Go&Fun Honda Gresini Race Review Losail Moto3

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Niccolò Antonelli kicked off his 2014 Moto3 World Championship campaign with a ninth place finish in the floodlit Grand Prix of Qatar, resulting the first Italian under the chequered flag. 

After a good start, who saw him up to third place at the end of the first lap, the Junior Team GO&FUN Moto3 rider pushed hard to stay with the leading group in the early stages of the race, but had to back off in the following laps. Later, Niccolò fought with determination within the second group of riders, closing ninth on the finish line. Although the race didn’t go as Antonelli had hoped, the 18-year-old Italian managed to get his first points in the 18-race long Championship. 

His team-mate, debutant Enea Bastianini, delivered a determined ride aboard his KTM, closing his first Moto3 race in 17th, going very close to open his points account in the World Championship.

Niccolo Antonelli (9th) 

“I made a good start and in the early stages I was able to stay comfortably with the leading group, but unfortunately later I accused some engine problems, as has happened to us throughout all the weekend. This problem may be caused by the placement of the ballast on the bike: we will make all appropriate checks to try to overcome it. Apart from the race result, I'm happy because during the race I had a good feeling and I was able to keep a good pace, but it’s clear that in the next race we want to achieve more. If we can solve these problems, we have the right potential to succeed”. 

Enea Bastianini (16th) 

“I can’t find words to describe how I'm happy: I could not get points, but I went close to do it. I made a good start, but unfortunately considering that I was starting behind I knew that it would be difficult to stay with the leading group. During the race I enjoyed a good fought with Loi, winning the sprint to the finish line. In this first race I learned so many things, so I am convinced that the next Grand Prix will go even better”.

Go&Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Preview Losail Moto3

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After an intense winter testing period, including visits to Almeria, Valencia and Jerez, the Junior Team GO&FUN Moto3 is finally en-route to Qatar for the first round of the 2014 Moto3 World Championship. Niccolò Antonelli and Enea Bastianini head to the Losail International Circuit, on the outskirt of Doha, with a clear goal in their minds.

Antonelli has proved to be able to fight for race wins and the championship title, after topping often the timesheets during pre-season:  despite struggling to match his previous lap times at the final test in Jerez, the 18-year-old from Cattolica remains confident of opening his 2014 campaign with a good result.

Adding to the spectacle of the curtain raiser in Qatar will be the floodlit nature of the first race: an exciting atmosphere for Enea Bastianini, who will race his first World Championship Grand Prix. Aged only 16, the youngster from Rimini had had two positive outings at Almeria and Valencia, but then struggled to find a good rythm at Jerez. His goal at the moment is to try to enter in the top 15, in order to open his points account.

Niccolo Antonelli

“We arrive in Qatar with great confidence because we know that we have everything we need to be competitive and to stay on top: we have proved it during all the winter tests, although the last session in Jerez was a bit disappointing. Our rivals are very strong, so for sure it will not be an easy challenge, but if we work well we can be protagonists. During the winter we have reached a good chassis set-up, although we need to make some more adjustment in order to improve: we'll see how it goes day by day during the race weekend”.

Enea Bastianini 

“In a few days I will race my first Grand Prix and certainly it will be an exciting experience. During the race weekend I will face a completely new situation, with short practice sessions in which it will be important to work methodically, avoiding mistakes: definitely a different rhythm from that to which we are accustomed in testing. On paper, the first race is the more complicated for me: I have no experience, and I don’t even know the Losail Circuit, and above all, the level of the Championship is very high. My goal is to try to get into the points; it will not be easy, but we'll try”.

Go&Fun Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Review Jerez Moto3 Test Day 3

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After no less than twelve days of testing on Spanish soil, the preparations for the 2014 World Championship campaign came to a close today at Jerez for the Junior Team GO&FUN Moto3.

After having been a protagonist for the majority of the pre-season, Niccolò Antonelli today was not able to finish the last day of testing as he wanted, ending the session in 14th position in the combined standings with a best lap of 1’46”840. Although the gap from the top is not too high - under six tenths of a second - during the three-day official IRTA Test the 18-year-old Italian encountered some more difficulties than expected.

The pre-season testing today have come to a conclusion also for Enea Bastianini, who completed today 38 laps, the quickest of which in 1’48”032. The Italian rookie continued to gain experience in preparation for his world stage debut, solving some understeer issues, even though he declared himself still not entirely satisfied with the chassis set-up of his KTM.

Niccolo Antonelli (1'46"840 - 65 LAPS)

“Unfortunately, these three last days of testing were not exceptional; however, today was better than yesterday, although we were not able to improve our lap times and as a result the final position on the timesheet is clearly not what we expected. We have been competitive during all winter, so we remain confident ahead the Qatar Grand Prix, knowing that we are capable to fight for the top positions: after all, the chassis of the bike is fine, we only need to fix a few things to come back to the top”.

Enea Bastiannini (1'48"032 - 38 LAPS)

“To be honest, this final test was a bit disappointing, because we wanted to get more. At the beginning of the winter the situation was better than expected, while the latter part was more difficult, but I think that this is quite normal. Today, however, we did a good job, closing the gap to the other riders and continuing to fine-tune the bike set-up, although there is still a lot of work to do. The level here in the World Championship is very high and it’s definitely not easy, but I have great confidence because the team is working hard and the atmosphere is good”.

Go&Fun Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Review Jerez Moto3 Test Day 2

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The official Moto3 IRTA Test continued today at Jerez with some difficulties for the Junior Team GO&FUN Moto3: Niccolò Antonelli suffered a minor crash and he was stuck in 12th position with a best time of 1’47”231, unable for the moment to catch the good lap times achieved in the previous test carried out in Andalusia at the end of February. Slowed by the strong wind, the Italian struggled to find the right feeling with his KTM and tomorrow, in the last day of winter testing available, he will try to regain the competitiveness that has always distinguished him during all the pre-season.

His team-mate, Enea Bastianini , finished the day with a best lap of 1’48”586, thereby improving his yesterday’s performance by 0.8 of a second; the rookie from Rimini – which has a right hand still sore - has been hampered by understeer on his bike, a problem that he will try to solve tomorrow along with the team’s technicians.

Niccolo Antontelli (1'47"231 - 59 LAPS)

“Today we struggled a bit: the strong wind accentuated some of the problems that we had experienced previously here in Jerez so today I couldn’t ride as I wanted. The bike was a bit nervous, it was moving a lot, so we were not able to make the most of this day of testing. Tomorrow we will try to understand why, trying some chassis set-up changes. We hope to improve, however I’m not worried: we know what is our level, and we believe that soon we will return to show it”.

Enea Bastianini (1'48"586 - 45 LAPS)

“Today was not great, but we’re not complaining about it: as we did yesterday during the first day of testing, we continued to try different set-ups, but we have not yet identified the best solution. At the moment I'm struggling to follow the right lines on track, because the bike is understeering. Tomorrow we will try, above all, to overcome this problem”.

Go&Fun Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Go&Fun Honda Gresini Review Jerez Moto3 Test Day 1

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The Junior Team GO&FUN Moto3 was back in action today at Jerez for the first of three final days of winter testing in preparation for the 2014 Moto3 season: Niccolò Antonelli and Enea Bastianini were back in the saddle of their KTM, resuming the work from the good base reached at the end of last February.

Niccolò Antonelli finished the day with the fifth fastest time, setting a good 1’47”549, just three tenths of a second from the top: the 18-year-old from Cattolica eighteen spent the three today’s sessions working on several adjustments to the chassis, in order to improve some aspects which were still not clear during the previous test. His teammate, Enea Bastianini, yet slightly slowed from the injury to his right hand, struggled to find the right feeling with the bike despite several adjustments to his bike. The youngster from Rimini completed a total of 38 laps, the quickest in 1’49”398.

Niccolo Antonelli (1'47"549 - 45 LAPS)

“Today we resumed testing with no pressure, therefore the lap times are not yet at the level of those signed in late February, but we are still close to the top and this is positive. We spent this first day focusing on clarifying some doubts  related to certain chassis set-up solutions that we have already tried at the previous test; now the right path to follow appears more clear, so tomorrow we will continue to work in the same direction”.

Enea Bastianini (1'49"398 - 38 LAPS)

“Apart from the injured hand, that is still annoying me a bit, today I had no feeling with my bike. Tomorrow we will try different chassis set-up solutions to try and overcome this problem, but for sure we still have a lot of work ahead. Obviously I'm still in a learning process, and therefore I have yet to adapt to this bike, but at Almeria and also at Valencia the situation was already pretty good. Here in Jerez instead I'm struggling, but that's normal: we are already happy with the level we reached this winter, but we want to improve more and I believe that soon we will succeed”.

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Satisfactory First Day for Go&Fun Gresini Moto3 at Mugello

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Despite a crash apiece it was a positive first day for Team GO&FUN Gresini Moto3 Niccolo Antonelli and Lorenzo Baldassarri at their home Grand Prix. Antonelli was on the pace but slipped off when trying to avoid a bump whilst Baldassarri also showed positive signs despite his misfortune. Both Team GO&FUN Gresini Moto3 riders are confident that they have a good feeling around their home circuit though and they are looking forward to qualifying tomorrow.

Niccolò Antonelli (8th 2’ 01.080 ) 

“I was really annoyed to crash because of the bump because I was setting a fast pace and I was sure I could have gone quicker - my split times up to that point proved it. It's a shame but I am satisfied because I felt good on the bike. Obviously we need to keep working but I am confident because I ran with some of the fast guys today and I know I can set their pace.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri (23rd 2’ 02” 001) 

“Today didn't go badly in the end despite the crash, which we didn't want. It was really important this afternoon to evaluate the bike set-up and it felt good. I was pushing hard, maybe too hard because I lost the front and crashed, which was a shame. It was important to get back out there after the crash and improve my lap time because that gives me confidence for tomorrow and Sunday.”

Fausto Gresini 

“They both did a good job despite the crashes today. There is a very positive atmosphere in the team and that gives me confidence. The signs are encouraging, especially for us at our home Grand Prix, which is an important race anyway but particularly because we want it to be the turning point in the season.”

Go&Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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SAG TUBI Renews Agreement with Gresini Racing

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SAG TUBI arrived in the MotoGP World Championship in 2011, united in their passion for motorcycle racing and their support of our beloved Marco Simoncelli. A special relationship with Fausto Gresini's team quickly followed on a professional and personal level, which convinced SAG TUBI to maintain their support in the following seasons.

In 2013 the colours of SAG TUBI will be present not only on the Gresini Racing team in MotoGP but also in Moto3.

Ready for the new challenge alongside Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini and Team GO&FUN Gresini Moto3, SAG TUBI continues to believe in Fausto Gresini's vision.

WALTER ZINI (CEO Sag Group – Sag Tubi SPA) 

“I am happy to announce that we have extended our sponsorship agreement with Fausto Gresini. The SAG TUBI brand will sit alongside the colours of Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini in MotoGP and this year also in Moto3. I believe in this project and I admire the commitment that Gresini shows to tackling new challenges. It is rare to find such optimism these days and it certainly links the values of our business with that of Gresini Racing.”

FAUSTO GRESINI (Manager Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini) 

“I am very proud to be extending our collaboration with SAG TUBI in MotoGP and to have them joining in with our project in Moto3. The strength of the values that underline this relationship are extremely important to us. To have the support of a company like SAG TUBI and for them to show such belief in our project is inspiring and positive. We will work hard to make sure they enjoy great success together with us.”

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Antonelli and Baldassarri Looking to Build in Texas

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After a disappointing start to their season in Qatar Team GO&FUN GRESINI MOTO3 are looking to turn things around this weekend as the World Championship moves on to Austin, Texas. Niccolò Antonelli is looking to build on a positive weekend in practice at Losail, despite crashing out of the race due to contact with another rider, whilst Lorenzo Baldassarri's target is to gather more experience and adapt to this level of competition in his first season as a Grand Prix rider. 

Niccolo’ Antonelli  “I can't wait to get out on track at the Circuit of The Americas for two reasons: firstly because I have only ever seen it before on television and it looks like a wonderful track and secondly because I want to put a disappointing start to the 2013 season in Qatar behind me as soon as possible. In Texas we'll all start out on a level footing because nobody has been to this track before so that gives us a good opportunity to do well. The bike is good but we need to work on the set-up to find more confidence. I will be giving everything I have in America this weekend to prove I can run with the guys at the front.”

Loreno Baldassarri “I want to put Qatar behind me as soon as possible so I can't wait to get to Austin and get out on a circuit that looks fantastic. I will try to learn the layout as quickly as possible so that we can concentrate on the set-up of the bike and find a setting that allows me to push it to the maximum. I am sure we will achieve it and that from this weekend forward we can start to enjoy some positive results.”

Fausto Gresini “The first round in Qatar could have gone a lot better but this is racing and when you are dealing with such young riders you have to accept that it is part of their learning process. I have a lot of faith in both of them and I am sure that in Texas they will turn last week's results around. They are both determined and hard-working young men and they have their opportunity to bounce back this weekend. Niccolò has already shown his speed and we know that he can run with the very best in this class so with a bit of luck a top result is just around the corner. Lorenzo needs more experience of this category but I am sure he will close the gap to the front very quickly. ”   

Go&Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Baldassarri the Fastest Italian at Jerez Moto3 Test

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Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini youngster Lorenzo Baldassarri refused to be put off by the weather today as the latest Moto3 preseason testing session got underway at Jerez. The Italian was consistently amongst the fastest riders on track, clocking up 58 laps as he established a good early feeling with his new FTR-Honda machine in the rainy conditions. Baldassarri's Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini team-mate Niccolò Antonelli did not ride today, preferring not to take any risks as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery. With better conditions predicted for tomorrow Baldassarri will look to confirm his good feeling in the dry whilst Antonelli can only hope for the opportunity to assess his current physical condition on the bike. 

Lorenzo Baldassarri “I am really happy with the level of confidence I found with the bike in the wet conditions. We have worked hard on improving the setting and I completed a total of 58 laps, all of them amongst the fastest and that gives me encouragement, especially being the fastest Italian on track. The forecast for tomorrow is dry weather so hopefully we can have as good a feeling as we enjoyed today. I am determined to repeat the level of performance from today and hopefully even improve it.”

Niccolò Antonelli “Today I decided to stay in the garage and watch the action from there. I couldn't run the risk of ruining the whole test for the sake of a silly crash in wet conditions. I feel a lot better so I want to try and get some good testing done here in the dry. Hopefully that will be tomorrow and I am more than ready to go.”

Go & Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Tough Test for Antonelli and Baldassarri at Valencia

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A three-day Moto3 test ended today in spring temperatures at Valencia, where rookie Lorenzo Baldassarri was joined on track by his new Team Go&Fun Honda Gresini colleague Niccolò Antonelli, who could only complete a handful of laps due to his recovery from recent shoulder surgery. It has been a tough few days for Niccolò, physically and mentally, as his rivals made progress on track whilst he was largely limited to watching from pit-lane. Baldassarri managed 73 laps and made gradual progress, which he will look to build on in next week's test at Jerez.

Niccolò Antonelli  

“It was a big struggle to get a few laps in here but I was able to verify that we'll be fast this year. The pain was unbearable without painkillers but it would have been too much of a risk to take any chances. It is going to be a long recovery but I am going to give my all to make it as quick as possible. Between now and the Jerez test next week I will be training hard in the hope I can get some more laps done and get a feel for the bike. It has been a difficult experience but it is part of racing and I am trying to take it as calmly as possible with the help of Team GO&FUN Honda Gresini.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri  

“ I think we have made a good debut and I have worked systematically on finding a feeling and improving. I am satisfied with my first outing in the Moto3 class and I think it has been very positive. I am getting on well with the team and that relationship will be crucial to our progress over the coming weeks. We have made a good start on setting the bike up and now I can't wait to get back on track next week at Jerez and take another step forward.”

Go & Fun Honda Gresini Moto3

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Lorenzo Baldassarri to Ride with Team Go & Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 2013

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Team Go & Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 has completed its 2013 line-up, which expands to two riders with Lorenzo Baldassarri joining fellow Italian youngster Niccolò Antonelli. Baldassarri, winner of the Rookies Cup in 2011, turned sixteen on the 6th November and can't wait to make his full World Championship debut on board the FTR Honda. Born in San Severino Marche, he is currently completing his secondary education and will race alongside his studies.

Fausto Gresini "I am delighted to be able to give another young talent like Lorenzo the opportunity to fulfil his potential in the Moto3 class. His arrival signifies another step forward in the “youth project” that I was so keen to carry forward. I am sure that next season Lorenzo and Niccolò will give us a lot to shout about. I am proud to be able to help with the development of fresh new italian talent and hopefully build the foundations of a successful career for them. Lorenzo showed his potential in 2011 when he won the Rookies Cup. He's an extrovert with a lot of desire to do well and he will now get that opportunity with us. "

Lorenzo Baldassarri "This is a great day for me, a dream come true. I have joined a great team and for me this is the best possible opportunity I could have hoped for. I can't wait to join up with them and meet all the members of the team, who I am sure will become my second family. I am young and I have it all to learn but I have the support a very experienced crew, who have had so much success in the past."

Team Go & Fun Honda Gresini Moto3 Press Release

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Go & Fun to Provide The Energy for Team Honda Gresini

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GO & FUN GREEN ENERGY will be the Team Honda Gresini's main sponsor in the MotoGP and Moto3 categories for the next three seasons. The '100% natural power' energy drink will provide the necessary fuel for the team's on-track endeavours and the philosophy of a company such as GO & FUN GREEN ENERGY fits perfectly with that of Honda Gresini, as they chase continued success at the top level of motorcycle racing whilst also developing new talent.

Fausto Gresini “I am proud to be able to announce our main sponsor for the next three seasons. Bruno Bollini is a guy with great passion for sport and he has the same approach to life and business as myself so I think we can create something special together. We are sure GO & FUN GREEN ENERGY can give our team a natural boost in the future. We are on the verge of an exciting new era in MotoGP and Moto3 so to have such a major new partner believing in our team is extremely important for us.”

Bruno Bollini “It is a source of great personal and professional pride to start this partnership with Team Honda Gresini. The project, which we have been working on with determination, is part of a plan to develop Erba Vita's presence the in the world of sport. With this in mind we have created Go&Fun Green Energy Drink and a line of products specifically for the sports market. Go&Fun is synonymous with dynamism, fun, quality, innovation and the power of nature, elements that we share in common with this special team. I am sure that these will be exciting years ahead and after celebrating success today I am sure this will be the first of many.” 

Honda Gresini Press Release

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