MOTUL GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN

16 October 2016

Motivated Tech3 duo head east for Motegi showdown

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team riders Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith confidently look on to the forthcoming Japanese Grand Prix where they will aim to kick-start the triple flyaway races in a positive manner. The pair will battle at the legendary Twin Ring Motegi circuit, which has produced many memorable duels over the years and they will seek to ride to success at Yamaha’s home GP in the round 15 fight.

Pol Espargaro will continue his quest to reclaim the top independent position in the World Championship by finishing as closely as possible to the factory MotoGP riders in front of his loyal Japanese fans. The young Spaniard, who currently sits in joint 8^th in the standings, returns to Japan full of optimism, after winning the Suzuka 8 Hours event for the second year in succession in July.

Meanwhile, Bradley Smith will get back in the saddle of his YZR-M1 after sitting out the past three MotoGP races due to a knee injury that he sustained in August. However, after a heroic recovery in such a short space of time, the Briton will aim to meet the chequered flag in a solid position in the 24 lap Motul Grand Prix of Japan on Sunday in order to begin the final races of the 2016 season positively. 

Profil

Profil

“Now we will enter the final section of the year and begin the three flyaway races, starting at Motegi, which is a special place for us. Firstly, I want to warmly welcome Bradley back after his time on the sidelines due to his knee injury. He worked really hard and his recovery has been impressive so we must commend him for this. No doubt Motegi will be a tricky event for him after so many weeks without riding, but we will work non-stop to make sure that he can do the best that he can. As for Pol, he will be fired up and determined for the Japanese Grand Prix with his sights set on acquiring the leading satellite honours on Sunday afternoon. It’s important to get a decent start to these three races and we are confident that he can fight as close as possible to the factory MotoGP riders. The support is always amazing in Japan and with it being Yamaha’s home race as well as sponsored by our backers Motul, we will do our best to please everyone so that we can leave the land of the rising sun with a good feeling.”

Pictures for editorial only - Copyright Monster Yamaha Tech3 2016

MOTUL GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN

16 October 2016

TRACK DATA

Pole position : Left
Length : 4,801 m
Width : 15 m
Corners : 14 (8 right, 6 left)
Longest Straight 762 m
Constructed 1997
Modified 1997

CIRCUIT LOCATION

GPS Circuit Entrance: 36° 32′ 01″ North, 140° 13′ 39″ East

HISTORY

Located amongst the vast natural beauty of the northern Kanto district, the twin ring circuit at Motegi in Japan consists of a 1.5 mile oval and a 2.9 mile road course constructed to international standards. Built by Honda as the ultimate test facility in August 1997, the road circuit became home to MotoGP in 2000 whilst the oval is designed to introduce American motorsports culture to the country. Twin Ring Motegi is a major attraction for motorsports fans all year round as it is the venue for the Honda Collection Hall, a museum which houses an illustrious collection of motorcycle, car and racing machines from throughout the ages. The complex also includes a safety and riding school, dirt track, go-karts, hotel, restaurant, shops and event halls and currently employs some 300 staff.