free practice 2 session. My original goal was just to qualify straight away to Q2. We were P7 in final free practice which was really nice. In the Q2 I looked at the clouds and said to myself that I had to put  in a good lap early on because the conditions looked like they would get worse and worse. I managed to do a nice lap in the first part of the session, which put me in P3. No one improved that so it was a nice way to start for tomorrow’s races. It’s my second front row and obviously I’m very happy. I have to thank the team for the great job we are doing and also Ansacri because he is helping me a lot this weekend. For the races it’s going to be a battle and I will give my best trying to get a trophy for my team this weekend.”


Torin Collins P24

“I made my best time of the weekend t in Q2. I will start in P24 and I hope to make a good start and gain positions already at the beginning of the race. I'm looking forward to tomorrow!”


Moto2 


P10 on the grid does not reflect the good work Mattia Rato showed during practice sessions. Moto2 is very close this weekend in Jerez, so tomorrow the start will be a very important factor. If Mattia can make a good start, he will have a good race because he has the pace.


Mattia Rato P10

“We tested some things on the bike, with which I did P10 in Q1. In Q2 we tried some other things that didn't work very well. I thought I could improve my time a little bit, but it wasn't possible. I'm happy that we know what we need for tomorrow's race, and I'm sure we'll do well.” 



Sam wilford P14

"We will start the race from P14 tomorrow. We managed to work on some things during the test and free practice sessions on my riding to help me. We are only 1 second from pole and I think we can have a good race tomorrow to move through the field"


European Talent Cup


In the ETC we continue to work with Owen van Trigt, a rookie in the championship but who is taking steps forward every time he goes out on track, which is what it is all about when you are getting the hang of a new category. We are also making our debut with Enzo Bellon, who joins the AGR Team for this race. He hadn't qualified yet this year, which we did today, so good for him and his team. 


The final Talent Cup grid will be configured tomorrow, after the Last Chance Race, which will provide the last riders of the final grid. 


Owen van Trigt P12 Group A

"Obviously I'm not where I'd like to be, but I'm happy that we've taken another step forward. So far this weekend I've been pretty consistent and solid. Let's see how the race goes tomorrow, I'll go out there and give it my all, as always"

 

Enzo Bellon P13 Group B 

"On the one hand I'm happy because I qualified for the grid and because I've been improving every time I've been out on track. On the other hand, I was hoping to qualify a little higher, but in the end the points will be distributed tomorrow. I hope to have a good race and give my team a good result in my debut with them"




WE WELCOME ENZO BELLON

May, 31 2023



The AGR Team announces the incorporation of Enzo Bellon to our structure for the FIM Junior GP event to be held this weekend at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, where he will ride in the European Talent Cup category.

 

A French rider originally from the French overseas territory of Reunion, at 14 years of age Enzo is already considered one of the most talented young riders in French motorcycling. Expectations that Bellon has been finding with promising results in the competitions in which he has taken part both in France and in Spain.

 

In the AGR Team we wish Enzo the best of luck for the weekend and, as we do with all our riders, we will help him to achieve his expectations by giving him all the support, technical and human, to allow Enzo show his promising skills.



UPDATE ON THE PHYSICAL EVOLUTION OF CARTER THOMPSON

May, 30 2023




After undergoing surgery by Xavier Mir and his team at the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona, our rider Carter Thompson is evolving favorably from the broken collarbone caused while participating in the Rookies Cup at Le Mans, held during the last French GP. 


Thompson will not be present at the next round of the FIM Junior GP. The whole AGR Team hopes for a speedy recovery for Carter.


From the AGR Team we also want to thank once again Dr. Mir and his team for their help and good work.



WORK ALWAYS PAYS OFF

May, 21 2023

The AGR Team returns home from the second Junior GP event of the 2023 season with the satisfaction of a podium finish, but especially having seen our riders show the character expected of young guys who are determined to do something important in the sport they have chosen.


With an excellent performance Mattia Rato gave AGR Team its first podium of the season, which for sure will not be the last one this season. A bravo to our Italian rider who knew how to manage the pressure coming from behind from riders with much more experience than him.


Also very satisfied with our Junior GP riders, Buchanan and Collins; both achieved their best results ever. Cormac came back in race 1 from P16 on the second lap to finish 7th. A result that would surely have been better if he had been more efficient at the start, but it showed the determination of our New Zealander rider. As for Torin, in the second race he scored his first points of the championship, which is always a special mark.


Moto 2

Mattia Rato P2

“Obviously I am very happy with this result. I'm back on the podium after a very difficult season last year. I worked very hard to get it. I want to thank my father, my mother, my whole family and the team. Forza Napoli!”


Sam Wilford P11

“It has been a difficult weekend for us. Was able to make progress in the race, but the plan now is to reset and do a good job in Jerez in two weeks time.”


Junior GP

Cormac Buchanan Race 1 P7 / Race 2 DNF

“Today was a quite interesting day. It was very good in race 1 but not so good in the second one. In the first race I didn’t make the best start. I was P16 after the second lap. I said to myself that if I wanted to do a good result I had to start passing riders. Contrary to other occasions, today when I got behind a rider I immediately overtook him. Finally I was able to finish in the 7th position, which is my best ever result. Really nice, good result for the team. Starting from P19 and finishing P7 was quite good comeback. 


In the 2nd race I started a lot better and I was in the group for the podium. Unfortunately two riders crashed in front of me and got caught up in the crash. I had a big high side and got hit in the gravel escape area. I’m in a big pain right now, but hopefully I can make Jerez and continue the good momentum from here."


Torin Collins Race 1 P20 / Race 2 

"This weekend turned out really good. In the first race I had a good start and a good first lap, but then I crashed on lap 2. I was able to get the bike started again and continue. I was able to catch the riders who were racing in front of me and finally I managed to finish P20. I was really happy with that.


In race 2 the start wasn’t as good, but I was able to get locked in with other riders and because of some crashes I was able to get my first points. So I’m really happy "


European Talent Cup 


Owen Van Trigt Race 1 P15 / Race 2 P 21

"I'm very happy because I got my first point in the championship. It's a good sign, we are improving race by race. The second race was not as we expected, after exceeding the track limits and being reprimanded by race direction we could not finish in an optimal position."



WE ARE READY TO RACE

May, 20 2023

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit located on the outskirts of Valencia hosts this weekend the second event of the FIM Junior, where the AGR Team, as we reported yesterday, with the absence of Carter Thompson.


After yesterday's training sessions, today our riders have disputed the sessions that configured the starting grids for tomorrow. As almost always in Valencia, the sessions have been held with an optimal weather, although in some moments it was even too hot. As always happens in the races, some of our riders have done better than others, but all of them are ready for their respective races. From the team we will give them the maximum technical and human support so that they can continue to grow as riders.

These were today's results and the statements of our riders. 


Junior GP

Cormac Buchanan P19

“Today was a difficult day. Because of yesterday's crash I rode with a lot of pain in my shoulder and ribs. In the free session I basically tried to get a good feeling with the bike and myself, because yesterday we missed a lot of laps. We didn't know in which positions we could be. After the first run I said to myself: 'OK, maybe I can go for getting you into Q2. In the end I ended up P16, but I did a time that will probably put me P5 on the grid. The pace was really fast and I was less than half a tenth away from getting into Q2. This was quite positive, especially considering the circumstances we were in. Then, in Q1, I tried to do a good lap but, honestly, I wasn't able to do the lap I needed. It was quite unfortunate, because I have the pace to fight for the top 10. I know I can be there. Tomorrow we have to go out on the attack, and see what happens. I'm looking forward to the race. I'm optimistic and I'll do my best to give the team a good result."


Torin Collins P22

“Today was an alright day. It could have been a little better. In the qualifying session my pace was good, but still not good enough to go straight into Q2.  But in Q1 we went out very determined. I couldn't do the perfect lap, and in the last laps another rider slowed me down, which made me lose contact with the group. In the end it was not a perfect qualifying, but better than usual.” 


Moto2

Mattia Rato P6

“I am very happy, I have done a good job. I felt good on the bike very quickly. Two good qualifying sessions. In the first one I was lucky to be able to catch up with another rider, which allowed me to do a good lap; in the second one I'm happy because I had a good pace.  Let's hope for a good start tomorrow and then we'll see.”


Sam Wilford P10

"A good qualifying. We struggled to improve in Q2. I think we have good pace for tomorrow and that we can have a good race, and fight for the top five positions."


European Talent Cup

Owen van Trigt P13

“It was good, it could have been better, but we need more. I learned a lot today riding behind the faster riders, especially in the corners. Their cornering speed is much higher. I think overall we did a good job.” 


CARTER THOMPSON, WITHDRAWAL FROM THE FIM JUNIOR GP EVENT

May, 19 2023

From the AGR Team we regret to announce that our rider Carter Thompson will not take part in the second event of the FIM Junior GP that will be held this weekend at the Valencia circuit. After having performed an X-ray on him at a hospital in Valencia yesterday Thursday night, it has been verified that he suffers a fracture in his right clavicle.



As it will be recalled, Carter Thompson suffered a heavy crash at Le Mans in which he temporarily lost consciousness, which led the doctors to transfer him to a hospital center to keep him under observation. There he told the doctors about the discomfort they felt in his right shoulder, bruised in the incident of the crash. However, he was not given much importance. Once discharged, Carter Thompson returned to his habitual residence, where he rested except for one day when he went for a short bike ride. During that lap he felt some discomfort in his shoulder, although nothing was out of the ordinary after one like the one he had. As it is, Carter traveled to Valencia to take part in this weekend's FIM Junior event.



Yesterday, Thursday, Thompson got on his bike to take part in FP1. Throughout the session I felt intense pain in his shoulder, which, however, did not prevent me from riding fast. In the team we try to minimize this pain based on a specific bandage and provide pain relievers. He went out in FP2, but the pain was increasing and Carter suffered a lot in that session.


In this situation, thinking that Thompson's discomfort could be due to a tendon or muscle problem, Carter was taken to a most trusted physiotherapist of the team, who immediately suggested a possible fracture in his right clavicle, diagnosed that obviously it would have to be checked. by means of an x-ray. He was immediately transferred to the emergency hospital center in Valencia, where the examination revealed the fracture.


Obviously in view of this circumstance Carter Thompson will not take part in this weekend's event. Our pilot has to travel immediately to Barcelona for a new exploration that will indicate the procedure to follow. The expectation is that Carter is recovered to take part in the FIM JuniorGP to be held in Jerez de la Frontera and in the Rookies Cup that will take place on the Italian GP weekend.



WE ARE ON THE MOVE... ONCE AGAIN

May, 07 2023

The Estoril circuit hosted this weekend the first round of the Finetwork FIM Junior GP World Championship. The AGR Team and our riders arrived in Portugal motivated and eager to return to action after a winter that has been too long for all of us.


The AGR Team will be present this season in three categories. 

โ— In FIM Junior we will support the New Zealander Cormac Buchanan and the Canadian Torin Collins; both repeat with us. 

โ— In Moto2 our riders will be Sam Wilford, one of our own, and our new Italian addition, Mattia Rato. 

โ— In the European Talent Cup we repeat with the Australian Carter Thompson and incorporate the Dutch rider Owen van Trigt. With both we hope to help them grow as riders so they can continue to advance in their careers.


The weekend in Portimao was characterized by good weather, the usual wind that blows in that part of Portugal, and the impetus given by the young riders participating in the FIM JuniorGP, which led to incidents and accidents that forced the interruption of some of the races that took place... Things of 'the force of youth'.


Among our riders, throughout the weekend there was a bit of everything, as is typical of racing. But the positive spirit and determination of the team to help and support our riders in every way has always prevailed. 


Junior GP

A multiple crash late in the race forced Race Direction to neutralize the race and reschedule it for a 5-lap sprint race. 


Cormac Buchanan P13

Torin Collins DNF


Grid position was obviously a determining factor in a race with only 5 laps to go. Buchanan started from the fourth row - 12th - and entered the finish one place further back. Little else can be noted, except that the fastest lap of our New Zealand rider was less than three tenths of a second slower. An encouraging statistic for a weekend that should have ended differently.


In the case of Collins, he went to the ground during the third lap of the race. 


Cormac Buchanan: “Today’s race was quite a difficult one. In race one I wasn’t able to do a good start but was able to regain positions and felt quite good and had the same pace as the front group, but unfortunately the red flag came out when I was fighting for P10. In the second race, I went to P11 but then I made some mistakes and nearly crashed in the last lap, so I finished P14 finally. Not super happy but I made some points. For sure in Valencia it will be more.”


European Talent Cup ETC

The Talent, as it is called in the paddock, held two races in Estoril. 


Race 1

Carter Thompson DNF

Owen van Trigt P 23


In the first race, Carter Thompson's expectations of a good race after qualifying seventh in practice were dashed in the early stages due an engine failure while riding in 5th position. 

Alberto Fernandez, who was in Carter’s slipstream could not avoid hitting him. Both went down pretty hard but fortunately both riders emerged from the incident physically unscathed.


As for Owen van Trigt, a bad start relegated him to the back of the pack, a position from which he began to climb positions. Our rookie finished the race in 23rd place in a group that crossed the finish line separated by thousandths of a second. 


Race 2

Carter Thompson P 14

Owen van Trigt P 25


Carter Thompson's second race was marked by the high speed crash in race one. The good feeling he had with the bike didn’t return in race two. In the first pass through the finish line after the start he had lost eight places with respect to his position on the starting grid. From then on he was caught in a group in which the continuous overtaking gave Carter no chance to go forward. After the 15 laps of the race Carter ended up entering first of that group, doing the best fastest lap among them and adding the 2 points awarded to the 14th classified.


As for Owen van Trigt, his second start in the ETC was a positive one. In his case his evaluation is not to be measured in his position at the finish line but in the evolution of his times. And comparing his best lap of Race 1 with that of Race 2, Owen clearly made a step forward, lapping almost two tenths faster in Race 2 than in Race 1. So it must be considered a positive weekend for our ETC rookie.  


Carter Thompson: “Today I had a good start in race one and was able to stay in top 5 and was able to keep a good pace. But on lap 3 going down the back straight my engine died then got hit and had a really fast crash. In race 2 I was not able to get a good feeling with the bike and didn’t have a great race.”


Moto 2

Bittersweet taste left us the weekend of Mattia Rato in Moto2. The Italian rider was fast from the very first moment, showing that he is aiming for everything for Sunday's races. In the end the podium escaped in both races, but Rato showed that he is going to be one of the roosters of the category. He left Estoril sharing second place in the provisional standings with his compatriot Niccolo Antonelli, a veteran World Championship rider and multiple GGPP winner. 



Race 1

Mattia Rato P5

Sam Wilford P10


A red flag forced the interruption of the first Moto2 race, leading to an 11-lap restart. Our two riders had a good race, a statement that may be strange in the case of Rato, who starting from fourth on the grid 'only' finished fifth. However, the Italian of our team this year, showed a maturity and serenity that made him forget his bad choice at the start, which led him to pass the finish line on the first lap, ninth. Mattia chose the outside to tackle the first corner, which let a bunch of riders sneak up on him on the inside. But far from being obfuscated, he was able to keep his cool, which ended up giving him that fifth position at the finish.


In the case of Sam Wilford, his race was conditioned by his position on the grid, 15th. However, the brave Sam made a very good start, fought the whole race, and in a very tight final sprint entered the finish line tenth, three thousandths ahead of the rider who followed him.    


Race 2

Mattia Rato P4

Sam Wilford P8


An intense and eventful second race, in which up to eight riders were out of the race due to various incidents. Rato again made a mistake in the way he attacked the first corner of the race, losing several positions on the entry again. When on the third lap he began to ride at the same pace as the race leader, he had already opened a lead that was impossible to cut. Nevertheless, Rato was still on the verge of the podium, beating his pursuer again on the finish line. 


As for Wilford, he repeated his good performance of the first race, which only did not shine more because he was conditioned by the 15th place from which he started on the grid. Sam was not happy with his championship debut, which is good, but he certainly gave it his all throughout the weekend.  


Mattia Rato: "In the first race I made a couple of mistakes at the start and in the first two laps. Then little by little I got into the rhythm and in the end I managed to make the difference. In the second race I made a few less mistakes. In the end my pace was better than the others. On the last lap in the last corner I managed to overtake Yeray. I'm happy, the team worked very well and I feel fit."


Sam Wilford: "After a difficult qualifying session yesterday, we managed to save the day today. I look to improve in Valencia, hopefully that means starting from a better position on the grid, which will allow me to fight for better positions in the race".  


AGR TEAM COMPLETED FIRST QUALIFYING DAY OF THE JUNIOR GP SEASON

May, 06 2023


First qualifying completed for the young AGR Team riders in mixed track conditions at the Estoril circuit. 


In the Moto2 class, the young Italian rider Mattia Rato will start from the second row of the grid in an excellent fourth position in his debut with the team. With a vibrant energy our rider will be looking to fight among the top positions at a track where he finished third last season. Sam Wilford will start from the fifth row of the grid, in fifteenth position. A difficult day for our driver due to the difficult track conditions, tomorrow he will start with great motivation for two solid races. 



Mattia Rato: "I am very happy with the work we have done since the beginning of the championship. The result we have achieved today is the result of everyone's effort, there is still a long way to go but I am very motivated for tomorrow's race".


Sam Wilford: "We will start both races tomorrow from 15th on the grid. It's not where we want to be, but we'll focus on having two strong races tomorrow."


In the JuniorGP class, Cormac Buchanan will start from the fourth row of the grid in twelfth position while his teammate Torin Collins will start from twenty-sixth. It was a difficult day for our young drivers with a new qualifying format with a third timed practice and a Q1 and Q2. During the first practice, the appearance of rain in the first sectors made it difficult for our riders, who suffered several crashes throughout the day.


Cormac Buchanan: "First of all, I'm happy to have made it straight through to Q2. It's a good result for the team and for us because it wasn't easy. During Q2 I did a good job, I was able to run with the group but the group broke up and I couldn't find a way to set a fast lap".


Torin Collins: "Today was a difficult day for me, we have to improve for the race tomorrow, it's not the position we want to be in, let's give it our all!"


In the European Talent Cup category, Carter Thompson was fifth fastest of the field, while Owen Van Trigt completed the day in fourteenth position. Thompson continues his upward progression on the track and was able to position himself among the top riders, despite suffering a crash during the day. Owen Van Tright is adapting to the category and the team in a very positive way, prioritising his learning on the track. 


Carter Thompson:  "During QP1 I felt good, I was able to do a fast lap but the track conditions and the wind plus a small crash prevented us from improving our time. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's race!


Owen Van Tright: "I still need to adapt to the class but we made small steps forward today. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's race and to continue learning with my team".


AGR TEAM AND NEBRIJA UNIVERSITY JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE EDUCATION IN THE FIELD OF MOTORCYCLING

April, 27 2023

Nebrija University and the AGR Team competition team sign a collaboration agreement with the aim of promoting education in the field of motorcycling. A great opportunity for Nebrija University students to apply their knowledge in a real racing environment. This educational alliance will focus on the development of the students of the university to gain experience within the margin of the FIM Junior GP Championship and, in turn, that the AGR team can count on the talent and knowledge of the applicants.


The students will start their training from the beginning of the season and will learn race by race surrounded by great professionals. This union will also provide the delivery of three face-to-face classes of our technical team where they will offer their knowledge and experience. Three on-site classes at the Nebrija University, located in the epicenter of Madrid, two theoretical classes and one with the incorporation of one of our racing motorcycles to complete the experience of the students. We are delighted to be able to communicate this union and we cannot wait to begin this path of mutual growth, which we hope will continue over time.




Anscari Nadal - AGR Team Manager: "From AGR we are very happy to collaborate with a prestigious University such as Nebrija. For us it is the beginning of a collaboration that we hope will last for many years, we are sure it will be very good for both parties. We want to help in the training of their students and in turn be able to open a window to the workplace, we are also delighted to provide the talks at the university."


Sergio Corbera - Nebrija University: "The collaboration with the AGR team is another step that consolidates the "Learning by doing" philosophy of the Nebrija University as a commitment to train the best engineers in all aspects. In this sense, this alliance aims to prepare our students in the world of motorcycling, giving the best students the opportunity to start their professional training in a reference structure.  

 The FIM Junior GP is the prelude to the MotoGP World Championship. The need for technicians in this competition is very high, but due to the leap it represents there is a kind of blockage that prevents teams from giving free rein to incorporate new graduates. This is where there is a gap at present and where we want to direct our collaboration with AGR, a reference structure in the FIM Junior GP. 

For our students it is a very constructive experience, which will bring them great added value on a technical and human level. The fact of having the opportunity to work in a structure such as the FIM Junior GP gives them an insight into the demands and pressure of the world of competition. Undoubtedly, a very enriching collaboration for both parties in which the main beneficiaries are our students and motorcycling".



AGR TEAM ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF MATTIA RATO IN THE MOTO2 CLASS

February, 06 2023


The AGR Team is pleased to announce the incorporation of the young Italian talent Mattia Rato to our team next season in the Moto2 structure. Mattia Rato, is a young rider with plenty of experience in the Moto2 European Championship being this year, his third year. During the first round of last year's season in Estoril, he also finished on the podium. This year we will join our sporting paths with the aim of mutual growth of both rider and team, bringing out the full potential of our rider this season. Welcome to the team Mattia!



Mattia Rato

"I am very happy to be part of the AGR Team family and I can't wait to start working with the team during the first tests of the season. It's a big change, I feel ready and with faith in myself to give everything from the start with the team. This year we will be able to do very well and achieve great results together. I want to thank my sponsors, the whole AGR team and my family for the support they have given me, I can't wait for the season to start!"



Anscari Nadal

"We are delighted to have Mattia in our team, he is a very young rider but with a lot of experience in the Moto2 class. I think he can be a great teammate together with Sam Wilford, to help each other inside the box and have two riders fighting for the top positions. I also believe that with our help and our training Mattia will improve his riding technique, making a leap in quality to stop fighting for the podium and fight to win races".


Massimiliano Ripamonti

"As CEO of GRD Sport Management, I am very proud that our driver Mattia Ratto is part of the AGR team. First of all because it is one of the most important teams in the Junior GP Championship. We are sure that Mattia will achieve all the goals he sets for himself, being a protagonist throughout the season. I want to thank all the sponsors and Anscari Nadal for being a great professional and a great friend. I am sure that during the course of the whole season we will achieve great results together".


AGR TEAM CONFIRMS CARTER THOMPSON FOR NEXT SEASON IN THE JUNIORGP

January, 16 2023

From AGR, we want to express our great enthusiasm to confirm the continuity of the Young rider Carter Thompson in our ranks for the 2023 season. The Australian will be competing in his second year in the European Talent Cup, a category in which he has gained a lot of experience and has managed to take a step forward by staying among the top positions towards the end of the season.


Next year we will continue to encourage the growth of our rider with whom we believe that we will be able to fight for great results from the beginning of the championship. The track is waiting for us!


Carter Thompson

"I am very excited to be joining the AGR team again in 2023. I will be competing in the European Talent Cup and hoping to build on our results from last year and be fighting for podiums in 2023. I will be spending the summer in Australia and heading back to Europe early 2023. I would like to thank the whole AGR team for giving me this opportunity and I can’t wait to get back into it and see what we can do"


Anscari Nadal

"From the beginning of the season there was a change and race by race the feeling on the track got better. Throughout the season, Carter adapted himself more and more to the performance of the bike and the team. I think it is a rider that next year with AGR we will be a winning duo, to be ahead from the first race".


AGR TEAM CONFIRMS THE CONTINUITY OF TORIN COLLINS IN THE JUNIOR GP NEXT SEASON

December, 26 2022

From the AGR Team we want to announce the continuation of Torin Collins in our ranks for the 2023 season. The seventeen-year-old Canadian talent will continue his sporting growth for another year in the Junior GP category. We are very excited to continue working with Torin Collins and to continue his development as a professional rider. We will continue to build on the foundation laid this season with the goal of taking a step forward for next year.


Torin Collins

"I'm super excited and happy to be with the AGR team for another year. I love this team and I think working together we can make a big step forward next year."


Anscari Nadal

"We are delighted that he continues with the team, he is a hardworking rider and a great person. I am sure that with a bit of time we will see the best of Torin, can't wait to start the preseason, see you soon Torin!”


AGR TEAM ANNOUNCES THE CONTINUITY OF SAM WILFORD IN JUNIOR GP NEXT SEASON

December, 19 2022

From the AGR team, we want to express our great satisfaction and pride that we have Sam Wilford with us for the 2023 season. The young British rider will continue his sporting growth for another year in the Moto2 class in the Junior GP Championship, after a difficult season marked by the terrible accident suffered during the second race at Estoril.


With great performances from the rider and team we will start a new year with renewed spirit and eager to show the fruits of the effort and experience that our rider has accumulated in his career with us. We will fight together for the podiums!


Sam Wilford

"I am very excited to stay with the AGR team for another season. It’s a great opportunity to show my potential next year being back fully fit after the accident that cut my season short this year. I really can’t wait to get started again in the new year, let’s see what is possible!"


Anscari Nadal

"We started very well in Estoril, but after the incident and with a lot of hard work and effort we made small positive steps until the end of the season even though the consequences of the accident did not allow him to be at 100%. The main goal is to return to where we left off in 2022 and with hard work, we hope to be at the highest level, both driver and team. It's an honor to fight with Sam at the front, who we hope to see on the podium next season”


AGR TEAM ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF OWEN VAN TRIGT IN THE EUROPEAN TALENT CUP CLASS

November, 14 2022


The AGR Team is pleased to announce Owen van Trigt will join our team next season in the Junior GP European Talent Cup.



Owen van Trigt, is a young rider who started his sporting career from an early age, in 2018 he was the winner of the Minimoto Championship making the jump a year later in the Moto 5 Championship, In this competition, he earned several podiums. One of his most important steps was his incorporation to the European Talent Cup Championship, a category with a high level where Owen van Trigt already has two seasons' experience. We are very pleased to be joining our sporting paths and growing as a team. Welcome Owen!



Owen van Trigt

"My expectations for next season are to be in the points, being able to improve and develop as a rider in every race with the help of the AGR Team. I will do my best to prepare for the season's start during this winter break"


Anscari Nadal

"He is a young rider who has already been training within the 111 Management riders group. In addition to his potential, he is surrounded by good people. We expect a lot from him and we believe he can go far in his career".



MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, NOW IT'S TIME TO REST... 

BUT NOT TOO MUCH

October, 30 2022

The Ricardo Tormo Circuit of Valencia has been the scenario of the 8th and last round of the 2022 FIM Junior World Championship. The AGR Team has been present with his six riders in three different categories.


Junior GP

As expected after yesterday's brilliant pole position, the protagonist of the two races held today was our Colin Veijer. In the first race our Dutch rider dominated the race, leading the eight riders group that fought for the victory. In the final duel Colin has seen how another rider has touched him, finally entering in second position just two thousandths of a second behind the winner.


In the second race, the fight for the last victory of the season was even more fierce, but Veijer never lost his nerve. In fact, he was knocked down by another rider four laps from the end when exiting turn 1 this rider touched Colin’s front brake in a collision. The crash led to the race direction being forced to bring out the red flag and end the race with four laps to go. 


Race 1


Colin Veijer   P2 

Cormac Buchanan   P11

Torin Collins   P17 


Race 2


Cormac Buchanan   P17

Torin Collins   P20

Colin Veijer P23


Colin Veijer

“Race 2 was a bit more difficult because they kept. I tried to get to the front but it was very difficult. I managed to stay there. In the final part Luca came passed me. I tried on his inside out of turn 1. He passed me back. He went quite far to the left. I didn’t expect it. His bike touched my front brake.

I’m happy with how the season ended and the improvements after the summer break. I want to thank Luis for the year, my mechanics, the data guy, Ascari and Angel and all the rest. I look forward to next year in the World Championship; I’m very happy. 


Cormac Buchanan

“Today was a very fun day for me. In the races today I just wanted to take it easy, have a bit of fun. In the 1st race we started form P11 because of the penalties of other riders. I wasn’t able to make good use of the position, but in the last laps I was able to make some good passing and we finished P11, so I was quite happy with this. The 2nd race was more difficult. I made a better start from P16 but unfortunately I had a big moment on the second lap and I bent the handlebar  and from that moment on it went very difficult. It wasn’t the way I wanted to end the season but overall I’m happy with the year I did. Next year we will go faster.”


Torin Collins

“In race 1 I was starting P16. When the lights went out I did not get an amazing start but it was not terrible either. I lost a few places but I was able to get in the group. I got stacked in that group, as I was not able to pass that rider. In the end I won the battle but made an aggressive move on him. At the end I finished P17, which is my best result of the year. In race 2 I started P24. I had a very, very bad start. I think I was almost last place getting in the first corner. I quickly caught up with a couple of riders. I was also getting in the next group but as I got there and planned my next move, the red flag came out. I finished P20. Overall this weekend has been a very big step for me. Through Thursday, Friday, Saturday and today I made big progress with my riding. I’m looking forward to next year because I’m able to progress and do this more often. 



Moto 2


Mattia Volpi  DNF

Sam Wilford  DNF


Mattia Volpi

“This morning I got the OK to race from the doctors. I tried to check myself in the warm up. I had a bit of pain but I felt I could do the race. In the race we did a good race. We were inside the leading group until turn 11, when I got neutral for the first time. From that point on the gearbox went worse and worse. It finally forced me to enter the boxes. Anyhow, our weekend has been good on a track like Valencia, that is not easy. Looking forward for next season.”


Sam Wilford

“Unfortunately we had to retire from the race with a technical problem. These things can happen and today was one of them! Thank you to my team for staying behind me this year after the accident in Estoril!”


European Talent Cup


Carter Thompson   P8


Carter Thompson

“Today was good. I started from the back of the grid because of the penalty. I made a good start, made up a lot of positions, fought hard through the pack. I felt really good with the bike today, had a good pace, and was very fast. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get to the front group. I was starting so far back it was hard to get through, but it was a good race. Ended up P8. The team has been great this year and couldn’t think about it anymore for the year. A lot of learning.”



A new season has been completed. It has been an intense season, with the logical ups and downs that are inherent to our sport. There have been hard moments, such as Sam Wilford's accident that affected us all so much, but also moments of joy and satisfaction. In the form of Colin Veijer's triumphs, but also the progression shown by each of our riders. Both the bad moments and the good ones were shared as a team, which is what the AGR Team is. 


Our team is like a Tower of Babel, but in our case our different backgrounds don't separate us, they amalgamate us. We don't know what the future holds for Colin, Cormac, Torin, Mattia, Sam and Carter, but we at AGR Team are proud to have worked with them and to have helped them grow as riders. We for our part have given it our all.


Now it's time for some of us to rest, but not too much, because next season we'll be back in the fight... Thanks to all of you.  



AFTER ANOTHER POLE POSITION, COLIN VEIJER READY TO FIGHT FOR THE WIN TOMORROW 

October, 29 2022

Eighth and final round of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, which returned to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, where the second round was held back in May. Here in Cheste, the FIM Junior class will race two rounds tomorrow, while Moto2 and the Talent Cup will close the season with a single race.


With perfect weather conditions to ride, after yesterday’s free practice sessions the AGR Team riders have held today the qualifyings that have shaped the starting grids for tomorrow, Sunday. And it is one of our AGR riders who will start tomorrow leading one of them, the Junior GP, where Veijer has repeated pole with the lap time set in the first qualifying session.




FIM Junior GP


Our rider once again showed the excellent form with which he has reached the last part of the season. Today Colin set pole position again - his third this year - after perfectly controlling the times in the two qualifying sessions held today. Knowing that they have a good pace - as was evident during yesterday's free practice - the team managed the times of the sessions very well, especially the first one. Our rider from the Netherlands was calm throughout the day and will face tomorrow's race with the peace of mind that comes from knowing he is ready to fight for the victory.


Colin Veijer   Pole

"In the first qualifying session we stayed a long time inside the box because yesterday in the free sessions I had done a good pace and we knew that the other riders would try to follow me. We went out, did one lap and came back in. When we came back out I did a good time and the pace was also good, even on my own. In the second session we went out with new tires and I was able to do the same times, with a 40.0 pace. Very happy about this for tomorrow's race as well. In the second part of the session we put on new tires, but I didn't give the maximum because a lot of riders stuck to my wheel. On the last lap I found myself in the middle of a group, but finally I set the pole again."


Cormac Buchanan   P16

“Today was a bit of a difficult day. Me ha llevado un tiempo acostumbrarme a la nueva puesta a punto de la moto. Pero una vez que la he entendido hemos dado unos cuantos pasos adelante. En los últimos momentos de la primera sesión comenzamos a mejorar bastante nuestros tiempos así como mis sensaciones sobre la moto. Desgraciadamente, con la dinámica que se da en las sesiones de calificación en Moto3 perdimos algunas posiciones. De todas formas P14 no fue tan mal. En la segunda sesión las sensaciones estaban ahí desde el primer momento. Al final, cuando íbamos a usar el neumático nuevo y yo me sentía mejor que a lo largo de todo el fin de semana, de nuevo me encontré con un piloto en pista que me abortó mi posible vuelta buena. De cualquier manera, en general estoy contento conmigo mismo, con la moto y estoy seguro que mañana haremos una buena carrera.”

 

Torin Collins   P25

"Overall today went well. Grid position isn't great. I think tomorrow at the level I'm at there will be a big group and hopefully there will be some good battles. I'm looking forward to it. Today showed the work we've done throughout the year and it's by far my best day. Not in terms of position, but in terms of the gap to Colin, the poleman. I'm not happy, but I'm satisfied."


Moto2


While Sam Wilford continues his re-entry process after months absent, Mattia Volpi is getting used to the category he joined three races ago. Today our Italian rider suffered a heavy fall in the second session in which he hit his right ankle. This evening it showed a strong inflammation but as Mattia himself explains, he hopes that it will not be an obstacle to be able to start tomorrow's race. 



Mattia Volpi P12

"In the first qualifying session we made a good step forward, improving a second and a half from my best time yesterday in free practice. And the best thing is that things went easy for us. In the second session we went out to set a slightly higher pace, but unfortunately I crashed quite hard. I hope to be able to start the race tomorrow."


Sam Wilford   P13

“I managed to set my fastest time so far in Valencia in qualifying so I’m happy to improve. It’s more difficult this weekend as I was injured in the second race of the season but I think we can have a strong race tomorrow!”


European Talent Cup


Good qualifying day by our Australian Talent rider, although a penalty for riding too slow during one of the sessions caused him to be penalized. However, Carter hopes to fight for podium positions tomorrow.


Carter James Thompson

"I felt good today. I was decently fast; P4 in my session. I felt comfortable with the track, I felt comfortable on the bike, so it was just a matter of putting it all together and putting in a good lap. I got it done and it put us right up there where we finished. It didn't go badly, although unfortunately I made a mistake, I rode too slow on one lap, so I got a penalty that will relegate me a few positions on the grid.  But I think I have a good pace, I hope I can open up and fight in the race with the front guys. Tango confidence, things should go well."



AGR TEAM AND CORMAC BUCHANAN TO CONTINUE THEIR SPORTING PATHS IN 2023

October, 18 2022

From the AGR team we want to announce that Cormac Buchanan will continue to be part of our team next year 2023 in the Junior GP category. The young New Zealand talent will continue to expand his professional growth taking part from the beginning in the Junior GP category, of which he already has some experience after his step forward in Portimao and the rest of the season.


We are very happy to be able to continue with Buchanan for another year due to his vast talent and his involvement with the team. We will continue to grow together and reap the rewards of his talent next year. 



Cormac Buchanan: 

"My goal for next season is to be in a position where we are fighting for race wins, podiums and the championship. The package that AGR has given me is one of the best and I feel very confident on the bike and with the team around me. Aragon was probably the first time in my career where I really stopped and reflected on what I have achieved, and it really made me proud. Our goal is definitely to keep climbing from here and that bodes well for the year ahead"



Anscari Nadal

"It is a pleasure to be able to continue working with Cormac for another year, he is a great rider and I am sure he will give us a lot of joy next year. He is a very hard-working rider and has a gift for riding a motorbike. He started in the European Talent Cup category and in Portimao he made the jump to the Junior GP, in a few races we managed to get a front row and his first top ten in Aragon. It's a great rider with a great family and I hope to do great things with him before he makes the jump to the world championship".


ANOTHER WIN FOR COLIN VEIJER!

October, 09 2022

Intense and very positive Sunday racing for the AGR Team at Motorland, where the penultimate round of the FIM Junior GP World Championship was held today. 


The day has been intense, as both Moto2 and Talent Cup have run two races, while the intensity in Junior GP came from the hand of Colin Veijer, who confirmed his pole yesterday with a convincing victory. He led the race from start to finish, showing total superiority. Remember that this is Colin's second victory this season, after the one he got in Jerez.


Good sensations have also left Cormac Buchanan, who, starting from the first row  signed in Motorland his first top 10; Mattia Volpi with a good first race in Moto2; and the return of Sam Wilford in his return to the circuits after the serious injury that kept him months away from the circuits. Special mention for Carter Thompson who with two good races obtained his two best results of the season. 


As you can see, a good weekend for AGR Team, which has left Alcañiz with the motivation sky high waiting for the race that will close the FIM Junior GP 2022 World Championship in Valencia next October 30. 


Junior GP


Colin Veijer, Winner 

Cormac Buchanan, P9

Torin Collins, P23


Impeccable race from Colin, in which he led from the beginning. He imposed his rhythm, which meant that none of his rivals could overtake him at any time. It was one of those perfect victories, from start to finish. 

Cormac had a bit more trouble than his teammate: he lost the slipstream of the first and second group, which left him riding alone. He crossed the finish line ninth, his first top 10 in the category. 

Torin Collins has been in his line. He set his own pace and kept a hand to hand with the Japanese rider Uchiumi, whom he beat on the finish line.


Colin Veijer: “It has been one of the best races in my career. I felt great from the very beginning and I did ride at a high pace all the race. More or less I led the whole race. Alonso overtook me once, but I got on the front almost immediately. Yeah, I felt really strong today and I’m happy for me and for my team for this result. We worked hard all weekend to get here.”   


Cormac Buchanan: “Today’s race was a big learning experience today. I was quite nervous starting from the first row for the first time in the World Championship. I Was very nervous, but as we got close to the lights out for the race start I was quite confident that we could do a good race. In the first laps I mantined my position, third. I was looking to make a pass to go second behind Colin, but I had a big moment on turn 2 on lap 2, which cost me a lot of time. And from there we kind of struggled with the rear tire trying to stop sliding. We had a lot of moments. To add to this a rider crashed in front of me, which broke the group we were in. I tried to push to try to get back in that group, unfortunately I was not able to do it. There was no reason to push hard and risk a crash and lose the points. At the end I took P9 which are my first points of the season and my first top 10 ever in Europe. So it has been a great weekend. We made such a big step this weekend from not even being inside the top 15 to being fighting for pole and podium in the races. I’m very excited for the next round and for next season. 

I also would like to add that this weekend we made history by having a New Zealand rider on the front row of the Juinio World Championship. I’m incredibly proud of that and determined to repeat. Full credit to my crew javi, Sergi, Johnny and Fran, along with coach Angel and the whole AGR team for helping me achieve my first top 10 finish racing in Europe. It’s a weekend I’ll remember.” 


Torin Collins: “The race has been quite disappointing for me. I was hoping to be in a big group and have a good battle but I didn’t have a very good start and I was pushed wide. After that I got in a battle with another rider and struggled to overtake him. We batted until the end but we lost the group. I ended up eating him but it is not where we want to be. I’m ready for Valencia where I hope to do better.”



Moto 2


Race 1 


Mattia Volpi, P8

Sam Willford, P13


Good race of Mattia Volpi, who confirmed yesterday's good performance in practice. After the start he joined a good group in which he fought with intensity. Our Italian rider finally entered eighth at the finish line. In the case of Sam, logically he felt the lack of rhythm in the race after so many months without getting on the bike. In the last stages he slowed down a bit as a result of having his arms already very loaded. 


Race 2


Sam Willford, P7

Mattia Volpi, DNF


After his good performance in the first race, Volpi started the second race on adrenaline. An excess of motivation led him to the ground before the fourth lap when he was riding in the leading group. Sam, on the other hand, managed to manage his strength better than in the first race, not only keeping the pace but also catching up with the group in front. He came in seventh, making it the best result of the weekend for our Moto2 riders. A very positive lap from Sam that makes the whole team very happy.  


Mattia Volpi: “In the first race I made a mistake at the start. In the first lap I was P16 so I had to catch up. I kept overtaking riders the whole race. My last overtake was in the last lap and it made me finish P8. In the second race I made a good start. I was already P7 in the first lap. I was really pushing hard. On lap 3 my time was the same as Tulovic, who was leading the race. When I arrived on the back of the riders who were in fourth and third position I crashed. It’s a shame, but we have seen that already in our second Moto2 race we have been able to fight for the victory… We will do very well in Valencia.”


Sam Willford: “We did two strong races after a difficult qualifying. But I'm happy to have improved from race 1 to race 2 and close the gap to where we wanted to be. Now I will continue training and prepare for Valencia to hopefully make another step in the right direction.” 


European Talent Cup


Race 1


Carter Thopmson, P7


A good race for Carter, who started from tenth position on the grid and caught up with the second group, finishing the race very close to the group of riders who were fighting for the victory. He finally crossed the finish line in seventh position.


Race 2


Carter Thompson, P6


The script was repeated. Our Australian rider could not prevent the fastest riders from escaping from him, so he spent the whole race in the second group. In the end he beat all his fellow riders, finishing sixth. 


Carter Thompson: "Today’s races were good. Got some solid points. I’m happy with their results despite not getting the best of the starts. But I was able to fight through to the second group, but by then the gap with the first group was too big. But overall I’m happy.”


GREAT POLE POSITION FOR VEIJER, FIRST ROW FOR BUCHANAN...

AND SAM WILFORD IS BACK !

October, 08 2022

Seventh and penultimate round of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, which this time traveled to the Motorland circuit in Alcañiz, where with perfect weather today were held the practice sessions that have configured the starting grids for tomorrow. 


Before going into the details of how the day went for our riders, we want to share the fantastic news of the return of Sam Wilford. After a serious accident at Estoril during the first race of the championship last May, Sam has gone through a long and very hard recovery, in which he has shown courage and determination that has made the whole AGR Team feel proud to have him in our ranks... With Sam back, the AGR family is again complete.


Junior GP

Important day for our Moto3 riders, where Colin Veijer will start tomorrow from pole position after setting the best time in QP1. Next to him will be on the front row the Colombian David Alonso and our Cormac Buchanan, despite crashing hard in QP1 at turn #7. 


Cormac was taken to the clinic after the crash, due to some pain in his back. But the doctors found nothing more than the contusion. There is nothing to prevent him from lining up on the front row of the grid tomorrow.


Back to Colin, our rider from the Netherlands has been calm and confident in the two days we have been riding at Motorland, and the lap times are coming out with "ease".


As for our third rider in the category, Torin Collins, he continues with his learning process, as evidenced by the step forward taken between QP1 and QP2.


Colin Veijer, Pole

"It went well. On the first start we went out looking for a good feeling and it went well. On the second start we put a new tire on the bike. I was riding on the track hoping to get it free. I let a group pass and that was a reference for me. It also helped me to take advantage of the slipstream on the straightaway, and all this helped me to set a good time. In QP2 we basically stayed on the sidelines to see what would happen. We put a new tire back on and I was on a fast lap, but in the last sector I had a little problem with the bike. But the important thing is that we started from pole. Let's see what happens tomorrow.”


Cormac Buchanan, P3

“Today was very good. First session was not so nice as I had a crash really early in the session which caused a lot of pain in my neck. So we decided to wait to go back on track to the end of the session. We were able to do a good lap alone which put us on P15. In QP2 we started alone and put together a really good pace. In our last stint I was not able to get any slipstream on the straight, but I was able to do 1.58.6 which put me on the front row. I’m very happy about that.”  


Torin Collins, P28

“Today things didn’t go as planned. I was hoping to have a really good qualifying but I was a little bit unlucky and I wasn’t able to get the time I wanted. Still I feel confident I can have a good race and I’m ready for tomorrow.” 


Moto 2

Second race for Mattia Volpi with the Moto2, in which he is showing so far himself much more adapted to his new bike than in Portimao. The 1'54.532 set in QP2 will allow him to start tomorrow from the third line of the grid, ahead of many riders with much more experience than him on a Moto2.


As for Sam Wilford, 14th best time out of 36 riders on his return to competition. As always Sam gave his all, as was evident when he crashed in turn #3 without suffering any physical consequences. 


It will be interesting to see what our two riders will do tomorrow in the race, since on paper both Mattia and Sam lack race pace... But who knows.


Mattia Volpi, P9

"The day has been good because we made another step forward, both riding alone and in traffic. We set a good time in the first session that we were able to improve in the second. My grid position is the best ever here in the FIM. Let's hope to make a good start and see what happens."


Sam Wilford, P14

“Difficult qualifying after crash in Q1. Hopefully tomorrow we can improve starting from 14th on the grid.” 


European Talent Cup

Our Talent rider, Carter Thompson has done the tenth best time. From what he showed in today's practice, if he can make a good start he can get into the front group, because he has the pace to ride there.


Carter Thompson, P10 

“Today was good, I improved my time each session, so it’s good. I start P10, so it should be a good race tomorrow, I should be fighting in the front.”



A WEEKEND IN THE MOTOGP WORLD

September, 03 2022

The FIM JuniorGP World Championship traveled to Italy for its sixth event of the season. An occasion that allowed our riders to share the weekend, the paddock and the circuit with the riders of the World Championship, and at the same time to be watched by their idols.


After the practice on the demanding Marco Simoncelli track, Collin Veijer managed to get into the second row of the grid after setting the sixth fastest time. Cormac Buchanan was three rows back, while Torin Collins was relegated to the last position on the grid after being penalized for irresponsible riding after slowing down too much in practice.


Our three riders were very motivated going into the race. Vejer made a good start and caught up with the group that was fighting for the victory. Despite some problems to stop the bike, he got to ride in third position. Repeating the podium he achieved in Jerez seemed possible, but a mechanical breakdown on the ninth lap, frustrating Colin's expectations and those of the whole team. As is easy to imagine, the young Dutch felt very disappointed.


Cormac's expectations were not met either, as he already felt problems with his engine on the warm-up lap. The team tried to fix it on the grid, but it was not possible. Technically weakened, Buchanan did what he could, finally finishing 21st. From the team we appreciate the fact that, despite his logical frustration - he was aiming for a top 10 - he brought his bike to the garage, showing respect for the work of the technicians and mechanics.


As for Torin, his race was totally conditioned by his position on the grid. As always he gave his all in the race and after some mistakes he finished 22nd, just behind his teammate.


Certainly the results obtained in Misano have not been as expected, but as Anscari Nadal, owner of the AGR Team, says very well: “Sometimes the mistakes are made by the riders, sometimes by the team, and this time it has been the time of mechanical failures for which none of the two previous parties are responsible.”... That's racing. 


Collin Veijer   -  DNF

“After the start of the race it was already quite difficult because I had problems to feel the grip. I felt that I had problems stopping the bike, but finally I made it into the group although it was impossible for me to overtake on the brakes. At the end I made it but then the bike broke again. I opened the throttle and I felt “click” and nothing happened. My team has explained me that the gearbox output shaft broke, a completely unusual failure. It’s a shame because the race was going pretty good, but…”


Cormac Buchanan   -  21st

“I was feelin great going into the race. Everything was going perfect for me. But already in the warm-up lap I felt something strange with the bike. My team tried to fix it. It is something related to the power issue. I started the race trying to enter with a clear head, I tried to push my best. I got a good launch, a make up a place into turn 1, but once we got into the first straight the bike was so slow. From then I tried my best and stay in the group I was in but with 20 K slower on the straight… I’m really frustrated because we were aiming for a top 10. I had never felt so good on the bike. It’s a shame because today we had a lot of potential. I’m frustrated and upset because we all worked so hard for this race, me, my family, everyone. It has prevented us to do a good result."


Torin Collins  -  22nd

“The race was difficult because I was starting from last place due to a penalty. In the first few laps I was able to get up from 32nd to 24th. I was with the group and everything was going pretty good, but when I was battling I made a mistake and dropped off. And without the slipstream my times start to dropping ands i lost contact with the group. Having raced here in Misano has been a great experience. I love this track.”


COLLIN VEIJER, MATTIA VOLPI AND CARTER THOMPSON IN THE POINTS AT PORTIMAO

July, 17 2022

Junior GP

Getting caught up in the second group in the early stages of the race meant that Veijer did not reap the rewards of the pace he had shown in the race. The Dutch rider finished 9th, which meant 7 more points in the provisional championship standings, where he is in 10th position.  

Cormac Buchanan also paid for a bad start and subsequent collisions with other riders. From that moment on he was forced to catch up. Torin Collins had the weakest race of our three Junior GP riders, as evidenced that he was not able to do yesterday's lap times. 


Collin Veijer... P9

"The race was a difficult race. After the start I think I was in P10 and riding in the second group. From the second half of the race I didn't feel comfortable with the bike. At the end P9 after some riders were penalized. It wasn't the result I wanted."


Cormac Buchanan... P19

"I got a good start from the grid, but unfortunately some riders crossed in front of me and touched me, which led to me going wide in Turn 1. Then another rider took me off the circuit at turn 3. I rejoined the race dead last, 5 seconds behind the group in front of me. I managed to catch up, but once there, I was taken off the track again. I had to come back again with the goal of finishing in the points but I didn’t make it. It was a good race considering it was my first time in Junior GP, although obviously the result was not what I expected. I keep how much I learned this weekend."


Torin Collins... P21

"Despite the problems in the warm up in the morning, where I was hit and my bike damaged. A handlebar got  bent. In the race I made a good start, gained a few positions, but with the bent handlebar I didn't have the necessary confidence. In spite of this I had some good fights and ended up beating the riders of the group I was in. I ended up finishing 21st. Despite these problems, I think it was a good day."



Moto2

Points for Mattia in his first race on a Moto2 bike. He did good lap times, which would have allowed him to be with the front group if he had started better. He did ‘less well’ in the second race as he suffered a spectacular high side. Fortunately the spectacular crash had no physical consequences for our Italian rider. 


Mattia Volpi... Race 1 P15 / Race 2 DNF

"In the first race we had a bit of a bad start. You have to take into account that it was my first race start in this category. From then on I made up positions, improving By one second my fastest lap from yesterday's qualifying. We finished in P15. 

In the second race the start was already better, I recovered some positions. But in turn 5 a rider touched me from behind and I flew. Fortunately there were no particularly serious physical consequences. I want to apologize to the team because they have worked hard this weekend."


European Talent Cup

Bad start and good pace in the first laps is the sequence of Carter Thompson's race in Portimao. A pity because he could perfectly have fought in the leading group.


Carter Thompson... P12

"The day was okay, but it wasn't one of the best. After the first start the race was red flagged because of a crash in Turn 5. I was in a good position, which made me angry. My second start was not good. I think on the first lap I was P17. From there I had to recover and I got to the back of the group in front, but I was not able to overtake. It makes me angry. The positive thing is that in the race I did my best time of the weekend. I scored some points for the championship, which is also positive. In any case, I hope for more in the next race."




READY TO RACE AT THE SPECTACULAR ALGARVE CIRCUIT

July, 16 2022


The FIM JuniorGP World Championship has chosen the ‘Autodromo do Algarve’ as the venue for its fifth race weekend. Tomorrow two races will be held there in the Moto2 category, one in the JuniorGP and one in HETC, with Team AGR riders present in all three categories.

 

The strong heat, expected in the south of Portugal at this time of the year, is one of the protagonists of the weekend, subjecting the riders to considerable physical effort. The other protagonists are the strong wind and the exceptional and unique layout of the Portuguese circuit.

 



JuniorGP

Collin Veijer, our winner of one of the races of the previous appointment, has missed doing a good lap, otherwise he has performed well. Cormac has done his homework considering it was his first time in the category: good lap times and as always with him, a positive attitude. As for Torin, he dropped a second and a half from yesterday to today, and we hope that tomorrow he will be able to ride in the intermediate group.  

 

Collin Veijer... 12º

“Not bad. First qualifying was not perfect as I couldn’t make a clean lap; P9 in that first one. Unfortunately I used all the new tires so I had no new one for the second qualifying. So I had no grip and finally I lost two positions, which means that I will start P12. We will see what we can do tomorrow.”

 

Cormac Buchanan... 19º

"I'm very happy with today. In the first session we had a mechanical incident, which complicated the start of the day. But in the second session we managed to get a P18, which I was quite happy with, especially considering it was my first qualifying on this bike. The wind was a factor that bothered quite a bit throughout the day. On used tires we don't have the pace, we're having problems there. On my last run out on track we put new tire on and I was feeling pretty comfortable, but unfortunately I ran into a few riders on my fast lap. Anyway, I'm confident we'll have a good race tomorrow; my goal is to fight to get into the points."

 

Torin Collins... 28º

"In Q1 I dropped another second, so that's part of it went very well, but the position is not fantastic. But I'm happy with our progression. Q2 was quite complicated because the group was a mess. In the end I did my fastest lap alone, doing the same time as in Q1: the conditions were much more difficult. I don't know in which position I will finally start, I think 28th. It's not where we wanted to be in practice, but I'm confident that tomorrow I can gain some positions."

 

Moto2

In his debut in Moto2, Mattia is following the logical process, that is to say, improving every time he goes out on track. In the end he has done a "decent" time, and from the team we hope that tomorrow he will make another step forward.

 

Mattia Volpi... 23º

"Today we made another big step forward in qualifying. We keep working because we can be fast also tomorrow in both races. It will be crazy because there will be a lot of laps, but we will do well for sure."

 

 

European Talent Cup

After the two crashes he suffered yesterday, Carter has logically started today with more caution. But as the day progressed he gained confidence, finishing sixth in his qualifying group.

 

Carter Thompson…11º

"The day started well with a good feeling on the bike. I felt like I could do pretty well, but in Q2 the temperature of the asphalt and the wind increased, which prevented me from improving. I finished P6 of my group. Tomorrow in the race we should be able to fight in the front group."



MATTIA VOLPI WILL MAKE HIS DEBUT IN THE MOTO2 CLASS AND CORMAC BUCHANAN WILL MAKE HIS DEBUT IN MOTO3 AT PORTIMAO 

July, 11 2022

In order to continue with the sporting growth of our young riders, AGR has taken the decision to promote the participation of Mattia Volpi in the Moto2 category and Cormac Buchanan in Junior GP, during the next event at the Algarve international circuit. This decision has been taken to broaden their sporting capabilities and adaptation to what will be their categories next year. In addition, this participation will be very enriching for both riders given the experience that they will get during the next weekend.

 

It will be the first time that both riders will compete in the mentioned categories and we wish them to enjoy it to the most. See you in Portimao!


COLIN VEIJER GIVES AGR TEAM HIS FIRST VICTORY OF THE SEASON 

July, 3 2022

Great first race by Colin Veijer, in which the Dutch rider confirmed the good sensations in practice by climbing on to the top of the podium. He had the race under control at all times. In the last lap things got a bit complicated for him, but he was able to solve it with a lot of solidity. Good for Colin and the whole team. In the second race Colin suffered a technical problem and was taken off the track on the last lap, which prevented him from fighting for the podium positions. 


As for Volpi, it was a difficult race for the Italian rider, while Collins continued his upward trend shown all weekend. If yesterday he improved his fastest lap by more than a second compared to the previous day, today in the race he dropped a second off yesterday's time. He fought in a quite interesting group and was able to recover from a mistake and get back in contact with the group. In the second race, with much more heat than in the first one, he struggled a bit more. But the balance of the Canadian rider's weekend is undoubtedly positive. 


Colin Veijer... Race 1, first / Race 2, 11th

"The race went well, I felt very confident. The last lap was a bit complicated. I knew they were coming for me in turn 6. I tried to close the path, but Rueda passed me. He went a bit long and I tried to give it back to him, but I touched Alonso. We both went wide and we also forced Rueda to go wide. From then until the last corner I pushed with everything I had. I arrived first at the braking of the last corner and won the race. Obviously I am very happy. 

My second race was more difficult because I had no rear brake and this made me go wide in almost every corner. On the final lap I tried a different move, but I went wide, even out of the track. Finally I crossed the finish line P12… But I’m happy with my performance this weekend and obviously having given my team a victory.”


Torin Collins... Race 1, 22nd / Race 2, 21st 

"Today was quite positive. In the first race I got a good start and was able to link up with some fast riders, which was good for me to keep learning. I was also involved in an incident that took me off course, causing me to lose contact with the group. 

In the second race, with more heat, I had more difficulties, but in the end I had a good fight with another rider who beat me by 0.02s. I am very happy with this weekend. We will be there soon".



Mattia Volpi... Race 1, 24th / Race 2, 22nd

"Today didn't go as we expected, but we gave our maximum. With the engine change between the first and second race we were able to be closer to the front. However, as the laps went by, the engine's performance dropped. Now we have to train hard for the race in Portimao where I hope things will go better for us". 



European Talent Cup… Positive sensations despite unexpected results


As for the "little ones", in the first race both Buchanan and Thompson fell asleep in the group they were in, which caused the group in front to escape. It is clear that they need to work with them on the situation of riding in a group, as it is difficult for them to overtake and improve positions.


In the second race, Thompson came out with more enthusiasm and a good start allowed him to get into the front group. He was fighting the whole race. On the last lap he was dropped when he was fighting for the podium. Buchanan on the other hand, the same thing happened to him as in the first race. He got stuck in the second group and did not manage to improve positions.


Carter William James Thompson... Race 1, 18th / Race 2, DNF

“Today was not a bad day but not the best day either in race one I made a bad start and found it very hard to try to push back through. Race two I got a better start and was pushing through making overtakes until a few laps in me and another rider came together which caused me to drop back to p18 but made my way but up to fight for the podium but unfortunately crashed on the last lap but I was feeling good with the bike and was able to fight for the podium”.


Cormac Buchanan... Race 1, DNF / Race 2, 21st

"Today was a difficult day that didn't go as I expected. In the warm up we changed a few things on the bike that went really well and gave me a lot of confidence going into the race. In the first race I had a very good start, I gained some positions, but I made a mistake being more aware of the riders around me than my riding. I ended up crashing trying to recover the positions I had lost.

In the second race I had a very good pace, but I got caught in the group behind. Every time I tried to escape, they were all over me. This cost me a lot of time and also trying to overtake one of the riders I went long, leaving me last. I managed to get back to the group in one lap. In the end we didn't get the result I know we could have achieved, but this weekend has served to strengthen the relationship with the team. I can't wait to go to Portimao”. 



FIRST POLE POSITION OF THE SEASON!

July, 2 2022

Fourth round of the FIM Junior World Championship, which this time has traveled to the Jerez circuit. And that in July means unequivocally adding intense heat to the challenge the riders have to face. This has been particularly high today, conditioning the performance of the riders in the afternoon sessions.

 

JuniorGP... Colin Veijer, a contender for everything

 

With an almost perfect lap Colin Veijer gave the AGR Team and himself the first pole position of the season. The Dutch rider also showed a good pace, so the expectations for a good result in tomorrow's race are high.


Torin Collins continues to follow the planned schedule, i.e. accumulating experience and taking steps forward. From yesterday to today, the Canadian rider's lap times have improved by more than a second; the gap between him and the riders in front of him is getting smaller and smaller.

As for Mattia Volpi, the lack of feeling on the bike has prevented him from performing at his level. The team will work with him this afternoon/evening to try to give the Italian a bike with which he feels better in the race.

 

Colin Veijer... Pole

"In the first qualifying run we went out I already felt comfortable. I ended up confident despite not having been able to be faster because in the last sector I was blocked by another rider. And I was right, because on the last lap I found a good tow that allowed me to take the pole. In the second qualifying session the wind picked up and made us go slower than in the previous stint. Having already set a good lap time I didn't want to take any risk to avoid any stupid incident. Obviously I'm happy and very confident for tomorrow".

 

Torin Colins... 27º

"In Q1 I improved a lot compared to yesterday, lapping 1.2s faster than Friday's times. The progress is quite positive; the position not so much. It's not where we wanted to be but we're definitely going in the right direction. In Q2 I had a problem with the engine. I could only complete three laps. But tomorrow we will be strong and fight from the start."

 

Mattia Volpi... 28º 

“Today we had a difficult day. We had some problems with the bike. But in the end it's tomorrow that counts, we have two races to have fun and come back."

 

 

European Talent Cup

 

Our two riders lacked today that fast lap that would have qualified them better for the grid, but it was not a bad day. In Q2 Cormac Buchanan and Carter William James Thompson finished fifth and sixth respectively; tomorrow they will start from 12th and 18th positions. They both have enough pace and are not far from the front, so with a good start they can both think of a good race.

 

Cormac Buchanan... 12º

"My mixed feelings on qualifying today. I'm happy but I know I could have done better. I just didn't have a clear lap to give it my all. I had the pace to fight for the top positions. My goal for the race is to get into the front group and keep scoring points."

 

Carter William James Thompson... 18º

"Today was not the best day. I expected more, but overall it was good. I learned a lot today and I hope to have a good race tomorrow. My goal is to get into the top five, and why not the podium."


LOOKING FORWARD

Jun, 12 2022

This weekend at Montmeló was held the second round of the FIM Junior 2022, of which two races were run; the Talent Cup, on the other hand, contested only one race. The strong heat was the prevailing trend throughout the weekend, conditions that have tested the physical condition of the riders.  


In Catalonia, fortune was mixed for our three Junior GP riders. Collin Veijer, the spearhead of the AGR Team in this category, completed a good first race, in which he climbed up to the seventh position, which meant 9 more points for the championship. In the second race he was involved in an incident in the early stages that left him out of the race. Volpi suffered the same fate in his two starts on Sunday. 


Our Italian rider gave a lot of work to our mechanics this Sunday, who must be mentioned especially for the impeccable work of "reconstruction" of Mattia’s bike in the short time between the two races. Finally, a positive weekend for Torin Collins, who left Barcelona with the feeling that he has made a good step forward.


In ETC the result was below what was expected after the good qualifying sessions performed by our twoyoung  riders. 


FIM JUNIOR GP


Collin Veijer


Race 1, seventh

Race 2, DNF


"In the first part of the first race it was a bit tricky to make my way through the pack. But once I got in front I was able to set my own pace, which allowed me to catch Alonso and Voight. I overtook Alonso and tried to get to Voight, but some riders took advantage of my slipstream to pass me on the last lap.


My second race ended on the fifth lap due to my own mistake. I braked where I always do, but the rider in front of me passed me and moved into the turn. I pulled the brakes to stop the bike, but in the maneuver the rear wheel lifted up and when it hit the ground again, it hit it sideways and the bike sent me into the air. Unfortunately I hit the other rider. I feel sorry for him and hope things go better in the next race."


Torin Collins


Race 1, 21st

Race 2, 21st


"Today went well, although it was difficult. In the first race I had a pretty good start and got into a good group. I fought throughout the race and in the end I finished in a good position for me. 


In the second race I had a very, very bad start. I didn't feel comfortable at any time, but in the end I finished in the same position as in the first race. Overall, it was a good weekend in which I clearly took a step forward". 



Mattia Volpi


Race 1, DNF

Race 2, DNF


"In the first race I had a normal start, but on the first lap in turn 9, one of those riders who intend to win races on the first lap, touched me. I was last on the first lap. I started to push  hard to try catch the riders in front of me. In fact in that phase of the race I set a 1.50'1, the eighth fastest time of the whole race. When I left behind that group I tried to push again to get closer to those in front of me, but I crashed with a high side in turn #12.


In the second race we had a better start. I was in the points group. For five or six laps I was controlling everything. From then on I started to push and push, and I was overtaking riders. I was in P8, and after a few laps I opened up half a second gap. To avoid to get caught on the straight  pushed too hard and lost the front end. 


I want to apologize to the team because today I crashed twice because of me. The good thing is that we rode very, very fast and we showed that we can be at the front. It was also clear that we managed to solve the problems we had in Valencia. I'm already looking forward to Jerez.”


European Talent Cup / ETC


Cormac Buchanan 15th


"I'm happy with today's race but at the same time a little disappointed because on the first lap I was P28, which obviously wasn't an ideal position. From there I worked my way through the pack. I had a very, very good pace. I actually set the third fastest lap of the race. Unfortunately I got stuck behind some slower riders. When I overtook them I tried to catch  the guys in front of me. In the last two laps I cut them off by 1.8 seconds, but I ran out of laps. I keep my first point in the championship, something that gives me satisfaction and motivates me for the next race."


Carter W.J. Thompson 14th


"The day didn't go the way I wanted it to. In the race I didn't feel comfortable on the bike, so I wasn't able to ride as hard as I would have liked. It's disappointing, but things just came out that way. I finished P16, which is not the best position. Hopefully in Jerez things will go better."


WE ARE READY

Jun, 11 2022

After three days of testing in Montmeló, our riders will start tomorrow's third round of the Junior GP with a good feeling. The strong heat has been the protagonist in today's two sessions -qualifying sessions for the starting grid-, making it difficult to lower  in the afternoon. 


FIM Junior GP


Our three riders in the ultra-competitive FIM Junior category, where 36 riders of 17 different nationalities will line up tomorrow, are ready. Veijer has improved his lap times, which is what he was missing in the previous races; Mattia struggled in the first session, but in the second one he was able to get the time out despite the conditions being much more difficult; as for Torin, he has clearly shown progress compared to the previous races, which should basically be his goal now.  


12th Colin Veijer

Colin will start from the fourth row of the grid, confident that he can have a good race and continue to score points in the championship. 


"Today went quite well for us, in QP1 we started a bit later because no one wanted to go out on track. We finally managed to do a lap. Then we came in, put on new tires and went out and gave it all. My feeling on the bike was perfect, and finally I managed to do a decent time, P11. In the afternoon session it was a bit more difficult; in the end I will start P12. I'm happy"


24th Mattia Volpi

For Mattia the grid position is misleading. As he himself admits, he has the pace to be at the front. The problem is the 23 riders who will start ahead of him. It will be a difficult race for sure. 


"This morning we didn't find the lap because the attitude of the people on the track was... let's say, stupid. But the bike was fine, the set-up was perfect. In the afternoon the track was more difficult and it was very difficult to improve. We did the same time as in the morning riding alone. Okay, we start tomorrow pretty far back, but I’m confident that tomorrow we can do very well".



26th Torin Collins

A complicated day for our Canadian rider, who was the victim of mechanical problems in the afternoon timed session. It prevented him from improving his morning lap times, but far from getting discouraged, Torin is looking forward to tomorrow to get rid of the bad taste. 


"A difficult day. In the morning I was improving my times steadily, but the position is not good. In the afternoon I had a mechanical problem with my bike and I could hardly do a lap. I do start at the back, but I'm sure I'll work my way up." 



Hawkers ETC


Our two riders worked very well. Both Carter and Cormac are very close to the leading times and have very good race pace. 


9th Carter W.J. Thompson

Third row for Carter who was just over three tenths off pole. From what he showed in practice, the young Australian rider can aim for a top result tomorrow.


"The day went pretty well. In the afternoon I tried to improve on my fast lap, but didn't get it done. Anyway, like I said, I consider it a good day. The pace we have should be good for the race. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."


13th Cormac Buchanan

Will start on the grid just behind his teammate. Cormac finished the day very confident and convinced that he can race with the front group tomorrow. 


"Today was a very good day. My fastest lap I did on my own and I also have good pace and consistency. We're not far from the front group, so I'm very confident I can make the race at the front. I need to make a good start." 




AGR FINISHES THE SECOND ROUND OF THE JUNIOR GP IN VALENCIA

May, 22 2022


The AGR Team riders completed a complicated weekend during the second round of the FIM Junior GP at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. In the Junior GP category, Colin Veijer finished the first race in 14th place, but was unable to finish the second after suffering a mechanical failure on the penultimate lap. Torin Collins took another step forward during the first race after once again climbing places and reaching the 22nd position, the Canadian rider did not complete the last race after making a mistake at the start that led him to start from the pit lane and he made the decision to retire with his mind set on the next race. Mattia Volpi continues his upward projection on the track, after a good half of the first race he made the decision to retire. He completed the day climbing to 17th position in the second race.


 

In the European Talent Cup, Carther Thompson continues his progression, managing to be in the points in both races of the day, despite the penalty imposed. During the first race, Thompson managed to climb back to 13th position, interrupted due to a red flag. In the second race the young Australian driver stood out again finishing in 15th place, showing a great race pace in both.

 

Collin Veijer: “The first race was not bad. The start wasn't perfect, the first few laps I focused on finding my place. We were able to have a good race at the end and I was happy with what I got. In the second race, the start was not what I expected again, I tried to get close to the first ones from the head. In the last two laps, I suffered a mechanical failure and I couldn't finish the race”

 

Torin Collins: “Today was very difficult. In the first race I made a good start and I was able to put up some good fights. I made a mistake, I lost the group, but I was able to rejoin it and I was able to fight for a good position. In the second race, I made a mistake when stopping the bike on the grid and I had to start from the pit lane. I have decided not to continue and not finish the race. Next stop Montmeló!”

 

Mattia Volpi: “In the first race we had to retire in the middle because we didn't have the power or the rubber to finish the race. Then in the second race we made a good start and we got to position 13th, but on the second lap, at turn 1, a rider touched me and I went wide. In the end we made a comeback from 32nd position to 17th, riding at the pace of the top ten”


Carter Thompson: “The day has gone well. In the first race I had to comply with the penalties imposed on me, but I felt good and the pace was good. During the second race we expected more, but I have not been able to feel comfortable. We hope that the next race in Barcelona goes better!”



AGR TEAM COMPLETES THE QUALIFYING DAY OF THE SECOND ROUND OF THE JUNIORGP CHAMPIONSHIP 

May, 21 2022



The AGR Team completed a difficult qualifying day in the second stage of the JuniorGP, marked by very high temperatures on the track. 


In the JuniorGP category, Mattia Volpi will start from 22nd position. The Italian rider completes a consistent qualifying day taking a step forward compared to the free practice days. Collin Veijer will start 23rd, finishing a tough day despite the advances of the young Dutch driver. During the course of the last session while progressing in his timed he suffered a fall without consequences that has made it impossible to complete the session. Torin Collins will start 30º and continues his adaptation to the category, with a notable advance over the last race. 


In the category of the European Talent Cup, the progression of the young driver, Carther Thompson, stands out, who will start from the tenth grid line after being sanctioned by race direction. On the other hand his team-mate, Cormac Buchanan, ends his participation in the Valencia event by not overcoming the race "Last Change" after a complicated start, despite the magnificent effort of our driver who climbed numerous places in a fantastic progression. In the absence of two laps the bike suffered a mechanical problem that reduced its performance, which undoubtedly prevented it from overcoming the cut. 


Mattia Volpi: "The day has gone better than yesterday because we have taken a step forward. We are quite close to the first but we have to make some modifications due to the heat to prepare for tomorrow’s race" 


Collin Veijer: "I am satisfied with my position, but of course I would like to be faster. The first classification was not perfect, I did not get a correct lap. In the second classification, we went with other drivers, which is not what I want, but we had to push. I’m not happy with today, but let’s fight for tomorrow."


Torin Collins: "It’s been a difficult day. I learned a lot but I suffered a little while riding with some riders during qualifying. I’m not disappointed but I hope to get better. I can't wait for tomorrow to give it all!"


Carther Thompson: "The day went quite well. QP1 was a good session where we were able to finish in eighth position. During QP2 we tried to make some changes but they did not work as expected. I am also very happy with today and I also want to thank the mechanics for all their work"


Cormac Buchanan: "Today was a tough day. We had to compete in the "last change" race, since the pole position gave me confidence. Unfortunately I had to start from behind. I managed to reach the race group but it was not enough".




AGR TEAM COMPLETES A DIFFICULT WEEKEND AT THE START OF THE JUNIOR GP

May, 08 2022

In the Moto2 category, Sam Wilford successfully completed the first race of the day by climbing from the last place on the grid to 5th. During the second race the rider could not finish due to a heavy crash while riding in second place. Despite the huge impact on the protections, Wilford is stable. The dramatic accident ends with a broken arm and a broken tibia. From the AGR Team we send Sam all our support and wishes for a prompt recovery. We will continue to report on his evolution. 


In the Junior GP category, Mattia Volpi finished 23rd after completing the penalty imposed by race direction yesterday. Torin Collins finished 24th. The rider concludes a successfully weekend in his adaptation to the category. Collin Veijer did not participate on Sunday’s activities due to a knee injury after a crash he suffered yesterday. 



In the European Talent Cup category, Carter Thompson completed the first race exceptionally getting 8th place, while in the second race he finished 16th. Corman Buchanan finished a weekend of learning and adaptation to the category, completing his first race in 16th place and 20th in the second race, ready to continue his progress in Valencia. 


Mattia Volpi: "Today we had to start from last place and perform two long laps penalty. We lost nine seconds but despite everything we had the same rhythm as the top10 and we have recovered to position ourselves in the 23rd place. I’m looking forward to the next race in Valencia"


Cormac Buchanan: "Today was a difficult day for the team. We suffered a lot during the first race. During the second race we lost a lot in the straights and we had to work hard in the corners. I am very happy with the weekend. I can’t wait for Valencia!"


Carter Thompson: "My day has gone very well. We started the day very well positioned in the top ten front positions in the first race. The second race also went well but we can still improve in Valencia. I am very happy with the team’s work throughout the weekend."


Torin Collins: "Today was a difficult day. I learned a lot during the race but I suffered with the race pace. I am happy because I have learned a lot this weekend and I look forward to the next race in Valencia."


The entire AGR team, family, sponsors and friends wish a speedy recovery for our brave driver Sam Wilford. We hope to see him soon on track. 



AGR TEAM SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES THE FIRST QUALIFYING DAY OF THE JUNIOR GP SEASON AT THE ESTORIL CIRCUIT

May, 07 2022

In the JuniorGP category, Collin Veijer will start from 17th position. The young New Zealander completed both qualifying sessions adapting to his new mount. Despite suffering a crash  during the last session, the rider managed to finish within the top ten. Torin Collins continues to adapt within the category, engaging in both training sessions and daily learning, departing from the 29th position. Mattia Volpi ended a day with difficulties for the Italian rider due to the high number of yellow flags during qualifying sessions and the massing on the track. Volpi will start from last place after being admonished by race direction for rolling slowly in five sectors. 

 

Sam Wildford has completed the Moto2 qualifying day with remarkable success, finishing in the top ten in both sessions. Despite his hard work, the British driver will start tomorrow’s race in 30th place, after being sanctioned for rolling slow on the track. 

 

Finally in the category of the European Talent Cup, Carter Thompson successfully completed both qualifying sessions, achieving the fifth best record during the afternoon session. Despite a fall that has prevented him from improving his timed Thompson will start from 21th place on Sunday. Cormac Buchanan will leave from 26th place after a difficult day with several falls during the course of the day. 

 

Collins Veijer: "The first classification was challenging. We encountered a few problems, but we were able to resolve them." We tried several strategies throughout the day, I was riding with several drivers looking for a great time but I suffered a crash in the last minutes of the last session."

 

Torin Collin: "Today has been a difficult day for me and the team. We haven’t had any good luck today with some falls. I am happy with the progress I am making and I look forward to the race tomorrow"

 

Mattia Volpi: "During the first classification I had good feelings riding alone but we still lacked something with the new tire and we were hurt by the yellow flags. Even with the heat on the track during the second qualifying round, I had good feelings, but there were lots of drivers in the last corner. Tomorrow we will be last due to a penalty but we have rhythm and we will give the maximum tomorrow!"

 

Sam Wilford: “We had a good qualifying today in 8th position. I’m excited to see what is possible in the race as we have good race pace. Unfortunately we have a penalty for the first race but we will try our best!”

 

Carter Thompson: "It was okay, but I suffered a crash in the first classification in the last few laps. I tried to improve my time during the second session, but the track was too hot"


Cormac Buchanan: "It has been a difficult day for me. I have suffered several crashes in both sessions. But we didn’t have to compete in the Last Chance race so I’m happy. I look forward to the race tomorrow."


CORMAC BUCHANAN 2022 ETC RIDER

December 17, 2021




We are pleased to announce the arrival of the young New Zealander Cormac Buchanan who will compete in the European Talent Cup of the FIM JuniorGP Championship with AGR Team.

 

Cormac is 15 years old, he is also the current NZ Road Race 300cc Champion recruited by New Zealand motorcycling legend Josh Coppins. 2022 will be the second year in Europe for the kiwi where he will also contest the Red Bull Rookies Cup again.


"I am excited to be joining the AGR familiy and I believe the team will provide the expertise and professional envionment which is crucial to success"


Welcome to the family Cormac!



Torin Collins 2022 MOTO3 RIDER

December 07, 2021




AGR Team is proud to announce the young Canadian rider Torin Collins for his line up in the 2022 FIM Junior GP Championship. 


Torin will compete in the Moto3 category for the first time and will be living in Barcelona.


2022 will be a learning year for the 16 years old rider from Calgary (Canada) but the target remains high. 


Welcome Torin!



Collin Veijer 2022 MOTO3 RIDER

December 01, 2021




We are pleased to announce the arrival of young Dutch rider Collin Veijer who will compete in the Moto3 category of the FIM JuniorGP Championship with the AGR Team


Collin is at 16 years old  one of the fastest riders from Holland, this past year he was very close to the podium in the Misano round by finishing in 4th position, we hope to see him on the podium in 2022 with our red bullet!

Welcome to the family!


Epic Victory

November 21, 2021

Joel Kelso’s victory with an impressive comeback; starting from the penultimate place. AGR Team ends a weekend full of emotions with an epic victory that puts a finishing touch to the end of the season at the FIM CEV Repsol. 


In Moto3, our Australian rider finishes the final round of the championship, achieving a sensational victory, going back to victory and far surpassing his direct rivals. During the second race the young rider once again dazzled with a great start that allowed him to lead group, fighting for victory. Finally, Joel Kelso, with his third victory in the FIM CEV Repsol,  managed to take fourth place in the Moto3 category. 


Mattia Volpi continues with his evolution in the category of Moto3, finishing in the last positions, after going back some positions in the first laps and passing through the pits. During the second race he again climbed some positions, but despite the great efforts of our rider suffered a touch while fighting for the position relegated to the last place. Finally, our young driver managed to finish in the 20th position, getting his best result of the day. 


In the Moto2 category the Japanese rider Taiga Hada and Sam Wilford finished in sixth and seventh place respectively, in a race prematurely finished due to a red flag. Taiga Hada thus ends a full weekend, despite the weather conditions and closes the season with a podium in the last races. Wilford again achieved an excellent result forming a perfect duo with his teammate Hada. 


Joel Kelso: "I’m very happy with how the results went and how the whole team worked. Thank the team for giving me this great opportunity. It’s been amazing to get three wins this season. It’s a bit sad to have to leave the team but new challenges await me within the Moto3 world championship".


Mattia Volpi: "Today the important thing was to regain confidence. In race1 I had some difficulties with the bike and I was fighting for the p24 position with a pit stop. Race 2 I had a strong pace like the top10 but in the second lap I had a touch with a rider and I went p31. I made a comeback to p 20. Thanks to the team for the whole season’s help and let's enjoy next year!”


Taiga Hada: "The race has been difficult. I finished in sixth position, I have been giving my all to try to reach podium positions but it has not been possible. Thank the team for their effort throughout the season See you soon!" 


Sam Wilford: “I’m happy to finish my season 6th in the championship. I want to thank everyone that has made this year possible and I look forward to what the future holds in 2022!”


Anscari Nadal: "It has been a difficult weekend marked by low temperatures and changing climatic conditions. Taiga Hada and Sam Wildofrod have made a good race, although we have lacked a little more rhythm. Highlight the progression of Sam Wilford during this year, giving us many expectations for next year. Regarding the category of Moto3 a little disappointed with Mattia, who has not finished finding the sensations in rain adding two big falls that have diminished his performance, also like Kristian Daniel, who also had another fall this weekend. The positive part of the weekend was with Joel Kelso who got an epic race after starting from penultimate position. From AGR Team we want to thank you for all the achievements we have achieved together this season"


AGR TEAM FINISHES A DAY OF MAXIMUM DIFFICULTY WITH THE HEAVY RAIN AT THE CIRCUIT RICARDO TORMO

November 20, 2021

The AGR Team finishes a tough qualifying day in the last round  of the FIM CEV Repsol in the Ricardo Tormo Circuit. Today the riders are facing difficult conditions of intense rain during the course of the qualifier, with numerous interruptions on the track due to the red flags that have modified the course of the day. 


Joel Kelso and Mattia Volpi finished the day under heavy rain in both qualifying sessions. Transalpine rider Mattia Volpi will leave from the last row of the grid, occupying the thirty-first place after completing a hard day and suffering two falls in the course of the sessions. The australian rider Joel Kelso will sharespace with his team mate, finishing in 30th place. 


In the Moto2 category, stands out Sam Wildford who will leave from the third row on Sunday, after signing the eighth best record of the day. The British rider has completed a day with great efficiency despite the harsh weather conditions of the day. The Japanese rider Taiga Hada completes the day with the tenth place, after suffering during the QP1, culminating the day with good sensations after passing through the QP2, where he has scored the fifth best record of the afternoon qualifier. 


Kristian Daniel ends her participation in the FIM CEV Repsol after not finishing the qualifying race in the European Talent Cup category. The young American rider thus closes a weekend with numerous difficulties that have prevented him from giving his maximum. 


Mattia Volpi: “Today the condition was very difficult. In the QP1 I was doing a very good lap but I did a very big highside. In QP2 i've tried to do a few laps but I crashed in turn 4 on another highside and I was declared unfit. Tomorrow morning I will do the check. I hope to do both races”


Joel Kelso: "I am very disappointed with the result of the day, this is my worst classification in the FIM CEV Repsol with AGR. Today we made a mistake, we know where the problems are so the whole team and I are doing our best to solve them. Tomorrow we face the day with a clear mind. We face a challenge, we have to overcome twenty-nine to overtake.Let’s go for it!"


Sam Wildford: “I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow! I think we have pace in all conditions tomorrow to fight in the front. Whatever the conditions are tomorrow we will be fighting to finish the year on a high”


Taiga Hada: "It has been a complicated day with very intense rain throughout the qualifying. I felt good on the bike, becoming fifth during the second qualifying session. Tomorrow we face a hard race, I will start  from the tenth first position but we will fight for the front positions"


Kristian Daniel Jr: “We had a good weekend in Valencia. The conditions were different every day which made it challenging. A crash Friday made it a bit more difficult, but I pushed hard during the qualifying. Unfortunately I crashed during my best lap, and wasn't able to qualify for the race. I'm super happy with the work the team did, and I'm looking forward to training for next season”



AGR TEAM AND MATTIA VOLPI EXTENDED THE CONTRACT

November 16, 2021

The Italian rider and the AGR Team have extended their contract for 2022 season.


Mattia Volpi: “I am really happy to extend my contract with the AGR Team. I hope to keep learning, growing and having fun while figting in front.”



CARTER THOMPSON 2022 ETC RIDER

November 03, 2021




We are pleased to announce the arrival of the young Australian talent Carter Thompson who will compete in the European Talent Cup with the AGR Team. Carter won the Motostars Australian Junior Road Racing Championship in 2019 and in 2020 won the R3 Cup, he was discovered by the ex-MotoGP rider Damian Cudlin in his rider training organization Motostars where he has been training until now getting ready to come to Europe.


VICTORY AND RECORD IN MISANO 

September 18, 2021

The AGR Team finished the Italian round with a new victory for the team and Joel Kelso. The young rider achieved his second victory of the season after maintaining a firm lead from start to finish. 


Joel Kelso was unstoppable during the seventh round of the FIM CEV Repsol at the Misano Marco Simoncelli track. Starting from the third position, the rider managed to lead the header group from the first corner despite receiving a strong impact during the start. The Australian set the pace of the race from the first laps, maintaining a constant lead in the first ten laps. Kelso fought for podium positions during the final laps of the event. Without fainting the effort, the rider beat the rest managing to return and reach the first position. In the end, Joel Kelso added his second victory in his career, beating the current record for the fastest lap in the race (1:43.451) 


Mattia Volpi continues his traineeship in the Moto3 category, finishing in 26th place. The Italian rider continues to accumulate experience in competition after a relentless fight in the race, after being injured by a multiple accident at the start of the race. Our rider skilfully managed the penalty after exceeding the limits of the track in the last laps, working to regain two positions from the start. 


Joel Kelso: "It was wonderful! I led from the beginning and during the course of the race I slowed down my pace to analyse my rivals. In the last lap I gave everything despite being on my limit. It has been a great weekend for us and we will fight to finish this strong season. Thank to the team and my family"


Mattia Volpi: "I’m happy because I’ve improved on a second my race pace and I’ve been close to the front group pace. I got harmed by the incident of three riders on the track and I rode alone. I got penalized with a long lap and I finished 26º"


Anscari Nadal: "Amazing week for AGR Team! The team has done an excellent job on a mourning weekend for the passing of a person close to the team. I am very happy with the potential of Joel Kelso, he has shown his potential during the race with a great overtaking in the last laps. Mattia Volpi has to keep working, we are convinced that the results will come. During this weekend has proven to be very competitive in rainy conditions. Thank to the drivers, all AGR staff and sponsors who have made this success possible"



AGR TEAM SHARES TRACK WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD ON THE MISANO MARCO SIMONCELLI CIRCUIT

September 17, 2021

The AGR Team finishes an effective qualifying day during the seventh round of the FIM CEV Repsol, the Grand Prix the Octo di San Marino and the Riviera di Rimini, World Championship event. The riders have consolidated an atypical qualifying day, deprived of free training, in a semi-wet condition during the course of the two qualifying training sessions.


Joel Kelso and Mattia Volpi finish an excellent day under changing conditions. The young Australian rider keeps his line of hits on a track already known to him. He will start from the front line of the grid, in third place after achieving his record by shooting solo during the morning qualifying. Kelso has been confident and optimistic for Saturday after the good sensations obtained in dry and wet conditions. 


Mattia Volpi confirms her upward line of learning in her first year in the Moto3 category. During the course of the first qualifying session under the weather conditions of rain the Italian rider made the best of himself, managed to roll practically the entire session in first place. Volpi, the second youngest rider in the category, has taken a great driving lesson in wet conditions, going through difficulties in dry conditions. He will start from the twenty-eighth place with great options if rainy conditions are presented on track.


Anscari Nadal: "I am very proud with the result of the day. Mattia Volpi rode very fast in the first part of the QP1 and he will have to go all out from the start. Joel Kelso has done his job and can do it very well in the dry. We start from the front line, let’s fight for the victory tomorrow!"



JOEL KELSO WILL TAKE PART IN THE 2022 MOTO3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

September 08, 2021

The Australian is added to the list of riders who, after growing and learning at AGR Team in the FIMCEV, will join the Motogp circus, we are very happy and proud of him.


Joel will race in the CIP Green Power Team structure and from AGR Team we wish him the best! keep on pushing Joel!


GREAT WORK OF THE AGR TEAM RIDERS IN JEREZ

August 22, 2021

The AGR Team riders have contested two races in each category during an intense day at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. Al lof them have fought fought for the front positions and have given their best under difficult track conditions due to the high temperatures.


Moto3 kicked off an intense day of racing, with Joel Kelso starting from the front row of the grid and Mattia Volpi from the eighth row. In the first race, Kelso made a good start that allowed him to run in second position and lead during the first laps. The AGR Team rider constantly fought for podium positions and remained in the leading group. In the last laps he lost some positions, although he managed to overcome and finish in seventh position. Mattia Volpi went from less to more this time. The Italian lost some positions in the opening laps and fought to maintain a good pace. He progressively climbed positions and felt more and more comfortable until he crossed the finish line in seventeenth position, his best result this season.


Similar situation that we experienced in the second race of the category, although with very difficult track conditions due to the high temperatures. Kelso made a good start again and he quickly led the group. After six laps, an error relegated him several places and the Australian's comeback began at the same time that the group split. The AGR Team rider was finally seventh after fighting for sixth place in the final meters. Mattia Volpi lost several positions at the start and was forced to do his best from the start to get the best possible result. The Italian progressively advanced and fought for twentieth position until the last lap, crossing the finish line in twenty-first position.


In Moto2, Taiga Hada has fought in the group throughout the race to get the best possible position. Despite not finding the best feeling with his bike, Hada fought for fifth position until the end with several riders, including his teammate Sam Wilford. Finally, the Japanese rider crossed the finish line in sixth position after fighting to enter the Top5 until the last meters. Wilford lost several places at the start of the first race, although he quickly recovered and managed to hook up with the group and fight for the first positions. The Briton tried to the end and finished in seventh position.


The second Moto2 race was more difficult due to the high temperatures in Jerez. Taiga started the race climbing positions and in a few corners he was already running in third position. This time the Japanese had better feelings driving his Kalex, something that he showed as he fought for fourth position from start to finish until finishing fifth. Sam Wilford also made a good start that allowed him to be in the group from the first moments. After giving his best and finishing sixth, he crossed the finish line in eighth place. The Briton is showing that he is becoming more comfortable and that he has the potential to fight for the top positions and even for the podium.


The next FIM CEV Repsol event will take place on September 19 in Misano coinciding with the San Marino Grand Prix, although this time only Moto3 riders will compete. The Moto2 and Hawkers European Talent Cup riders will have to wait for the last race of the year next November.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “We made some changes to the Warm Up on Taiga’s bike, but it wasn't perfect for the first race and he didn't have a good feeling with the front. In the second race we foung a good setup and he did a good race, but it was difficult with the temperature. Sam did very well, this weekend he was physically depleted but he still rode with the top five and had a good pace. He is getting closer to the podium every time. I have a bittersweet taste with Joel because the goal was the podium and even to win after coming off the front row. Joel suffered with the tyre and he did not want to risk. Mattia didn't have a good start in the first race, just like in the second. When he managed to shoot in good times the race was already very divided. Even so, he has worked hard considering the conditions of the track, it was very hot and it was not easy”.


Taiga Hada (R1: P6 / R2: P5): “Today has been a difficult day. In the first race I did not feel comfortable with the bike, I did not have a good feeling with the front. For the second race we managed to solve it and I was much better, but it was very hot and the conditions were not easy. In spite of everything we have given our best and we have been ahead. Now we are thinking in the last race in Valencia”.


Joel Kelso (R1: P7 / R2: P7): “We did a good start in Race 1 and we led for a few laps also. I felt strong in the beggining but we still had to find the correct setting. We continued working hard to fight for the podium in the end. Race 2 was similar, we led the first lap but the group spread out because I had a good pace. I made a Little mistake in turn 1 and I lost many positions. Then I tried to catch up the group and I only could fight for P6 or P7. Overall it was a hard weekend, we still scored points in both races, P7 in each one is not where we want to be but it better than crashing. We will come back stronger in Misano and we will do a better race”. 


Sam Wilford (R1: P7 / R2: P8): “Difficult 2 races today but many positives to take away from this weekend. We have good pace to fight inside the top 5, let’s see what we can do in Valencia for the last race of the season!”


Mattia Volpi (R1: P17 / R2: 21): “Today in Race 1 I did a mistake in the start, losing a lot of position but then I catch the group in front of me and I fought for top 10. The start in Race 2 was a bit better the start but in first corner I went wide, I lost some position and then I finished p21. Thanks to all the team, always closer for the top”.


POSITIVE RESULTS OF THE AGR TEAM IN JEREZ, JOEL KELSO WILL START FROM THE FRONT ROW

August 21, 2021

AGR Team has disputed this Saturday the qualifying sessions of the sixth round of the FIM CEV Repsol. In Moto2, Taiga Hada Sam Wilford will start from the second and fourth row of the grid. In Moto3, Joel Kelso will start from the front row again while Mattia Volpi will start from the eighth. Kristian Daniel Jr. has come very close to qualifying for tomorrow's races after leading much of the Last Chance race.


In Moto2, Taiga Hada achieved the sixth best time in the first session. Already in second qualifying, the Japanese AGR Team rider was fifteenth after he did not find the best feelings due to the high temperatures. Tomorrow he will start from the second row of the grid, in sixth position.

Sam Wilford set the 10th best time in QP1. Already in the second and qualifying, Wilford improved his result and was sixth, being close to improving his own record after feeling very comfortable on the Andalusian track. With these results tomorrow he will start tenth.


In Moto3, Joel Kelso came out in the first session ready to get the best possible result after not starting the weekend with the best feeling. The Australian AGR Team rider set the third best time in the category, just one tenth behind the leader. In QP2 the times were slower and, although he was fifteenth, the time in QP1 was enough for him to start tomorrow from the front row of the grid.

Mattia Volpi continues to improve. The Italian was fourteenth in the first qualifying session, while in the second he was twenty-second. Tomorrow he will start the races from the twenty-third position although he is only a few tenths of the first classified, being very close to matching his best result this season.


At the Hawkers European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel came very close to securing his direct pass to Sunday's races. The young American rider competed in the Last Chance race and quickly took the lead to dominate for much of the race. Despite fighting for the win until the end, he finished in a creditable third place. Once the test was over, he drop one position for exceeding the track limits on the last lap and he finally was fourth.


Tomorrow there will be two races of each category: Moto3, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Moto2 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “Taiga starts in the second row but he is not quite happy. We have to improve the set-up and get a better rhythm. We will test something in the warm up for the race. He is confident but Jerez is a very demanding circuit. I am very happy with Joel's front row. He has done a good job together with the whole team. We will suffer especially in the second race because of the heat, but we will fight for the podium. Mattia is 23rd but he es less than a second behind the first classified. He is riding very fast this weekend and has a great chance of getting the his first points if he makes a good start. With Sam we had a problem with the shifter in the first qualifying and that delayed us in the first laps. In the second qualifying he did very well. He's never been this far ahead, he's got a good pace and he's confident. Tomorrow I hope he fights for the top positions. Kristian was close to qualifying today. In Q1, the bike stopped due to an electrical problem and had few laps. In the second he went very well and was three tenths away from qualifying. In the race he made a good start and led most of the race. He has endured very well and we are all very happy with him”.


Joel Kelso P3 (QP1: P3 / QP2: P21): “I have mixed feelings today. I’m very happy that we found the direction we needed because this weekend hasn’t been easy. During QP1 we did some changed to get a better feeling. I did a nice lap riding alone and the pace was good also. Overall was a good day. During QP2 We worked on race pace, which is important for tomorrow. Let’s keep working during the warm up and let’s enjoy the two races”.


Taiga Hada P6 (QP1: P6 / QP2: P15: “The first qualifying was very good and we got a good time. In the second qualifying the conditions was very hard, with high termperatures so it was difficult to get a good setting. The feeling with the bike wasn’t the best because I had some problems with the front and I couldn’t get a good time. Tomorrow we will change the setting and the targes for the races is the podium”. 


Sam Wilford P10 (QP1: 10 / QP2: P6): “We are ready for the races tomorrow. I think we have a good setup for the 2 races and can fight inside the top 5 positions. I’m looking forward to the races and let’s see what is possible”.


Mattia Volpi P23 (QP1: 24 / QP2: P22): “Today was a good day. We are all near, I’m 23rd but I’m only eight tenths from the first, so this is very good. We are improving week by week and I have a good pace. Let’s see tomorrow in the race”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. P4 (Last Chance Race): “The weekend was very good. Everybody was really really close to qualifying for the main races but sadly there’s only two places to pass. It was a great race, I pushed a lot trying to open a gap between the other riders. I rode first during most of the race but when I was second the rider crashed in front of me and I lost some positions. I was holding pretty good, I was really fun. I want to thank the team because they worked really well. Now we are thinking in the next race in Valencia”. 


TAIGA HADA WILL COMPETE AT THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX

July 30, 2021

AGR TEAM MOURNS THE PASSING OF HUGO MILLAN

The AGR Team rider Taiga Hada will compete as a wildcard in Moto2 at the Grand Prix of Austria on August 15th. This Grand Prix is โ€‹โ€‹the second in which the Japanese rider will take part this season, after making his debut at the Jerez Grand Prix.

This opportunity is a new reward for Hada, who took the podium for the first time in the last round of the FIM CEV Repsol after finishing third. This podium achieved at MotorLand Aragon is the result of all the work that he has been doing since the season began, and from the AGR Team we have no doubts that he will make a great performance in the World Championship.


Taiga Hada: “I am very excited and grateful. I want to thank both the Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team for this opportunity and the AGR Team, with whom I am growing as a rider in the FIM CEV since last season. In addition, the third place achieved this weekend at MotorLand gives me even more motivation to face this Grand Prix”.


๏ปฟTAIGA HADA RISES THE PODIUM IN MOTORLAND ARAGON

July 28, 2021

AGR TEAM MOURNS THE PASSING OF HUGO MILLAN

The fifth round of the season for the FIM CEV Repsol was held this weekend at MotorLand Aragón. In Moto2, Taiga Hada returned in the best possible shape after his injury by taking the podium for the first time, while Sam Wilford took another step and finished sixth. In Moto3, Joel Kelso made a great race even leading the group after he finished eighth; and Mattia Volpi was twenty-sixth. At the Hawkers European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel Jr. crashed after the restart. 


In the Moto2 race, Taiga Hada overtook positions since the beginning. With seven laps to go, he was running on the podium and struggled to extend the lead. Hada gave his best and in the last lap he overtook Lukas Tulovic to recover the final third position. It is the first podium for the Japanese in the Moto2 European Championship. His teammate Sam Wilford made a good start and stayed in the group for the first few laps. The AGR Team rider climbed up positions and rode alone to finish sixth, taking another step forward this season.


In the Hawkers European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel started from the thirteenth row decided to get a good result. He climbed several positions in the opening laps until the red flag stopped the race. After the restart, the North American rider was involved in a multiple crash in the first corner that prevented him from continuing the race.

In Moto3, Joel Kelso came out determined to regain positions. Already at the start the Australian took tenth position and progressively approached the leading group. Kelso, who closed the gap before taking the long lap penalty, continued to struggle until he reached podium positions and even led the race. The AGR Team rider fought to the end and crossed the finish line in eighth position. Mattia Volpi, meanwhile, fought from start to finish and continues to improve in the category. After overtaking several riders and climbing positions, the Italian rider crossed the line in 26th position, making it clear that he has the potential to fight and achieve good results.


The rest of the races were canceled after the death of Hugo Millán was known. From AGR Team we send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the team.


The next FIM CEV Repsol event will take place in Jerez from August 19 to 22.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “It has been a bittersweet weekend due to the sad loss of Hugo. In sports, it has been a great weekend for Taiga Hada. Ten days before the race the doctors removed the piece of metal that he still wore on his finger. Despite having very little strength and mobility in his hand and suffering a lot of pain he has made his best race to date.


We also did a perfect set-up. I am very happy for him and more coming from an injury like this. Sam Wilford continues to advance. He is struggling to finish the race in the top5. He has more pace and he’s faster. I hope to see him on the podium soon too.


Joel made a great race. We didn’t start in the front because he didn't make a good strategy on Saturday and he also had a long lap. He managed to lead the race despite everything, but the tyres suffered a lot from having pushed so hard at the beginning to overtake positions. In the end he couldn't be on the podium, but he finished the race and showed his worth, I'm very happy. Mattia has to keep progressing. He rode in competitive times, but the problem is that all drivers have those times. If he keeps working the results will come.


Kristian qualified for the race and stepped up. In the first start he recovered some positions. Then there was the fatal accident and there was a red flag. I think he didn't have his head in place, like many other riders because of the situation, and that hurt him in the second start. He crashed in the first corner with other riders and we lost the opportunity to learn more. Even so, he has taken a step forward”. 



AGR TEAM MOURNS THE PASSING OF HUGO MILLAN

July 25, 2021

AGR TEAM MOURNS THE PASSING OF HUGO MILLAN




Today the results are not important. We mourn the passing of the young pilot Hugo Millán. The most important thing is to be with his family and friends.

  

From AGR Team we send our condolences to the family, friends and team.




THIRD ROW FOR TAIGA HADA AND SAM WILFORD AT MOTORLAND ARAGON

July 24, 2021

The MotorLand Aragon circuit hosts this weekend the fifth round of the FIM CEV Repsol. The high temperatures and the wind turned the Aragonese track into a complicated scenario on this Saturday and the AGR Team riders have worked very hard to get the best result for tomorrow's races. 

Joel Kelso arrived at MotorLand Aragon with the best motivation after getting his first Moto3 victory. The Australian rider didn’t find the best feelings and finished eighteenth in the first session. In the second qualifying Kelso managed to improve his times until he achieved the ninth and he will start tomorrow from nineteenth position.


Volpi continues to progress in the Moto3 Junior World Championship. The Italian AGR Team rider set the twenty fifth fastest time in the first qualifying session. Already in the second session was twenty eighth and tomorrow he will occupy the twenty sisth position on the starting grid.

In Moto2, the big news has starred Taiga Hada. The Japanese rider has returned to competition after missing the previous round of the championship due to his crash at Montmeló. Hada faced the weekend with confidence finishing seventh in the first session and eighth in the second. In this way, Taiga Hada will start tomorrow from seventh position.


Sam Wilford has stepped forward once again. The British continues to improve and finished eighth and ninth in both sessions. Wilford is optimistic for tomorrow races and he is able to catch up with the front riders, starting from eighth position on the grid.


In the European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel has registered the nineteenth fastest time in both sessions. With these results Kristian Daniel Jr. is classified for the two races and he will start from the thirteenth row of the grid.


Tomorrow the races of the fifth round of the season will be held: Moto2 races will take place at 11:00h and at 14:00h; Hawkers European Talent Cup will be at 12:00h and at 15:00h and Moto3 race at 13:00h, all of them in local time.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I am very happy with Taiga's return. We didn't think he could be on the bike so soon but his hand is improving faster than expected. Sam has taken a big step, he is going to be in an important group where, if he can make a good start he could even fight for the podium. The gap between the riders es very close except for the two Speed Up bikes so both Taiga and Sam can fight for the podium. In Moto3, I am happy for Mattia, he can fight to have a good race. Joel has not made a good strategy even though he has the pace. In addition, he received a long lap penalty for riding slow so we lose the options to fight for the podium tomorrow. Let's hope he can go fast tomorrow. I'm glad Kristian qualified. Tomorrow will be two learning races for him and hopefully he can make a good start”.


Taiga Hada P7 (QP1: 7th / QP2: 8th): “I felt comfortable today. After the crash in Barcelona it was a bit difficult for me to adapt to the bike, especially when braking. I am happy with the result in the first qualifying. In the second session the conditions were very tough, with a lot of heat and a lot of wind, so I couldn't get a better result. The target tomorrow is to be on the podium, but it is also important not to crash. Mentally I feel very strong, and physically I also feel good. Thanks to the adapted glove after the hand injury I can ride better, so tomorrow we will push in both races”.


Sam Wilford P8 (QP1: 8th / QP2: 9th): “Good Qualifying day here in Aragon. The gap to the podium is very close and tomorrow we will fight to close the gap! Let’s see what is possible in the races!”


Joel Kelso P15 (QP1: 18th / QP2: 9th): “It’s been a difficult weekend. We continue struggling for tomorrow. We have one long lap penalty for the race so let’s try our best. We will try to do the best as posible. Thanks again to the team for all their support, we continue working.”


Mattia Volpi P26 (QP1: 25th / QP2: 28th): “Today was a good day. We worked hard since the first day here in Aragon but we know we can do better. Tomorrow is race day and we will give our best to overtake some positions since the beginning”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. P19 (QP1: 19th / QP2: 19th): “It was a very hard day becuase I pushed really hard and I put everything into the qualifying. I didn't qualify where I wanted but, I am still very happy with my results”.



JOEL KELSO WINS IN PORTIMAO AND SAM WILFORD GETS HIS BEST

RESULTS


July 4, 2021

Very positive results for the AGR Team in Portimao. Joel Kelso has achieved his first victory after starting from pole and starring in a great race in Moto3. Mattia Volpi suffered a crash after being run over by another rider when he was performing his best. Sam Wilford finished sixth in both Moto2 races, achieving his best results of the season.


The Moto3 race was held under very tough conditions due to the wind and temperatures. Joel Kelso started from the top of the grid, ready to win after the good results achieved throughout the weekend. From the start Kelso fought with Daniel Holgado for the first position until a red flag stopped the race, which was later resumed with ten laps. After this second start, Kelso lost some positions, so he was forced to climb positions and do his best to stay in the leading group. With two laps to go, he regained the lead and tried to open a gap, although Daniel Holgado did not make things easy for him. The Australian rider still had an ace up his sleeve and achieved the long-awaited victory by five thousandths.


His teammate Mattia Volpi has had his best run this season. The young Italian rider started from twenty-second position. He progressively climbed positions and he feelt more and more comfortable in each lap. Volpi had a great pace and went on to make fastest lap up to three times. When he was running in thirteenth position and less than two seconds behind the leader, another rider hit him and he went to the ground, losing any option to finish the race and score the first points of the season.


In Moto2, Sam Wilford has once again taken another step forward. The British rider, who started from ninth on the grid, climbed positions from the start and is increasingly comfortable riding the Kalex. This time around, he finished sixth in both races after fighting for the place until the last moment.


The next FIM CEV Repsol event will take place at MotorLand Aragón from July 22 to 25.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I am very very happy today. It couldn't have been better, we won a very difficult race in Moto3 due to the conditions. Joel has done a fantastic job, as has the team. Mattia had the best race of his life and ended up on the ground because of other riders. He was shooting less than three seconds from the head of the race and in the points, which is mind-blowing. He has taken a big step forward. Sam has had two very good races. In every race he takes a step forward. Now he is already faster from the first laps. I am very happy for the whole team. Thanks to everyone who works at AGR. This has just started and we are already looking towards the next race, there is a lot of championship left ”.


Joel Kelso P1: “I’m super happy today. It was an amazing weekend. We were fast since the beginning, the team worked very well. We did a good race, we struggled the P1 that we’ve been waiting for. I’m over the moon with what happened. I can’t belive it. I’m so happy that how hard my family has worked to be here today. Thanks also to my sponsors and the team that made this posible”. 


Sam Wilford R1: P6 / R2: P6: “Great two races today finishing both in a PB of 6th position. We will work in Aragon for a better Qualifying to hopefully go better again in the races. Top job by all the team again!”. 


Mattia Volpi DNF: “I have no words to describe the feelings of today. In the second start, I started better than the first and I did three times the fastest lap of the race. I caught the front group and I started to battle. I was p13 at 1.7 seconds from the first and when started the second last lap one rider in turn 5 hit me and I crashed. We were very strong in this weekend, next one we will rock!”. 


JOEL KELSO GETS HIS FIRST POLE POSITION IN THE FIM CEV REPSOL

July 3, 2021

The fourth round of the FIM CEV Repsol takes place this weekend at the Autodromo International do Algarve in Portimao. The AGR Team riders played the qualifying sessions this Saturday with very positive results. Joel Kelso has achieved his first pole in Moto3, while his teammate Mattia Volpi will start twenty-second. In Moto2, Sam Wilford will start from ninth place. Kristian Daniel Jr. has contested the Last Chance Race of the European Talent Cup finishing in seventh position.

Joel Kelso started the weekend by setting the best time in free practice sessions. This Saturday, the Australian rider followed the same strategy: get the best time in the first qualifying session. In this way, Kelso set the fastest time with 1:48.237. In the second session, the times were slower and no rider could beat the record of the AGR Team rider, who this time finished fifteenth. The result of the first session was enough to claim pole position, the first achieved in the Moto3 Junior World Championship. 


Mattia Volpi has taken another step in his progression this weekend. The young AGR Team rider has improved his results as the weekend progressed, feeling more and more comfortable with the bike and with the category. In the first session he set the 19th best time after doing a great job over the weekend. Already in the second session, the high temperatures made the times slower and Volpi was the twenty-ninth. Tomorrow he will start from 22nd position on the grid, his best result to date.


In Moto2, Sam Wilford started the weekend with a great pace in free practice, setting the fifth fastest time. However, this Saturday he had more difficulties to find the feeling with the bike and he fought to get the best possible result. After being eighth and tenth in each of the sessions, tomorrow he will start from the ninth position. On the other hand, his teammate Taiga Hada will not take part in the races in Portugal this weekend either. The Japanese AGR Team rider continues to recover from the surgery he underwent on his hand after the crash in Barcelona. Even so, Hada wanted to be this weekend with his teammates on the Portuguese track.


In the European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel has tried his best at the demanding Portimao circuit to try to go straight to Sunday's race. However, the American rider had to compete in the Last Chance Race to qualify for tomorrow. After starting from sixth position, Kristian Daniel fought with the rest of the riders, staying in sixth position during most of the race. In the last laps he lost some places, although he has finally recovered and finished in seventh position. In this way, tomorrow he will not take part in the Hawkers European Talent Cup race.


Tomorrow the races of the fourth round of the season will be held: Moto2 will take place at 11:00h am and at 14:00h; the Hawkers European Talent Cup will be at 12:00h. and Moto3 at 13:00h, all of them in local time.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “Happy with the first pole in Moto3 with Joel. Great job from both the rider and the team. Tomorrow we have to finish in the race with the best result. It was a shame that Kristian couldn't qualify. It is a new circuit for him in which he has never trained. It was very windy and it wasn't easy. I'm sure next year will be better. Mattia Volpi has taken a step forward once again. I'm very happy, but we have to reaffirm that step in the race. We know he can go faster. Sam has also taken another step forward and I hope to see him tomorrow fighting for the Top5 in the races. It was difficult for us with the choice of tyres and tomorrow at the Warm Up we will do more tests. It was a great qualifying day”.


Joel Kelso P1 (QP1: 1º / QP2: 15º): “I’m happy with how the weekend es going so far. I’m happy with the first pole position. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race. Let’s give it all”.


Sam Wilford P9 (QP1: 8º / QP2: 10º): “Good start to the weekend with some strong free practice sessions. Today we struggled a little for the feeling with the bike but I’m sure tomorrow we will have something we can fight with”.


Mattia Volpi P22 (QP1): “Today was a very good day and we made another good step for the race. We can always do better and we have improoved all the session. Tomorrow is race day, let s see what we can do”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. P7 (Last Chance Race): “Good progesing days at Portugal and I felt super good. When the wind started, it turned into a difficult track. I pushed my hardest but I wasn't able to make it this round”.



INTENSE WEEKEND OF THE AGR TEAM IN BARCELONA


 June 13, 2021

The AGR Team riders competed in the third round of the FIM CEV Repsol this Sunday. In Moto3, Joel Kelso finished eighth and eleventh in the two races of the category. Mattia Volpi had to retire in the first race, while in the second he was eighteenth. In Moto2, Sam Wilford had his best race of the season with eighth place and ninth in the second one.


In the first Moto3 race Joel Kelso lost some positions in the first laps after starting from eighth. The Australian AGR Team rider began to overtook positions trying to catch up with the front group. A crash divided the group and prevented him from reaching thefront group, although he crossed the finish line in eighth position and riding very close to podium positions. Mattia Volpi, who started from the tenth row on the grid, climbed positions in the opening laps, approaching the group and closing the gap. Bad luck caused Volpi to retire on the ninth lap due to a crash.


In the second race, Joel Kelso didn’t have a good feeling with the rear tyre for the first few laps. All this, together with the very high temperatures and some touch with other riders, have forced him to work hard to climb up to ten places. Kelso was eleventh and got some valuable places for the general standing. Mattia Volpi continued with his progression, taking another step forward in the category, setting good times and crossing the finish line in eighteenth position.


In Moto2 Sam Wilford has had his best race of the season despite his physical discomfort since the Warm Up. Starting from ninth position, the British AGR rider maintained a good pace until he finished in eighth position, matching his best result this season. In the second race, the extreme temperatures took their toll on the riders, reaching sixty degrees on the track. Wilford gave his all once again to finish in ninth position.


The AGR Team also remembered the Moto2 rider Taiga Hada, who remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery on his right hand after Friday’s crash. The whole team has shown its support in the races and wishes him a speedy and favorable recovery.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “Sam wasn’t physically well this morning and he barely rode in the Warm Up. In the first race he has made his best race this year despite how he felt. The second one was more difficult for him, like the rest of the riders, due to the very high track temperature. I'm very happy with his weekend. We have missed Taiga, we wish him a speedy recovery. In Moto3, Kelso had a good first race. Due to a crash the group broke down and he was unable to reach them, although he was riding close to the podium times. It is a complicated circuit and he wanted to finish a race so he didn’t ride to the limit. In the second race the heat affected a lot and the rear tire didn’t have a good grip in the first laps. He didn’t have a good feeling and along with a touch with some riders he has gone back. He overtook some positions and he got good points for the championship. Mattia Volpi has taken a step forward this weekend and if you look at his best lap the time is good. He lacks race pace but it is something that we are going to work to improve in the next rounds”.


Sam Wilford (R1: P8 / R2: P9): “It was a really good weekend for us getting my best personal result for the qualifying. Unfortunaly today had a stomach ache which didn’t help me to get some good results. We make some really good steps forward in the right direction to be fighting for the Top5 in the next few races”.


Joel Kelso (R1: P8 / R2: P11): “It was a difficult day. I had the speed but it was not enough. We made a few mistakes and we sacrified both races because of this. We made another step and we will try again in Portugal. At least we have two races without crashing and I’m happy for this. We finally finished two races and we got points in both. Let’s see in Portimao”. 


Mattia Volpi (R1: NC / R2: P18): “Today we had bad luck in race one because I crashed when I was closing the gap with the group. In the second race I had a long lap but I went straight in the gravel and I finished 18th. I want to say thanks to the team because the bike was perfect all the weekend”.


THIRD ROW FOR SAM WILFORD AND JOEL KELSO IN THE THIRD ROUND OF THE FIM CEV REPSOL



June 12, 2021

The AGR Team has disputed this Saturday the qualifying sessions of the third round of the FIM CEV Repsol at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. Joel Kelso will start tomorrow from eighth position in Moto3. His teammate Mattia Volpi will start from a promising tenth row. In Moto2, Sam Wilford will do it from ninth position. His teammate Taiga Hada will not race this weekend after suffering a crash yesterday that has forced him to undergo surgery. In the European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel has disputed the Last Chance Race finishing in eighth position.


In Moto2, Sam Wilford has taken another step in his progression. He continues improving his results since he started the season with AGR Team. In the first session, the British rider achieved the ninth best time with a time of 1: 46.514. In the second session, the times were slower than in the morning session and Sam signed the eleventh best time. In this way, Wilford will start tomorrow from the third row of the grid, in ninth position. This result is the best that the rider has achieved in qualifying sessions.


In Moto3, Joel Kelso finished the first qualifying session in eighth position with 1: 49.025. The Australian AGR Team rider has come out to the second session ready to improve his results and be able move forward to ensure a good strategy. Kelso gave his best in the final minutes, thus achieving the fourth best time and securing the eighth place on the starting grid.


His teammate Mattia Volpi, arrived in Barcelona with the intention of making up for the results of Valencia in his progression with AGR Team. Volpi got the twenty-ninth record in the first qualifying, while in the second he was thirty-fourth. 


Tomorrow he will start from the tenth row of the grid, the best result for the Italian in this category.

In the European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel was twenty-fourth in both sessions. Kristian Daniel has given his best to get some good times in his debut at the Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya. With these results, the American rookie had to compete in the Last Chance Race to be eligible to compete in tomorrow's race. Kristian Daniel Jr. started in this race eight laps from eighth position. After a difficult start, the young AGR Team rider tried to catch up with the front group, riding solo from start to finish and finishing eighth.


In the European Talent Cup, Kristian Daniel was twenty-fourth in both sessions. Kristian Daniel gave his best to get some good times in his debut at the Circuit de Barcelona - Catalunya. With these results, the American rookie had to compete in the Last Chance Race to participate in tomorrow's race. Kristian Daniel Jr. started in this eight-lap race from eighth position. After a tricky start, the young AGR Team rider tried to catch up with the front group, riding alone from start to finish and finishing eighth.


The races of this third round of the FIM CEV Repsol will be held tomorrow. Moto3 will be at 11:00h and at 14:00h, and Moto2 races will be at 12:00h and at 15:00h. 


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I am sad for Taiga because, after how the tests were in Montmelo, we could get a good result and we were hungry for a podium. This afternoon he has undergone surgery by Doctor Barrera at the Dexeus clinic and it will be a long recovery. We knew it would be difficult to qualify with Kristian, and it has been. The bike has suffered an electrical problema in Q2 that we have struggled to detect and Kristian has lost a good part of the classification. It's his first time on this circuit and he has to keep making progress. Mattia is behind, but he has taken a step forward, leaving behind him more experienced riders. I’m very happy with Joel. I knew he could do well and tomorrow we will fight for the podium. With Sam we take a step in every race. This circuit is not easy, he will fight in the second group of race to get a good result”.


Joel Kelso (P8): “Today has been a busy day. I have felt very confident throughout the day. We have worked to have a good setting and we are ready for tomorrow's races. I'm not quite happy with the grid position, but we will fight to be ahead. Many thanks to the team for their work”.

Sam Wilford (P9): “Really good day for us here at Barcelona. We keep making steps throughout the weekend and I’m excited to see if we can make another step tomorrow from 9th place on the grid!”


Mattia Volpi (P29): “In the first session we took a step forward to be closer to the front drivers. In the second session we had a problem with the rear tyre that prevented us from improving the result, but I am ready for tomorrow's races”.


Kristian Daniel JR.  (QP: P24 / RACE: P8): “This round was a weekend for learning. It was my first time riding at Montmelo and the team and I made steady progress all weekend. We were close, but we didn't have the speed to qualify at this round. I'm going to train hard to be ready for the next round in Portugal“.



TAIGA HADA INJURED DURING THE THIRD ROUND IN MONTMELO


June 12, 2021

The AGR Team Moto2 rider Taiga Hada will not participate in the third round of the FIM CEV Repsol, which is being held this weekend at the Circuit Barcelona – Catalunya. 


The Japanese rider suffered a crash yesterday at turn three during the second free practice session. Taiga Hada suffered injuries in two fingers of his right hand, for which it was necessary to take him him to the hospital for a further examination. Finally, Taiga will have to go through surgery to reduce injuries and promote his recovery.




JOEL KELSO WILL TAKE PART IN THE MOTO3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP


June 09, 2021

Joel Kelso, AGR Team rider in the Moto3 Junior World Championship, will replace Maximilian Kofler during the next two rounds of the World Championship. In this way, Kelso will take part in the Moto3 races of the German GP and the Dutch GP.


The professional, serious and rigorous work of the AGR Team pays off with the presence of one more of our riders in the MotoGP World Championship in the year of our 10th anniversary, sharing with the human team, partners, sponsors and fans this achievement.


We wish our young rider the best luck and send our best wishes to Maximilian Kofler for a speedy recovery. 


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I'm happy for Joel because it's a great opportunity that brings out the training work done by AGR Team with the riders. Joel competed in his first FIM CEV Repsol last year with us and in his second year he is fighting in the front. This fast progression is paying off.”


Joel Kelso: “I want to make this opportunity worth. I'm going to give it all! I wish Kofler a Speedy recovery. Of course, thank everyone that has made this races posible. Thanks also to my personal sponsors: Füsport, Kabuto, Mithos, Rainers, Motorcycling Australia, Terra, Livson".


WEEKEND WITHOUT PRIZE

May 10, 2021

Intense weekend for the AGR Team. After these days full of positive work, the effort has not been rewarded during the races. 


In Moto2, Sam Wilford was tenth, while Taiga Hada was unable to finish the race due to an unexpected mechanical failure with the gear box. In Moto3, both Joel Kelso and Mattia Volpi have been forced to withdraw after suffering crashes. Kristian Daniel was 28th in the second of the Hawkers European Talent Cup races.


Kristian Daniel was 28th in the second of the Hawkers European Talent Cup races. 


In Moto3, Joel Kelso started from fourth position. After a good start, the Australian tried not to separate from the front group. Kelso had a good pace and tried to close the gap until on lap eight he suffered a crash that prevented him from finishing the race. For the second race Kelso came out determined to fight for the podium to make up for the previous result. On the first lap David Alonso took the lead in a highly debatable action, depriving him of the just prize of fighting for the podium.


Mattia Volpi was involved in the first race a multiple crash at turn four in which he was taken ahead. Volpi was unable to avoid the incident and suffered a severe fall, which reduced his abilities for the second race, but the pain in his head and his right leg did not allow him to continue. The Italian AGR Team rider has gone one step further this weekend and continues with his learning and adaptation to the new category.


In Moto2, Taiga Hada’s goal since the beginning of the weekend was to fight for the podium, so it was important to make a good start that would allow him to be in the front positions. In the first corners he was already running in third position and tried to maintain it while the leading drivers set a high race pace. After the red flag, the race resumed at nine laps and Hada followed the same strategy again, fighting until the end to get into the podium. Bad luck took hold of the Japanese, who had to leave with three laps to go due to an unexpected mechanical problem with the gear box despite the good results obtained.


His teammate Sam Wilford finished in tenth position and setting a great pace despite a rider hit him with the wheel on his back, leaving the mark of the incident in his leathersuit. Wilford has gone a step further and has managed to improve his results throughout the weekend and add some valuable points in the general classification.


Kristian Daniel Jr. . In the first race of the Hawkers European Talent Cup Kristian Daniel Jr. climbed positions feeling more and more comfortable and after qualifying directly for the race. After eight laps, the youngest rider in the category crashed. In the second race, the American rookie began to climb positions taking advantage of his good feelings in the first test and lap after lap he has achieved a good race pace. Kristian Daniel finished a good weekend getting the 28th position. Kristian Daniel finished a good weekend getting the 28th position.


Sam Wilford P10: “It was a good weekend. Unfortunately the race was difficult, but I fought for tenth position. I am looking forward to arriving in Barcelona and I am sure we will be stronger”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. (R1: NC / R2: P28): “The day has gone very well. This morning I was a bit nervous, but when it started to rain it calmed me down because I feel comfortable in wet conditions. After the Warm Up the race has already been dry. I was very happy to have the first race and I had fun. In the second race I tried to make a good start and I did my best. I think everything has gone very well and I’m looking forward to next weekend”.


Taiga Hada NC: “I’m not quite happy because of the problem with the gearbox that has left me stranded. I could have fought to get on the podium, but in Montmeló we will fight for it again”.


Joel Kelso (R1: NC / R2: NC): “Unfortunately it has not been a good day. Two crashes that prevented us from fighting for the podium and one of them was not my fault, but I was hit by another rider. We can only think about the next race in Barcelona”.


Mattia (R1: NC / R2: NC): “I didn’t make a bad start, overtaking four or five riders and then at turn two some more. In turn four I had a strong fall and my head and right leg hurt a lot. I tried to start in race two, but it was impossible in the right-hand corners. I almost fell because I couldn’t drive well. I am very sorry for the team because we had gone one step further and we were having fun, but that’s the way racing is. We are already thinking about Barcelona”.


JOEL KELSO GETS THE FOURTH POSITION AFTER A GREAT PROGRESSION

May 9, 2021

The Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia hosts this weekend the second round of the FIM CEV Repsol. The AGR Team riders have taken another step in their progression during the qualifying sessions. Joel Kelso has taken another step and he has improved his results starting tomorrow from fourth position on the Moto3 grid and Mattia Volpi will do it from the back rows. Taiga Hada has achieved the sixth best time in Moto2, and Sam Wilford will do it from eleventh place. Kristian Daniel got a very positive result, which has allowed him to compete in the European Talent Cup races tomorrow.


The day started with the first Moto2 qualifying session. Taiga Hada did’n’t have the best feelings during the day. However, the Japanese will start from the second row of the grid and he will fight for the podium positions. Despite shoulder discomfort, Hada remains one of the strongest opponents this season in every session and also during the races. Sam Wilford finished the day with very positive feelings, getting his best times. The British rider will start from eleventh position and with options to get a good result in the race this Sunday.


In the first Moto3 session Joel Kelso has shown that this season he will be one of the rivals who will fight to be on the podium. The Australian got the fourth best time, four tenths behind the leader. In second qualifying Kelso was ninth, although the pace was slower than in the morning session. In this way, tomorrow he will start fourth and ready to fight for the podium from the start after the good feelings this weekend. His teammate, Mattia Volpi continues his adaptation him to the new category with an upward progression. The Italian rider is one of the youngest riders in the category and he is showing that he has great potential. Tomorrow he will start from the last rows of the grid, although he has the rhythm to climb positions and get a good result.


Kristian Daniel Jr. continues improving with each session. The American AGR Team driver managed to set the fourteenth fastest time. Already in the second session, Kristian Daniel took even one more step getting the twelfth best time. With these results, the rider will compete in Sunday’s races for the first time since his debut in the Hawkers European Talent Cup. The youngest rider in the category made a great progression that after changing the strategy, improving his lap time in each lap.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “It has been a fantastic weekend. Kristian has qualified, it has been a step forward. Sam is strong to fight and is happy with the progress. Taiga does not have his shoulder in the best conditions but we come out in the second row and we will fight for the podium. Joel was close to get the first row. It won’t be easy, but we will fight for the podium and I hope that he will take a step forward. As for Mattia, I am happy with his progress and he will get the results”.


Joel Kelso P4 (QP1: 4º / QP2: 9º): “During the first session we tried to improve the bike. In the last minutes I felt well and I finished in a good position, knowing that I could have finished later. I have been working on the set up and I did not get a fast lap. We finally put the new tire on at the end of the session, being able to push. We finally finished the session in fourth position, it was very good. During the second qualifying we did the same, working on the bike and pushing in each lap. The track was warmer but it was not a bad day in the end. Tomorrow we will start from fourth position, I am quite happy with this so we will see tomorrow in the race ”


Taiga Hada P6 (QP1: 6º / QP2: 7º): “I’m not happy with the result because I think I could have started in the front row. I still have shoulder discomfort, but I am confident to keep up the pace and fight for the podium until the end of the race”.


Sam Wilford P11 (QP1: 11º / QP2: 16º): “It was a good day today. We will start from eleventh position in tomorrow’s race, I’m very excited about tomorrow’s possibilities”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. P16 (QP1: 16º / QP2: 12º): “We have worked with the team to get the best setting on the bike and above all to have a good rhythm. Yesterday was a very good day and today I gave my best and tried to go faster. I have fought to get the best time in qualifying. I’m happy with the result and we hope that tomorrow we can have a lot of fun”.


Mattia Volpi P35 (QP1: 35º / QP2: 33º): “Today I felt very good on the bike. We have gone one step further and I am happy about it. Unfortunately I made a mistake that didn’t allow me to get a good lap time. I apologize to the team. Tomorrow we will give our best and take a step forward!”.


TAIGA HADA TO DEBUT AT THE MOTO2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE SPANISH GP

April 25, 2021

AGR Team Taiga Hada’s Moto2 rider will make his debut at the Moto2 World Championship during the Gran Premio Red Bull de España. The fourth race of the season will take place next weekend at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto.


Taiga Hada will compete with the NTS RW Racing GP team replacing Barry Baltus, who suffered a crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix. The Japanese AGR Team rider takes a step further in his career in a year in which he is fighting for the title at the Moto2 European Championship in the FIM CEV Repsol.




Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I’m happy for Taiga, he deserves it. He is a more mature rider, as he has showed this weekend with the first FIM CEV Repsol races despite the shoulder pain.”




Taiga Hada: “I am very happy for this opportunity. Debuting in the World Cup will help me to have more experience, I will give my best in Jere. I think I can do well and I will be up to it. I want to thank all my sponsors for their support: Moto-Up, P-UP World, Teluru, as well as all the people who support me from Japan, from Barcelona and also 111 Management”.


TAIGA HADA AND SAM WILFORD IN THE MOTO2 TOP10 IN ESTORIL๏ปฟ

April 25, 2021

Finished the first weekend of the FIM CEV Repsol in Estoril with conflicting feelings in the AGR Team after the dispute of today's races. In Moto2, Taiga Hada finished sixth and fifth, fighting for podium positions despite her shoulder injury. Sam Wilford has taken a step forward at the start of the season taking eighth and eleventh positions in both races. In Moto3, however, Joel Kelso suffered a crash and Mattia Volpi had problems at the start which, although he was able to continue, also finished the race early.


In the first Moto2 Taiga race, which started from the fifth position, he made a great start, reaching the first position before reaching the first corner. His teammate Sam Wilford also regained positions reaching the first pass through the finish line in eleventh position. Despite making a good start, Taiga's discomfort on his shoulder from Friday's crash took a toll on both races, gradually starting to lose positions, although trying to keep the front group from escaping. Hada failed to stay in the top four, while Kubo approached to try to overtake him. Leading the persecuted group, Taiga did not give up on improving the result despite the circumstances. The Japanese had a great race finishing in sixth position. Wilford continued to progressively climb the positions, until he crossed the finish line in an outstanding eighth position.


In the second race a similar dynamic to the first could be seen. Again Taiga took advantage of the exit to cut positions and take the lead, while Sam Wilford remained in the fourteenth. The Japanese tried to secure third place just over a second behind Aldeguer and Tulovic. However, Alonso Lopez overtook Hada in the fight for the last place on the podium. After the half of the test Wilford was once again in the top ten, while Taiga struggled to stay in the top5 despite his discomfort.


With four laps to go, Hada overtook Norrodin and took fourth place. Wilford lost tenth position with two laps to go. On the last lap Hada fought intensely with Norrodin for fourth place. In this way, Hada crossed the finish line in fifth position and Sam Wilford eleventh.


The Moto3 riders have not had the best debut in the championship. Joel Kelso started from fifth position after a positive weekend. The race was developed in a group and with numerous touches between the pilots, who fought for the best position. Among them, a race set relegated our pilot Joel Kelso to more backward positions, until he reached seventeenth place. The Australian crashed on lap eight when he was coming back and was unable to finish the race.


Mattia Volpi was facing his first race in the Moto3 Junior World Championship starting from the back. The young Italian rider suffered a crash in the Warm Up due to a fortuitous collision with another rider that caused discomfort in his arm. These annoyances made him make a mistake at the start, losing all the options to overcome positions. Still, Volpi continued the solo race to gain more Moto3 experience, setting his best times of the weekend. Despite the final result, the feelings are positive as the pace was the same as the riders in the second group, showing that he can improve and fight for better positions.


With these results, Taiga Hada and Sam Wilford have added their first points in the Moto2 general classification. Hada is fifth (21 points) and Wilford ninth (13 points). The next round of the championship will take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on May 7, 8 and 9.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I am very happy with the team and the work this weekend. The fall of Taiga has weighed down on us in the race and we could have gotten the podium if it weren't for those inconveniences. Sam has taken a step forward and is much more mature as a pilot. In Moto3 the races are difficult and in a group, and today he was our turn, but in another race we can be ahead. Mattia is one of the youngest riders in the category, you have to work hard and keep learning ”.


Taiga Hada (R1: 6th / R2: 5th): “We lacked a bit of set-up, especially in the first race. In the second I was already much better. If it hadn't been for the shoulder discomfort we could have been fighting for the podium and for the win.”.


Sam Wilford (R1: 8th / R2: 11th): “It has been two good races in which we have managed to reduce the gap with the front group. We know we can be fast and I am looking forward to arriving in Valencia and continuing to work ”.


Joel Kelso NC: “This morning I felt very comfortable during the warm up. I had high expectations in today's race, but it didn't go as expected. I tried to break the group and get back to the front group, but the bike in front left me and I crashed. So with racing. We will try again in Valencia. I want to apologize to the team. I know I can go fast and if we adjust some more details we can fight for the podium ”.


Mattia Volpi NC: “I made a mistake at the start because of the pain in my left arm. I ran alone, but took a step forward because I was doing the times of the second group. Thank you very much to the team because the bike was perfect and we worked very well together. In Valencia we will continue working hard to improve ”.


TAIGA HADA AND JOEL KELSO WILL START FROM THE SECOND ROW

April 24, 2021

The qualifying sessions of the first round of the FIM CEV Repsol have been played at the Estoril circuit. Positive day for the AGR Team, highlighting the results of Taiga Hada in Moto2 and Joel Kelso in Moto3. Both will start tomorrow from the second row of the grid in fifth and sixth position, respectively.


In Moto2, Taiga Hada set the sixth best time in the first round. The discomfort in his shoulder after yesterday's crash has weighed down his driving, especially on the dry track. Despite the crash, he was the fastest in FP2. In the second session he finished fourth, less than a second behind the leader. In this way, the Japanese, who has made a leap in quality this season, will occupy fifth place on the starting grid of the two races in the category to be held tomorrow. For his part, Sam Wilford has had more problems today. After finishing thirteenth in Q1 and sixteenth in Q2, he will occupy fourteenth place tomorrow. The Briton hopes to be able to regain his position and qualify in the top ten.


In Moto3, Joel Kelso started the season with sixth place for the race after finishing fifth and sixth in both sessions. The Australian found himself in mixed conditions, although he is aware that he can still improve and achieve better results. Mattia Volpi, for his part, will start from thirty-second after not being one hundred percent comfortable on the bike. Complicated day for the Italian in his Moto3 debut, which he hopes to be able to climb positions during the race and get a good result.


Kristian Daniel Jr played his first qualifying sessions in the European Talent Cup willing to learn in this new category and get as much experience as possible. After finishing twenty-fourth in both sessions, he had to compete in the Last Chance Race, to be able to take part in tomorrow's races. In this race, he started from eleventh position and already at the start he climbed up to seventh place. The North American rider fought until the end not to be separated from the group and to have options to overcome the cut, although he remained at the gates and was fifth. However, positive feelings on his debut in the FIM CEV Repsol and with room for improvement for the next races.


Tomorrow the first races of the season will be held: Moto2 at 12: 00h and at 15: 00h, and Moto3 at 13: 00h.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “Taiga has taken a step forward this year. He brakes better and drives more on the limit. He has matured as a driver and we are going to fight for the title this season. If it weren't for the shoulder injury we would have fought for pole position. I'm happy with the set-up in the water, although there was little time for the dry set-up. Joel has achieved a great result, he has made a lot of progress and tomorrow we will go out to fight for the podium. Sam has made a leap in quality this year and tomorrow he will surely get a good result. As for Mattia and Kristian, both debut in their categories, it is a year of learning and growing. If they continue in this line they will soon obtain good results ”.


Taiga Hada P5 (QP1: 6 / QP2: 4): “I was very happy with the settings, especially the water one. Although I got the best time in free practice, I fell yesterday and now I am suffering from discomfort and today's sessions in dry conditions have cost me more than I expected. I hope the races are in the wet as I feel more comfortable ”.


Joel Kelso P6 (QP1: 5 / QP2: 6): “I started the day with good feelings. In mixed conditions I felt strong and with a good pace. It was not the best, but coming fifth is a good position to start the championship. I have to improve, but I am confident in tomorrow. We will see what time we have for the first race, we will enjoy it and get the best possible position ”.


Sam Wilford P14 (QP1: 13 / QP2): “It was a difficult qualifying day that will see us start from fourteenth tomorrow. Let's see what tomorrow holds for us, we have two races and two chances to get a good result ”.


Mattia Volpi P32 (QP1: 30 / QP2: 32): “In Q1 I was not bad in wet conditions, getting to ride in the Top10, but then with the dry tires I was not so comfortable. In Q2 I went one step further, which is positive, but I didn't get a good time. Tomorrow we will have to make a great comeback. Thanks to the team for their work ”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. Q24 (QP1: 24 / QP2: 24): “We have worked a lot this weekend. I am happy with the result of my first race in the European Talent Cup. I could not qualify in the Last Chance to be able to race tomorrow, but I know where I can improve to do better in the next race ”.



KRISTIAN DANIEL JR DISPUTES HIS FIRST RACE IN THE EUROPEAN TALENT CUP

April 24, 2021

Kristian Daniel Jr. played his first qualifying sessions in the European Talent Cup willing to learn in this new category and get as much experience as possible. After finishing twenty-fourth in both sessions, he had to compete in the Last Chance Race to be able to take part in tomorrow's races. Despite trying, he was on the verge of qualifying, although with a satisfactory result.


In this race, he started from eleventh position and already at the start he climbed up to seventh place. The North American rider fought until the end not to separate from the group and have options to overcome the cut, although he stayed at the gates and was fifth. However, positive feelings on his debut in the FIM CEV Repsol and with room for improvement for the next races.



Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “It was his first race in the category and we are happy with the result. It is a year of learning in which the most important thing is to pick up the pace and grow progressively. We know which is the line to follow and little by little we will improve ”.


Kristian Daniel Jr. - P5: “I am very happy with how we have worked this weekend. In the race I finished in fifth position, I am happy because I see that I am capable of catching up with other riders. I have understood where I can improve and I will work on it for the next race in Valencia ”.


AGR TEAM TRAINS FULL TO PREPARE THE START OF THE SEASON

March 29, 2021


This week AGR Team has carried out some test days in Albacete and Valencia to prepare for the start of the 2021 season, which will start on April 25 in Estoril. These tests have involved a first contact between the drivers and the entire team, as well as the launch of the new AGR Team design. In addition, Mattia Volpi and Kristian Daniel have completed their first preseason kilometers with the new team.



After these intense days of work, the feelings of all of them are good and Taiga Hada, Sam Wilford, Joel Kelso, Mattia Volpi and Kristian Daniel are more than prepared for the start of the competition.


JOEL KELSO REGRESA A AGR TEAM

March 12, 2021


Australian rider Joel Kelso will continue one more year with AGR Team to contest the Moto3 championship at the FIM CEV Repsol. After assessing the different possibilities that were presented to him after the end of the 2020 season, he recognizes with this new agreement that AGR Team is the best option to continue progressing as a pilot. After debuting in Moto3 last year, the focus is on occupying the front positions in each race. Kelso has already shown that he has great potential after making great progress from the start of the season, finishing in the top ten.




Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I think together we can have a great season. This year our goal is to reach the podium. I think if you keep a cool head we can be very high. Joel has a great talent, as he already showed last year ”.


Joel Kels: “I am very excited to continue with AGR. We worked very well together last year and made a lot of progress throughout last season. This year we are back stronger and prepared to be ahead, we have good expectations. I am very happy to be working with the same team again and we will give our 100% to continue progressing ”.


KRISTIAN DANIEL JR WILL DEBUT IN THE EUROPEAN TALENT CUP WITH AGR TEAM


February 22, 2021

AGR Team has reached an agreement with Kristian Daniel Jr to compete in the European Talent Cup next season. In this way, he will make his debut in the lower category of the FIM CEV Repsol, being the youngest rider in the category. The North American rider, who turned 12 years old last Friday, participated in the Moto5 Cradle of Champions last season, achieving two victories and multiple podiums.


Kristian Daniel has shown that he has the potential to grow as a rider, and AGR wants to continue betting on the progression of the youngest with this union. Born in Los Angeles, he played several MiniGP and flat track championships, in which he was proclaimed champion, in addition to previously competing supermotard. In 2017 he had his first contact with Spanish competitions, contesting a race in which the pilot shone and showed his quality. The result of this appointment was the reason why in 2018 he moved with his entire family to Barcelona to continue developing his professional career. During these three years in Spain he has contested numerous races in which he has fought for the podium and even victory on top-level circuits.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I am very happy to have Kristian Daniel Jr in our team. He is a promising young American with whom we have a very good relationship since we have known each other since they moved to Barcelona. I thank all the sponsors who have made it possible for AGR to have a motorcycle in the European Talent Cup this year. I am very excited about Kristian. The road is long, but we are already starting to work to take it to the top ”.


Kristian Daniel Jr: “I am very excited to have a chance to compete in the European Talent Cup, and being able to do it with AGR is even more special because we already knew each other since we came to Spain. It is a great challenge, but I am ready to learn and work together. I am very grateful to Vanel Design, Noyes Camp, Kabuto, Riderzlaw and of course to Anscari Nadal for making this dream come true ”.AGR Team ha llegado a un acuerdo con Kristian Daniel Jr para competir la próxima temporada en la European Talent Cup. De esta forma, debutará en la categoría inferior del FIM CEV Repsol, siendo el piloto más joven de la categoría. El piloto norteamericano, que cumplió 12 años el pasado viernes, participó en la Cuna de Campeones Moto5 la pasada temporada, consiguiendo dos victorias y múltiples pódiums.


SAM WILFORD WILL BE PART OF AGR TEAM IN 2021


December 9, 2020

Rider Sam Wilford will continue next season with AGR Team. The Briton, who finished 11th overall in Moto2, joined Anscari Nadal's team last September for the final two races of the season. After achieving his best results of the year with a seventh position in Aragon, the goal for next season is to continue his progression as a driver and fight for the podium.



Anscari Nadal: “I am very happy for Sam's renewal. He is very good for a driver who has competed two races with us and wants to continue in AGR after getting the best results from him. It is a sample of the potential that both the driver and the team have. This year he is sure to take another step in his progression and I believe that in 2022 he will be a candidate for the podium ”.



Sam Wilford: “I am very happy to continue with AGR next year. We did a great job at the end of the season and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2021. Thank you very much to all who have made it possible, I am looking forward to working with the team ”.


Camino Coaching: “Sam and the team have worked very well together in the final stretch of the season, so it is great news that they continue together in 2021. The work that Sam has done to progress shows that he is ready to make the most of it. this opportunity and give the best of himself in this new season ”.


MATTIA VOLPI JOINS AGR TEAM AND WILL DEBUT IN MOTO3

November 9, 2020

The Italian rider Mattia Volpi will be the AGR Team rider during the 2021 season of the FIM CEV Repsol. Volpi, who will make the leap to Moto3 next year with AGR, made his FIM CEV Repsol debut in 2018 and has competed in the Hawkers European Talent Cup to date. The 14-year-old pilot will also carry out a training plan with 111 Management in Spain. The objective is to work from the first moment to gain experience and continue with your progression as a pilot.




Anscari Nadal: “We are very excited to have a rookie in Moto3. It is not going to be an easy year, it will be a lot of learning, but the important thing is that we go to more in each race. Mattia is young and has many things to learn. I thank my friends at GRD management who have made this agreement possible from Italy ”.


Mattia Volpi: “I am very happy to join AGR for next season. I am very grateful for the opportunity GRD Management has given me to be able to get on Moto3 with AGR to continue progressing and growing as a rider. We are going to improve a lot together and I am looking forward to starting working with the team ”.


TAIGA HADA RENEWS WITH AGR TEAM FOR THE NEXT SEASON

November 5, 2020

Moto2 rider Taiga Hada has renewed his contract with AGR Team. After finishing fourth in his European Moto2 debut, the Japanese will continue next season with Anscari Nadal's team. Taiga has had a great season, even fighting for podium positions. The goal for next year is to continue his learning in Europe and fight for the podium in every race, just as there are options to get the title.



Anscari Nadal: “I am very happy with the renewal of Taiga, next year can be a magical year! To thank Nakagome San, MotoUp, P-UP World, Teluru and all the people who trust us from Japan ”.


Taiga Hada: “I am delighted with the technical team and the bike. Both I and my sponsors believe that continuing in AGR will allow us to continue growing and improving to reach the top in the European Championship and achieve the necessary level to reach the World Cup. I hope I can spend more time in Europe training in 2021 ”.


VERY POSITIVE FINAL FOR THE AGR TEAM AT THE FIM CEV REPSOL

November 1, 2020

The AGR Team ended the FIM CEV Repsol season at Circuit Ricardo Tormo with positive results. In Moto2, Taiga Hada was sixth and Sam Wilford fourteenth. In Moto3, Gerard Riu was ninth in both races after giving his best despite the weekend's crashes. Joel Kelso has finished in points in both races, twelfth and fourteenth.


The Japanese also finished in a commendable fourth position in the general classification in his first season in the championship and touching the podium in several races. Sam Wilford finished eleventh in the standings. In the general classification of Moto3, Gerard Riu has achieved the eighth place and Joel Kelso the eighteenth, showing a great progression since the beginning of the year.


In the last Moto2 race of the season, Taiga Hada failed to make a start that would allow him to quickly move into the front group, while Wilford climbed some position to climb to thirteenth. After the first laps the group broke up and both drivers fought to maintain a constant rhythm and regain positions. With 8 laps to go, the Japanese was seventh, riding very close to Adam Norrodin. Taiga increased the pace progressively in the final section of the race, until he placed sixth and crossed the finish line in that position. Sam for the part of him maintained the thirteenth place alone. Already on the last lap he was overtaken by Kubo and was fourteenth.


JOEL KELSO FINISHES NINTH AND GETS HIS FIRST TOP10

October 31, 2020

The first day of racing at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit ended with a great job from the AGR riders. In Moto2, Taiga Hada was seventh after making a great start and fighting in the second group and Sam Wilford eleventh. In Moto3, Joel Kelso secured the ninth position and his first top ten of the season. The negative part of the day was played by Gerard Riu when he suffered a heavy fall that left him out of the race. Tomorrow the last Moto2 race of the season and the last two Moto3 races will be held.


Taiga Hada made a good start and managed to place fifth and tried to stay in the top positions. The first drivers maintained a high pace and the race was divided into the opening laps. The Japanese fought in the second group with pilots like Xavi Cardelús and Adam Norrodin until he crossed the finish line in seventh position. For his part, Sam Wilford, who started fifteenth, began to climb positions and increase the pace until he crossed the finish line in eleventh position, very close to the top ten again and showing his progression every day.


After leaving Moto3, Gerard Riu had managed to regain positions and reach eighth place. Joel Kelso for the part of him, fell back to twentieth position. After the first laps, a crash for Riu and David Salvador forced the race to stop after a red flag. The AGR pilot, although he left the track under his own foot, could not continue. The race resumed a few minutes later and was shortened to twelve laps. This situation favored Joel Kelso, who did not miss the opportunity and made a great start that allowed him to reach the tenth position. From there, the Australian kept the pace and Kelso closed the group formed by Adrián Fernández, Lorenzo Felloni, Scott Ogden, Daniel Muñoz to fight for sixth position. With two laps to go, Joel drained all his options until the end and took ninth place, thus achieving his first top-10 and his best result of the season.


Tomorrow the last races of the season will be held. Moto2 will play a single race at 1:00 p.m. Moto3 will compete in two races, at 11:00 a.m. and at 2:00 p.m.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I was expecting a little more with Taiga's race, but everything is very tight and it has been a difficult race. We are looking for Sam to get a better start to have a good fast pace to fight for higher positions. The fall of Gerard has been strong when entering the straight. We will see how he is tomorrow for the next two races. Kelso has starred in the positive news of the day entering the top 10. I am very happy, he deserves it and has worked hard. Things had to work out and he has talent. He started back and is already there. Both he and the team are doing a great job. He has reached the top 10 and he deserves it ”.


Taiga Hada 7th: “I made a very good start and reached fifth place. It was difficult for me to keep up the pace in the first laps. In the middle of the race I was riding in similar times to the first classified, but I could no longer reach them and I decided to keep my position for the general classification ".


Joel Kelso 9th: “It was a crazy race. After the red flag I made a good start and managed to get into a good position. From there I started to push and stay focused. I found a very good rhythm and got to be in the group fighting for sixth position. I am very happy with the result today. I was ninth and it was my first top 10. Tomorrow we have two more races and I will do my best again ”.


Sam Wilford 11th: “It was a tough race. This morning in the warm up we detected a small problem that did not allow me to have the same feeling as in the previous days. It has not allowed us to be in the front group in the race, but we are doing a good job with the team. Tomorrow we will go out to give one hundred percent again. We have another opportunity to continue progressing ”.


Gerard Riu NC: “We had a good feeling, just like the rest of the weekend. The race started very fast and I was well placed, in eighth position. A rider crashed in front of me when he was ninth and I too had a high side. I have not been able to continue, I have taken a strong blow. We hope to have the fit and to be able to run the races tomorrow. I apologize to the team for the crash and we only have to think about the last ones tomorrow ”.



AGR TEAM GIVES THE HIGHEST IN THE VALENCIA QUALIFICATIONS

October 30, 2020

Everything ready for the races of the last weekend of the season. After an intense day of work, the AGR drivers already know the starting grid positions for the five races that will be held this weekend. In Moto2, Taiga Hada will start from eleventh position and Sam Wilford from fifteenth. In Moto3, Gerard Riu took eleventh place and Joel Kelso fourteenth. Tomorrow there will be one race in each category.


In Moto2, Taiga Hada worked preparing the races. The Japanese worked to get the best setup for the bike and he wants to fight for the top 5 once more in the race. Hada was twelfth in the first qualifying session. In the second qualifying, the Japanese improved his rhythm and finished eleventh. Sam Wilforddind’nt have the good feelings that he had during free practice yesterday. However, Wilford gave his best once again to get the best possible time at fourteenth. During the second qualifying, the British has continued working towards the races and got the fifteenth time in the category. Tomorrow they will come out of eleventh and fifteenth position respectively.


In Moto3, both Joel Kelso and Gerard Riu had a great rhythm during the first qualifying. They rode were running in second and third position respectively during most of the season. They showed that they have a chance of getting good results in the races. At the end of the first qualifying, Riu had set the tenth best time and Kelso the thirteenth. In the second qualifying, Kelso had a crash in the first lap. After a great teamwork, the Australian was back on track to improve his times and achieve the best possible position. Riu, meanwhile, also suffered a crash when he was looking for his fastest lap. Tomorrow he will start from eleventh position and Kelso from fourteenth.


Tomorrow the team will play the first two races of the weekend. After the warm up, Moto2 will be at 12:00 and 13:00.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “The day didn't go as well as it could have. Gerard had a crash in Q2 while was doing a good lap to be able to be in the front row. He had a good rhythm and he will fight to be on the podium. We are very happy with Joel Kelso and we hope to have some great races if he doesn’t get nervous. We know he can do it right. In Moto2 we can do very well with both riders. Despite not having done a good qualifying we have a good set-up. Unlike other races, I think there will be more people to fight for the top 5. Taiga has a good pace and Sam continues to progress every day”.


Gerard Riu P11 (QP1: 10 / QP2: 18): “It was a positive day because I had a good feeling with the bike and we have worked well with the team. We couldn’t do the lap that we wanted to have done. I had a strong crash at the end, but luckily I'm fine. The starting position is not the best, but we will try to stick in the front group and we will fight for the podium. We have a good rhythm for the weekend races and the team is doing a great job."


Taiga Hada P11 (QP1: 12 / QP2: 11): “In the first session the track was cold and I didn't want to risk much. We focused on finding a good setup for the bike. We want to find a little more grip on the bike to be able to go faster. I am very motivated for the race and I’m sure I can make a good start. We know it will not be easy, but we will fight for the top 5."


Joel Kelso P14 (QP1: 13 / QP2: 21): “In the first session I started with a great rhythm and I was riding in second position during part of the session. It gave me a lot of confidence and allows us to see that we are not far from those in front. In the end many riders improved their times, but the result does not allow me to be further ahead. Already in the second session I had a crash in the first lap. The team did a great job to get back on track. Unfortunately I have not recovered the same feeling, but despite that I am happy with the result. I think we can do a good job tomorrow in the race”.


Sam Wilford P15 (QP1: 14 / QP2: 15): “Difficult Qualifying for us after some really strong free practice sessions. But I’m sure we will have what we need to fight strong in the two races here!”



EVERYTHING PREPARED IN VALENCIA FOR THE LAST APPOINTMENT OF THE FIM CEV REPSOL

October 28, 2020

The Circuit Ricardo Tormo hosts this weekend the last races of the season after an atypical year and determined by the evolution of the pandemic. First free practice sessions have been held today. AGR drivers have already begun preparing the final races of the championship, ready to givetheir best before the end of the season.


In Moto2, Taiga Hada wants to reach the podium after the good results obtained in Aragon. Wilford continues improving and he will again seek to finish, at least, in the top ten. In Moto3, Gerard Riu will try to get the pódium and the victory at one of his favorite circuits. Joel Kelso also wants to keep progressing and cross the finish line again in the points zone one more time.


Tomorrow the free practice sessions will start at 9:00 am. Qualifying sessions will take place on friday: Moto2 sessions will be at 9:50 a.m. and at 12:55 p.m., and Moto3 sessions at 12:55 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. The most important  days of the weekend will come with the five races. On Saturday Moto2 will start at 12:00 and Moto3 at 13:00. Already on Sunday, the Moto2 race is at 1:00 p.m. while the remaining two of Moto3 will be at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.


In the Moto2 general standing, Hada is fifth with 85 points and Wilford is twelfth with 44 points. In Moto3, Gerard Riu is seventh with 59 points and Joel Kelso with five points. 



SAM WILFORD GETS HIS BEST RESULTS AT THE FIM CEV IN HIS PREMIERE WITH AGR

October 4, 2020

AGR Team ends the last day of the FIM CEV Repsol at MotorLand Aragón with good feelings. Sam Wilford got his best results so far this season, getting seventh and eighth. Taiga Hada ended the first race in fourth position, although bad luck did not allow him to finish the second race. In Moto3, Gerard Riu was ninth and eleventh, while Joel Kelso fought for the points positions in the first race.


In the first Moto3 race Joel Kelso made a good start that allowed him to reach the fourteenth place. The group was divided in the first laps and Joel and Gerard couldn’t catch up them. The the AGR riders fought with Matsuyama, Rueda and Muñoz for the best possible position until the final stage of the race. Finally, Riu crossed the finish line in twelfth position. Kelso, who made a great fighting for being into points positions, got the sixteenth place.


In the second race Gerard Riu didn’t have his best start and he had to fight for the top 10 again. The race was divided once more after the first laps. Reaching the tenth place, he has fought Masaki and Rueda constantly. Riu gave his hunded percent until the end and he got the ninth position on the last lap. Kelso had a difficult start but he began overtake from the twenty-fifth position. Despite the effort, he was forced to retire by a faulty battery.


The Moto2 riders obtained good results today. In the first race Taiga Hada and Sam Wilford had a great start showing their full potential. Wilford overtook from thirteenth to eighth and rode alone from start to finish. Hada remained, once again, in the front group. The Japanese had a good rhythm, specially during the last laps when he tried to reach the podium positions. Despite trying until the last meters fighting with Cardelús, Hada was finally fourth.


Hada showed his ability again at the start of the second race. After placing himself in fifth position and following a good rhythm to reach the rivals, Xavi Cardelús knocked him down after over-braking in the first corner. Both riders crashed and fortunately they were ok. Wilford progressively overtook positions, reaching the top ten and crossing the finish line in seventh position. This result is the best achieved by the British this season in the FIM CEV.


The next round of the championship will be held from October 30 to November 1 at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, where the 2020 season will say goodbye.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “It has been a very positive weekend. In Moto2 we touched the podium with Taiga and Sam showed his potential already in the first race. A pity that Xavi Cardelús lost control of the bike when braking and hit Taiga from behind, both of them going to the ground, fortunately they are both fine. We appreciate he came to apologize to Taiga. In Valencia we will go out for all and we hope to be even further ahead. We have not found a suitable set-up for Gerard and the strong wind has played against us. We have not been able to give the driver what he needed, but we are already working to make things better in Valencia and fight for victory. Joel had a great first race fighting for the points until the last moment. In the second race he was coming back and it was a shame that I couldn't finish”.


Taiga Hada P4 / NC: “I am disappointed that we did not get the podium because we really deserved it. We have the potential to achieve it and it has been very close. I will fight harder in the remaining races so I can give the team a podium. In the second race I was following the top 3 and I saw myself with possibilities of being on the podium. However, the incident with Cardelús has ruined it. We will continue in this line in Valencia to finish the season with the best results”.


Sam Wilford P8 / P7: “We managed to go one better in the last race for the best result in FIM CEV for me. The team madre a great job and we have more potential for Valencia”.


Gerard Riu P12 / P9: “The weekend did not end as we would have liked because we started this week very well. It was difficult for me to ride due to the wind and in these conditions and I suffered a lot. We gave everything and the team worked hard, but we lost the front group in both races. We will work harder in the next race to keep improving”.


Joel Kelso P16 / NC: “This morning we did a very good job fighting for the points during most of the race. I'm happy in that sense because I know we can be in positions from the front. A pity that he couldn’t finish the second race. We are already focus in Valencia to give the best of ourselves and finish the year with good results”.



AGR TEAM GOES TO TACTICS IN THE FIRST DAY OF RACING IN MOTORLAND ARAGÓN

October 3, 2020

Intense day at the AGR Team. This Saturday, the first races of the MotorLand Aragón Round finished with Taiga Hada in fifth position, Gerard Riu in tenth position, Sam Wilford in eleventh position and Joel Kelso in twentieth position. Although the wind has made riders of all categories suffer, the feelings are positive and they can improve tomorrow in the races. 


The wind and the low temperature on the track were present during the hole day. In Moto2, Taiga Hada decided to be cautious in the first laps due to the weather conditions. After increasing the rhythm, he reached sixth place and starred in he fought with Xavi Cardelús until the last lap. Taiga lost position in the last lap and crossed the finish line in seventh position. Sam Wilford, meanwhile, got a good result his first race with AGR Team. After reached twelfth place and he reduced the gap with Fermín Aldeguer and later with Adam Norrodin. In the last laps he fought with Norrodin for the tenth position, although he was finally overtaken in the last corner and finished eleventh.


In Moto3, Gerard Riu suffered a crash in the Warm Up due to the wind that didn’t let him to give his best. He lost some positions at the start but despite the injuries Riu struggled to keep up the pace and finish the race in tenth position. Finally, Joel Kelso did not make his best start and stayed in the second group. The Australian couldn’t keep a good rhythm throughout the race, although he did show once again that he has the potential to be up front. After fighting with several riders in the final stretch of the test, he crossed the finish line in twentieth position.


In this way, in Moto2 general standing Taiga Hada is fifth with 72 points and Sam Wilford is twelfth with 27 points. In Moto3, Gerard Riu is seventh with 48 points and Joel Kelso twenty-second with 5 points. Tomorrow the remaining races of the weekend will be held. Those of Moto3 will be at 11:00h and 14:00h while those of Moto2 will be at 12:00h and 15:00h.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “The Warm Up has been crazy. In Moto2 the track temperatura vas very low and there wasa lot of wind, so there wasn’t grip. As the track conditions have changed every day it is not easy to get the perfect setting for the race. Both Taiga and Sam had a good race, we preferred to be careful because tomorrow we have two more races. A pity that Cardelús passed Hada in the last corner. Sam did a great race getting to overtake Norrodin, although in the end he overtook him. We have very good hopes to go one step further tomorrow.

In Moto3 it was very different. Gerard crashed in the Warm Up due to a strong gusto f wind and he started to race with pain in his hand and his arm. It was difficult to get the best settin but tomorrow we will try to make him feel better with the bike. Joel has been able to ride fast, but he need more consistency anthough he made fas laps.I am happy, there is potential and tomorrow we will go further in both Moto2 and Moto3 ”.


Taiga Hada 7th: “I'm not used to racing in this wind and I was cautious in the first laps, which made me move away from the group. In the second part of the race I was able to catch up with Cardelús and I finished seventh. With the cold track temperature is difficult to ride because there is no grip. Tomorrow we will start 100% from the first lap to get better results”.


Gerard Riu 10th: “It was a hard day for us because I had an unexpected crash due to the wind. It was very fast and I hurt my arm and hand, but I was able to race. I'm happy for that part, but Ididn’t have the best feelings with the bike. I preferred not to risk because I was not comfortable. We are working to improve tomorrow's setting and with it we will be able to fight for the podium”.


Sam Wilford 11th: “We had a good race today. We made progress and unfortunately lost the 10th place in the final corner on the last lap. For tomorrow I think we can have another 2 strong results in the top 10”. 


Joel Kelso 20th: “We fought a lot to be able to start 19th today, but after some mistakes and fighting with several riders I finished 20th. I had a good rhythm and I was comfortable with the bike. Now we have to focus on the two races tomorrow and improve results”.



INTENSE DAY OF QUALIFICATIONS CONDITIONED BY RAIN๏ปฟ

October 2, 2020

The qualifiers at MotorLand Aragón finished with a great job from the AGR Team riders. The day was marked by harsh weather conditions in which the rain was the protagonist and forced the team to give themselves to the fullest. Tomorrow the first two races of the weekend will be held. Taiga Hada and Sam Wilford will start in ninth and thirteenth in Moto2. Gerard Riu and Joel Kelso took seventh and nineteenth positions respectively in the Moto3 category.


In Moto2, the lack of grip has forced Taiga Hada and Sam Wilford to do their best.

Hada finished the first session in ninth position, while Wilford was tenth third. Already in the second session, the Briton has stood out finishing in a creditable fourth position in a qualifier in which hardly any drivers participated due to the intense rain. Taiga Hada, on the other hand, has decided not to participate, securing the ninth position in the grill tomorrow.

In Moto3, both sessions were held in wet conditions. The rain made act of presence at the start of the first qualifier, forcing the team to employ the maximum time to change tires and take as much time as possible to achieve the best record. Gerard Riu achieved the seventh best time in the category. However, a crash in the final stage prevented him from improving the time. Joel Kelso after a difficult first session conditioned by adverse weather conditions and an untimely fall, got the nineteenth best record. Both pilots decided not to go out in the second session so as not to take a risk in a weekend in which they will contest up to three races. Thus, tomorrow they will start from seventh and nineteenth position.


After the warm-up of all categories, the Moto2 race will take place at 12: 00h and the Moto3 at 13: 00h.



Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): 

“We knew it was going to be a difficult day, we were aware of what we were exposing ourselves with the rain forecasts. In Moto2 the track was cold, there was no good grip and both Taiga and Sam noticed it a lot until it started to rain. In the second session Taiga has decided not to go out because the conditions will not be the same in the tomorrow's race. On the other hand, Sam has gone out to fine tune the bike's setup. It has done very well and can be fast in water. In Moto3 Gerard has done very well in the rain at despite the fall. There have been many falls in the category because the track was very complicated. Joel's crash was also a shame, both the bike and the rider are doing well. This gaining experience in these conditions. We are going to fight for the podium and victory in Moto3 with Gerard and we hope to overcome positions in all categories ”.


Gerard Riu 7º (QP1: 7º / QP2: NC): “It was a rainy day in both sessions. It was one incognito know how we would go in wet conditions, but from the beginning I had good feeling with the bike. Little by little I have tried to follow my own rhythm. I have had a fall that has not let me finish Q1. We will come out seventh and try to take advantage from the first moment to fight for the podium in the three races ”.


Taiga Hada 9º (QP1: 9º / QP2: NC): “Yesterday I finished the day very happy with the set-up. This morning there was no grip on the track and I was not comfortable. When leaving all the pilots at the same time no I was able to do my best lap. Shortly after it started to rain and I couldn't get the Best time. I am aware that he could have gotten a better starting position, but we have three races ahead and I am confident of getting good results this time Weekend".


Sam Wilford 13th (QP1: 13th / QP2: 4th): “It was a strange qualifying session for my. We have more potential than we have shown but the conditions were difficult. Tomorrow is a new day and we have a race. I am convinced that we can improve and I want to see what we are capable of ”.


Joel Kelso 19º (QP1: 19º / QP2: NC): “It has been a difficult day. We knew it was going to rain, but no when. It started right when we went out in the first session, changed tires and went out to have a good time. I tried to get into a good rhythm, but unfortunately I have down and I couldn't get my best lap. Tomorrow we will go out nineteenth and try to overcome positions from the start ”.


AGR WANTS TO BE PRESENT AT THE EUROPEAN TALENT CUP IN 202๏ปฟ

October 1, 2020

AGR Team continues to expand horizons for the 2021 season, together with participation in Moto3 and Moto2, the objective is to also be present in the European Talent Cup, a category in which the youngest members of the FIM CEV Repsol participate. AGR wants to continue training pilots and accompany them from the beginning in competitions.


If you are interested or have any questions, please contact us through the email anscari111@hotmail.com sending your personal data and your sports curriculum.


See you soon!


SAM WILFORD WILL END THE SEASON WITH AGR TEAM

September 17, 2020

AGR Team has reached an agreement with Sam Wilford to complete the 2020 FIM CEV Repsol season. The 22-year-old British rider will compete in the Moto2 category alongside Taiga Hada in the remaining two rounds of the championship that will take place at MotorLand. Aragon and at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit.


Wilford began his career in British championships, becoming Supertwin and RRV450 champion in 2014 and 2015 respectively. He was also proclaimed champion in RRV450 in 2015. After three years in the British Supersport Championship, in 2018 he finished in seventh position and being the best private driver. In 2019 he was third in the British GP2 Championship and made his debut in the FIM CEV Repsol competing in some races as a ‘wild card’. This year he occupies the thirteenth position of the general classification of Moto2.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “He is an English rider who has a track record competing in the British Championship and already has experience in the FIM CEV. He is looking forward to reaching a higher level and fighting to reach the World Cup in the future. This change will be a plus for him and will allow him to improve a lot. We have good expectations, we believe in him and little by little the results will come ”.


Sam Wilford: “I am very excited to finish the season with AGR. It is a very professional team that is giving me the opportunity to improve and achieve the best possible results. The goal is to finish the year strong and improve with each session. It's being a tough championship, but I think we can get good results. I am very grateful to all those who have made it possible for me to have this opportunity ”.



Welcome Sam!


SLGRAFICS DESIGN THE HELMETS OF RIU AND KELSO

September 12, 2020

Colors are a hallmark in the world of competition. Each team is linked to colors that are reflected in the fairings, the overalls and even in the box. Now, what about the helmets? Over the years they have become an element through which pilots identify themselves and show their entire personality.


At AGR our Moto3 riders Gerard Riu and Joel Kelso use Kabuto brand helmets. Its original designs are made by Sander Lam. This Dutch graphic designer is the founder of SLGrafics, a company dedicated to the design of competition helmets.


In Onepercent Magazine they have chatted with its owner and tell about the process of creating designs as beautiful as those of our pilots.


You can read the full report here.


TAIGA HADA AND GERARD RIU GET A FOURTH PLACE IN JEREZ

August 31, 2020

Last day of racing at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto. Taiga Hada has finished fourth once again after a great race. In the first Moto3 race both Joel Kelso and Gerard Riu did not finish the race. Joel had a crash in the first lap and Gerard had another in the last laps. In the second raceRiu was fourth ans unfortunately Kelso did not participate.


Taiga Hada has made a great performance again in the Moto2 race. Hada has shown his ability to manage races. He kept the pace at all times and waiting for the right moment to overtake his rivals. In the second part of the race he reached fifth position. Lap by lap he fought with Keminth Kubo until he finally he overtook the Thai rider and he crossed the finish line in fourth position.

Gerard Riu made a great start in the first race, reaching the top positions in a few laps. Riu kept pace at all time. Lap by lap he managed to get closer to the first classified or reach podium positions again with the aim of, at least, repeating the result of the previous day. Unfortunately, a mistake in the last laps caused him to crash while he was third. In the second race the Gerard had a new opportunity to get a new podium. He did not miss the leading group at any time. Although it was difficult a difficult race, he worked hard to get ahead and overtake Daniel Holgado to place third. Finally he crossed the finish line in fourth position.

Joel Kelso started from twelfth position after yesterday's spectacular race. The Moto 2 rider came out convinced of making a great performance this Sunday. However, Kelso went to the ground after a touch with another driver on the first lap. There was another chance in race two, but pain in his shoulder and arm prevented him from leaving. Bitter taste for the Australian, who had done a great job together with the team all weekend.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “Taiga made a great race today, going faster than on Saturday. He has improved his riding style and he had made a step forward. Joel could have made a great race but a rider threw him on the first lap. Luckily he has not major injuries, but even so he has not been able to start the second race due to pain. Gerard had a great first race, although without a happy ending due to the crash. In the second race he had a better setup and he fought until the end for the podium, but finally he couldn’t reach it. I'm happy with the weekend's work and we're already thinking about the next races in Aragon”.


Taiga Hada (4th): “It was not a bad start, although it wasn’t as good as yesterday. The bike was going very well. Today there was a very high rhythm during the race and I fought with Kubo and Medina until finally I overtook Kubo to get fourth position. At that time I pushed to reach Medina but the tires weren’t in the best conditions to do it. I preferred to keep my position although I improved my times. Anyway I’m happy with the results”.


Gerard Riu (R1: NC / R2: 4th): “Today was a bit difficult. In the first race I felt good but I did not have the perfect feeling with the bike. It was difficult for me to keep up and I pushed to the maximum, but I made a small mistake and I went to the ground. Luckily we managed to identify the problem, solve it  for the second race. With three laps remaining, I tried to get a good position to fight for the podium and that's how it was, but at the last corner I made a small mistake and lost third position. Due to that I'm not quite happy with today's performance. I want to apologize to the team because we did not deserve that failure, but for the next race we will be giving one hundred percent”.


Joel Kelso (R1: NC / R2: NC): “Ifelt very strong and confident for fighting in the front group and I had a good start in the first corners. Unfortunately one rider came and contact with me. I crashed and this ended the race. I couldn’t start the second race but anyway I’m happy with the work of the team this weekend. We will return stronger in Aragon”.


After this weekend, Taiga Hada is fifth in the Moto2 general standing with 63 points. In Moto3, Gerard Riu is seventh with 42 points and Joel Kelso twenty-second with 5 points. The next appointment will be at MotorLand Aragón, 3rd – 4 th October.



GERARD RIU GETS HIS FIRST PODIUM OF THE SEASON

August 29, 2020

The day could not have been more positive for the team in Jerez. The riders have achieved the best results since the championship began. Gerard Riu has reached the podium for the first time after finishing in third position. Taiga Hada was fourth in Moto2 and Joel Kelso crossed the finish line in eleventh position, getting his first points in the championship.

In Moto2, Taiga Hada made a great start overtaking from tenth to fourth. The Japanese held the position and tried to reach Niki Tuuli, who was in third place. Hada kept the rhythm during the 16 laps ending fourth. It’s his best result  this year. 

In Moto3, Gerard Riu was in the leading group since the race started and he waited for the best moment to overtake his opponents. Riu has had one of its best performances of the season. The AGR pilot pushed until the end fighting for the victory. He did not miss any opportunity, crossing the finish line in third position and achieving his first podium of the season. 

Joel Kelso had technical problems before starting that caused him to start from the last position of the grid. Kelso showed his full potential to overtake position. He finally crossed the finish line in eleventh position after a spectacular race. The Australian got points for the first time. He got a very positive result after the intense work that both the rider and the team have done during the week.


Taiga Hada is fifth in Moto2 general standing. In Moto3, Gerard Riu is sixth with 29 points and Joel Kelso is eighteenth with five points. Tomorrow the last races of the weekend will be held. Moto3 races will be at At 11:00h and at 14:00h. Moto2 race will be at 13:00 p.m.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “With Taiga we have been working all weekend ahead of the race. We knew that the temperatura in the Warm Up was too low and we have tried other things then. He made a great start and kept a very good rhythm. He has done an amazing race and I am sure that tomorrow it will turn out the same way. In Moto3 both riders have done a great job. Joel had a problem and he had to start at the end of the grid because they had already closed the pit lane. He started last and he finished on theeleventh position. It is a very good result. He's talented and he's going to get good results. Gerard Riu's podium is the first of many. Tomorrow we are going to fight for the victory. We hope to be able to come out with more podium. The whole team has done a great job. It has been a great day”.


Gerard Riu 3rd: “It is the first podium of the season and I am very happy with how the race went. From the beginning it was a tough race because there were many riders in the lead group. I was able to manage it well and finish in third position. The team's work has been very hard throughout the weekend. I want to thank them, my family and sponsors”.


Taiga Hada 4th: “I made a good start and in the first laps I pushed hard until I got to fourth place. I have tried to approach Tuuli and follow him, but I have not succeeded. Still, I have learned a lot going after him. We will try to make better results during qualifying sessions. It was a very difficult race but I'm still very happy with the result. Tomorrow we will give it everything again”.


Joel Kelso 11th: It was a mixture of emotions because we had mechanical problems before leaving the pit lane and it forced me to start from the back of the grid. I knew how to stay calm and I decides to try my best. It's a good result, but luckily tomorrow we will start from qualifying position and we can make a better race and fight for top 10. We need to continue working in this way”.



AGR PILOTS GET THEIR BEST RESULTS IN QUALIFYING SESSIONS๏ปฟ

August 29, 2020

The team have finished qualifying sessions today in Jerez. There will be five races this weekend: two of Moto2 and three of Moto3. Gerard Riu and Joel Kelso have achieves their best results in a quaifying sessions this year. Riu got the fifht and Kelso got the fourteenth. Taiga Hada will start from tenth position tomorrow. 

During the first Moto2 session, the strategy was to keep keep the tires for the second session getting the ninth position. During the second qualifying practice Taiga wanted to improve the result because the temperature was higher. After solving an electronic problem, the japanese rider got the eight position. Tomorrow we will start from tenth place.

Gerard Riu showed, once again, that he has the potential to fight for the victory. He got the fifht best result during the first qualifying session. Riu worked with his teammate but unfortunately he had a crash. Due to it, he could’t improve the time and he finished the twentieth. Tomorrow we will start from the second row, in fifth position. 

Joel Kelso has made great progresses today. The Australian has achieved the twelfth best time during the first session, his best result since the begining of the season. Kelso has shown that he has rhythm and he can improve more. He finished twenty-fifth in the second session and he will start the fourteenth tomorrow.


Gerard Riu 5th (QP1: 5th / QP2: 20th) 1:46.921: “Today was a positive day for us, getting the fifth position for the starting grid. Although I had better feelings yesterday the result is good. I had a crash during QP1, but tomorrow I will give my best since the begining. The team is doing a great job. We have found a good setting for tomorrow and we will fight for the podium”.


Taiga Hada 10th (QP1: 9th / QP2: 8th) 1:44.402: “In the first session the tire suffered a lot and we decided to keep them for the second session. In the QP2 we had a problem with the shifter. The team solved it and we tried to improve the result with new tires. I am very happy with the setting and I am sure that tomorrow we will have a good race”.


Joel Kelso 14th (QP1: 12th / QP2: 25th) 1:47.391: “The first session was very good and we were focused on getting a good feeling with the bike. I worked with Gerard and other riders looking for the best lap. I am happy with how the day has gone. It’s the result of all the hard work that we have done since we arrived. Tomorrow we start fourteenth and we will fight to stay in the front group”.



GERARD RIU LEADS THE FREE TRAINING DAY IN JEREZ๏ปฟ

August 27, 2020

The FIM CEV Repsol faces the third round of the calendar at the Circuito de Jerez - Ángel Nieto. Gerard Riu set the fastest time of the day in the Moto3 class during the free practice sessions.

Gerard Riu, Joel Kelso and Taiga Hada have worked hard to get the best results each day despite the heat. In Moto2, Hada finished both sessions in fourth and seventh position. In Moto3, Riu finished first and second, getting the best result of the category. Joel Kelso has finished thirty-first and thirty-second.


The qualifying sessions will take place tomorrow. Moto2 will be at 9:00h. and 12:00h while Moto3 will be at 9:50 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. The first races of the weekend will be held on Saturday. Moto2 will be at 12: 00 and Moto3 at 13: 00h. This weekend we will also have races on Sunday: will be held on Sunday: two of Moto3 (11:00h and 14:00) and one of Moto2 (13:00h).



GREAT PROGRESSION OF AGR PILOTS THIS WEEKEND

July 13, 2020

Feelings couldn’t be more positive this weekend at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Taiga Hada made two impressive races in Portimao although the conditions weren’t the best. Gerard Riu didn’t get the result he expected despite giving his best. Joel Kelso progresses fast in his adaptation to Moto3, fighting at every moment and always improving the results in the race.

Once again Taiga Hada got his best results during the last day. In the first race, the Japanese was focused on overtaking positions. After the first laps he was already in ninth place and very close to the eighth. As happened in Estoril, Hada fought with Adam Norrodin for the fifth place but this time he couldn’t beat him and he finished sixth.


In the second race the Moto2 rider made a great start and he reached seventh place on the first lap. After a great battle with Lukas Tulovic he finished in seventh position. It was a very a satisfactory weekend for Taiga.


Gerard Riu didn’t have his best day in Portimao. At the start he was overtaken by several riders after a touch in the first corners and he was forced to overtake from the fourteenth position. He got back the feelings despite having problems with the tyres. Although he had good rhythm he couldn’t reach the leading group. Finally, Riu took eighth place and he is focused on improving the results in Jerez.


Joel Kelso overtook positions again. The Australian is more and more comfortable on the bike each day, which is showed in the results. Lap by lap he got to the nineteenth position but he couldn’t get a better one because the group was divided. He crossed the finish line twentieth. Kelso has shown once again that he is able to score points in the next race.


Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “I’m satisfied with the work of the three riders. Taiga has had two great races today. In the first race he has achieved the best time of the weekend and he got a very good rhythm. This is the result of all the work he does. Gerard didn’t get a good result and the starting position wasn’t the best. If you look at his rhythm and the time he has made, you can see that he can fight for the victory but today was not the day. Joel has had an incredible progression since the first day. We are working hard and it is being showed in every race. Both he and I are sure that at the end of the season we will be very well positioned. We are going to go for all in Jerez.”


Taiga Hada (R1: 6º / R2: 7º): “I noticed tireness today, especially during the warm up but I was convinced that we could get good results in the races. I had my best feelings with the bike in the second half of the race when the tank was more empty. In the second race the same thing happened and I also had better feelings with the front. I want to thank the support of all my sponsors and the team's work. The results have been very good and I’m sure that we will arrive to Jerez even more motivated.”


Gerard Riu 8º: “I’ve suffered today. I had a touch at turn 3 with another rider and I’ve had to overtake some positions. It was very difficult for me in the first laps because I felt the grip with the new tyre wasn’t good. During the race I had a good rhythm but I couldn’t reach them. I’m convinced we can get good results and we’re focused on the next race in Jerez.”


Joel Kelso 20º: “The race today went not so bad. Unfortunately we didn’t get to show all our potential. The times were good and I feel very comfortable on the bike. We’ve made a big step this weekend from the first round. We’ll come back in Jerez stronger and better.”


COMPLETE RESULTS


COMPLETE RESULTS


GERARD RIU WILL COME NINTH IN PORTIMAO

July 12, 2020

Four years later, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve once again hosts a test of the FIM CEV Repsol. The AGR Team riders have disputed during this day the qualifying sessions to determine the starting order of the races on Sunday. The heat and the lack of rest between the previous round and this one have forced the riders to make an extra effort to get the best setup for the race. Very positive feelings from the three riders to face the second and last event in Portugal.


The feelings of Gerard Riu's work are once again positive. The seventh position obtained in the first session shows that he has the rhythm to be in the leading group. In the second qualifying round the pace was slower, conditioned by the high temperatures, obtaining the fifteenth record. The Catalan will leave the ninth place. The goal is to get off to a good start and get to the top positions as soon as possible to fight, at least, for the podium.


Taiga Hada's work has focused on both sessions for the race. The lack of running in to be able to understand the behavior of the bike on a new track for him and as technical as the one in Portimao, as well as the high temperatures have been two conditions that he had to face. However, the result does not reflect the work obtained, since in both sessions he finished in eleventh position, occupying this position on the grid tomorrow. Hada has more than enough pace to be able to climb positions and perform well.


Joel Kelso continues to advance by leaps and bounds. His physical condition is a point in his favor in this circuit, where the demand is maximum. In the first session he finished in twenty-seventh position, a little behind if we look at the Australian's work with the team to find the best configuration of the bike. It was in second qualifying when the best results were seen, getting the eighteenth fastest time. In this way, tomorrow he will start from 25th position, with many expectations of going back up positions in the race and with options to score.


Gerard Riu 9º (QP1: 7º / QP2: 15º) 1:49.907: “We started in the third row, a position that is not bad for tomorrow. Today I have not had the best feelings, but even so they have been positive. With the bike's setting and the gap I found, I was able to do a good lap in the morning. On the other hand, in the afternoon he had to suffer with the heat. The circuit is complicated but the team is doing a great job. We have a good set-up on the bike and we have things clear to try to get out and stick with the leading group. We will try to fight for the podium ”.


Taiga Hada 11º (QP1: 11º / QP2: 11º) 1:47.647: “In QP1 we worked on a simulated race to see which tire to use, whether the soft or the intermediate. I am happy with the QP2 because we have made a better setup of the bike and the changes have worked. I rode at a faster pace than in the first session, which gives me more confidence. It is a difficult circuit on a physical level, but we will come out ready to fight to the fullest in both races ”.


Joel Kelso 25º (QP1: 27º / QP2: 18º) 1:51.106: “I felt comfortable with the bike in the first session, but we couldn't find the correct line. I think the position does not reflect the work we have done today. I am satisfied with the work of the second qualifying because, despite the heat, I improved the times. I congratulate the team because we are working hard to be able to climb positions in the race.

 

FULL TIMES


Tomorrow the races will be held after the Warm Up. In the Moto2 category, two races will be held, at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm (local time). The Moto3 test will be at 1:00 p.m.


SCHEDULE


THE TEAM ALREADY WORKS IN PORTIMAO FOR THE SECOND APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP

July 10, 2020

Without any rest after Estoril AGR riders are already at the Autodromo International do Algarve to race the second round of the calendar. After a successful debut Taiga Hada, Gerard Riu and Joel Kelso face this weekend with the target of improving the last results.


Taiga Hada, after her eighth and sixth place in Estoril, seeks to keep up the rhythm in both Moto2 races. The Japanese has shown that he can fight for the top positions in the standings. 

Gerard Riu knows that he can fight for the victory in each race. He could only be eleventh after a crash. Riu and the team are confident of getting a great result this weekend.


Joel Kelso showed a great improvement in the race going up almost ten positions despite initial feeling weren’t the best.  The Australian continues with his adaptation to the bike and the championship. He is ready to go one step further and improve the results in Portimao.


Hada is seventh in the Moto2 overall standing with 18 points. In Moto3, Gerard Riu is eleventh with 5 points, while Kelso failed to get into scoring positions.



GENERAL STANDING: 

Free practice will be held tomorrow. The qualifying sessions will be held on Sunday: Moto3 will be at 9:35 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. (local time), while Moto2 will be at 11:15 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. After the Warm Up, the Moto2 races will take place on Monday at 11:00 and at 14:00. The Moto3 race will be held at 1:00 p.m.


FULL SCHEDULE


TAIGA HADA COMES BACK IN THE TWO RACES DISPUTED IN ESTORIL

July 7, 2020

The most awaited moment has arrived with the celebration of the first races of the championship. Exciting debut of our riders at the FIM CEV Repsol. Taiga Hada stood out this Tuesday getting a sixth and eighth position in Moto2 races. 


Taiga Hada has been the most regular AGR rider in Portugal. Starting from the tenth place in the first race he made a good start overtaking some riders until getting to the fifth position. The high rhythm of the leading riders caused him to go back and face Adam Norrodin for the eighth position. He could have been overtaken by the Malaysian but Taiga won him in the last corner. 


In the second race Hada knew how to improve his riding and he understood better the way to ride the bike. He reduced distances with the rivals, reaching a group formed by Xavi Cardelús, Alejandro Medina and Piotr Biesiekirski and fighting for fourth position. Despite trying, he failed to get the place, although he finished in a satisfactory sixth position.


Gerard Riu faced the race in the same way as the previous days. From the moment the traffic light went out he was determined to win the race. In just a few laps he was the leader. However, with a few laps to go, a crash relegated him to fourteenth place but Gerard was able to continue anf fight  to recover. Riu was passind his rivals until he finally he crossed the finish line in eleventh position. 

Joel Kelso had his best day in Estoril and he found better feelings on the bike. The hard work of these days was finally showed in the only race in the category. The Australian, who started from the last rows, began to overtake the rivals until finally he finished in twenty-first position.


CLASSIFICATION BY RACES:



Anscari Nadal (Team Manager): “It has been a very good start for the team this year. We are competitive in Moto3 and Moto2. In Moto3 we will fight for the championship and in Moto2 we will fight for being into top 5. It was a pity Gerard’s crash because we had a chance of winning the race. Taiga has taken a step forward in terms of riding. He undertands the bike much better and it has been seen that he had a rhythm to win the race. It was the first time that Joel was on this circuit, in this championship and on this bike, so I cant not ask anything else. I’m happy with his performance.”


Taiga Hada (R1: 8º / R2: 6º): “It was the first race of the season on a new circuit for me, so eighth place is a good result. Also, I fought with Norrodin until the last corner and I beat him. However, I didn’t ride with the rhythm that we would have liked, but in the second race I have achieved that rhythm and if the race had been a little longer I think I could have been further ahead. I want to thank my team and my sponsors for believing in me.”


Gerard Riu 11º: “We have a bittersweet taste with the first race of the year. We have been strong throughout the weekend and have done a great job. I was able to start well and stay in the leading group. This was the goal along with maintaining the position to get to the podium. I made a small mistake and it cost me the crash, but luckily I was able to get back on track and pick up good rhythm again. I look forward to the next race because we already know that we can fight for the championship and be ahead of every race.”


Joel Kelso 21º: “In the warm up we have gone one step further with the bike. The race was difficult due to the heat and because there were many falls, but I enjoyed the bike and I overtook positions. We have improved the bike during the whole weekend and we have learned a lot. Ihope for better results in Portimao.”


GOOD SENSATIONS AT THE START OF THE FIM CEV REPSOL IN ESTORIL

July 6, 2020

After three months stopped due to the pandemic, FIM CEV Repsol has finally started at Estoril circuit in Portugal. Free Practices took place on Saturday and Sunday, and Qualifying sessions for the first round were held today. The lack of training during the preseason has not been a problem to show a good performance by Gerard Riu and Taiga Hada. Joel Kelso will need to overtake positions.


Today Gerard Riu has made clear that he will be one of the candidates to fight for the Moto3 Championship. Riu is decided to not give any opportunity to his rivals. After achieving the tenth fastest time in the first qualifying practice, the target in the second qualifying was to get the best lap in the last minutes. Therefore, Riu finished the session with the best time. He will start in sixth place, but his performance today was a declaration of intent that he will be fighting for victory from the first lap.


Taiga Hada, meanwhile, has been very comfortable since the beginning. After some problems in the first session, he finished tenth. However, in the second qualifying Hada made a better session. This has allowed him to improve the rhythm and to reduce the gap with the leading riders, achieving the seventh best position. In this way, after the combination of times, tomorrow will take up the tenth position on the starting grid.


Finally, the Australian Joel Kelso has had a complicated start to the championship. Despite a crash because of some oil was on the track during Saturday's free practice, he has been working hard with the team to find the best feelings with the bike. The twentieth eighth place of the first session was his best result today. In the second qualifying practice the heat has taken its toll on the riders and has forced them to slow down, for this reason Joel will start tomorrow from the thirtieth position.

Tomorrow will take place the most expected moment: the first races of the 2020 FIM CEV Repsol season. Warm Up sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. (local time). Moto2 races will be at 12:00 and at 2:00 p.m. As for Moto3, they will play a single race at 1:00 p.m.


Gerard Riu 6º (QP1: 10º / QP2: 1º) 1:44.939: “Today was a very positive day fo rus. I didn’t have the same feeling riding the bike than yesterday but we’ve improved. On the second session we fecused on working for the race and looking for a fast lap at the end. Despite the hot weather I felt really good. We only have to solve some details and I will be fighting for the victory tomorrow. I want to thank my team for all the hard work.”


Taiga Hada 10º (QP1: 10º / QP2: 7º) 1:42.247: “I wasn’t very happy with the bike in the first session because I was uncomfortable with the front of the bike in some turns. In the second session we made some changes on the set up and with the tyres that made me get a better result. I have good feelings, a very good rhythm and I think we can make a nice race tomorrow.”


Joel Kelso 30º (QP1: 28º / QP2: 33) 1:46.736: “It was a difficult start this weekend because yesterday we had some problems on track. We have been working well as a team and we have improved in each session. I felt comfortable on the bike during the first qualifying. The second qualifying was very hot and I tried my best but the result was only a thirty third position. Anyway, we are working very well as a team and I’m focused on the race. We’ll keep improving.”


With this press release we start the new AGR Racing Team project. A new project, but based on the values that Karlos Arguiñano showed us. We hope to continue on the path of work that have made this team great. 



GERARD RIU RETURNS TO AGR TO FIGHT FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE FIM CEV REPSOL๏ปฟ

June 18, 2020

AGR Team, in full organization of the sports project for this season, will have Gerard Riu as a new addition to face the FIM CEV Repsol. The Barcelona rider, who was already part of our structure last year, returns to the squad and will fight for the title in the Moto3 category. Riu already had a great season last year, touching the podium on several occasions. In addition, last September he made his debut in the World Championship thanks to a wild card at the event held at MotorLand Aragón, where he fought for points until the last lap. The young driver took the opportunity to show his full potential.



Anscari Nadal, AGR Team Manager, is “delighted to have Gerard Riu as he is a rider with great potential. We hope we can be fighting for the title from the first race in Portugal ”. On the other hand, Gerard also expresses his joy to be part of this team again and what the objectives are for the season: “It was a last minute decision, but I am very happy to be part of AGR again. I think we have a good bike and a good team to be up front and we are going to work towards it from the first race. It's a year with different circumstances, but let's hope that everything goes back to normal and we can enjoy a good championship ”.


In this way, Gerard Riu becomes the third rider to join the team. Together with the Australian Joel Kelso in Moto3 and the Japanese Taiga Hada in Moto2, he is conforming an exciting project to carry out the championship that will begin next July 4th in Estoril. Due to the situation caused by COVID-19, from AGR we are waiting to know how and in what way Taiga Hada and Joel Kelso will arrive in time for the tests and the first test, since the evolution of the pandemic is still uncertain.


A NEW STAGE

March 5, 2020


Now is the time to step aside and enjoy motorcycles as fans. After almost a decade linked to professional motorcycling, winning races in the World Championship, achieving pole positions in Moto2 and with two European Championships in our showcases, it is time to close this stage.


But we leave our legacy in good hands. We have reached an agreement with Anscari Nadal, technical head of our team and owner from now on, with the aim of keeping the project in force and competing in the FIM CEV Repsol at the highest level. They will race under the name AGR Team and will have two riders: the Japanese Taiga Hada in Moto2 and the Australian Joel Kelso in Moto3.


From Baiko Racing Team we want to thank you all for the love and support you have given us during these years. And even if a new stage begins, we will always be a family.


EDGAR PONS ENDS THE SEASON WINNING IN VALENCIA

November 10, 2019

PONS HAS ACHIEVED 7 OF THE 11 POSSIBLE WINS


This morning in Valencia we have put an end to a memorable season. A year that started in April with the aim of achieving a title, and today at the Ricardo Tormo de Cheste circuit it has closed with a championship and victory.


Edgar Pons has once again demonstrated why he has been the best Moto2 rider. Beyond his 7 victories and his dominance in most of them, reading him in each race has been masterful. And as it shows, the victory that he has reaped today. Throughout the weekend he has had problems with his back, which have prevented him from riding comfortably in the official qualifying. In the race he understood that patience could be decisive and after following Garzo throughout the test, on the last lap he overtook him, finishing the season in style. Victory and celebration of the championship as the culmination in Valencia. Insuperable.


On his side, Brandon Paasch continued his positive evolution and finished 12th. A very important advance if we take into account that this weekend was his first time on a Moto2. Great job!


And in Moto3, we have risen with the confirmation of the resignation of Iñigo Iglesias. Bad news that forced the Basque rider to finish the season early after his crash yesterday. Although Gerard Riu has offered us a great comeback in the first race of the day. Starting from 23rd position, he was able to move into the leading group and finish 10th after several spectacular overtakes. The cross has arrived in the second test, where he has suffered a fall, without consequences for the pilot, but that has not allowed him to rejoin.


As a closing to this last chronicle of the season, we can only thank you for the love and support that you have shown at all times. You are special! You are part of the Baiko Racing Team family!


Edgar Pons 1: “Very happy to end the season like this. It was a difficult weekend due to back pain, but the race ended well. We knew Garzo was going to shoot, I got behind him and I knew how to read the race. My moment was in the last lap in sector 2. I waited for the opportunity and I anticipated it. It has been a pleasure to live such a season with a team like this. I want to thank all the members of the team because they have helped me grow in my sports career ”.


Brandon Paasch 12th: “Sunday started badly with a crash during the Warm up. Fortunately, the team was able to put the bike back together for the race. At the beginning of the test, I went from 16th to 9th on the first lap, but couldn't keep up with the leading group. I spent most of the race fighting for 12th place and although I was close to the top 5, I didn't have the pace to catch up with them. Overall, I am happy with my first Moto2 race. I want to thank everyone who has made this opportunity possible and I hope I can return soon ”.


Gerard Riu (Race 1: 10th / Race 2: Retired): “It was a bittersweet Sunday. In the Warm Up and the first race I had a good feeling, advancing positions until finishing 10th after several touches. And in the second I was going up until a fall has come. It feels bad to finish the season like this when we all believed in our chances of seeing ourselves in the front group in all the events. I want to apologize to the team for this bad weekend ”.


EDGAR PONS WANTS TO END THE SEASON WITH A VICTORY

November 9, 2019

PONS WILL START FROM THE 2ND POSITION AND PAASCH FROM THE 16TH


November and Valencia is synonymous with the end of the season. A weekend that serves to see the complete evolution of the team in general and of each pilot in particular, and in our case, to enjoy the title won in Albacete with Edgar Pons. A success that we will share with all the fans at the end of the race, but that will have an even more special flavor if we achieve the objectives set for these races at the Ricardo Tormo de Cheste Circuit.


Edgar Pons didn't get pole, but tomorrow's front row of him knows us at first place. The Catalan rider has suffered intense pain in his back throughout the weekend, which is preventing him from giving his 100% on the track. Despite these physical problems, he, together with the team, has been able to find a suitable setting that will allow him to close the season tomorrow with options to get on the podium, and why not, dream of a new victory. The new face for our team has been Brandon Paasch. A rider who passed


WE ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!

EDGAR PONS MAKES HISTORY!

October 13, 2019

Today has been a historic day for our team and for our rider Edgar Pons. For the second time for both of us, we have achieved a title in the FIM CEV Repsol, in the Moto2 category. A hard-worked, long-suffering success that, after the victory in the first race of the day in Albacete, has become a reality.


Edgar Pons arrived on Sunday full of confidence, with a large cushion of points, but with the tension typical of a historic day in his professional career. But his response during the first race was impeccable. He dominated the test from start to finish, setting a very demanding pace for the rest of the grid and that has led him to add a special victory. His sixth win of the year and the one that has certified the European Championship. Jumps, smiles, tears of happiness and above all, a feeling of satisfaction in the entire team for a job well done.


In Valencia he will have to celebrate, once the season is over. But seeing the Paddock with our family chanting the Catalan rider has become one of the historic moments for our team. Also note that Taiga Hada was unable to take part in today's races. And it is that after yesterday's hard fall and in the absence of new tests, the Japanese will have to undergo surgery to fix his wrist.


In Moto3 we have seen Gerard Riu with rhythm, but diminished by his wrist pain. His departure has allowed him to stay in the leading group, but with the passage of laps the discomfort has increased, preventing us from seeing the best version of our rider. He finished 9th just three seconds behind the winner, Alcoba. On the other hand, Iñigo Iglesias has not been able to take the test this morning. A hard crash during the warm up, with no physical consequences for the Basque rider, seriously damaged the bike and it was impossible to get it ready for the race.


Now there are a few weeks off, but in November we will close the season with the last races in Valencia. An opportunity to celebrate the title of Edgar Pons and why not, dream of a podium in Moto3. Congratulations team!


Edgar Pons 1st (R1: 1st / R2: NC): “I am very happy with the development of the season. Winning the championship and how we did it makes me finish very satisfied. Above all I want to thank the team because since I arrived last year, we have been working a lot with Anscari, the mechanics and the rest of the staff to improve. We have changed the setting and my way of riding to make this title possible. I want to thank the entire Baiko Racing Team and dedicate this success to them. Now there is one race left in Valencia and my goal is to finish the season winning ”.


Gerard Riu 9th: “It was a very fought race and we were clear from the beginning that this development was going to take place. We knew that it could cost me because of the pain in my wrist and it has been. In the second part of the test I had difficulties to consolidate overtaking in the leading group and although I saw myself with rhythm, the pain has diminished me. Under the circumstances it has not been a bad day. I want to thank the whole team and I am already looking forward to running the last event of the year in Valencia ”.




EDGAR PONS MAKES POLE IN ALBACETE AND APPROACHES THE TITLE

October 12, 2019

IN MOTO3, GERARD RIU WILL SEARCH FOR THE PODIUM FROM 7TH POSITION


The last appointments of the calendar arrive, those destined to decide who is the best driver in each championship or which driver has taken a step forward during the season. And Albacete, the only FIM CEV Repsol event that we have in October, could become historic for our team if Edgar Pons manages to win the European Championship. At the moment, in the day dedicated to the official timed, both Pons and the rest of the Moto2 and Moto3 riders have left very good feelings for tomorrow.


Pole was once again in Moto2 for Edgar Pons. Our rider has dominated both sessions of the day, setting his best lap in the morning, and aims to look for double wins on Sunday. Garzo and Montella finished very close to our driver, which indicates that tomorrow we will have very exciting races. And Taiga Hada, despite finishing 17th, will not race tomorrow. A hard crash at turn five during QP2 due to a faulty connecting rod has resulted in the Japanese driver being taken to hospital. He is fine, but everything points to a fracture in his wrist. Cheer up!


He will start very close to the points area and within his process of adapting to the category, the sensations that he is offering are unbeatable.


And in Moto3, we have seen how Gerard Riu has returned to his usual line. Having overcome the problems in his wrist that prevented him from competing in Jerez, the Catalan rider will start tomorrow from 7th position. His goal: to get on the podium for the first time of the season. For his part, Iñigo Iglesias will try to come back and get closer to the points area. He will start from 24th place, despite showing good feelings in QP2. He will have to come out strong and connect with the leading group.


Tomorrow we will have 3 races. Two in Moto2, which will be raced at 11:00 and 14:00, and the Moto3 at 12:00. Good luck team!


Edgar Pons 1st (QP1: 1st / QP2: 1st) 1: 32.074: “Today has been a very positive day for me. We got pole position for tomorrow and not just because of the good rhythm. I think Sunday looks good. It is going to be a very hot day, something that has not been the case over the weekend. I am very happy with the sensations and looking forward to the races. It is a very important day for all of us as we have the championship in our hands. Finally, I want to thank the team for all that they are supporting me ”.


Taiga Hada 17th (QP1: 17th / QP2: 15th) 1: 34.034: “I arrived in Albacete feeling good and I think that in QP1 I was able to show my level, finishing 17th. But in the second I suffered a hard fall and I will not be able to race tomorrow ”.


Gerard Riu 7th (QP1: 7th / QP2: 13th) 1: 34.575: “It was a positive day for me. We finished 7th and I have options for everything. Tomorrow we will try to do our best. We have been saving energy all weekend, as I still have pain from the Jerez fracture, but I will try to fight for the podium ”.


Iñigo Iglesias 24º (QP1: 22º / QP2: 18º) 1: 35.425: “It has been a day to find sensations since it has been two days of hard training for me. I have taken it quietly, working on the team and on my possibilities. I have focused on lap by lap and finding a good setting for tomorrow. I think we can have a good race tomorrow even though we started late, but I am confident that I will have a good start. My goal is to try to finish in the points ”.


NEW VICTORY FOR EDGAR PONS

September 29, 2019

TACKLE THE LAST 3 RACES OF THE SEASON WITH 53 LEAD POINTS


A racing Sunday that makes anyone smile. Returning to the competition is always a reason for joy and to do so with a victory, even more so. Yesterday we saw how Edgar Pons had not found the feeling with his bike, but that he posed a beautiful battle between the fastest in Moto2. But today's victory, which brings him closer and closer to the long-awaited championship, shows him as a driver who handles himself under any circumstance.


It was a great race from start to finish. Although it seemed that Garzo and Montella could have more rhythm during the weekend. Getting the tire choice right has been a key to keep in mind. He has even surprised the whole team with the performance they have offered, which added to the mentality and talent of Pons, has led to a victory more than two seconds behind his pursuers.


Regarding Taiga Hada, his debut has been fantastic. We must not forget that it is his first experience with a moto2 and also his debut on the Andalusian track, and his response has been really good all three days. He has had a rhythm and it has served him to assess the difficulty of this category. And surely in Albacete it will give us more reasons to be happy. His 12th place has been very positive, in addition to starting in the team in an excellent way. Nice job!


In Moto3, Gerard Riu has not been able to shine due to his wrist problems. His pains over the weekend foreshadowed some very difficult races, but the brave Catalan rider took to the track in the morning race, finishing 17th. In the afternoon, the team decided to avoid risks and not take part in the test. His next objective, to seek victory in a few days in Albacete. On his part, Iñigo Iglesias crashed in the first race, in an accident without personal consequences, but with the bike seriously damaged. In the second, he gave a very good version finishing 19th and very close to the points area.


Now come a few days of rest before visiting Albacete. A key appointment in the calendar and where we aspire to get on the podium in both categories.


Edgar Pons 1st: “The race has been very positive. We knew it was going to be a highly contested race because Garzo and Montella had more pace than us. I suffered a bit more in the first laps, but when Garzo and I stayed, we had a more tactical race. He was not being fast in the fourth sector and I decided to observe how Hector drove in that sector, especially turns 9 and 10. And with 5 laps remaining, I managed to overtake him and pull to make a difference. It was complicated, but we go away with a victory. I'm very happy with the team's work and now it's time to think about Albacete ”.


Taiga Hada 12th: “My first weekend in Jerez has been very difficult. In the Warm Up we changed the suspension and the feeling was very good at the end of the session. In the race, I came out decisively. The pace was not as high as I expected and finishing 12th I think is positive. In Albacete, I will seek to take a step forward ”.


Gerard Riu (R1: 17th / R2: NC): “It was a difficult day. I tried to start in the first one, the pace was not bad, but we were very far from the head. In the second I tried again, but it hurt too much. For this reason, we have decided to go in and focus on the next race ”.


Iñigo Iglesias (R1: NC / R2: 19th): “It has been a bittersweet weekend. Although both on Friday and Saturday I felt comfortable, in the races I have not offered my best version. In the first race I made a good start, but in the second lap I hit the ground. In the second race I fought, despite the temperature conditions on the track, and I finished 19th. I would like to thank the whole team for the effort they have made to repair my bike from one race to the next, as it has ended up quite damaged ”.


LET'S GO BACK TO THE CIRCUITS! EDGAR PONS WILL START 3RDº

September 18, 2019

IN MOTO2, TAIGA HADA DEBUTS AND WILL SEEK TO ADD THE FIRST POINTS FROM THE 18TH PLAZA


After a long pattern during the summer months, and despite last week's wild card at Motorland with Gerard Riu, our team has fully started up again in Jerez to face the decisive stretch of the season. Weeks that have served to recharge batteries and plan with their technicians how the weekend should be in Andalusia. And today, the day of the official qualifiers, we have experienced different situations.


Once again, the driver of the day was Edgar Pons, who will start from 3rd position. But his two sessions have not been easy. In both he has set the third best time, but the lack of rhythm due to the weeks of rest has prevented him from feeling completely comfortable on the track. Despite everything, and with the decisiveness of this race in his chances of winning the championship before arriving in Valencia, Pons has remained calm and competitive. Also in Moto2 our latest incorporation was released: Taiga Hada. The Japanese rider has offered good feelings throughout the day and in his debut at the FIM CEV Repsol he will be looking for points from 18th place.


And in Moto3, heads and tails. Gerard Riu suffered a fall on Friday that prevented him from riding comfortably and despite the pain in his wrist, he finished with the 23rd fastest time. For his part, Iñigo Iglesias ended the day with a smile. Although he will start from 25th position, he is only one second behind the poleman and if he goes well tomorrow, he will be able to join the groups that choose to score points.


Tomorrow we will have 3 races. Two in Moto3, which will start at 11:00 and 14:00, and the Moto2 at 13:00.


Edgar Pons 3rd (QP1: 3rd / QP2: 3rd) 1: 42.910: “It was a difficult Saturday because we haven't finished finding the feeling very well. He has been a very long man and when you have been around for so long, he shows. Tomorrow I think it will be a group race. I want to fight and I have to run with my head. I am fighting for the title and I must be smart. Both Garzo and Montella and I have a similar rhythm ”.


Gerard Riu 23rd (QP1: 23rd / QP2: 23rd) 1: 47.387: “Yesterday I had a strong fall and my wrist is quite touched. I have a hard time braking hard and making quick movements. I am quite far behind although we have not wanted to take excessive risks. Tomorrow we will see how I feel, in what conditions I am to go out, but my idea is to try ”.


Iñigo Iglesias 25th (QP1: 25th / QP2: 17th) 1: 47.552: “It has been a positive day. Together with my technician Albert we have made a good setting of the bike. In official qualifying I finished 25th, one second behind the poleman, but with room for improvement. We have worked well and I see myself with rhythm. It will be very important to make a good start and place ourselves in a group at the top ”.


GERARD RIU APPROACHES THE POINTS IN MOTORLAND

September 22, 2019

FINISHED IN 19TH POSITION AFTER A GOOD RACE


Exciting racing Sunday for Gerard Riu at Motorland. After a weekend where our rider has been growing from session to session, Sunday's day has served to see the best version of him and that he could show his full potential. He finished 19th, close to the points, and with signs that this weekend is much more than a prize or an experience.


The day got off to a good start since the Warm Up. Despite the wet conditions on the track, Gerard Riu has done everything right from the start. He finished 17th, but at times he was tenth in the last training session prior to the race. Without a doubt, the best display of confidence for the race. And in the test, he has gone from less to more.


Although he failed to gain positions at the start, after the first lap he set his pace to grow in the race. He has managed to connect with the group that was struggling to access the points area, and there, we have seen our rider in his purest form. Overtakings, spectacular knockdowns and an emotion that lasted until the last straight of the Aragonese track. He finally finished in 19th position, but has shown signs of being comfortable under the demands of the World Cup.


Next week our team returns to normal activity with the FIM CEV Repsol. In this case, it moves to Jerez and both in Moto2 and Moto3, the aspirations are maximum. In addition, we will have the debut of Taiga Hada as a partner of Edgar Pons.


Gerard Riu 19th: “It was a very fun race. I lost some positions at the beginning, but with my rhythm I was able to go pulling, until I reached a group close to the points. I finally finished 19th, but I was left with a bittersweet taste from starting at the back of the grill. It has been a great experience and it has helped me to see what points I can improve ”.


Anscari Nadal (Technical Director): “He has started the day with a great Warm Up. He has changed the attitude towards Saturday and we have seen the brave Gerard that we like. In the race, his departure was normal, although we must work on it. But from the first round he has started to come back. He has stayed first in the group, then he has continued pulling until he linked up with the next group. And in that moment, he has been very comfortable. The objective of this weekend was to arrive in Jerez prepared to win the race and I think we are on the way ”.


GOOD FEELINGS FOR GERARD RIU IN MOTORLAND

September 21, 2019

FINISHED IN 10TH POSITION IN QP1 AFTER A GREAT LAST LAP


Intense working day for Gerard Riu and the Baiko Racing Team. A day that has served to enhance the level of our rider, capable of being close to the fastest in the category. And also to realize the aspects to improve for the remaining races at the FIM CEV Repsol and for the future.


Today's day has had a FP3 where the presence of water on the track has prevented us from seeing good times in Moto3. With the passage of laps the track has dried up, but without being able to draw clear conclusions. For Gerard it was a good opportunity to ride in those conditions, prior to QP1. In the official timing he set the 10th best time, staying out of QP2. Our rider has shown himself with pace and with the lack of experience of a rider with few laps in the Motorcycle World Championship. Finally, he will seek to get closer to the top20 starting from 24th place. In other words, a good start can place us in the noble zone of the classification.


Tomorrow there will be twenty minutes of Warm Up and the race, which will begin at 11:20 a.m. A perfect day to go out to the Aragonese track, open the gas and enjoy the excitement of the World Championship. Good luck team!


Gerard Riu 24º (2: 00.069): “Today was a difficult day because FP3 was wet, and although the sensations were good, QP1 was dry and shorter than the FIM CEV. It took me getting used to it. I'm not very satisfied with either the time or the result, but the race is tomorrow and I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest ”.


Anscari Nadal (Technical Director): “It is not where we wanted to be, but it is not a bad position. We have riders ahead of us that we can overcome and from there, pull. It is an apprenticeship for the FIM CEV and to get on the podium this year. The pilot has a bad taste in his mouth because he says he could have done better, and I think he is. But it lacks the rhythm of the World Cup. The times are shortened and you play everything in a single round. They are processes linked to experience. For tomorrow the objective is to have a good warm up, to start well and to take risks in order to shoot. And so we will see how far it can go ”.


GERARD RIU TAKES HIS FIRST CONTACT WITH THE WORLD

September 19, 2019

Finishes 26th after the first two free practice sessions


Activity has returned to the Baiko Racing Team. And he does it in a very special way. A wild card for Gerard Riu has allowed us to return to the Motorcycle World Championship, and to do so on a track as special as Motorland. An opportunity that will allow the Catalan rider to measure himself against the best Moto3 riders, and see first-hand how he finds himself in a category as close and demanding as this one.


Today's session, focused on the first two free practice sessions, has served as a first contact with the track. The first session of the day was a way to meet his KTM again, after almost two months away from racing. He finished 27th and drawing some interesting conclusions for FP2. And this is where we have seen a step forward from Riu. He improved his morning time and in some phases he rode close to the points area, but in the final section he did not set the fastest lap that would have allowed him to corroborate good feelings.


Tomorrow will be the turn for FP3 and the official timed. Two key sessions to find the right setting and seek to access the top20 on Sunday's starting grid in Alcañiz.


Gerard Riu 26º (2: 00.129): “It has been a learning day after two months without getting on a motorcycle. It took me a bit to get started, but in FP2 I found a better rhythm and a good feeling. We have worked very well, in positions close to 15th place, but I missed a fast lap. In short, I am optimistic for the weekend ”.


TAIGA HADA SIGNED BY THE BAIKO RACING TEAM

September 11, 2019

WILL RUN THE LAST THREE TESTS OF THE FIM CEV REPSOL IN THE MOTO2 CATEGORY


New signing for the Moto2 category. Taiga Hada, one of the most prominent promises in Japanese motorcycling, joins our team to complete the last four races of the season. At 21, she has extensive experience. Hada is currently competing in the MFJ Superbike All Japan Championship on a Honda motorcycle, just like the engine of our Kalex. In addition, a few weeks ago he raced the prestigious Suzuka 8 hour test with the pilots Kosuke Akiyoshi and Tetsuta Nagashima.


Taiga Hada will share the category with Edgar Pons, current leader in Moto2. Welcome!


Anscari Nadal, Technical Director: “I fully trust Taiga Hada. He is a very hard-working driver, he has clear things and great potential. If you are part of the "P-UP Grand-Prix Rider Program" in Japan you are a pilot with guarantees of success, P-UP Co. Ltd. is a Japanese company that helps the best promises of Japanese motorcycling. In the team we are looking forward to starting working with Taiga and bringing our experience to him so that he can feel comfortable from the first moment. He will need some adaptation, but for Albacete or Valencia he can perform very well ”.


GERARD RIU WILL RACE WITH A WILD CARD IN MOTORLAND

September 3, 2019

THE GOOD RESULTS HAVE TAKEN HIM TO RACE A TEST OF THE MOTORCYCLING WORLD CUP


Great news for our rider Gerard Riu. The daily work and the good results have given the Catalan rider the possibility of competing with a wild card in the Motorcycle World Championship, in the Moto3 category. A piece of news that comes to him at the best moment of the year, after finishing in the Top5 in the last two rounds of the competition.



The Aragon Grand Prix will be held on Sunday September 22nd and our pilot will try to enjoy the experience and fight to access the points area. Nice job!



Anscari Nadal, Technical Director: “We are very happy for him. Gerard has been on the podium for a few races and his season is developing upwards. We believe that the wild card is a prize and a way to show its potential. It is the first World Cup event he is going to attend, and he will surely be able to perform as in the FIM CEV Repsol ”.


VICTORY OF EDGAR PONS IN MOTORLAND

July 14, 2019

GERARD RIU ADD A VALUABLE 5TH PLACE IN MOTO3


Vibrant race Sunday that our three drivers at Motorland have offered us. An exciting circuit that always leaves unforgettable moments, and on this occasion, it has not disappointed. Especially with Edgar Pons and Gerard Riu, great protagonists of their respective careers.


Again the driver of the day has been Edgar Pons. The Catalan driver started from pole and unlike what happened in Barcelona, โ€‹โ€‹he has lived two diametrically opposed races. In the first, marked by the water, he has decided not to make mistakes and to try to run in a tactical way. He has achieved it, in addition to being ahead of Tuuli, second in the general, which has allowed him to extend the advantage despite finishing 6th.


And in the second, he has won with authority and showing why he is the leader of Moto2. A brilliant race, with a good rhythm during the 16 laps and attacking Garzo at the right moment to overcome with 5 laps to go and to place first. Regarding his fight for the championship, he continues to occupy the 1st position and has increased the difference compared to Tuuli, leaving it at 45 points. Congratulations!


In Moto3, Gerard Riu has offered a new demonstration of all the gas that he has in his hands. Potential that with the passage of the races he shows himself and brings him closer to the goal of getting on the podium. This time, starting from 11th position, he was able to grow during the test to finish 5th. A pity to have lost contact with the leading group in the first laps, because his pace throughout the weekend has been very good.


On the other hand, Iñigo Iglesias has been combative and although he has not managed to enter the points zone, his feelings are once again positive. The Basque rider had problems during the official qualifying for a great lap, and at the start, something similar happened to him. A circumstance that has prevented him from joining the group that corresponded to him due to the race pace.


CLASSIFICATION BY RACES:


Moto2 Race 1

Moto2 Race 2

Moto3 Race 1


Now we will have to wait until the end of September to experience the next FIM CEV Repsol event. It will be in Jerez (Andalusia), where our riders will tackle the final stage of the FIM CEV Repsol with the hope of meeting the objectives set at the beginning of the season.


Edgar Pons (6th) + (1st): “Happy with the weekend. This morning I could have gone to the best, but in the water there are riders who ride better than me. And he didn't want to make a mistake and play it, either. Our goal was to stay ahead of Tuuli in that race and we have succeeded. That is to say, objective accomplished. In the second race I knew that he had a little more pace than the rivals, but with the rain that had fallen we had doubts about the condition of the track. I started calmly, reading the race and with 5 laps remaining I overtook Garzo and I pushed hard. I am very happy and I want to reiterate my thanks to the team. We have to continue along this line and fight for the title ”.


Gerad Riu (5th): “It was a positive day because finally the race was dry, and it helped me. A pity to have lost contact with the leading group in the first three laps. I stayed in the second group and I finished 5th. I want to thank the whole team for the good work we are doing and I am looking forward to the next race ”.


Iñigo Iglesias (21st): “It was a difficult race from the beginning for me. It has been difficult for me to enter the fight. At the end of the race I found my rhythm, but it was hard for me to get to the group that was ahead. Bittersweet race because the start and the first lap were not good, but the pace was. Now it is time to prepare for the next appointment ”.


EDGAR PONS ADD A NEW POLE

July 13, 2019

GERARD RIU WILL START 11TH AND IÑIGO IGLESIAS 23rd


After five weeks away from the competition, our team is already at full capacity to face the last appointment on the calendar before the summer break. Motorland Aragón is a circuit of strong emotions and an opportunity, especially in Moto2 because of the two races on Sunday, to open distances in the fight for the championship. Regarding our drivers, all three arrive at the best moment of the season.


Edgar is the leader of the category with 33 points of difference compared to his direct pursuer, Tuuli. He has chained three consecutive wins and aspires to continue with the same dynamics on the Aragonese track. In Moto3, our riders offered their best version in Barcelona and will seek to take another step tomorrow: Gerard Ríu will try to continue approaching the podium and Iñigo Iglesias, access the points area.


Regarding today's day, Edgar Pons has once again shown himself the fastest in Moto2. He has dominated both official sessions and has taken the pole with sufficiency. In the morning he was able to do a great lap and in the afternoon, due to the track conditions, he preferred not to risk it. Despite everything, he also finished 1st. Tomorrow's double race can allow him to make a difference in the championship, and our driver is going to work hard to achieve them.


On his part, Gerard Ríu has touched the top 10 on the starting grid, but from his Saturday we have to stay with the pace that has shown Not so much with a particular lap. The Catalan rider knows which keys to touch to enter the leading group at the start of the race and if he succeeds, we will have him touching the podium positions.


Finally, Iñigo Iglesias will look for the comeback from the 23rd position. A complicated Saturday, just like for Ríu, due to the traffic he has encountered on all his outings on the track. Looking ahead to tomorrow, he must take advantage of the opportunity and gain positions from the start, to settle in the group that corresponds to him due to his pace in the race.


Tomorrow our riders will compete in three races, two for Edgar Pons and one for Moto3. The small category will start at 1:00 p.m. and Moto2 at 11:00 and 2:00 p.m.


Edgar Pons 1st (QP1: 1st / QP2: 1st) 1: 53.658: “Today was a positive day. In the morning we were able to have a very competitive time. In the afternoon we wanted to make several modifications to the bike to test some things, but because of the wind and some drops of water, I decided not to risk it. We were first in both qualifying and I am confident that I have a good setting for tomorrow. We just have to wait what weather conditions await us because we have two races ahead of us ”.


Gerard Riu 11th (QP1: 10th / QP2: 11th) 1: 59.604: “It was a positive day because from 11th place we have options for everything in the race. I have a bittersweet taste because today I did not feel completely comfortable and I could not finish squaring a great lap. We have a great rhythm throughout the weekend and tomorrow I will try to stick to the front group like in Barcelona. We will try to be Top 5 tomorrow ”.


Iñigo Iglesias 23rd (QP1: 21st / QP2: 17th) 2: 00.498: “It was a difficult qualifying because in Moto3 it's hard to get a good lap. I am confident for tomorrow because of the pace that I have carried throughout the weekend and because of the confidence I have in my team. I hope that tomorrow we can go from less to more and take advantage of the options that always appear in the first lap ”.


BENNY SOLÍS FINISHES HIS STAGE AT BAIKO RACING TEAM

July 11, 2019

Through this communication we want to announce that Baiko Racing Team and Benny Solís' rider have decided to end their contract for this season by mutual agreement. From the team, we want to thank him for his involvement from the first moment and wish him the best of luck in his next professional assignment.


In this way, in the Motorland race we will only have one rider in the Moto2 category.


DOUBLE WIN FOR EDGAR PONS IN BARCELONA

June 9, 2019

EDGAR PONS STRENGTHENS AS A LEADER IN MOTO2 WITH 111 POINTS


Spectacular racing Sunday that we have lived and enjoyed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. After a great day on Saturday in the official qualifying, everything indicated that our riders were ready, and they responded. In addition, all of them fulfilling their particular objectives: double victory for Pons, 4th position for Ríu and the first points of the season for Iglesias.


But the name of the day is Edgar Pons. The Catalan rider started from pole and has not slowed down at any time. In both races he has marked differences from the beginning with respect to his pursuers and has been able in both, to set the fastest lap. Two victories that add 50 new points in the Moto2 general classification, placing him 33 points behind the second classified, Tuuli.


Benny Solís has been the team driver with the greatest difficulties throughout the weekend, which have been reflected in the races. In the morning test he finished 22nd and in the afternoon he had to retire on lap 10. A pity because he was arriving at a great physical moment. Now, the only objective of him is to step forward in the next race.


In Moto3, Gerard Riu has unleashed his full potential. He started with a head rhythm and that has been noticed in both races. In the morning, he has touched the first podium of the season, finishing 4th. And in the afternoon, in a test of similar development, he finished 6th. A real boost for the young rider who is very convinced that this year he can get into the box and be a regular in the Top5.


And another of the joys of the day was the first points for Iñigo Iglesias. The Basque rider already offered a good version in yesterday's qualifying, and he was confident in reaching the points zone, and in the second race he made it happen. A boost of morale for the next races and that he will trust you after starting the season with a broken collarbone. Zorionak!


CLASSIFICATION BY RACES:


Moto2 Race 1

Moto2 Race 2

Moto3 Race 1

Moto3 Race 2


Now we have more than a month ahead of us until the next FIM CEV Repsol event. It will be in MotorLand (Aragón), where our riders will seek to continue to consolidate the lead in Moto2 or reach the podium for the first time in Moto3.


Edgar Pons (1st) + (1st): “Very happy for this weekend. I have to thank the team for all the work they are doing. Not only this season, but also last season, working hard based on the riding style and the best set-up for our bike. These results motivate us to keep working. Montmeló is not a circuit where I have ridden especially fast during my career, and doing these times and races is spectacular. My goal for the next round is to go out and win and increase the difference with my rivals in the general classification ”.


Benny Solis (22nd) + (NC): “It has been a weekend to forget. We have had very difficult challenges and we have not been able to fix them for the race. It was difficult, but I want to extract several learnings from this weekend. I feel good, eager and surrounded by a great team to face the next appointment at MotorLand ”.


Gerad Riu (4th) + (6th): “It was a great day. We have had two very combative races, fighting in the leading group. In both tests the group broke up and I stayed at the back. I think we have taken a step forward, but we still need another step to reach the podium. From here I want to congratulate my team for the effort during the weekend ”.


Iñigo Iglesias (21st) + (15th): “It has been a weekend of learning. In the first race I was looking for my rhythm, but in the absence of a lap, another rider touched me, taking me off the line and making me lose the progression of the race. In the afternoon, I have finished satisfied. I was more alert at the start, joining the group that corresponded to me by race pace until I finished 15th. It has been a great weekend to keep learning and improving ”.


EDGAR PONS RETURNS TO THE POLE

June 8, 2019

IN MOTO3, GERARD RIU WILL START FROM 6TH POSITION


Back to work for the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, after a stint at Le Mans in May only for the small category. For this reason, our four riders have returned full of energy and enthusiasm on one of the favorite circuits for all riders, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Today's day, marked by good conditions throughout the day, but especially in the morning due to the high temperatures in the afternoon, have allowed our four riders to be able to offer us good news.


Again, the driver of the day was Edgar Pons, who will start from pole. And not because it is repeated should it cease to be news. The Moto2 leader has once again felt comfortable on his Kalex and although in QP1 he set the second best time, only behind Montella, in the second he has once again demonstrated why he is a clear candidate for the continental title. It was not easy to lower their time in the morning, and thanks to the effort between the driver and the coaching staff, they succeeded. Tomorrow, his only objective is to add two victories and become more leader in the category.


As for Benny Solís, he was the one who encountered the most difficulties in the official timed session. Although he physically arrived at a good time, his lack of feeling with the front suspension of the bike has prevented him from reaching the Top15. Tomorrow he will test new solutions with the team during the Warm Up, to seek that step forward during the races. If he finds them, he can offer us a nice show on the Catalan track.


And in Moto3, the news has been very positive. Both riders have evolved and left great feelings for tomorrow's double event. Gerard Ríu will start 6th, less than a second behind poleman Deniz Öncü, showing a perfect feeling with his bike during both sessions. On his side, Iñigo Iglesias has entered the top twenty and taking advantage of the fact that several drivers are in very similar times, he will try to score the first points of the season.


Tomorrow we will have 4 races. Two in Moto3, which will be raced at 11:00 and 14:00, and Moto2 at 12:00 and 15:00.



Edgar Pons 1st (QP1: 2nd / QP2: 1st) 1: 44: 768: “I'm happy after finishing the day on Saturday. This morning was a bit difficult, despite the fact that the temperature favored us to ride faster compared to the afternoon. It was difficult for me to find a couple of laps without drivers ahead and I did not do my best lap. This afternoon, our goal was to lower the morning time. We have worked hard to adapt the bike to the conditions and also to the riding style. And we have succeeded. We have improved, getting pole. Tomorrow it is important to go out and win both races to increase the distance from my pursuers ”.




Benny Solís 23rd (QP1: 23rd / QP2: 23rd) 1: 48.017: “It was a difficult day. I would even point out that the last two days have not been easy for me. Physically I feel fine, but we are stuck in lap time. I need to improve my confidence with the front suspension to offer my best version. Tomorrow we will try a solution in the Warm Up, and if it works, we will apply it in the races ”.


Gerard Riu 6th (QP1: 6th / QP2: 4th) 1: 49.444: “I'm happy. In the morning the conditions were better and thanks to a good Setting with the bike I managed to do a great lap to secure sixth place. In the afternoon we wanted to improve certain aspects of the bike and we succeeded, finishing fourth in QP2. For tomorrow we go up, with options for everything and above all, I want to thank the team for the work done ”.


Iñigo Iglesias 20th (QP1: 20th / QP2: 23rd) 1: 50.319: “It has been a positive day. I have taken a step forward, which was my goal for these two races. I felt very good with the bike and I have to thank my technicians and mechanics for their work. Tomorrow will be a fun race because I have a group and I will focus on making a good start to be able to position myself as well as possible from the start ”.


GERARD RIU TAKES A POINT IN LE MANS

May 18, 2019

IÑIGO IGLESIAS FINISHES 31st IN HIS FIRST RACE OF THE SEASON


Following the conclusion of the official qualifying rounds for the French Grand Prix, our drivers competed in the classic Saturday race at Le Mans. An appointment exclusively for Moto3 riders and due to the track conditions and the schedule, it is often difficult for the riders.


A best of 17 laps test where our riders, Gerard Riu and Iñigo Iglesias, arrived in different ways. Riu was looking to get into the Top5 after a good feeling in the official and Iglesias timed sessions, which ended with good feelings in the final stage of QP2, accumulating experience and laps in the middle of the race.


Gerard Riu has left Gallic lands with 1 point on his locker and the feeling of seeing himself with enough pace to compete with the fastest in Moto3. The Catalan rider started from 8th position on the starting grid, but an unfortunate action has made him lose several positions and see the head of the race far away. Despite everything, Gerard kept working and fighting for the points area, finally finishing in 15th position.


For his part, Iñigo Iglesias finished 31st. A ride through when moving on the starting grid before starting the race has weighed down on him, but the Basque has used the race to extract as much information as possible about the bike from him, and build for the future. In any case, Iglesias has completed his first race of the season and has offered us samples of his potential in the category.


The next appointment on the calendar at the FIM CEV Repsol will take us until June, where Moto2 and Moto3 will compete at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit.


STATEMENTS


Gerard Riu 15th: “It was a difficult day for me. I made a mistake in the first lap, losing several positions. Little by little I have been climbing positions, but everything was lost. I want to apologize to the team and think about the next one ”.


Iñigo Iglesias 31st: “Bittersweet career for me. We knew we were coming out from behind after what happened yesterday. At the start, after moving around a bit on the grid, they sanctioned me with a ride through, preventing me from fighting for my position. On the other hand, when I returned to the track I was able to shoot with another teammate in the category to draw good conclusions for the second half of the season. You gave the circumstances, I accept the degree and its learning as good ”.


GERARD RIU WILL START FROM THE 8TH POCISION

May 17, 2019

IÑIGO IGLESIAS RETURNS TO MOTO3 AFTER OVERCOMING HIS CLAVICLE BREAK


Coinciding with the French Grand Prix, our Moto3 riders traveled to the classic Le Mans circuit for a new FIM CEV Repsol event. Edgar Pons and Benny Solís will have to wait until June to return Moto2 to competition. In addition, this appointment of the European Championship has the peculiarity of taking place the race on Saturday. And strictly sports, our riders have got off to a good start.


The first big news is the return to the circuits of Iñigo Iglesias. The Basque rider gets back on a motorcycle after fracturing his collarbone on the first date of the season in Estoril. He set the 34th fastest time and although he fell to the ground, the important thing is to see him back on the track.


On his part, Gerard Riu has left us signs that tomorrow we can dream of the Top5. In both sessions he has been solid and with good rhythm to attack the upper part. Now, we can only wait for the conditions that we will find on the track and see if with a good start, it can give us the first joy of the season.


Tomorrow the race will be held from 16:30 to the best of 17 laps on the French track.


Iñigo Iglesias 34th (QP1: 35th / QP2: 33rd) 1: 45.579: “Today was a difficult day. I was comfortable in the first batch, but I had a fall and I was forced to go to tow. In the second round I found the feeling in the final section, finishing in an acceptable way. Tomorrow the race will be in water and I am looking forward to seeing myself in competition ”.


Gerard Riu 8th (QP1: 9th / QP2: Xth) 1: 43.546: “Today was a positive day. From the beginning I have had a good base on the bike and we have seen ourselves in the front positions quickly. Both timed have gone well and tomorrow I will start from 8th position. I am satisfied with the work we have done. They give difficult weather conditions, but my goal is to get into the Top5 ”.


EDGAR PONS LEAVES LEADER OF VALENCIA

April 28, 2019

PONS ADDED ITS FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN A VERY TACTICAL RACE


Great racing Sunday we have experienced in Valencia. Yesterday's day foreshadowed that the first win of the season could come and Edgar Pons did not miss the opportunity. A victory that helps him to lead the Moto2 category, with a 16-point advantage over Tuuli.


And it is that Edgar Pons has been the fastest and most reliable rider in Moto2 throughout the weekend. The sensations of him have been magnificent in each training and that, he has reflected in the race. Although he started from pole, it was not easy for him. The tires have worn out and the Catalan rider has had to reduce his pace until the last laps, and offer the best version of him in the two finals. A victory of merit and that gives him his first victory of the season, which added to the two podiums in Estoril, leave him at the top of the Moto2 classification.


On his side, Benny Solís finished 17th. And in view of his physical condition after Friday's crash, it can be described as a success. During the day yesterday he had difficulties getting on the bike, but Benny is a rider with a lot of heart and today he fought to reach the points zone and leave Valencia with a smile. To recover!


In Moto3, Gerard Riu has had to retire in both races. In the first, he crashed during the second lap and in the afternoon, an electrical failure on the bike prevented him from completing the comeback that he wanted so much. He is sure that in the next appointment he will be able to complete a great weekend, since the work with the team is really good.


CLASSIFICATION BY RACES:

Moto3 Race 1

Moto3 Race 2

Moto2 race

We now have three weeks ahead of us until the next championship race. On this occasion, we will leave the peninsula to travel to the classic Le Mans circuit in France, where only Moto3 riders will race. Pons and Solís will have their return to the championship in June.


STATEMENTS:


Edgar Pons (1st): “I'm happy with the race and the weekend. In each training I have been the first and in the race the same. But it has not been easy. We have made a change to the bike thinking that the temperature on the track would rise progressively, but in the end it has not done as much as we thought. In the race the tire has worn quite a bit and I decided to lower my pace so that Héctor would think that he only had that. But in the last two laps I have given a squeeze and I have reached the last with margin. Congratulations to the entire team for the work. Leaving here leaders is an injection of energy ”.


Benny Solis (17th): “I'm not happy to finish 17th, but I'm happy to do my best in view of my hip conditions. The team has given me a very good bike and they did everything possible to make my race as simple as possible. Now I have weeks to recover and plan the next appointment in Montmeló ”.


Gerad Riu (Retired / Retired): “Today has been a difficult day for us. In the Warm Up we had good feelings, but I was not able to transfer them to the race. In the first race I crashed on the second lap due to a failure of my own. In the afternoon I was confident that I would be in the front, but an electrical problem on the bike during the first section of the race left me out. A pity because we are working very well. In the next one, more and better ”.


EDGAR PONS DOMINATES IN CHESTE

April 27, 2019


THE CATALAN PILOT WILL SEEK TOMORROW THE FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON, DEPARTING FROM THE POLE


After a weekend off, the FIM CEV Repsol arrives at one of the most classic motorcycling circuits: Cheste. A track highly valued by drivers and teams, and which always offers great moments. And everything points, in view of the results of our pilots in the official qualifying, that tomorrow we can enjoy, and why not, reach the podium.


The rider who has started with the greatest force is undoubtedly Edgar Pons. After getting on the podium twice in Estoril, he arrived with the ambition of getting pole and trying to secure the first win of the season tomorrow. And from the start he has shown that he is on the right pace. In QP1 he set the best time of the day, shooting 1: 35.773. Half a second faster in the second classified: Garzo. In QP2 he was the fastest again, although he did not go down to 1:35. A slower session compared to the morning due to the temperature of the track.


On the other hand, Benny Solís has lived a Saturday day with more complications. A fall in the day yesterday has complicated his options and prevents him from performing at 100%. In both tests he finished outside the Top20, but we all know the potential of our pilot and above all, the heart that he has to look for the comeback.


In Moto3, we have only counted on the participation of Gerard Ríu, after confirming the loss due to injury of Iñigo Iglesias. Doctors have decided that he should continue to recover from his clavicle fracture and points to LeMans in May as a possible date for his return. Regarding Gerard, tomorrow he will start from 16th position, very close to the points zone. He got the best time from him in the morning timed, and it could be if he doesn't get to run into a lot of traffic when he was looking for his particular fastest lap. After his exhibition two weeks ago in Portugal and the good work he is developing with the team, we are confident that tomorrow he will give us joy.


Tomorrow we will have 3 races. Two in Moto3, which will be raced at 11:00 and 14:00, and Moto2 that will have a test and will start at 12:00.


Edgar Pons 1st (QP1: 1st / QP2: 1st) 1: 35.773: “It was a good day. It was very important to get pole for tomorrow and to bring joy to the team. This afternoon it was slower due to the temperature of the asphalt, which made it difficult to set good times. I am happy for the weather in the morning, at the level of those that are performed in the World Cup. I have made some modifications to the bike because I want to get the perfect feeling, dedicating three parts of the QP2 to it. But in the last section I rode on a new tire and with a good feeling. I am very confident going into the morning. My goal is to have a great first lap and try to open a gap with my rivals ”.


Benny Solís 23rd (QP1: 23rd / QP2: 22nd) 1: 39.485: “It was a very difficult day for us. Yesterday we had a very big hide side and I have a lot of trouble getting on the bike. I can't walk without crutches, but I have decided to try myself on QP. We have not done badly seeing the situation. We'll see how I wake up tomorrow and I'll try to give it my all in the race ”.


Gerard Riu 17th (QP1: 16th / QP2: 10th) 1: 40.531: “In my case we have worked very well all weekend and we have found a reward today. I feel very comfortable with the bike, but the tima attack did not go well because of the traffic on the track. We are confident of having a good race and making the comeback, to reach the top positions ”.



DOUBLE PODIUM FOR EDGAR PONS!

April 7, 2019

BENNY SOLÍS GETS TO FINISH 8TH THE SECOND RACE, HIS BEST RESULT IN MOTO2


Great racing Sunday we have experienced in Estoril. After an intense and productive day on Saturday, our riders have met expectations, based on the objectives set yesterday, after the official qualifying. And that the conditions have not improved, and Sunday has been through water.


Edgar Pons has given us two consecutive joys, getting on the podium in both races. In the morning test he finished 2nd, only behind Tuuli. Starting from pole, he missed more, and as he found the feeling with the bike, he has been gaining positions and consolidating his place on the podium, ending with twelve seconds ahead of his immediate pursuer.


And in the afternoon, the Catalan rider has kept his ambition intact. A test in which he set the fastest lap, precisely on the final lap, when victory was at stake. Third place for him that strengthens him in the high zone of the general classification.


For his part, Benny Solís has saved the best for last. In the first race he went to the ground in the last sector of the third lap, being forced to retire and save energy for the afternoon appointment. And this time, he has not disappointed. Always in the leading group, the North American rider has accredited 8th place, corroborating the good time achieved on Saturday. In addition, this result represents the best position for him in the category and with our team, so, Congratulations Benny!


In Moto3, Gerard Riu has shown in the only race of the day that he has the pace to be among the best. After an engine failure that forced him to start from 24th place, the Spanish rider has offered a great comeback, finishing 11th, staying just outside the Top10 and improving by 13 positions compared to the start of the test. A sample of the good news that is to come with this pilot.


CLASSIFICATION BY RACES:

Moto2 Race 1

Moto2 Race 2

Moto3 race

Moto2 General

Moto3 General

Now we have two weeks ahead of us to prepare and arrive in the best conditions at the Cheste Circuit in Valencia on Sunday, April 28. Where Moto3 riders will have two races, for just one for Moto2.


Edgar Pons (2nd / 3rd): “Happy for the whole weekend. In the morning we finished 2nd, and it is an important result, as I have never been particularly fast in the water. In addition, it speaks highly of the work we have all done to have a good set-up and in my case, feel comfortable on the track. In the second race it was difficult for me to get the feeling because the track was not at 100% conditions either, and it was difficult for the tires to get warm. Little by little I have reached the third position. It was key to get the maximum possible points on this very complicated circuit and we are second in the general classification. From now on I will fight to win all the remaining races ”.


Benny Solis (Retired / 8th): “We did very well on Sunday. I am happy with the result, fighting for sixth position. This second race has helped me to learn. He had pace to be sixth, but when he arrived he made a mistake and lost positions. I think this experience will make me a better driver in the next races. I am happy with the bike, the team and in Valencia we will try to be better ”.


Gerad Riu (11th): “It has been a positive day. Despite the wet conditions, in the morning in the warm up I felt comfortable with the bike, finishing second. Looking ahead to the race, I started calmly, with the main objective of finishing and waiting for my chance. In the first laps I rode backwards, but with the passage of time my feelings have improved, until I finished 11th. I am very happy with how we have worked throughout the weekend. I'm looking forward to the next race ”.


FIRST POLE OF THE YEAR FOR EDGAR PONS

April 6, 2019

BENNY SOLÍS WILL START TOMORROW FROM 10TH PLACE


The FIM CEV Repsol could not have started better for our team, the Baiko Racing Team. This week, where we had the team presentation in Zarautz, the drivers and technicians pointed out the start of the season in Estoril as essential to not be left behind in the first instance. And our pilots have responded.


In Moto2, Edgar Pons knew of the importance of obtaining a great position on the starting grid, to avoid possible unforeseen events and see himself, as happened in 2018, forced to row during the rest of the appointments. In addition, the condition of living a day spent in water, unlike the tests seven days ago on this same route, implied fewer references and more risk. And despite a first official practice session where he set the 15th fastest time, in the second round he was able to drop to 1: 54.440, being the only one to roll in 1:54, to certify the first pole of the season.


On his part, Benny Solís has confirmed that all the winter work has allowed him to arrive in a good moment of form and sensations. In both sessions he rode in the points zone, and like Pons, in the afternoon he was able to reduce his time and reach 1: 56.657. A 10th position for tomorrow that will allow him to attack the top positions if he makes a great start.


On the other hand, in Moto3 we have encountered greater difficulties. On the one hand, the bad news of the injury of Iñigo Iglesias. The Basque crashed when he was riding a personal fast lap, fracturing his collarbone in QP1. An injury that will prevent him from running tomorrow. A lot of strength for our brave pilot. And our signing, Gerard Riu, will have to look for the points through the comeback. An engine failure prevented him from setting a good time and he will start from 24th position.


Tomorrow, an intense Sunday awaits us with three races, two of them for the Moto2 category.


Edgar Pons 1st (QP1: 15th / QP2: 1st) 1: 54.440: “Today was a very positive day. The two training sessions have been in water. The difference is that in the second there was not so much on the track. Yesterday we had a very good feeling in the water, but we decided to make a small change for the first round that made us worse. But for this afternoon we have turned back and the confidence has returned. I was able to push and take the pole with a 1.2 advantage over the second classified. Tomorrow it seems that it will be in the water again, so above all head and work lap by lap to take the two victories home ”.


Benny Solís 10th (QP1: 12th / QP2: 10th) 1: 56.657: “It has been a very positive day for us. We have been competitive in all conditions. QP2 was very interesting, as we started dry and on the first lap it started to rain heavily. We had to go to the box to put on rain tires, and although I started slowly, I quickly got the feeling with them and found the rhythm to set my best time. It has been my best timed since I've been in the team. We are going to have a good Sunday ”.


Gerard Riu 24th (QP1: 11th / QP2: 24th) 1: 50.625: “Our first QP was marked by rain, more than the second. That left us the afternoon timed as the only option to get a good time. Personally, I felt very comfortable with the bike and the whole team did a good job. But when the track was getting dry and the times went down, I had an engine failure and I will have to start from 24th place. We will see what track conditions we have tomorrow, but I feel comfortable both in the dry and in the wet, and with the ability to come back ”.


Iñigo Iglesias 36º (QP1: 30º / QP2: NP) 2: 01.488: “It has been a difficult day for me. I started well in the first qualifying session, riding comfortable with the water setting. I stopped to use the tires to make my best lap. And when I was running seconds and a half below my time, I fell on a curve. I have had a very strong impact against the wall. I have gone to the doctor, they have done tests and they have detected that I have a broken clavicle and I will not be able to run tomorrow ”.


A NEW SEASON BEGINS!

March 22, 2019

The arrival of spring implies the return of motorcycles to the circuits, to competition. In short, what we like the most. First of all, we started the 2019 season under a new name, Baiko Racing Team, but maintaining the essence and spirit of the AGR Team. A new course where we will compete in the FIM CEV Repsol in the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, with the hope of winning the championship.


And for this, we have four riders willing to open gas the first weekend of April at the Estoril Circuit. In Moto2 they repeat Edgar Pons and Benny Solís. The Spanish rider finished in 2nd place last year and will try to climb to the top of the box this season. On his part, the American Solís wants to be a regular in the top 10, after living a first year of adaptation, where he offered samples of his enormous potential.


As for Moto3, we have a new face and a familiar face. The Basque Íñigo Iglesias repeats after the good feelings that he offered in the final stretch of last season. A young rider, but one who has a lot of experience and who has performed in competitions such as the European Talent Cup. And the only signing of the season is called Gerard Riu. Champion of Spain in this category, he already knows what it means to complete a year in the FIM CEV, finishing in 19th position.


In short, an exciting year and where we aspire to be protagonists in each of the circuits of this demanding championship. Of course, to achieve success we need the support of our family and therefore, we ask you not to disconnect from our website and social networks, if you do not want to miss any details of this new project.


EDGAR PONS CLOSES THE SEASON WINNING!

November 25, 2018

EL ARGIÑANO & GINÉS RACING TEAM CLOSES THE YEAR WITH FOUR DRIVERS IN VALENCIA


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team rider, Edgar Pons, achieved today at the Ricardo Tormo de Cheste Circuit his goal of winning the Moto2 race of the last round of the 2018 European Championship. The Catalan finished as runner-up with four victories, one more than the champion Jesko Raffin. Edgar has come up with a smart strategy and has imposed himself smoothly. Meanwhile, his teammate Benny Solís, still suffering from his back problems, has flirted with the top-10 all the race, and although he complained of lack of traction, he was able to finish satisfied. He actually finished 12th but the disqualification of two drivers allowed him to achieve his best result.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 1st: «Positive race, with a good start and two riders immediately distanced ourselves. It was difficult to drive because of the gusts of wind, so I decided to stay behind Garzó to study the situation. A few laps I passed him and made a small gap to the finish line. Glad to end the year like this; thank the team and the AGR family for a job well done. Regarding the championship, it's a shame Estoril, because then we have shown our potential, with good teamwork. We will continue training to be as fit as possible ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 10th: «First of all, I want to thank AGR and all its members for this season. I have learned a lot, especially this last weekend. In today's race I had some problems with the Kalex that forced me to change my riding style in order to set a good rhythm. I did not finish where I wanted, but I have learned to push in a different way, and that is important for the future.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 race in Valencia

Final classification of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 2018


For their part, in Moto3, our two riders, Iñigo Iglesias and Brandon Paasch, must be congratulated for their tenacity. Neither finished the first set. Iñigo has shown his determination and has made a very good impression on the team, which he arrived at late in the season that just ended; if he improves the outputs he will get good results. On his part, Paasch arrived at Valencia injured, he stoically endured all weekend, he fell in the first heat due to a cold tire and the consequences of that fall did not allow him to do more than two laps in the second start.


Moto3 # 58 Iñigo Iglesias –KTM / NCº / 25º: «In the first race I felt very good, with a good start and good overtaking. The conditions were very difficult, with wind, but I felt good and I was able to get to be 21st starting 35th. But with three laps to go I lost the front wheel and crashed, but I insist that I felt very good and with good times. In the second round, similar, with consistent overtaking until finishing 25th. I am leaving Valencia happy, and very grateful to the team and the sponsors for their support ».


Moto3 # 90 Brandon Paasch –KTM / NCº / NCº: «Well, the truth is that I did well in the first round, and I was able to advance some positions, although I made beginner mistakes trying to gain time in the least suitable points. I lagged far behind and kept pushing. On lap five I was quite aware of how the front end reacted to the gusts of wind and it got worse until I crashed in turn four. I got up right away and with the motivation to go to the second race, but my neck started to hurt. We decided that if it hurt in the second race I would quit right away, and it did. I am sure that if I had faced the weekend in full physical capacity I would have done well, but I have learned a lot, I have taken my body to the limit. Thanks to AGR and my sponsors for their help over the weekend.


Race 1 of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 in Valencia

Race 2 of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 in Valencia

Final classification of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 2018


Another exciting racing season comes to an end. The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team would like to thank the riders and technicians for the work done this season, which has allowed us to continue to be one of the reference teams of the FIM CEV Repsol, with podiums and victories. We are in the mood to improve the level for 2019. Thanks also to each and everyone, fans and fans who follow us on the circuits and social networks, for your support. Be happy and eat with foundation. See you soon!



EDGAR PONS WILL GO OUT TO WIN THE FIM CEV FINAL APPOINTMENT

November 24, 2018

THE AGR ENDS THE YEAR WITH FOUR DRIVERS, WITH THE ON TIME INCORPORATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN BRANDON PAASCH IN MOTO3


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team rider, Edgar Pons, has repeated the pole position achieved in the previous FIM CEV Repsol event; he has controlled the situation in both qualifications with the track quite cold. The 2018 European runner-up will try to claim his fourth win of the season, still fresh after his recent races in the Moto2 World Championship. Edgar has a rhythm and is confident.


Meanwhile, his teammate Benny Solís will start from the fifth row of the grid with the intention, first, of finishing the race, given his physical condition, but he does not renounce to get his best result of the year. The Californian continues to miss a bit more traction and does not have the best sensations in the front end; he will still be able to do some test in the warm up.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 1st / 1.35.993: «It was a good Saturday, four poles in a row. We are working well with the team, we have a good set-up and we are doing a good job. Our record is quite good and it gives me confidence to end the year with a victory. I have to get out well and shoot home and run away. Thank you very much to the team.


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 13th / 1.39.235 + 3.758s: «I'm happy with the performance in Q1, and I think we could have taken a clearer step in Q2, but overall it's not bad. There are important areas of the circuit where I feel good and I know where we can improve the bike. I really want to run tomorrow.



FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 grid in Valencia


For his part, in Moto3, our Basque rider Íñigo Iglesias will look for the first points, although he is behind on the grid. But he will have two sleeves for it. In the first session his KTM stopped a couple of times, but the team solved it for the second qualifying. Iglesias is happy with the set-up of his saddle and he can have a good race.


And with the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team, North American Brandon Scott Paasch, a promising 17-year-old rider, makes his debut in the FIM CEV, who this season finished 5th in the English Moto3 championship. Paasch had a left wrist subluxation last Wednesday while he was training and his contest this weekend will not be in the best condition. Despite this, and due to his lack of experience, it must be considered that he has done well.

 

Moto3 # 58 Iñigo Iglesias –KTM / 35º / 1.41.360 + 2.333s: «It has been a very productive day, we have learned a lot in the two sessions. In the first one we had a problem with the bike, a sensor failed and I did a few laps, and I also fell. But we have all worked hard going into the second round and I have reduced my times significantly. I am very happy because we are taking steps forward. A positive day.


Moto3 # 90 Brandon Paasch –KTM / 31º / 1.41.127 + 2.100s: «In the first practice sessions I suffered a lot from the wrist, but then we improved our speed. I have to take care of my wrist but I am holding on, and I have also been able to adjust things in my riding and in the KTM. In Q2 it was difficult for me to start with a used tire, but I managed to get into a small group and improve my time by a second. We have ideas to fine-tune the bike, to see if I can fight, why not, for the points; even though I'm far away on the grid, twelfth is only a second faster than me. We have two sleeves to learn a lot. Thanks to AGR for the help.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid in Valencia


The three races in which the AGR team will compete tomorrow have these schedules:

11h Moto3 18 laps

13h Moto2 19 laps

14h Moto3 18 laps

You can follow them in Movistar MotoGP.


HURRICANE LESLIE MAKES HIS HER IN ALBACETE

October 14, 2018

EDGAR PONS RECEIVES VALUABLE POINTS BUT DOES NOT CLIMB TO THE PODIUM; GOOD RACES OF BENNY SOLÍS AND ÍÑIGO IGLESIAS


The Sunday of the remains of Hurricane Leslie, or not so much; This is how we could remember today's FIM CEV Repsol event in Albacete. The rain was ahead of the forecasts, since it already affected the first Moto2 round, and the second had to be stopped after 10 laps due to a flood ..., waiting for it to pass to be able to compete 5 more, although the organizers have not had no choice but to suspend permanently. The pit lane and the boxes have been flooded with many inches of water, the power went out throughout the complex and even the television signal was cut off.


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team rider, Edgar Pons, leaves Albacete without podiums. The first heat was delayed because it started to rain hard and the teams had to react to change the set-up on the grid. It was important not to fall because there was a second sleeve. Edgar came out blind and called with sixth place. While Benny Solís, who continues with his back problems, has suffered a lot from having to change his style, leaving the bike more upright and he having to get off the Kalex more. He still played the second round.


A second round in which the American came to lead the race, because he held on without going to change, but when he got stronger he had no choice but to stop, and finished ninth, his best result so far! On the part of him, Edgar was fighting with the front group. The team did a splendid job changing tires in the rain and returned to the track with a chance of even winning. When the red flag appeared, the Catalan was third, but he was counted a fourth position from his immediately previous passage through the goal. In the second heat, Edgar made up for himself with a very good ride that did not win the podium prize. We congratulate Jesko Raffin, who has been proclaimed Moto2 European Champion.


In Moto3, our Basque rider Íñigo Iglesias made his debut in difficult conditions and he did it with flying colors. He finished, with a good first half of the race with the track wet, and a second half in which he was drying out and in which physically it was normal to feel some fatigue, because in this category the races are longer and more demanding.


Edgar Pons will remain active in the coming weeks, as he will finish the world championship season with the Speed โ€‹โ€‹Up team, with whom he already competed at the Thai GP last weekend. We wish him the best of luck and we are waiting for him together with Benny and Íñigo to finish the season in the best possible way in Valencia on November 25th. May we all train with a lot of foundation until then!


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 6th / 3rd: «Bad weather has marked the races. The first race was complicated by a set-up that was not ideal, without training in water and my feelings were not ideal either. We have not been able to fight. In the second heat we all started with a ready tire and it was risky, and from the third lap we had to stop. The team did a great job changing the wheels. I was almost on the podium and they raised the red flag and then the conditions were even worse. A pity because we had the rhythm to do it very well. I still say, however, that I am very happy with the work with the team. In the dry we are very competitive and we must improve in the wet. I will try to win the last one in Valencia ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 16th / 9th: «The second round was crazy. When I saw that it was starting to rain and that there would be a red flag, I pushed to the maximum to gain positions. I put myself first and waited for a red flag that did not arrive, and that is when I saw that those who had already changed to rain tires began to overtake me. The truth is that with smooth slides a lot but my bike was good and I felt confident, on the edge, but in control. In the end, ninth. It is my best result in the FIM CEV, I am very happy. I still have my back problems but we have a month ahead and I hope to be much more recovered and in better shape for the last race ».


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 races:

Race 1

Race 2

Moto3 # 58 Íñigo Iglesias –KTM / 28th: โ€‹โ€‹«The race went well, I got better feelings as the kilometers progressed. But in the middle of the race with the water settings and the track drying out, everything has changed. I had to lift the bike to open the throttle and that's when I started to lose positions. But the important thing is that we are done. And now to prepare for the next one ».


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 race:

Race


EDGAR PONS WANTS TO KEEP THE FIGHT ALIVE ON MOTO2

October 13, 2018

ÍÑIGO IGLESIAS WILL DEBUT IN MOTO3 WITH AGR

 

The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team rider, Edgar Pons, will go out to win, from pole, tomorrow the two rounds of the Moto2 European Championship at the Albacete circuit. Category leader Jesko Raffin has a 47-point lead, and after today's two rounds there will be only 25 left at stake. Edgar's mission is to win and wait for a mistake from the Swiss, who will start third, to keep the fight alive until the last round of the year in Valencia. It is the third consecutive pole position for the Catalan rider, who is making a fantastic final stretch of the season.


On his part, Benny Solís will undergo another physical test for his back tomorrow. He already surpassed the Jerez race with flying colors, but tomorrow he faces two rounds and therefore more load. Today he qualified 14th, with discomfort, but aspires to more.


In Moto3, newcomer Íñigo Iglesias joins the elite in the junior world championship. A very good opportunity for the Basque, who will surely win the prize for illusion, and he will surely not get rid of a good deal of nerves. The team asks him to come out to finish, because that's how you learn this trade. His starting position, the thirty-fifth. The team welcomes the fact that he considers the bike to be in place and runs.


Everyone in Albacete is aware of the weather.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 1st / 1.31.945: «It has been a positive day, although I am not 100% happy. In the first official session I think I could have ridden faster, I haven't finished gathering all the best sets in a single lap, I looked 3 tenths faster. But in this championship it is complicated because the driver traffic on the track is continuous. In the afternoon we made some changes to have more grip behind. The temperature has risen a lot, we had more grip but we have impaired my feeling at the front. We have pole again and with the set-up of the first training session we will start the race in principle; we want to ensure a good feeling ahead. I want to lead from the beginning and set the pace. I am confident and I want two more victories for the AGR. Let's see what the weather is like, because the same thing rains during the second round ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 14th / 1.34.550 + 2.605s: «Today was not a bad day, I would like to go better but it is not bad considering my physical situation. This track is narrow and technical and physically demanding, and my back and my riding style have suffered. I am taking maximum care of myself and today I reduced the pain compared to yesterday in free runs. The bike is going very well, it is my limitation that poses a serious challenge. Let's see tomorrow what time we have and how it goes ”.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 grid in Albacete


Moto3 # 58 Iñigo Iglesias –KTM / 35º / 1.36.764 + 2.921s: «Today has been difficult. We started with a different set-up than the one I know, due to the weight on the bike and it was difficult for me to adapt in the morning. At least in the second round we have already gotten good feelings. The adaptation to the team is being good, I am getting on well with the team members and little by little we will understand a more complicated bike than the one I have ridden so far. My goal tomorrow is to finish the race and try to lower my times ».


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid in Albacete


The three races in which the AGR team will compete tomorrow have these schedules:

11h Moto2 20 laps

13h Moto3 19 laps

14h Moto2 20 laps

You can follow them in Movistar MotoGP.


ÍÑIGO IGLESIAS WILL END THE SEASON WITH AGR IN MOTO3

October 4, 2018

THE YOUNG BASQUE PILOT TAKES ONE MORE STEP TO REACH THE WORLD CUP


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team has reached an agreement with the Basque rider Íñigo Iglesias (Renteria, Guipúzcoa, 9/4/2002), to contest the last two rounds of the FIM CEV Repsol Moto3.


Íñigo, who lives in Valencia, has played in the European Talent Cup this season and now he has a great opportunity to grow as a pilot in a larger structure with experience of results such as the AGR. At his disposal he will have a KTM 250cc / 4T to continue fulfilling his dreams in this world, to reach the world championship, where he follows his idol Valentino Rossi, while studying 4th of ESO.



Íñigo Iglesias started riding a motorcycle at the age of seven; since 2013 he is competing. In 2014 he participated in the Spanish MiniGPs championship after passing through the mini-bikes, and in 2015 he competed in the Challenge 80. The young man from Renteria has also gone through preMoto3, until he entered the FIM CEV Repsol.



Kepa Burutxaga, Team Manager: «We are very happy to announce the signing of Íñigo Iglesias. We have very good references about him and we have a special interest in being a Basque rider. We hope that he feels at home and can grow with us.THE YOUNG BASQUE PILOT TAKES ONE MORE STEP TO REACH THE WORLD CUP




EDGAR PONS WINS IN JEREZ AND CONTINUES TO OPT FOR THE TITLE

September 30, 2018

BENNY SOLÍS COULD CONCLUDE THE RACE, A SUCCESS GIVEN HIS FITNESS


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team rider, Edgar Pons, has achieved a clear victory today in Jerez, in a new race of the Moto2 European season. It is his third victory of the course, and in a row. Edgar, who started from pole, was unrivaled, and crossed the line with more than 7 seconds of advantage over the leader of the championship, Jesko Raffin. This result allows the AGR rider to climb to second place in the general classification of the FIM CEV Repsol Moto2, and is 47 points behind Raffin, with three races still to be contested, two in Albacete and one in Valencia. The title is a complicated but not impossible goal.


It has been a very good weekend for the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team, also because the North American Benny Solís brilliantly fulfilled his objectives, finishing in the top 10, taking into account that he is not 100% recovered from his back problems. . Solís has surprised friends and strangers, reducing his training time and enduring the pain with a constant rhythm.


STATEMENTS:


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 1st: «Very happy with my race. We knew we had more pace than the rivals, and that I had to make a good start. Getting to the first corner first has made the rest easier for me. I have concentrated on shooting and little by little I have opened more space. I am very happy for all the help I receive from this team. The tuning of our Kalex is very competitive. I must thank everyone who supports me once again.


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 10th: «Very happy for this weekend. With the physical problems on my back, the last two months have been tough but we have arrived ready enough to be able to finish and make it into the top ten. The team has given their lives to adapt the bike to my needs and style and they have helped me a lot. Very happy for them too. Thanks to this team and of course many congratulations to my teammate ».

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 race in Jerez

General of the Moto2 European Championship after the Jerez event

The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team wants to congratulate the Spanish Ana Carrasco, who today has been proclaimed world champion of Supersport 300. Ana, you have made history, congratulations!


The next meeting of the Moto2 European Championship is in Albacete on October 14.


EDGAR PONS WILL SEEK A NEW VICTORY FROM THE POLE

September 29, 2018๏ปฟ

BENNY SOLÍS WILL START FROM THE FIFTH LINE OF GRILL


The Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto hosts a new FIM CEV Repsol event this weekend, after another long period of inactivity on the track. In the case of Edgar Pons, he is fresh because he participated a few days ago in the World Cup race in Aragon. While Benny has had time to recover from his back injury and this weekend he will be able to see where he is; in fact he could no longer take part in the two Motorland races a few weeks ago, but for tomorrow he is positive.


Edgar Pons maintains mathematical options to proclaim himself European champion again in a fight with another former champion, the leader Jesko Raffin. This championship will be settled between them. The Catalan from the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team will go for the third victory of the season, which would be the third in a row. On the track he narrowly missed the pole, but he got it in the dispatches due to irregularities on Héctor Garzó's motorcycle (who was delayed to 13th position); although at all times the Spanish AGR driver has considered himself with sufficient pace to obtain victory. Following are the explanations of our pilots.


STATEMENTS:


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 2nd / 1.42.526 (+ 0.0013s): «It has been a positive day, in the end we have pole - which on the track I did not obtain by thousandths - and the time is very competitive. In the World Cup we would be among the top 15. I think my pace is the best and the race can be very good. In the afternoon, with a bit more heat, we did some tests that convinced us that our best set-up was that of the first officer. I'm going to try not to lose my head in the race and open a gap. I will go out to win, we will fight to get another victory for the AGR team.


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 15th / 1.45.648 (+ 3.122s): «It was a good day that started with electrical problems in the first qualifier. It took us by surprise and we lost part of the session, with all the pressure that comes with it. But between sessions we came up with the solution and in the second session there were no problems. The team did a very good job, the bike was riding well. I'm physically fine, not 100%, but I know I can compete in the race. During the second timed session I noticed some discomfort at some point and I know for this that my lap could be better. But I'm going to focus on doing my best in the race and trying to be consistent; If I feel physically well, I think I can fight for the top 10. Thanks to the team ».


FIM CEV REPSOL Moto2 grid in Jerez


Tomorrow's race will be held at 1 p.m. Spanish peninsular time over 17 laps; you can follow it in Movistar MotoGP.


JOSITO GARCÍA DOES NOT CONTINUE WITH AGR

September 26, 2018

THE TEAM TERMINATES THE CONTRACT WITH THE VALENCIAN RIDER OF THE FIM CEV DE MOTO3


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team will not have this coming weekend with the contest of our rider in the FIM CEV of Moto3, Josito García. The team has decided to terminate the contractual relationship that bound us to the Valencian rider for this season and we wish him every success in the future. His results have not been as expected and this solution is the best for both parties.


Our KTM Moto3 will therefore be free for a new FIM CEV Repsol event this weekend at the Jerez Circuit. But the intention of the training led by Kepa Burutxaga is that the team can compete fully in the following two events: Albacete and Valencia.


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team travels to Andalusia this weekend only with the Moto2 Kalex, with the intention that Edgar Pons continue to add to the Moto2 European title, in which he still has mathematical options, and with the desire also that Benny Solís begins to turn the page on his recent physical discomfort in the back.


Kepa Burutxaga, Team Manager: «Josito Garcia will not continue with the AGR structure in Moto3 at the FIM CEV Repsol; for now the bike is free. We will see for the last two appointments of the season if we can count on a substitute. We have nothing closed about it. The results of Josito García have not been as expected. We wish him the best for the future.


EDGAR PONS, ONE STEP FROM SCORING

September 23, 2018

THE CATALAN RIDER OF THE ARGIÑANO & GINÉS RACING TEAM HAS CARRIED OUT A GOOD RACE IN HIS SECOND WILD CARD OF THE YEAR

 

The Spanish rider of the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team in Moto2, Edgar Pons, finished 17th today in his second race as a guest in the 2018 World Championship, which translated into time is five seconds over the points area.


The history of this race began on the first lap. The Catalan started out precisely 17th, but in the first passage through the finish line he had lost 5 positions, and even lost one more. But from that moment on he started his comeback. He stayed 8 laps in twentieth position and was able to display his driving in some nice fight. With seven laps to go, he stabilized in his finish position. He was able to finish ahead of much more experienced riders in the world championship. Edgar already has his mind set on his next commitment at the Jerez Circuit for the FIM CEV, where he hopes to once again be in the leading group of the championship. And he maintains the confidence of repeating the World Cup race again coinciding with the Valencia Grand Prix in November.


Assessment


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 17th: «Positive race, shame about the first lap because there I lost some positions. We have not done these races all year. In the European Championship I start in the second row at most, and with all these riders the start management has been complicated. But then I was able to come back with a good pace. For this I am happy, I know that I have to work on managing the opening laps, something key in this category. It has been a positive weekend, working well with the team and the bike, making steps forward, and we have once again shown that we can be world championship riders ».


Moto2 race at Motorland


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team will continue to be active this coming week, with a new appointment for the FIM CEV Repsol at the Jerez Circuit. Edgar Pons and Benny Solís will compete in a Moto3 race and Josito García in two Moto3 races.


EDGAR PONS IS PREPARED TO MAKE A GOOD RACE

September 22, 2018

SIXTH LINE OF GRILL FOR THE CATALAN RIDER DEL ARGIÑANO & GINÉS RACING TEAM


The Spanish rider of the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team in Moto2, Edgar Pons, has taken an important step this Saturday, together with his team, as he has had a more competitive Kalex to really measure himself in the group of Moto2 World Cup riders. In FP3, his step was already outstanding and then he showed it during the QP, although Edgar considers that there is still room for improvement.


In the third free practice, Pons went out to ride with a different Moto2 than yesterday, with modifications in suspensions and geometries, thinking above all to be able to brake the bike and enter two specific curves without the direction being closed.


In qualifying, the suspensions and geometries were tweaked a bit more and when the rider entered the box for the first time he didn't ask for anything, a good indication that the bike was totally to his liking. The idea was to take advantage of this somewhat paradoxical situation according to which the first laps of qualifying are the highest quality, because the MotoGP Michelin tires are used, although today Binder took pole at the end. By the second half of training, there were no race tires left. Edgar Pons is confident in the bike the team is giving him and with a good start tomorrow he can have a solid race.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 17º / 1.53.976 + 0.827s: «From yesterday to today we have taken a big step in set-up considering the distribution of tires we have. Yesterday we had a hard time being confident with the front tire. And braking ahead and solving one thing has led to another. The pace has been good. This afternoon we wanted to go down a bit more, although it was warmer. Maybe we could have managed the first part of the training better, because I went out on track alone without references and it was more difficult. We have done two batches, and the second we knew would be worse because we did not have the tires that we like. I think we can do better, but the important thing is that we are ready to have a good race.


Moto2 Free Combine at Motorland


Official Moto2 ranking at Motorland


Tomorrow, warm up at 9:10 am and the race at Movistar MotoGP starting at 12:20 pm.


EDGAR PONS AGAIN MEASURES THE BEST IN THE WORLD

September 21, 2018

SECOND WILD CARD OF AGR WITH PONS THIS SEASON


The last time the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team was activated for the competition was two months ago, and precisely on this circuit in Motorland Aragón, where Edgar Pons won the two rounds of the FIM CEV Repsol. Today at Motorland, Edgar went out to ride for the second time this season with the best in the world in this category, to once again measure forces in the second wild card of the AGR with the Spanish rider in 2018. In the previous foray into the world championship, during At the Catalunya GP, Edgar was only one position away from entering the points zone.


NO GRIP

The Spanish rider of the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team in Moto2, Edgar Pons, rode the hard rear compound at the first outing for the entire time and felt quite a lack of grip in general. For the second free practice, the team modified the bike in order to regain a grip that still did not arrive, as the ground temperature rose 15ºC. Still, it was better than in the morning. And when it was time to change the rubber and mount a theoretically softer one (which was tested a few days ago in a test in Valencia and liked), he did not notice a difference, something that seems to be repeated in neighboring pits. Tomorrow in FP3, the team will try to specify the race tire while modifying the Kalex to make it more stable under braking.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 26º / 1.44.108 + 1.528s: «It was a difficult day. We had a very good set-up for this circuit with the FIM CEV data, but it doesn't help us because the tires here are harder. We are looking for a setup for these tires to be more responsive as we didn't notice the difference between the two compounds. We have been fast in the past here, so we know we can do well, but you have to understand how.


Moto2 Free Combine at Motorland


Tomorrow, Saturday, one more free practice and qualifying at 3:05 p.m.


DOUBLE VICTORY OF EDGAR PONS IN MOTORLAND!

July 29, 2018

The Catalan dominated both Moto2 rounds with authority and is approaching second overall.


The Spanish rider of the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team in Moto2, Edgar Pons, left today determined to win the two rounds of the FIM CEV Repsol event at the Aragonese Motorland circuit. And he got it. In the first, Pons crossed the finish line with more than 2 seconds of advantage; in the second, it was only 6 tenths, in a competition that was cut short by an accident of another driver who spilled oil on the asphalt in the second lap. It has been another horrible day of heat, more ahead of the second round; And it is not without tension in the box either, since Pons complained after the clutch warm up, and the team changed it in record time. Between the first and second heats, in addition, the set-up of the Kalex has been slightly modified, looking for more grip.


Edgar returns to victory. After his time in the world championship, his last victory went back to 2015. In the Moto2 general classification, and because some of his rivals did not appear at the event, Edgar added to almost place second, thanks to his first two victories of the year. Assaulting the leadership of Raffin will not be easy, but for now there are 100 points at stake and it is not the time to lower your arms. This result also gives Edgar and the team a lot of morale, which does not rule out their participation in the next World Cup event on this same stage.


Remember at this point the absence due to injury in Moto2 races of our North American rider Benny Solís, to whom we wish a speedy recovery.


In Moto3, Josito García was only in the race 5 laps. He touched another pilot and they both went to the ground. The pilot returns home with a different mood than on other similar occasions, as his overall performance on the weekend shows that there has been progress in his corner of the AGR box. Also thanks to the support of KTM.


STATEMENTS:


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 1st / 1st: «It has been a very positive weekend. We have been working with the team for many weekends, fine-tuning the set-up. And at Motorland we have managed to hit the key when braking and in fast corners. From the first day the sensations have been very good. I'm very happy. The first round went very well, I was able to escape a bit in the first laps taking advantage of the fact that I had something extra in terms of grip. In the second heat I also started very well, taking advantage of the grip of the tire, and gaining half a second. Although there has been a red flag, but I have repeated going well and it has been a more fought round; I have not been able to open that much hole. I am very happy with the team's work. We have a very good motorcycle base and I am already counting the days until the next race and continue like this. Thank you AGR family once again! ».


 FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 races at Motorland:

Race 1

Race 2

General of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / NC: «I had a good warm up, and I had rhythm for the race. And then in the race he was comfortable. I started comfortably from 20th position, overtaking other riders and reaching 13th position. There I have played with another pilot; we have both gone to the ground. We knew we would suffer in the heat, but the truth is that the KTM is well set up. In the end, the fall was what marked the result, but I think we have taken a step forward. In Jerez we have to classify better and we will surely stand out more. We have seen this weekend that we can be in more prominent positions. My thanks to the team.

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 race at Motorland

General of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3

The next appointment for the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team will be in a month at the Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto.


EDGAR PONS WILL DEPART FROM THE POLE IN MOTORLAND

July 28, 2018

Benny Solís will not run due to physical problems; while Josito took a step forward in the classification.


Long wait for the fifth round of the year for the FIM CEV Repsol, again in one of the best stages in the world, the Motorland circuit in Aragon. More than a month and a half has passed since the appointment of the Circuit de Catalunya, and our riders have continued with their physical preparation to face the two Moto2 races and the Moto3 that we have ahead of us this weekend with the maximum guarantees.


In Moto2, Edgar Pons will try to cut points with the two riders who precede him in the general classification, and at the same time secure his third position in the points table. So far, he has managed to start first on the grid, and he will do so with a time that exceeds last year's pole in the Moto2 World Championship on the same stage!


On his part, Benny has room to gain positions in the second half of the year and grow in the category, but unfortunately he will not race at Motorland. He has physical problems that have prevented him from driving today. Yes he did it yesterday, but he physically does not give for more and must rest.


On his part, in Moto3 Josito has not scored for 4 races, but he has had time to recharge his batteries and show what the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team is convinced that he can achieve. He comes fresh from a long break and today he showed that he has advanced. Maybe he could have dropped his time by half a second, but compared to last race, his position on the grid is much more logical given his talent. His position by time is 23rd, but due to the sanctions against other drivers, he will start 20th.



Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 1st / 1.53.675: «We managed to set a very fast time with so much heat, and we had a good set-up. He has been good in general, also on pace. At the end of the first officer I had a fall and the mechanics had to work hard repairing the Kalex, and as always they have embroidered it. In the second official, the asphalt temperature was almost 60ºC and we were already clear that it would be difficult to beat the time in the morning, but we had enough for the first pole of the year. I'm very happy. Tomorrow there are two races and we will fight to try to win both ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex: «I have realized in the last hours that modifying my riding style does not help me and that my back discomfort affects more than I thought in being able to race with guarantees. It is a very difficult decision not to run to make. I wanted to keep trying, but after talking about it with the team it is clear that if I continue like this I can make the injury worse. In fact with Moto2 you have to move your body a lot and yesterday trying to ride in a different way I already had a crash. We have to stop for now and recover to be ready for Jerez. In the next few days we will see more clearly how to evolve with the cure. Thanks to the team for their advice and patience. Tomorrow I will be supporting Edgar and Josito 100%! ».


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 grid at Motorland


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 20th / 2.00.528 + 1.515s: «In the morning it was good for me, I had a good rhythm and I think that what I needed is to get a good lap taking advantage of some slipstream. Then in the second time the heat was unbearable and everyone was slower. My position is not good, but I think I have a good pace to fight. I like the KTM set-up, tomorrow I will try to do my best. Thank the team as always for their work.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid at Motorland


This is the Spanish peninsular schedule for tomorrow's races:

11: 00h Moto2, 16 laps

13: 00h, Moto3, 15 laps

14: 00h Moto3, 16 laps

You can follow the races in Movistar MotoGP.


EDGAR PONS, AT THE FEET OF SCORING IN CATALUNYA

June 17, 2018

THE AGR PILOT ENDED THE RACE 16th; NOW YOU WILL RETURN TO YOUR FIM CEV ROUTINE


Edgar Pons did a Moto2 warm up without setbacks. He was starting to get hot already at that time. The AGR rider complained that it was difficult for him to stop the bike with a full tank. And for the race they have adjusted the suspensions a little more. In the first lap he was immersed in an incident, which he had to overcome and lost a couple of positions and contact with a group that later fought for points. It is true that with a full tank, the Kalex also did not quite respond, as it did in the warm up. The final of his career was very good, with good records. The result of him is positive. It was the best Catalan Grand Prix for him. Now he must rethink the FIM CEV key and wait for another good opportunity in the Moto2 World Championship.


Moto2 # 57 Edgar Pons –Kalex / 16th: «The race went well, at the beginning with problems in the front end. With a full tank, I think we were too soft on the suspensions and in the first laps it was difficult for me to overtake. I could not brake hard and had to wait for the tank to empty. And indeed my rhythm has improved, but the group that was fighting for the points has escaped me. I was not on time, too bad. Very happy that the AGR family has given me this opportunity.


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team returns to the headquarters, which is located a few kilometers from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Our next challenge will be the Moto2 and Moto3 races on July 27 at the FIM CEV Repsol Motorland Aragón.


EDGAR PONS, BEFORE HIS BEST GRAND PRIZE IN CATALUNYA

June 16, 2018

THE AGR PILOT, WHO TURNED 23 YEARS TODAY, WILL LEAVE TOMORROW FROM THE 6TH GRID LINE ON MOTO2


In the end, Kalex's piece did not arrive, but it was not necessary either. Edgar Pons has done a superb job today, together with the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team, in this Saturday of the final of the free practice and Moto2 classification at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Edgar Pons, who turns 23 today, has given himself the best classification of him in the home grand prix, and tomorrow he aspires to the best position for him at the finish line, which was 17th in 2015 and 2016.


The AGR team has provided Pons with a motorcycle with which he can better control skidding. Everyone enters some corners crossed, but yesterday he was not precise, and today he has been more so. It has been an improvement of the front end, geometry and fork. In the third free practice he was 12th, with the tire that he will use in the race, the same with which he qualified. For the official, the team made a few more adjustments and finished 18th, one second behind Quartararo's pole. The truth is that as the session progressed, the track slipped more and more. Everything ready for a Sunday in which the important thing is to enjoy a job well done. Good luck Edgar, and congratulations!


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 18º / 1.44.512 + 1.038s: «We have made some adjustments to the front of the bike and it helped me when braking, so that I did not skid so much. In the morning I felt very strong, very happy, with rhythm. In qualifying I suffered a bit more when the temperature rose. But in the race it won't be so hot. I think we can do well. Yesterday together with the team we planned these changes very well and I really want to make a good start and have a good race. It is at the moment my best grand prize in Catalonia. Not running the World Cup and coming here and doing these times shows us that with the AGR family we are doing well. They help me correct my deficiencies. This is going well.


Tomorrow Moto2 race at 12:20 on 22 laps.

Combined Moto2 practice in Montmeló

Moto2 classification in Montmeló


AGR RETURNS TO A WORLDWIDE COMPETITION

June 15, 2018

EDGAR PONS IS A SECOND FROM THE HEAD


New incursion of the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team in the Motorcycle World Championship. A week after competing in the FIM CEV Repsol, the AGR team disembarks at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to compete with the best in the world in the intermediate category. Edgar Pons, former European Moto2 champion, returns to a paddock that he knows well, and in which he will try to get a good result.


As always, Moto2 has shown itself as the tightest category. In the first free practice, Edgar already rode faster than his time in the FIM CEV Repsol classification of a week ago, remaining 1 second behind the fastest, but in 22nd position, with 32º of temperature on the asphalt. In the second start of the afternoon (44th on the tarmac) he did not improve the time and lost three positions.


The Moto2 is not "the same" as in the FIM CEV because a softer rear suspension setting is used to help the tire, which is harder. From turn 7 Edgar is doing well. But in previous braking he is not comfortable and the bike slips too much and he is imprecise. Tomorrow we will set up a new Kalex link to try to get Edgar Pons to pilot more comfortably.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 25º / 1.45.276 + 1.051s: «The position is not what we want, but we are just a second away and I can improve my riding. And in general the set-up of the bike. We are going to ask for a part that we do not have and that will surely help us in the rear grip by braking. Other drivers slip less entering the corner and can take a better step; I penalize there. I'm happy to be back in the world championship with the fastest riders. With the changes that we will make, we can be ahead ».


FP3 AND QP


Tomorrow, Saturday, one more free practice and qualifying at 3:05 p.m.


AGR TEAM RETURNS TO THE WORLDWIDE THANKS TO A WILD CARD

June 11, 2018

EDGAR PONS WILL RACE THE WEEKEND IN THE MOTO2 CATEGORY


Good news for our fans: we are back in the Motorcycle World Championship. At the moment, for a race. This weekend we will have the opportunity to run one of the home races, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, thanks to a Wild Card. An opportunity to return to compete with the best teams on the planet and, above all, enjoy the #FamiliaAGR.


The driver who will race on the Catalan track will be Edgar Pons. Currently third overall in the FIM CEV Repsol, in the intermediate category, and with World Cup experience, he will try to obtain the best possible result.



Kepa Burutxaga (Team Manager): “Although we did not start in the best possible way in Estoril, Edgar's evolution in the championship has been good. Therefore, we believe that we can emerge stronger from the Wild Card. Above all so that Pons gains confidence and can see his level with respect to the World Cup riders. Our goal is to do a good job, and why not, get into the points ”.


If you want to stay informed of all the news related to our team and the evolution of Edgar Pons, do not miss our social networks with the full narration of each training session.




EDGAR PONS GETS A NEW PODIUM IN BARCELONA-CATALUNYA

June 10, 2018

BENNY SOLÍS ADD 8 POINTS; BAD LUCK FOR JOSITO GARCÍA


Edgar Pons has been on the podium in the first Moto2 leg of the FIM CEV Repsol at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. He made it third in a race in which he finished more than 3 seconds behind the winner. In the final laps he suffered with a drop in grip on the rear tire. In the second, some small changes were made to the Kalex that did not work 100%. Edgar was left off the podium, riding solo in the final laps to finish fourth; he did, yes, set the fastest lap in scorching heat.


For Benny Solís it has been the best weekend so far, in the first round close to the top10. There he first encountered "new" pilots to fight with. In the second heat he noticed a vibration in the front brake that with the prevailing heat precipitated an error. But he has taken a step and obviously has more left and it will be more difficult.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 3rd / 4th: «The first race went very well, we didn't expect to be able to ride so fast. But he had problems braking with the rear grip and couldn't get into the corner fast; it was where we were losing to my rivals. I finished very fair but on the podium. Happy about it. For the second race we adjusted the bike for braking and for some potholes in the last sector. At first the Kalex did not respond well with a full tank.


I was left behind and when I started to understand the set-up in an overtaking I went off at the first corner. I've wasted time there. I pushed again and in the end I rode with a good rhythm, until the fastest lap that I set at the end. I have not been on the podium there but the conclusions are good. I'm happy with the work with the team and I'm looking forward to this World Cup race this coming week at home. We have a good base and we are doing a good job.


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 12th / 12th: «I'm happy because in general my fastest lap is close to that of the front riders. We have taken a step forward in terms of the race. I had a good first round, and in the second I made a big mistake and I got away, but the result was the same as in the first. I have driven more consistently than usual and this is positive. With a lot of desire to continue improving in this way.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 races in Montmeló:

Race 1

Race 2

Moto2 Championship General

Josito García did not finish the first Moto3 race, he had 5 laps to go; another pilot was cornering him until he was thrown off the track. In the second, there were two red flags. A 6-lap grid was formed, but our driver didn't finish either; he went to the ground in a strong braking trying to come back. The Valencian has completed a weekend to forget.


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / NC / NC: «It was a pretty bad weekend, I crashed in both races. It is time to think about Motorland, which will surely go better. Thanks to all the mechanics, who have been ten. Thanks to the team ».


We take this opportunity to wish the speedy recovery of Andreas Pérez, who had an accident in the second race and was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital. At the time of issuing this statement there is no official information on the status of it.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 races in Montmeló:

Race 1

Race 2

Moto3 Championship General

The AGR has its headquarters a few kilometers from this facility, but as who says we stayed to sleep at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Next weekend Edgar Pons disputes the Moto2 World Championship race with invitation. Don't stop supporting him!


For the next FIM CEV appointment, we will have to wait until July 27 at Motorland.


EDGAR PONS WILL FIGHT FOR A NEW PODIUM IN MOTO2

June 9, 2018

PREPARED FOR THE MOST COMPLETE SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

 

It hasn't been that long since the last Moto3 round at Le Mans, only 3 weeks, although our two Moto2 riders have had a month and a half to prepare well for the most complete weekend of the FIM CEV Repsol season. . And it is that for both Moto3 and Moto2, Sunday's program has two rounds. A good opportunity for Pons, Solís and García to score some good points for the championship. Edgar is ninth overall in Moto2 and Benny 20th; and in Moto3 Josito García is also 20th.


Regarding today's work, it should be noted that the first sessions were held with a lot of heat and the second sessions with mainly wind, and in most cases, both in Moto3 and Moto2, the times of Q1 have been the ones that They have made both grills.


Edgar Pons has equaled the classification of the last race. Right now, he still has to decide on the rear tire, according to whether he can hold up to the end of the race or not. Perhaps in the warm up there will be a final test. On his part, Benny Solís has made the best classification of him so far in the championship. Due to the pace he has, it is likely that the soft tire will hold him to the end.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 2nd / 1.45.459 + 0.408s: «Happy, because the first official was very good. I think however that he could have improved my fastest lap, because we have made some changes that have not worked. In the second official we changed the rear tire and we did not have the ideal set-up, because it was a harder compound. I'm calm, we come out well placed, we can be fast. I think I can play the race, to see if it will be in a group; the first laps will be vital in the management. With a lot of desire ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 12th / 1.46.914 + 1.863s: «In general I am happy with the general progress. We started a little slow a couple of days ago, but we were able to get to the pace we had when we trained here, and even improve it. Conditions have been different, another reason to conclude that we are improving. I feel better with the Kalex and in the second official we were able to match our best time in worse conditions. With the team we are better and physically I feel strong. Looking forward to tomorrow.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 grid in Cheste.


Things have gone badly for Josito García. 40th in the first official and 33rd in the second, his final grid position is delayed: 41st in a very large group of 46 participants. He has two races ahead in which he must have a lot of patience. Tomorrow it is possible to make a slight change in the KTM and for the pilot to reset his performance so far, as he is able to go faster.


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 41º / 1.51.894 + 2.220s: «It was a difficult and bad start, because we did not finish meeting. Tomorrow we come out in position 41. He will have to come back and try to save this weekend. I would also like to thank my mechanics and the whole team for their support.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid at Le Mans.


This is the schedule for tomorrow's races:

11: 00h Moto3, 16 laps

12: 00h, Moto2, 17 laps

14: 00h Moto3, 16 laps

15: 00h Moto2, 17 laps

You can follow the races in Movistar MotoGP.


JOSITO GARCÍA LEAVES LE MANS VOID

May 19, 2018

THE SPANISH AGR HAD A FALL IN THE RACE IN FRANCE

 

The day started well for Josito García, the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team rider in the Moto3 Junior World Championship. In the warm up he qualified 6th, just behind the driver who later won the race, Aleix Viu. Le Mans is a cold track always first thing in the morning, and the difficulty is there and he overcame it. The pilot had an even finer engine for competition and he started with motivation.


But then, in the race held after 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, with a lot of ambient heat, the Valencian fell on the first lap; he was locked out of the direction on a curve when he had just made an overtake. Sometimes it is excess of desire, it happens to the best. It was a shame, because he could do it well. He has to learn from mistakes.



Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / crash: «He had made a good start, the truth is that I was comfortable. But on the first lap trying to overtake I hit the ground and I couldn't continue. I'm not happy, because it was a weekend to do quite well. I keep the positive: little by little the team and I are improving. I want to thank the mechanics for their work.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 race at Le Mans


General classification of the FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 in Le Mans


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team returns to the Granollers facilities to prepare for the next stop of the FIM CEV Repsol, scheduled for June 10 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It will be the most complete event of the year, as there will be two Moto2 races and two Moto3 races. And it will help Edgar Pons to prepare the wild card of the World Championship that he will contest a week later in the Moto2 category.


JOSITO GARCÍA TAKES A STEP FORWARD

May 2018, 2019

THE SPANISH OF AGR IS CLASSIFIED IN SIX ROW OF GRILL FOR THE RACE IN LE MANS


This weekend, the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team traveled to France, to the legendary Le Mans, where tomorrow a Moto3 race will be held in which our rider Josito García participates. The team has not traveled completely, because in this second event on the FIM CEV Repsol calendar that takes place outside of Spanish territory, only the junior world category competes.


Today two official sessions were held. And from the combined of both it turns out that the Valencian equals his classification of the last round of the championship. But here you have to take into account the idiosyncrasy of the circuit. The pilots go directly to dispute the classification without previous practice. Due to very tight schedules, this event coincides with the MotoGP World Championship. It is clear, however, that going out like this on this traditionally cold track forces young drivers to wake up.



Josito knew the track from last year, but he had to remember curves. In the first officer he has not been able to hold on to any good wheel. And also the gear ratio in his KTM was somewhat long, on the long straight he lost something with the unevenness against him. Our pilot also complained about the chassis opening the throttle, but the technical team has solved it for the second officer by modifying the rear suspension. Now he is happy with the bike, although his technicians will finish fine-tuning the gear ratio tomorrow. The rider has taken a step forward, which may mean improving his season records if he makes a good start. He dropped a second behind between the two timed sessions, even though it was hotter in the second.



Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 18th / 1.44.404 + 1.322s: «The first session was not bad, although it was difficult because we started directly without having done free practice. And in the second I have done better; the bike and myself have been more on the site. In the second time they took a last lap from me, I could have been 14th at least. I am happy with the rhythm that I have. I'm not in a better position because I couldn't get that good lap. But I insist that I feel rhythm, to see if tomorrow we get it. My thanks to the team for their work.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid at Le Mans


Tomorrow's Moto3 race at Le Mans starts at 4:30 p.m. local time, over 17 laps. The forecast is that the sky will remain clear.


EDGAR PONS GETS HIS FIRST PODIUM

April 29, 2018

TWO POINTS FOR SOLÍS ON MOTO2 AND ONE FOR GARCÍA ON MOTO3


The Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team has faced three races today, one of Moto2, in which Edgar Pons started his comeback in the general classification with the first podium, while Solís added two points for his locker; and two races in the Moto3 category, with a balance of only one point for Josito García.


Edgar Pons, who had not scored points in the first weekend in Estoril, has been all weekend in his natural positions. The second was the maximum today, but it is his first podium and therefore he is charged with energy to continue fighting for the final goal of the season, which is none other than winning the title for the second time. The track was not easy today, with cold wind. The bent ones have stopped him in his intention to risk to catch the Swiss Raffin. He has been smart.



Benny, for his part, had a scare around a corner, went off the track, and lost three positions. He was late, but could have finished better than 14th. If he ranks better, his position can always be in the top10.


In Moto3, Josito García was able to score a point in the first race, although he came close to the top-10 in a few bars of the first race. In the second, after a couple of scares, a third blow of wind knocked him down, the same as other rivals in the category. The important thing is that no harm has been done. The Valencian has shown once again that he is a fast rider, since in some race measure he rolled like the first. He must classify better so that his options increase in the race.



Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 2nd: «The race was positive, but not 100% as we wanted. We did a test with the development in the warm up, but we started the race with qualifying. On the first lap Jesko escaped me, but then I rode fast, I did the fast lap. The pity was that some folded ones did not have a blue flag and did not move away and the race was broken. A strong wind was blowing again, Raffin was far away and it was not worth the risk. We have added these 20 points that are important. I felt very good and comfortable with the bike. Thank you very much to the team. We are on the podium again. I hope from now on to fight for victory in every race ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 14th: «Today's race was interesting. Our bike did quite well in the race with some changes. In braking it was strong, but in cornering I lacked grip, however. In general we have learned many more things; for the next race I will be able to better apply what I have learned by braking. Let's see if then we can better concentrate on setting up the bike and taking another step forward in competitiveness.


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 15th / NC: «It went quite well, in terms of feeling with the bike. In the first heat I lost three positions in the last corner. In the second it was good, even more comfortable, because we changed the not so soft rear tire. Going eighth I have fallen and I could not continue. Thank the team for the work they have done this weekend, and hopefully everything goes better at Le Mans and we finish where we should be ».


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 race in Cheste:

Race

Moto2 Championship General

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 races in Cheste:

Race 1

Race 2

Moto3 Championship General


EDGAR PONS WILL START SECOND IN VALENCIA

April 28, 2018๏ปฟ

Sixth row of the grid in Moto2 for Solís and sixth for García in Moto3


A month later, the FIM CEV Repsol regains its way with the second event of the year at the Ricardo Tormo de Cheste (Valencia). With a different format than Portugal four weeks ago, it will be Josito García who will compete in two Moto3 races, while Edgar Pons and Benny Solís have only one round to play tomorrow in the Moto2 category.


Our top-ranked driver today was Edgar Pons. The Catalan has taken a leap in quality in Valencia, a circuit that he knows much better than that of Estoril. But the important thing is that he has placed himself in the positions that are presupposed by talent. Edgar will start second, in a front line where there will also be a former European champion, such as the Swiss Jesko Raffin, who took pole position. Pons was second in the two qualifying sessions, the first faster than the second, although it was in the latter that the Catalan was closest to the Swiss for times. That's where the team adjusted his settings to better cope with a choking corner.


On his part, Benny Solís continues with his period of adaptation, he lacks experience. In today's two official sessions, his deficit on pole was around three seconds; in that chapter he is like in Estoril at the beginning of the season. And in both qualifying rounds his virtual grid position was a sixth row. He will start 16th in order to score.


In Moto3, Josito García has significantly improved his classification in Portugal. He has gone halfway, and will start from the sixth row on the grid. There are many pilots, up to 43, and he has many behind. It will not be an easy race, but the Valencian has also greatly reduced the disadvantage with respect to the leaders. If tomorrow in the warm up he can win a tenth, he has the opportunity to put on a good performance at home.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 2nd / 1.36.540 + 0.431s: «It was a positive day, we started from the front row, seconds. We would have liked to have the pole. In the second qualifying we had made a good improvement on the bike, but we did little to try it because it started to rain. But we finished the day happy, because the Kalex works better. Eager to warm up and race to be able to fight to be at the top ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 16th / 1.39.075 + 2.966s: «On Thursday we realized the problems on this track and we were able to do a lot of work for Friday. Today we have finally been able to share everything we learned in the two preceding days. We have not solved some tics that must be corrected, as we must be able to make a fast lap when necessary, but in general we have always been reducing our times, and today we have set our best time even with certain errors. I think that if we continue like this we will soon be able to get rid of those habits that are not worth us here. I'm happy with today's work.


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 18th / 1.40.515 + 1.161s: «We finished this Saturday with better feelings and rhythm than on Friday. I still do not feel invested with Moto3 as I would like, but we will start from the sixth row. What it means to be behind where we should be. But I will go out tomorrow to try to come back and score points in both sleeves. I want to thank the team for the work and the support. Let's see if everything goes well tomorrow ».

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 grid in Cheste

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid in Cheste

Tomorrow our team disputes the next 3 races of the season: 2 in Moto3 (11:00 am and 2:00 pm Spanish peninsular time, 18 laps) and one in Moto2 (1:00 pm, 19 laps). There is a forecast of a lot of wind, but no rain.


You can follow the races on Movistar MotoGP or on the championship YouTube channel.


FIRST POINTS OF THE YEAR FOR AGR

March 25, 2018

JOSITO GARCÍA REMONTA 20 POSITIONS IN MOTO3; EDGAR PONS IS INJURED AND ONLY FINISHES ONE OF THE TWO SLEEVES


The AGR Team did not have a good weekend in Estoril. The expectations were better than the results reflect. Of our three riders, only García in Moto3 has scored points.


In Moto3, Josito started 31st and made a great comeback in a race with many crashes. The Valencian crossed the finish line 11th, adding the first points in his locker. The Italian Manuel Pagliani won.


In the first Moto2 round, there were patches of water although our riders raced with slicks. Edgar Pons started 7th and in a few laps he was even 5th, in a group of four riders with options for the third box on the podium. At six laps he, however, was left off the hook from the fight and shortly after, with 4 laps remaining, he fell and sprained his right ankle. The point where he fell was critical for other drivers as well; maybe there was some liquid. For his part, Solís went off and fell in the last sector of the circuit on lap 3 when he was 9th, due to a touch with another driver in the chicane, and returned to the track to regain that position a couple of laps later, setting his best chronos of the race. He crossed the finish line 16th - taking advantage of the discards of other drivers - which is the first priority. That first race was won by Ivo Lopes, a Portuguese rider with a Supertock 600.


In the second heat, Edgar was ready to run but in the first lap an electrical failure knocked him out. On his part, Benny got to go 11th, but on lap 7 he fell in the same sector as on the first, he started again, but a lap later he entered the pit lane and abandoned. It was a much faster race than the first, due to the better condition of the asphalt. The victory went to the Swiss Raffin.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / fall / -: «Difficult weekend. In the first heat the conditions were mixed and it was difficult. The fifth was good, but in the second corner I went through the same place as the previous lap and I was flying. My foot has swollen, but I still wanted to run the second race, too bad about the electrical problem. But we know that we are strong and eager to get to Valencia now. Many thanks to the team for their great work. It's a shame to leave with zero points but we don't lose motivation ”.


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 16th / abandonment: «The weekend has been difficult but positive because I have learned a lot, with all kinds of weather conditions. In the first race I started very well, I got 7th, and I touched another rider from behind and I fell because I was too aggressive, but I finished. In the second race it was almost all dry, with another good start, and in a corner fighting for 8th place I opened up a bit and stepped on a puddle and fell hard. I lost a footrest and a few more things and I couldn't go on. I also stomped my foot. The team has worked very well and I am very happy with the progress.


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 11th: «We finished the weekend well. Yesterday the classification was not good. Today in the warm up I felt comfortable, it was in the wet and I finished 12th. And knowing that the race would be difficult and the track conditions were not good, I made a good start, pulling. In the first lap I have already passed the 14th and I have hooked up with the front group until the end. They are 5 very important points. And going so far back, coming back is not easy. I am happy. I want to thank the team for all their work. I hope to do better in Valencia next time ».


Anscari Nadal, technical director: «Weekend to forget in general. Although I want to emphasize that Josito has had a great race in Moto3. There have been crashes, but in the middle of the race he equaled the podium times. He has potential. In Moto2, Benny is happy because he sees that he can do well, but he can still win. Edgar is disappointed by the crash of the first race and hurting himself and not being able to play the second race. With him we aspire to fight for the championship and they are two difficult zeros to overcome. But you have to look ahead.


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 races in Estoril:

Race 1

Race 2

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 race in Estoril:

Race

Karlos Arguiñano, owner: «The feelings for 2018 are very good. We already know Edgar, Benny I think he will improve a lot and Josito is doing very well. We have high hopes of doing nice things this season. We are happy with the team we have.


We have already started. In a month we will meet our Moto2 and Moto3 rivals again at the Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, hoping that it will go better. Until then, be happy!


AN EXCITING SEASON BEGINS 2018

March 24, 2018

THE AGR IS PRESENTED WITH 3 PILOTS BETWEEN MOTO2 AND MOTO3

 

It is a new beginning for the Argiñano & Ginés Racing Team. We continue to compete, now to expand our base, with three riders this season: former European Moto2 champion Edgar Pons, along with promising North American Benny Solís, and in Moto3 with the promising 15-year-old Valencian Josito García.


The first race meets us at the old Estoril circuit, on a rainy day. In Moto2, the second qualifying session is the one that, due to the conditions of the track, has allowed the entire grid to take better times from the chronometer. Our pilots will start from the 3rd line (Edgar) and the 5th line (Benny). In Moto3, the very young Josito García will start from the 11th row.


For our drivers, the track was unprecedented, except for Benny, who years ago had already been able to ride in Portugal when he competed in the Red Bull rookies. All three have fallen; Edgar at a point where he did not have good visibility, and with four laps short he has fallen just over a second from pole, but he has options for a good result. On his part, Solís has dedicated his time to familiarize himself with a Kalex that he likes, in water it costs him something more. In Moto3, García y rode fast on Thursday with good conditions; on Friday in the water he fell twice in the same spot because of a shock absorber problem. The Valencian has remained motivated, despite that, and added his third fall of the weekend. He's late and has a sore knee, but he's really looking forward to making his AGR debut.


Moto2 # 57 EdgarPons –Kalex / 7th / 1.45.732 +1.266: «It was a somewhat strange qualifying. In the morning it was on a wet track, but we felt good without risking too much, because we knew that in the afternoon the session would be faster. In the second timed session we started very motivated, with a very good set-up. The circuit was not completely dry, there were wet patches and I crashed on the third lap. I managed to get the bike to the box and the team responded very professionally, with a time trial repair. I was still able to complete 3 more laps, in each set I improved, but it was enough. I start seventh but with confidence and with the desire for it to be a dry race, although whatever the weather conditions I think we can start the championship very well ».


Moto2 # 35 Benny Solís –Kalex / 13º / 1.47.752 +3.286: «On Thursday I started here well in the dry and yesterday in the wet I felt good, although I could not ride as much as I wanted due to problems with the visor of my helmet . Today was my first qualifying for the FIM CEV and in the wet I felt comfortable, without pushing too hard. I was hoping for a second session with a better track, in fact I think I did some good laps and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's races, I'm excited to start ».


Moto3 # 20 Josito García García –KTM / 31º / 1.50.208 +2.532: «We had a wet track and a lot of wind. In the first time I felt good; in the second I was fine but in three laps I had to stop for a red flag due to some crashes. I went out and pulled again, but at the last corner I crashed. And then I have not been able to shoot again. Leaving on the 31st means that you have to go back. But above all to finish the race and score as many points as possible ».


FIMCEVREPSOL Moto2 grid in Estoril

FIMCEVREPSOL Moto3 grid in Estoril


Tomorrow our team disputes the first 3 races of the season. Two in Moto2 (1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Spanish peninsular time, 18 laps) and one in Moto3 (2:00 p.m., 17 laps).


TALENT AND ILLUSION TO START THE 2018 SEASON

March23, 2018

In the AGR Team we started a really exciting campaign in the FIM CEV Repsol, with the aim of growing during the season and why not, dreaming of revalidating the title obtained in 2016. During the 8 calendar appointments, 7 for the Moto riders 2, we will enjoy three new pilots with different objectives, but both with the illusion of shining in their first career as AGR pilots.


Edgar Pons returns to the European Championship, after passing him through the Motorcycle World Championship, with the aim of winning it again as he did in 2015. A fast rider capable of being competitive both in the dry and in the wet. On his part, Benny Solís makes his debut in Moto2 after an interesting career in the United States. He is a very fast rider and although he has a regular adaptation process ahead of him, his first tests in the category have been very interesting.


And the third driver of the team is Jose Julián García “Josito”. He will take part in Moto3 and despite his youth, he enjoys experience in the category. In his first year on the team, he will try to become a Top10 regular. The activity begins in Estoril, the only event outside of Spain, and our people will try to make their debut in style in Portuguese lands.


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