Joshua Close, Author at The Checkered Flag

The Checkered Flag 2009-2024 - A Farewell Message from The Checkered Flag

590 posts

Joshua Close

About author

Josh is a Sports Journalism graduate and has been a member of the TCF team since 2015. Between 2015 and 2018, Josh focused primarily on British Superbikes and Road Racing events such as the Isle of Man TT. At the beginning of the 2019 season he became the MotoGP Reporter.

Articles

Sepang Preview: The Battle for team supremacy

By Joshua Close

October 30, 2019

3 Mins read

MotoGP returns to Sepang this weekend with the Team Championship still up for grabs. The factory Ducati team have a one-point advantage over Repsol Honda, who have been pulled into contention by Marc Marquez.

Read more

Marquez wins at Phillip Island after race-long duel with Vinales

By Joshua Close

October 27, 2019

1 Mins read

Marc Marquez is officially Honda’s most successful Grand Prix rider after snatching victory at Phillip Island. Crutchlow and Miller complete the podium.

Quartararo to be assessed ahead of Australian GP Free Practice 3

By Joshua Close

October 25, 2019

1 Mins read

Fabio Quartararo will undergo further assessment before returning to action at Phillip Island following his huge crash on Friday morning.

Viñales leads the way on day one at Phillip Island

By Joshua Close

October 25, 2019

1 Mins read

Maverick Viñales sent a warning to his rivals in the opening two Free Practice by dominating in both wet and dry conditions at Phillip Island.

LCR Honda unveil Zarco ahead of Australian Grand Prix

By Joshua Close

October 24, 2019

1 Mins read

Johann Zarco has officially been unveiled as an LCR Honda rider ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix. He replaces Takaaki Nakagami at the team for the remainder of 2019.

Binder promoted to factory KTM team as Lecuona joins Tech 3

By Joshua Close

October 24, 2019

1 Mins read

KTM have finalised their 2020 MotoGP line-up with Brad Binder joining the factory team and Iker Lecuona joining Tech 3.

Dovizioso records his 100th career podium at Motegi

By Joshua Close

October 21, 2019

2 Mins read

Andrea Dovizioso battled his way through the order to record his 100th career podium at Motegi. The Ducati rider ended the race in third place.

Quartararo becomes 2019 Rookie of the Year with Motegi Podium

By Joshua Close

October 20, 2019

1 Mins read

Fabio Quartararo has taken the 2019 Rookie of the Year title with another impressive performance at Motegi. He secured his sixth podium of the season.

Marquez equals Doohan's record with comfortable win at Motegi

By Joshua Close

October 20, 2019

2 Mins read

Marc Marquez equaled Mick Doohan’s record of 54 premier class victories by cruising to victory at Motegi. Quartararo and Dovizioso completed the podium.

Marquez completes the set with Motegi Pole Position

By Joshua Close

October 19, 2019

1 Mins read

Marc Marquez sealed his 90th pole position across the three classes after beating a trio of Yamaha riders in Motegi. He has now taken pole at every circuit on the current MotoGP calendar.

Quartararo tops opening day at Motegi as Yamaha dominate

By Joshua Close

October 18, 2019

1 Mins read

Fabio Quartararo continued his fine form by topping the opening of action at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Frenchman’s quickest time of…

Motegi Preview: Can Quartararo ruin Honda's celebrations?

By Joshua Close

October 16, 2019

2 Mins read

After securing his sixth MotoGP title in Thailand Marc Marquez now shifts his focus to the team and manufacturer championship in Motegi, Japan.

Zarco confirmed as Nakagami replacement at LCR Honda

By Joshua Close

October 16, 2019

2 Mins read

Johann Zarco will return to MotoGP with LCR Honda for the final three races of the 2019 season. He replaces the injured Takaaki Nakagami.

Nakagami and HRC confirm 2020 MotoGP contract extension

By Joshua Close

October 15, 2019

2 Mins read

Takaaki Nakagami will remain with LCR Honda for the 2020 MotoGP season after having his contract extended by HRC. However, due to shoulder surgery, he will miss the final three races of the 2019 season.

Valencia and Qatar tests scrapped for 2021 MotoGP Season

By Joshua Close

October 14, 2019

1 Mins read

MotoGP has announced that the Valencia and Qatar winter tests will be removed from the testing schedule from 2021 onward. Learn more about the schedule.

Brazil to make MotoGP return in 2022

By Joshua Close

October 10, 2019

1 Mins read

MotoGP will return to Brazil in 2022 after a five-year deal was agreed between Dorna Sports and Rio Motorsports. Learn more about the new circuit.

Marquez continues to break records after claiming sixth MotoGP Championship

By Joshua Close

October 6, 2019

1 Mins read

Marc Marquez continues to re-write the record books after being crowned 2019 MotoGP World Champion at the Thai Grand Prix.

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