BorneoEnglish: COTA News Today
Showing posts with label COTA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COTA. Show all posts

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Bezzecchi Reveals His Limit Despite Dominating MotoGP COTA 2026

Marco Bezzecchi admits reaching his limit after a dominant MotoGP Americas 2026 win and breaking a historic lap record.
Marco Bezzecchi admits reaching his limit after a dominant MotoGP Americas 2026 win and breaking a historic lap record.

Marco Bezzecchi delivered another outstanding performance at the MotoGP Americas 2026 round at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). Despite his dominant victory in Sunday’s main race, the Aprilia rider admitted he had already reached his limit during the sprint race a day earlier.

Bezzecchi crashed out of Saturday’s sprint while running in second place, extending his wait for a sprint race win this season. However, he quickly turned things around in the main race with a flawless performance.

The Italian rider took the lead from Pedro Acosta on the opening lap, despite minor contact between the two at Turn 11. From that point onward, Bezzecchi controlled the race without any serious challenge.

“Yesterday in the sprint, you could see my limit. When you try a bit too much, it’s very close to the edge,” Bezzecchi explained.

He emphasized how MotoGP bikes demand riders to constantly operate at the edge of control, where even the smallest mistake can lead to a crash.

Intense Battle And Near Disaster Moment

The most dramatic moment came during Bezzecchi’s overtaking move on Acosta. Both riders ran wide at Turn 11 due to strong wind conditions before rejoining the racing line almost simultaneously.

Contact was unavoidable.

The collision caused damage to the rear of Bezzecchi’s Aprilia bike, but remarkably, he managed to continue at full pace and secure the win.

“With the ride-height device, it was very difficult to avoid the contact. I’m not sure if his bike was damaged too,” he added.

New Record Surpasses Jorge Lorenzo

Beyond the victory, Bezzecchi also made history by setting a new MotoGP record for the most consecutive laps led, surpassing the previous mark held by Jorge Lorenzo.

The Italian now holds the record with an impressive 121 consecutive laps in the lead, overtaking Lorenzo’s 103-lap streak.

“It’s hard to explain. I don’t know how to describe my emotions. You always work hard for results like this, but you never really expect to achieve something like this,” Bezzecchi said.

From a performance standpoint, this victory highlights Bezzecchi’s resilience and mental strength after his sprint race crash. His aggressive start and ability to control the race pace were key factors behind his success.

However, his own admission about reaching the limit shows that his dominance still comes with risks. With rising talents like Acosta pushing harder each race, the 2026 MotoGP season remains highly competitive and unpredictable.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why did Bezzecchi crash in the sprint race?
He crashed while pushing hard to maintain second position.

2. What was the key to his victory at COTA?
An aggressive start, early overtake, and consistent race pace.

3. What record did Bezzecchi break?
Most consecutive laps led in MotoGP history (121 laps).

4. Was the contact with Acosta dangerous?
Yes, it was a high-risk moment that could have ended both riders’ races.

5. Is Bezzecchi unbeatable this season?
No, he admitted that he is still operating at his limit.

Jorge Martin Admits He Had Nothing Left To Chase Bezzecchi At MotoGP Americas 2026

Jorge Martin admits he couldn’t catch Bezzecchi at MotoGP Americas 2026 due to strategy errors, front tire overheating, and late-race physical struggles.
Jorge Martin admits he couldn’t catch Bezzecchi at MotoGP Americas 2026 due to strategy errors, front tire overheating, and late-race physical struggles.

Austin – The 2026 MotoGP United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) delivered intense action at the front, but Jorge Martin ultimately admitted defeat in his attempt to chase down Marco Bezzecchi.

The Spanish rider revealed he had pushed to his absolute limit, yet still couldn’t match Bezzecchi’s pace in the closing stages of the race.

Martin spent much of the race running in third position before a mistake from Pedro Acosta allowed him to move up. However, the opportunity didn’t fully translate into a successful attack for the lead.

“I tried to push Marco to the limit. I think I misunderstood the situation in the race,” Martin said.

Strategy That Backfired

Martin explained that he initially chose to stay behind the leading riders, believing it would give him a better chance to attack later.

Instead, that decision worked against him.

His front tire overheated, significantly affecting his performance and limiting his ability to close the gap.

“I thought the best option was to stay behind Pedro and Marco, but then I realized I overheated the front and couldn’t do anything else,” he explained.

Despite reducing the gap to under one second toward the end, Martin couldn’t mount a serious challenge against Bezzecchi.

Physical Struggles Late In The Race

In addition to strategy issues, Martin also faced physical limitations in the final laps.

He revealed that his left arm became severely fatigued, making it difficult to brake effectively—especially at Turn 12, one of the most demanding sections at COTA.

“I was pushing with everything, but in the last three laps I had to give up because my left arm was completely destroyed,” he said.

That condition effectively ended his chances of making a late move.

Bezzecchi Delivers Outstanding Performance

On the other side, Bezzecchi received high praise from Martin for his performance. “He was unbelievably fast. His level today was amazing,” Martin added.

The victory marked a strong comeback for Bezzecchi after crashing out in Saturday’s sprint race.

Championship Battle Tightens

The result also had a significant impact on the championship standings.

Martin briefly took the championship lead after winning the sprint race—his first time at the top since 2024.

However, finishing second in Sunday’s main race dropped him back behind Bezzecchi.

The gap between the two riders is now just four points, setting up an intense title battle moving forward.

From a technical standpoint, Martin’s situation highlights the importance of front tire temperature management, especially at a demanding circuit like COTA with heavy braking zones.

Additionally, physical endurance—particularly arm fatigue (commonly known as arm pump)—remains a critical factor in MotoGP performance, often determining outcomes in the final laps.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why did Jorge Martin fail to catch Bezzecchi?
Due to a combination of strategy misjudgment, front tire overheating, and physical fatigue.

2. What does front tire overheating mean?
It refers to excessive tire temperature, which reduces grip and affects bike control.

3. Did Martin lead the championship?
Yes, briefly after winning the sprint race.

4. What is the current points gap?
Just 4 points between Martin and Bezzecchi.

5. How important is physical fitness in MotoGP?
Extremely important, especially on technical tracks with heavy braking zones.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

190Km/h Crash for Marc Marquez at US GP, But He Keeps Racing

Marc Marquez crashes at 190Km/h in US GP, injures neck and back, but still posts fast lap. Full MotoGP COTA 2026 update here.
Marc Marquez crashes at 190Km/h in US GP, injures neck and back, but still posts fast lap. Full MotoGP COTA 2026 update here.

Pontianak – Last weekend, reigning world champion Marc Marquez suffered a serious crash at the US MotoGP while only on his fourth lap. The incident occurred at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) at a speed reaching 190 km/h.

Speaking to MotoGP.com, Marquez admitted the mistake was due to overconfidence in the track, which is known for constantly changing bumps each year.

“Not the best way to start,” Marquez said. “I trusted the track, the bike, and myself too much. I should have started more carefully at a circuit like this.”

The crash left Marquez with neck and back pain. However, with his left hand still bandaged, he returned to the track for the final FP1 session and managed to set the fourth fastest lap.

The afternoon practice session proved tricky as a slippery track caused ten other riders to fall. Marquez, riding more cautiously, focused on using worn medium tires and competed for top positions alongside Ducati teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio and Trackhouse Aprilia rider Ai Ogura, who secured second place in the session.

“After the morning crash, I was calmer in the afternoon,” Marquez explained. “Seeing many yellow flags made me realize the track was slippery and the front tire could easily slide. Step by step, I got back the normal feeling and I’m happy with how the day went.”

Marquez also noted that cooler temperatures expected the next day would affect bike behavior, requiring a revised race strategy. His teammate, Francesco Bagnaia, finished eighth, securing direct access to Qualifying 2.

This incident serves as a reminder that even experienced riders face new challenges on every track, and caution remains key.

FAQ

Q1: What caused Marc Marquez’s crash at US GP 2026?
A1: The crash happened because Marquez was overconfident with COTA’s track, which had new bumps compared to previous years.

Q2: Can Marquez continue racing after the crash?
A2: Yes, despite neck and back injuries, Marquez was able to continue racing after the FP1 afternoon session.

Q3: Who was the fastest rider in the US GP afternoon session?
A3: Marc Marquez temporarily held the top spot along with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Ai Ogura.

Q4: How does the COTA track affect the race?
A4: The COTA track changes every year, including new bumps and varying temperatures, which affect bike behavior and rider strategy.

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