Tag Archives: MotoGP

Goodwood, Industry News, Latest News, MotoGP, Shows and Events

More MotoGP machinery and Legends take on The Hill at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The likes of Stoner and Schwantz join the fray as the unique event continues to showcase the best of motorsport.

Rain on Friday didn’t dampen spirits at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as the unique event continued to provide plenty to celebrate, and MotoGP™ was in the thick of the action. As on Thursday, Pol Espargaro (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), Michele Pirro (Ducati Lenovo Team), Mika Kallio (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia Racing) headed up The Hill on their 2023 machines fresh from the track, joined by Dakota Mamola riding the LCR Honda Castrol-liveried Honda, and even more famous faces joined the Legend contingent too.

One big draw on Friday was 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, with the American cutting a legendary figure as he made his way up the hillclimb on his Championship-winning bike, joined by the likes of 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner and their fellow MotoGP™ Legends Randy Mamola and Kenny Roberts Jr. As well as, of course, the flotilla of 2023 machinery – and more!

The Legends corner also boasted another familiar face used to visiting the top step: Casey Stoner. The Australian is no stranger to Goodwood either and returns to the event in 2023 as part of the extra-special MotoGP™ contingent, riding his bike from 2008 sporting that number 1.

STILL TO COME
Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and teammate Enea Bastianini are ready to roll over the weekend, as well as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Brad Binder. Binder was already at the event on Friday soaking in the atmosphere, and he’ll be suited and booted to head up The Hill on Saturday and Sunday.

BRAD BINDER: “It looks awesome, it’s so cool to walk around here and see all the amazing machines of the present and the past. It’s been super cool so far, managed to see quite a lot already and I’m definitely looking forward to taking my KTM up The Hill. There are so may cool things around, I think it’s hard to choose one. But when I have a couple of hours off tomorrow or in between, I’m going to go and have a walk round and look, go incognito!”

At GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, Pol Espargaro hands over to Augusto Fernandez, and CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP™ Team’s Miguel Oliveira joins the fray for Aprilia on Saturday. More Legends are yet to saddle up too, including Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan and Alex Crivillé.

WHERE TO FIND US & HOW TO WATCH
On site, the MotoGP™ delegation is based in the Ballroom Paddock near the Drivers’ Club – the perfect showcase to allow fans an awesome overview of the teams prepping the machines. And if you can’t make it? We have incredible coverage of the event.

MotoGP™’s hillclimb action is live streamed on motogp.com, making sure fans around the world can get involved in this unique celebration of the sport. There’s also a selection of photos and round-ups of the action each day of the festival, so make sure to come back for more tomorrow!

QUOTES
CASEY STONER: “I’ve been coming here since 2006, I think it’s my fifth or sixth time here. So we’ve experienced this many times! For me, it’s an incredible event. There aren’t many places in the world that you can come to one area and see so much history as well as all the new products. And not only that, you get to see most of the cars and bikes all going up The Hill and actually being started, not just on display. I think it’s a fantastic event with so many people under one roof – well, there’s no roof. In one place! As a fan, I would definitely be coming to this event.

“It’s a bit slippery when it’s wet but overall it’s a great way to give the crowd something they normally don’t get to see. To see the range of bikes from the 1900s all the way through to what we have currently and the latest MotoGP bikes. It’s a really special event for it. Same with the cars! It can a little tricky, this track, but overall it’s always enjoyable and it’s great to catch up with friends.”

KEVIN SCHWANTZ: “Goodwood is always such a great experience. The weather’s taken a little bit away from it today, you know the ride up is a bit more fun when it’s dry! But still, the experience of being here, the house and driveway, all the people, the fans, there’s so much going on and there are so many special people here, whether it’s guys I’ve raced against, new generations of racers, previous generations to me. And so many four wheel guys, all kinds of really special people and it’s a real honour to be here. It’s a pretty special year for all of us, and it’s my 30th anniversary of my Championship.

“I get to get back on my old bike, I was just talking about it with my crew chief. Some of the races we did, ‘92, ’93, ‘94, he was my crew chief, and getting back on that bike you start to think about some of the stuff we did on it. Some of the great accomplishments, some of the great failures, the crashes, just all the different places that racing has taken us throughout the years. The experience of starting the Grand Prix season… I think in ’88 we had 12 or 13 races, to 15 or 16 when we finished. And so many places throughout the world we got to see, people we got to meet. And fans all over the world.”

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Batteries, Industry News, Latest News, MotoGP, Racing

Win exclusive MotoGP prizes to celebrate Yuasa’s 10th anniversary with HRC Repsol Honda

GS Yuasa, the world’s leading battery manufacturer and proud sponsor of the HRC Repsol Honda Team in MotoGP™ with their Yuasa brand, is excited to announce the launch of a thrilling social media competition across Europe to celebrate Yuasa’s 10th anniversary with the team.

Participants have a chance to win exceptional prizes, including a HRC Kimono worn and signed by eight-time motorcycle world champion Marc Márquez, a Marquez-signed wall art picture by renowned photographer Miquel Liso, and a racing boot signed and worn by two-time world title winner Pol Espargaró.

The lights have gone green on the rev-tastic competition which will run throughout the summer, and entering is easy: simply follow @GSYuasaUK on social media and comment with your favourite prize before the 16 November 2023 closing date. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to win money can’t buy MotoGP memorabilia!

GS Yuasa’s partnership with Repsol Honda and HRC began in 2013, and over the past decade, the collaboration has yielded six constructors and riders titles with Márquez and the team. As the world’s leading original equipment manufacturer for motorbike batteries, GS Yuasa is committed to providing quality, reliability, and performance. The company’s motorcycle battery range features the world-famous Yuasa YTX®, YTZ®, and GYZ® batteries, which offer maximum starting power, superior performance, and up to four times the service life of competing brands.

Theo den Hoed, Product and Supply Chain Manager – Motorcycle Batteries at GS Yuasa Battery Europe Ltd, said: “We are proud to continue our sponsorship with the HRC Repsol Honda Team, especially as we celebrate our 10th anniversary with them. It is a sponsorship we are enormously proud of and we look forward to seeing what Márquez and the team deliver on the track this season.

“Our long time sponsorship with Honda and its MotoGP team has helped us to elevate the Yuasa brand, while consolidating our status as a world leader in the design and manufacture of motorbike batteries. We deliver products that offer quality, reliability and performance, and the focus and success of the team helps reinforce this.”

With the 2023 MotoGP season well underway, fans around the world eagerly anticipate the performances of Márquez and Joan Mir, as they strive to bring the Repsol Honda Team back to the top. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement and join GS Yuasa’s social media competition today!

For more information about the competition and GS Yuasa’s partnership with the HRC Repsol Honda Team, follow @GSYuasaUK on social media and visit www.yuasa.com For terms and conditions of the competition visit www.yuasa.co.uk/honda-repsol-motogp-competition-tscs/

For more info checkout our dedicated Battery News page Battery News

For more information on Yuasa’s latest news and products visit www.gs-yuasa.eu

Ducati, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers

New Black on Black Livery for the Panigale V2

New Black on Black Livery for the Panigale V2: when boldness meets performance.

A refined combination of sportiness and elegance, the Panigale V2 moto compact transmits power at first sight. The super sports bike from Borgo Panigale is ready to give track riding enthusiasts unique emotions, thanks to its high performance, the result of intense research by Ducati technicians.

The Panigale V2, characterised by compact and muscular lines, is equipped with sophisticated electronics, designed to let the rider exploit its performance in total safety. The true sports bike DNA is also confirmed by the new standard Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tyres.

For 2024, Ducati updates the colour range of the Panigale V2 with a new Black on Black Livery, which accompanies the classic Ducati Red.

The new livery enhances the bold character of the Panigale V2. The predominance of dark matt grey is intercut with the presence of glossy black elements, for a refined final combination. The livery is completed by the Panigale V2 logo and the red details on the tank, fairings and wheels. Another new feature introduced by the Black on Black Livery is the saddle, with renewed graphics and materials.

The Panigale V2 is a muscular but compact bike, with essential design and decisive profiles which transmit power without losing the typical elegance of Ducati sports bikes. The surfaces of the bike, tailored around the Monocoque frame, highlight the shapes of the Superquadro twin-cylinder, while the front is dominated by the two air intakes that integrate the full-LED headlamp. The “double layer” fairing – which sees a main fairing extending upwards to ideally embrace the tank and a secondary one with the function of an air extractor – offers the typical essentiality of Ducati sports bikes, emphasising elegance and uniqueness.

A sporty style that integrates fully with the power expressed by the Panigale V2 engine, the 955 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder. Euro 5 approved, the Superquadro is as enjoyable to ride on the road as it is powerful and responsive on the track, with its 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and a torque value of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm.

Safety and total bike control are always guaranteed by the electronic equipment of the Panigale V2, based on the use of the 6-axis inertial platform. The electronic package includes ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2 and finally Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, which helps the rider to optimise the stability of his or her Ducati in extreme cornering conditions.

Together with the celebratory Panigale V2 Bayliss, the Panigale V2 is the only twin-cylinder in Ducati’s Panigale range.

Every Ducatista can make their Panigale V2 unique thanks to a wide range of accessories in the “Configurator” section  of the Ducati.com website, where all the components of the Sport package are available, designed to enhance the racing spirit of the bike. An entire line of Ducati’s 2023 apparel collection is dedicated to the rider, including the Ducati Corse C6 suit and the top-of-the-range Ducati Corse V6 helmet among the new models, all available on the shop Shop.Ducati.com website.

The Panigale V2 is the protagonist of the DRE Racetrack Academy, which allows you to experience all the thrills of track riding, and of the DRE Track Warm Up Academy, the new-for-2023 course of the Ducati Academy dedicated to all amateur motorcyclists who want to learn the basics for the right approach to circuit riding. Both courses include the exclusive participation of Dario Marchetti, rider, instructor and DRE Technical Director.

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

Ducati, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, MotoGP, Racing, World Superbikes

Special Liveries for the Official WorldSBK and MotoGP Teams for the Misano Races

The return of Giallo Ducati: special liveries for the official WorldSBK and MotoGP teams for the Misano races.

Ducati pays tribute to its history in the world of racing by announcing that both the official WorldSBK (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team) and MotoGP (Ducati Lenovo Team) teams will compete in the Misano rounds of their respective World Championships with a special livery characterized by the return of Giallo Ducati colour.

The project was presented during a press conference held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in which Centro Stile Ducati Director Andrea Ferraresi took part together with the Italian designer Aldo Drudi, the man who created the special livery . The unveiling for the fans took place shortly before the formation lap of Race-1 of the Italian WorldSBK round, when the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team opened the garage door and the official riders, World Champion Alvaro Bautista and teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi, entered the track astride their respective Panigale V4 R in Giallo Ducati with race suits coordinated with the shades of the bike.

Yellow is a colour that has an important tradition in the history of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer. The first sport motorcycles in this colour date back to the first half of the ’70s (the 750 Sport and 750 SS Desmo of the Spaggiari team), but it was in the ’90s that Giallo Ducati, the colour that specifically inspired this livery, had the moment of greatest popularity with the adoption in the world of racing, which then extended to series production. The memorable models in Giallo Ducati certainly include the Ducati 748, whose racing version took Paolo Casoli to victory in the 1997 edition of the Supersport World Series, without forgetting superbikes such as the 916, 996, 749, 999 and other various models in the range.

“Ducati has an extraordinary history of which its passionate fans are extremely proud. The yellow colour is an important part of this and we have chosen to celebrate it through a contemporary livery full of energy. – declared Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Centro Stile Director – Colour is an essential ingredient for brand recognition and a fundamental element for all Ducatisti. Ducati is Red, but Yellow also belongs to us and at the same time has an important tradition in Italian motorsport. Giallo Ducati reflects important aspects of our identity, such as energy, enthusiasm and audacity and is a really nice tribute to our sporting history in the year in which we race as World Champions in the two most important motorcycle championships”.

From a chromatic point of view, the livery of the Panigale V4 R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team has been designed starting from the original graphic base. Giallo Ducati becomes the dominant colour of the bike and is crossed by black, grey and white blocks and lines, creating a combination that celebrates the sporting history of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, but at the same time gives Giallo Ducati a modern identity.

For more Ducati news check out our dedicated page Ducati UK News

or head to the official Ducati UK website ducati.com/gb/en/home

Goodwood, Industry News, Latest News, MotoGP, Racing, Shows and Events

MotoGP touches down at Goodwood Festival of Speed

MotoGP™ touches down at Goodwood Festival of Speed set for spectacular celebration of motorcycle Grand Prix racing.

Champions past and present will descend on the legendary event in 2023, including much of the current MotoGP™ grid.

Ladies and gentlemen, SAVE THE DATE! The Goodwood Festival of Speed will welcome its biggest ever celebration of MotoGP™ from the 13th to the 16th of July, with much of the current grid set to debut on the fabled hillclimb. They’ll be joined by an array of MotoGP™ Legends too, including the likes of Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Kevin Schwantz and Casey Stoner – with more riders and teams still set to be confirmed.

The first ever Festival of Speed began with The Duke of Richmond heading up the Hill on a Ducati, and the 30th anniversary is the perfect occasion to put two wheels centre stage once again. Grand Prix riders and machinery will comprise the entirety of the motorbike contingent in 2023, with one almighty line-up ready to head up the Hill.

The teams from the current grid already confirmed at the event include Ducati Lenovo Team, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, LCR Honda and GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3, as well as GASGAS Aspar Moto2™ with British rider Jake Dixon.

They’ll be joined by an incredible line-up of famous faces, with Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Jorge Lorenzo, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Gardner, Kenny Roberts Jr, Alex Crivillé and Randy Mamola already confirmed – between them holding an incredible 35 World Championships.

The MotoGP™ contingent will be located in the Ballroom Paddock, a stone’s throw from the Drivers’ Club – the perfect showcase to allow fans an awesome overview of the teams prepping the machines.

The Festival of Speed has always been the place to see motorsport megastars. In 2022, Giacomo Agostini celebrated his 80th birthday at the event, and last year the Festival celebrated a different landmark moment as Wayne Rainey rode his 1992-championship-winning Yamaha YZR500 for the first time since his career-ending accident in 1993, joined on the Hill by Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan.

Motorcycles have always been an integral part of the Festival of Speed. Fittingly, the motorcycle entry at the very first Festival was organised by a legend who himself bridges two worlds: John Surtees, the only person to be crowned World Champion in two- and four-wheeled Grand Prix racing.

The Duke of Richmond: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Festival of Speed will host its biggest-ever MotoGP celebration this year. My thanks to Dorna Sports, the teams and riders for including us in their busy schedules – it means so much to everyone at Goodwood and all our fans that they will be here to celebrate with us.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to announce this celebration of MotoGP at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s an honour for us to play a key role in the 30th anniversary and be invited to showcase the best of our sport, sharing the stage with our fellow icons of speed. It will be something truly unique, and I want to thank our teams, riders and legends for showing such enthusiasm in attending. We hope we will be able to put on an incredible show for the fans – and for The Duke of Richmond! We are always honoured by his unwavering passion for our sport. Thank you for the invitation!

“We have recently celebrated the 1000th FIM Grand Prix, and next season will mark the 75th year since motorcycle racing became the first motorsport World Championship in 1949. At the same time, 2023 is a different kind of landmark year, with more MotoGP than ever as the Tissot Sprint debuts across the calendar. At this intersection of history and innovation, the 2023 Festival of Speed is the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the rich heritage of the sport and the heroes of the incredible spectacle we’re enjoying every weekend in this modern era.”

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Industry News, Latest News, Liqui Moly, Lubricants

LIQUI MOLY establishes subsidiary in the UK

The oil and additive specialist LIQUI MOLY continues its growth course in the UK and has now established the subsidiary LIQUI MOLY UK.

“This will enable us to better exploit the potential offered by the British market,” says Salvatore Coniglio, Export Manager at LIQUI MOLY.

In terms of its sales operations, LIQUI MOLY traditionally works with independent importers in most countries. In the UK, however, the company has had its own employees for years to personally support the wholesale and specialist trade and support them on visits to garages. “The foundation of LIQUI MOLY UK is the next logical step,” explains Salvatore Coniglio. “It sends out a signal to customers that we will be providing them with even more effective support and are planning big things in the UK.”

The establishment of a subsidiary underlines the potential that the company sees in the UK market. Additional personnel have already been hired for LIQUI MOLY UK based in Birmingham. During the course of this year, more new jobs are to be created, especially in sales.

“These are investments that directly benefit our customers,” says Salvatore Coniglio. “Business is still done between people. That’s more important today than ever. In a personal conversation, I can respond much better to a customer’s needs and set out the various elements of what it is we provide. And, of course, I can talk more effectively about our concepts and our wide range of oils and additives, about car care for the outside and inside, about products for cars, but also for commercial vehicles, motorcycles and boats.”

In its home market of Germany, readers of several car magazines vote LIQUI MOLY as the best oil brand year after year. “We don’t have this status in the UK yet,” says Salvatore Coniglio. “That will soon change. Our brand is becoming more and more famous and popular, not least thanks to our involvement in Formula 1, the MotoGP and several UK race championships as for example the Mini Challenge, CSCC and the British Rallycross Championship.”

For more Motorcycle Lubricant News check out our dedicated news page Motorcycle Lubricant News

Or visit the official Liqui Moly website liqui-moly.com/en/gb/

Industry News, Latest News, MotoGP, Racing, TV

MotoGP Unlimited: the premiere in Paris

Quartararo, Bagnaia and Rins walk the red carpet as two more episodes of MotoGP™ Unlimited are screened in Paris.

On Wednesday it was Madrid, now, Paris. The Elysées Biarritz hosted the second premiere for MotoGP™ Unlimited, with two more episodes of the new docuseries about the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship screened on Thursday – less than a month ahead of the series’ worldwide launch on the 14th of March.

2021 MotoGP™ World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was joined at the event by Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), with the three taking to the red carpet and then the stage. After a Q&A, it was time to sit back and enjoy the two episodes.

MotoGP™ Unlimited will launch exclusively on Prime Video in France, Italy, Spain, and more than 170 countries and territories worldwide – including the UK and U.S. – on the 14th of March. Produced by THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the series comprises eight 50-minute episodes and follows a number of premier class stars, including riders and team managers.

The docuseries takes fans behind the scenes, allowing viewers an intimate and exclusive look at the challenges faced by riders and teams during the season, both on and off the track. The docuseries follows in the footsteps of other Prime Video sports content productions also produced by THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO, such as Fernando; following double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, Six Dreams, and the acclaimed series All or Nothing. The executive producers are Laura Fernández Espeso, Javier Méndez, and Bernat Elías, and the directors are Arnau Monràs and Jaume García.

Make sure to tune in on the 14th of March!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Industry News, Latest News, MotoGP, Racing, TV

MotoGP announces new Amazon Exclusive docuseries

Quartararo, Bagnaia and Rins walk the red carpet as two more episodes of MotoGP™ Unlimited are screened in Paris.

On Wednesday it was Madrid, now, Paris. The Elysées Biarritz hosted the second premiere for MotoGP™ Unlimited, with two more episodes of the new docuseries about the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship screened on Thursday – less than a month ahead of the series’ worldwide launch on the 14th of March.

2021 MotoGP™ World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) was joined at the event by Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), with the three taking to the red carpet and then the stage. After a Q&A, it was time to sit back and enjoy the two episodes.

MotoGP™ Unlimited will launch exclusively on Prime Video in France, Italy, Spain, and more than 170 countries and territories worldwide – including the UK and U.S. – on the 14th of March. Produced by THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO in collaboration with Dorna Sports, the series comprises eight 50-minute episodes and follows a number of premier class stars, including riders and team managers.

The docuseries takes fans behind the scenes, allowing viewers an intimate and exclusive look at the challenges faced by riders and teams during the season, both on and off the track. The docuseries follows in the footsteps of other Prime Video sports content productions also produced by THE MEDIAPRO STUDIO, such as Fernando; following double Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, Six Dreams, and the acclaimed series All or Nothing. The executive producers are Laura Fernández Espeso, Javier Méndez, and Bernat Elías, and the directors are Arnau Monràs and Jaume García.

Make sure to tune in on the 14th of March!

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Industry News, Latest News, Michelin, Racing, Tyres

Michelin confirmed as MotoGP tyre supplier until 2026

The legendary French marque will remain the official, sole tyre supplier of the premier class from 2024-2026

Dorna Sports is pleased to confirm a new three-year contract extension with Michelin that will see the legendary French firm continue as the sole, official tyre supplier to MotoGP™ until at least 2026. The new three-year agreement will see the partnership between Michelin and MotoGP™ reach the milestone of a decade racing together.

Michelin, based in Clermont-Ferrand in France, became the sole tyre supplier to MotoGP™ in 2016. The premier class of motorcycle Grand Prix racing has since enjoyed some of the closest competition in history, creating a true golden era. Records are routinely broken, with the ten closest top 15 finishes of all-time all set since 2018, four of which are from 2021.

As part of the agreement, the Michelin brand will also continue to be featured trackside at each event and will be the title sponsor of a Grand Prix each season.

Florent Ménégaux, CEO of Michelin: “We are very happy with the results we’ve obtained since Michelin’s return to MotoGP, and today we have, logically, extended our partnership with Dorna Sports. We are particularly proud of the technological progress made with our products, as well as the many records broken together with our partners. This Championship offers fans a captivating spectacle, and it’s accessible via digital platforms unparalleled in motorsport. Being a partner of MotoGP therefore represents a valuable opportunity for Michelin to engage the public and players across the discipline in its vision, brand, tyres and innovation. For Michelin, motorsport is a laboratory that encourages the transfer of its expertise and sustainable solutions for the benefit of everyone. ”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re very proud to continue our partnership with Michelin until at least 2026. Michelin has been a vital partner for MotoGP since it became the tyre supplier to the premier class in 2016, helping us to create one of the greatest eras of competition in motorcycle Grand Prix racing history. I’m delighted that we will reach a decade of collaboration and I hope we can continue building on this incredible foundation together. This agreement is fantastic news for all of us in the Championship.”

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

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Industry News, KTM, Latest News, Manufacturers, MotoGP

KTM Fan Stand Returns To MotoGP At Silverstone

Silverstone is READY TO RACE again in 2021, with MotoGP being held across the weekend of 27th-29th August. It will be two years since fans saw, heard, felt and smelt the unique experience of the pinnacle of motorcycle racing at the Northamptonshire track, and KTM will be there to welcome fans in a special KTM Fan Stand for those that bleed Orange!

KTM will return to Copse A, with a KTM Fan Stand full of fans of the winning Austrian marque. With the KTM Factory Racing Team leading the Moto2™ and Moto3™ championships at the time of writing, and having a race winning package in MotoGP™, there will be no shortage of opportunities to be right at the heart of the action. You’ll see all the action, from the tension at the start to the celebrations at the finish at a prime spot on the circuit. And with a giant screen available you won’t miss a millisecond of action. It’s covered, too, so if someone forgets to book the weather then you’ll stay dry throughout.

All KTM Fan Stand ticket holders will be able to collect their complimentary KTM Fan Package on Sunday morning at the circuit. The KTM Fan Package comprises a specially designed KTM T-shirt, cap, face mask, ear plugs and a draw string bag to keep it all in. Don the lot ahead of the racing and show your support for your favourite riders – be it Pedro Acosta, Remy Gardner or the very dynamic duo in the top class of Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder.

We’ve waiting a long time for MotoGP™ to return and for KTM to reopen the Fan Stand, so make sure you don’t miss out on the most exciting weekend of the year – and your KTM Fan Package – by booking your tickets by visiting the Silverstone website today!

For more KTM Motorcycles UK news check out our dedicated page KTM Motorcycles UK News

or head to the official KTM Motorcycles UK website www.ktm.com/en-gb.html

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Industry News, Latest News, Liqui Moly, Lubricants, MotoGP, Racing

LIQUI MOLY gives away exclusive tickets to MotoGP

The competition by the official lubricant supplier of Moto2 and Moto3 enters the next round.

Until 30 June, the German motor oil and additive producer will raffle off two tickets to MotoGP with exclusive access to the paddock. Two people will be lucky enough to experience a 2022 racing weekend from an unusual perspective. The winners will get a behind-the-scenes look at motorsport and the LIQUI MOLY Intact GP team that most motorsport fans would only be able to see on television. The competition can be entered at bestbrand.liqui-moly.com and on the lubricant specialist’s social media channels. LIQUI MOLY, the official supplier of MotoGP, would like the participants to say which motor oil is used by all Moto2 and Moto3 racing bikes.

Tested in racing. Proven on the road.

MotoGP is the most successful motorbike racing series in the world. All 20 races each year are broadcast to more than 200 countries and are watched by a total of 280 million people each season. All teams in the Moto2 and 3 classes use LIQUI MOLY Motorbike 4T Synth 5W-40 Race. A product that meets all requirements – on the race track as well as on the road.

Terms and conditions of participation and the competition can be found here.

Note: I have checked this is valid in the UK as well

For more Motorcycle Lubricant News check out our dedicated news page Motorcycle Lubricant News

Or visit the official Liqui Moly website liqui-moly.com/en/gb/

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Latest News, MotoGP, Racing, TV

ITV4 to show SHARK Grand Prix de France live in the UK

The first of two events to be broadcast live and free-to-air this season, the French GP lands on ITV4.

Dorna Sports is delighted to confirm free-to-air coverage of the SHARK Grand Prix de France across the UK. The FIM MotoGP™ World Championship races of all three classes – MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ – will all be shown live on ITV4 on Sunday the 16th of May.

ITV4 became the new home of free-to-air MotoGP™ highlights at the start of 2021, with a comprehensive package covering the best of each race weekend on Monday evenings. Now, the first of two races to be shown live in 2021 will provide supplementary free-to-air race day broadcasting, giving fans watching on ITV4 extended coverage of the world’s fastest motorcycle racing Championship.

The British Grand Prix will also be shown live on ITV [main channel] later this season, with the MotoGP™ race at Silverstone set to be broadcast live. Fans in the UK can continue to watch every race, qualifying and practice session from every MotoGP™ World Championship class and Grand Prix on BT Sport.

For more MotoGP info checkout our dedicated MotoGP News page

Or visit the official MotoGP website www.motogp.com

Latest News

Track Limits: infractions and enforcement explained

At the Gran Premio Lenovo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini, a Press Conference with MotoGP™ Race Director Mike Webb took place on Saturday to clarify the rules and regulations regarding track limits.

As well as fielding a number of questions from the media via Zoom, Webb summarised the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship rules and clarified a number of key points.

A summary of those rules and how they are enforced can be found below.

What are track limit violations?  
Track limit violations are when a rider exceeds the limits of the track, and possibly gains an advantage. Kerbs (except double kerbs) are part of the track. Double kerbs and any green painted areas connected to and outside of kerbs are both considered outside track limits.

An instance of exceeding track limits is recorded when both tyres are outside of the track at the same time. Similarly to tennis, any contact with the line is considered ‘in’. Only when both tyres are completely outside track limits is it considered an infraction.

Who determines whether a rider has committed an infraction?
Decisions regarding track limits, as well as any other penalties, are the sole responsibility of the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards Panel. Track limits decisions are final with no possibility of protest or appeal. Track limit infractions are confirmed by video, and there must be a clear image available to the Stewards in order to issue a penalty.

Track limits are monitored by dedicated cameras with image recognition software and multiple operators. These are not always the same images used for the international program feed or television broadcasts.

What are the consequences of exceeding track limits? 
During a practice or qualifying session:  
If a rider exceeds track limits during any practice or qualifying session that is not a race, the sector time in question is cancelled. This automatically results in cancellation of that lap.

During a race:  
If a rider exceeds track limits and loses time or position, the incident is not recorded and no penalty is issued.

If it is not possible to determine whether there has been a loss or gain, the incident is simply recorded. Some mistakes are provided for, but making too many is deemed as an advantage because the rider in question will not be using the same track as their competitors.

After three such infractions, a “Track Limits Warning” dashboard message is sent to the rider. If a rider reaches five track limits violations, a Long Lap Penalty is issued. This is communicated via both a dashboard message to the rider and a signal board by the side of the track.

If the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards deem a rider to have gained a clear advantage, a penalty will be issued for a single infraction. These incidents are not included in the count of undetermined infractions or mistakes.

For these single infractions where a clear advantage has been gained, the penalties awarded can include Change of Position, a Time Penalty or a Long Lap Penalty.

If the rider voluntarily gives back the advantage immediately after the incident, a penalty may be avoided.

What if a rider is forced wide by another?  
Allowances are made for being forced off track by another rider.

This is also why undetermined violations are not recorded on the first lap of a race, when a large number of riders are close together on track. At Turn 1 on the first lap, track limits are not recorded either. This is due to the prevalence of riders being pushed wide at Turn 1 after the start, and is intended to avoid unnecessary crashes by allowing riders to use run off areas if needed.

However, as always, a clear disadvantage must be shown in order to avoid riders taking advantage of the situation. Any clear advantage gained is always penalised – including during the first lap.

What about on the last lap?  
For riders closely contesting a position, any track limit infraction that takes place during the last lap, and that the FIM MotoGP™ Stewards deem to have affected a race result, must be shown to have clearly disadvantaged the rider who makes the infraction. This is true whether there is a change of position or not.

Exceeding track limits during the last lap in a way that is deemed to affect finishing positions, with no clear disadvantage for the rider exceeding track limits, will result in a change of position or a time penalty.

The principle is that a rider exceeding track limits on the last lap must be worse off in doing so than the rider or riders against whom they are directly and closely competing.

The last lap is considered a special case because it may affect the race result.

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Latest News

Gear up for the all-new WINDTRE Rising Stars Series

An exciting addition to the 2020 MotoGP™ eSport Championship is set to begin soon.

Now in its fourth year of competition, the p only continues to expand in myriad ways as the events, players and impact rise year on year. One of the most exciting additions for 2020 is the all-new WINDTRE Rising Stars Series, a new eSport talent promotion initiative set to begin on the 18th of June – played, as ever, on the official MotoGP™20 from videogame developer, publisher and longstanding partner Milestone.

Aimed at finding and fostering fresh eSport talent around the world, the WINDTRE Rising Stars Series mirrors Road to MotoGP™ initiatives out on track such as the Red Bull MotoGP™ Rookies Cup, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and more, directed at promoting young talent towards the pinnacle of the sport. The programme is the first of its kind in MotoGP™ eSport and will consist of four Online Challenges separated into three World Regions (the Americas, Europe and Africa, Asia and Oceania), as well as three Online Regional Finals; one per region.

The series kicks off in June and there are three guaranteed places in the 2021 MotoGP™ eSport Championship Pro Draft up for grabs. 2020 MotoGP™ eSport Official Riders will not be able to compete in the WINDTRE Rising Stars Championship Series.

The WINDTRE Rising Stars Series comprises two phases: the Online Regional Challenges and Online Regional Finals. Gamers will be divided into three categories, depending on their location: Americas (North and South), Europe and Africa, and finally, Asia and Oceania.

The Online Regional Challenges (Qualifiers) are disputed in time attack mode and run from June to August, with the gamers who achieve the fastest lap times awarded points. Only the fastest laps count and each Challenge is played on four different tracks with four different machines and riders.

The eleven players from each region who have the most points after the final Challenge will be classified for the Online Regional Finals. They comprise just one race for each region, with all eleven gamers in each race. They are online only, disputed on the PC and each will be held on different virtual circuits, with the winners of each Online Regional Final awarded a place in the 2021 MotoGPؑ™ eSport Pro Draft.

Online Challenges:
18-21 June: Online Challenge 1
02-05 July: Online Challenge 2
16-19 July: Online Challenge 3
30 July-02 August: Online Challenge 4
*The details of each challenge – the rider, bike and circuit – will be published on the MotoGP™ eSport website, as well as across social media channels, the day before the challenge

Online Regional Finals:
North & South America: Circuit of the Americas, date TBC
Europe & Africa: MotorLand Aragon, date TBC
Asia & Oceania: Twin Ring Motegi, date TBC

Stay tuned across social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for more, and head for esport.motogp.com to get involved – the action begins soon!

Latest News

Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley cancelled

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the Gran Premio d’Italia Oakley. Previously postponed, the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting calendar changes now sadly oblige the cancellation of the event.

The spectacular Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello never fails to deliver some incredible races, and always in front of one of the most passionate and vibrant crowds of the season. The track hosted its first MotoGP™ event in 1976 and became a permanent fixture on the calendar in 1991, making 2020 the first time in nearly 30 years that the Tuscan track will not host a Grand Prix.

Paolo Poli, CEO of Mugello Circuit: “Despite the communal effort made to find a practical solution, the impossibility of staging an event that is open to spectators, as well as the difficulties that have arisen from this exceptional situation, have not allowed us to find a new date for the Italian Grand Prix.

“I would like to thank all of our fans who have supported and encouraged us during these months, and invite them back to Mugello in 2021 for what will be, as always, one of the most iconic events of the season.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Mugello. Sadly, we were not able to find a solution to the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar to enable us to visit the venue this season. It is a great loss as Mugello is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world and one we are very proud to call the home of the Italian Grand Prix.

“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to thank the fans for the understanding and patience they have shown as we wait for the situation to improve. We very much look forward to returning to Mugello next season for another stunning weekend of racing.”

Latest News

British and Australian Grands Prix cancelled

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports regret to announce the cancellation of the British and Australian Grands Prix. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak and resulting calendar changes have obliged the cancellation of both events.

The British Grand Prix was set to take place from the 28th to the 30th of August at the classic Silverstone Circuit. Silverstone hosted the first Grands Prix held on the British mainland from 1977, and MotoGP™ returned to the illustrious track ten years ago. 2020 will now sadly mark the first year MotoGP™ sees no track action in the British Isles for the first time in the Championship’s more than 70-year history.

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was set to take place at the legendary Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from the 23rd to the 25th of October. Phillip Island hosted the very first Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1989 and since 1997 has been the only home of MotoGP™ Down Under – with its unique layout providing some of the greatest battles ever witnessed on two wheels.

The cancellation of the British Grand Prix also obliges the cancellation of the corresponding British Talent Cup track activity at the same event.

Stuart Pringle, Silverstone Managing Director: “We are extremely disappointed about the cancellation of the British MotoGP event, not least as the cancelled race in 2018 is still such a recent memory, but we support the decision that has had to be taken at this exceptional time.

“I want to thank the stoic British fans for their patience and support.  We must now look forward to 2021 when Silverstone will once again host the fastest and most historic MotoGP race on the calendar and work hard to make it a truly exceptional event for all to enjoy.”

Paul Little AO, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman: “We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world’s best riders compete on one of the best circuits anywhere in the world, but the right decision has been made.

“The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the global stage and it’ll be back better than ever in 2021.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar. Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our Championship.

“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to once again extend my thanks to the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We look forward to returning to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles.”

Latest News

MotoGP™ logistics: behind the scenes on the road back from Qatar

The ongoing Covid-19 crisis created a logistical challenge, but all MotoGP™ freight has now been repatriated to Europe as the final flight arrives on Wednesday.

The QNB Grand Prix of Qatar took place just as much of the world began to see travel restrictions brought into force to limit the spread of Covid-19, changing the face of the world almost instantly and creating some complex logistical challenges for the MotoGP™ World Championship. Compounded by the fact that the premier class were unable to return to Losail International Circuit and yet their equipment remained in Doha following the earlier test held at the venue, there were three classes of freight for MotoGP™, team and DHL logistics personnel to pack and repatriate to Europe – a task that has now been completed.

Initially a normal timetable was maintained upon completion of the Qatar GP, ensuring all the material was put on pallets and ready to fly to its next destination within a regular timeframe. Under normal circumstances, the freight would have then travelled to the next GP on flights leaving in the subsequent days, but this time it was instead put into storage at Doha airport awaiting more updates on where it would next be required and when. Thanks to partner Qatar Airways; highly-secure, automated and climate-controlled space was provided for the freight at Hamad International Airport – crucial for much of the material as it was protected from both humidity and any changes in ambient temperature, keeping it safe and secure.

With flights repatriating material from Doha to Spain in extremely high demand, Dorna Sports then worked with Qatar Airways to secure the five flights of freight that were required to repatriate all the material. The first was able to begin returning the goods on the 1st of April, followed by the second and third on the 8th and 10th of April, respectively – all of which landed in Zaragoza. A flight to Barcelona on the 12th of April then completed four fifths of the task before the final flight landed in Zaragoza on Wednesday the 22nd of April to complete the repatriation.

Once each plane load of material was back in Europe, it was transferred to a secure storage facility in Catalonia on arrival. Some of it will be kept in storage awaiting the next Grand Prix, including much of Dorna’s equipment, whilst much will now be returned to those who have requested it be transferred to their own facilities for storage.

Once the date and location of the next Grand Prix are confirmed, Dorna Sports and logistics partner DHL will resume normal service to continue transporting MotoGP™ around the world.

Latest News

A statement from Dorna Sports: racing is our top priority in 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is ongoing and has already resulted in revisions to the 2020 calendar for the MotoGP™ World Championship, including the postponement or rescheduling of a number of events. In light of the continued uncertainty, Dorna Sports would like to reaffirm that racing is our top priority in 2020.

At Dorna, we remain in continuous discussion with the FIM, IRTA, the MSMA and Grand Prix promoters as we closely monitor the situation, keeping channels of communication and support between each pillar of our sport as open as possible. The aim of every party involved is to begin racing again as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our number one focus has always been and will remain on trying to run the 2020 season with as many Grands Prix as possible, finishing within the 2020 calendar year. However, we will always act in line with health and safety advice from governments and relevant health authorities.

If the pandemic continues to put our lives and sport on hold for longer than any of us are able to anticipate and travel restrictions remain in place, only as a last resort would Dorna Sports ever consider discussing cancellation of the 2020 season with the FIM, IRTA and the MSMA.

Our number one focus for WorldSBK is likewise trying to run the 2020 season with as many Rounds as possible once it is safe to do so.

The priority of all parties involved is to race, safely, and bring our fans more of what they love: motorcycle racing.

Latest News

Brno: MotoGP™ is back in business

It’s time to reset, bounce back and get ready for the second half of the season
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is in good shape heading into the second half of 2019. The reigning Champion has 58 points in his pocket, he’s won more than half the races so far and there’s been little sign of many chinks in his armour since his crash out the lead at the Circuit of the Americas. But this is MotoGP™ and the course of racing rarely did run smooth, with Brno next up – the circuit that ended his omnipotent run in 2014 – and there is still a maximum of 250 points up for grabs in the remaining ten races. Can his rivals reset, bounce back and start taking the fight to the number 93?
His closest challenger remains Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) despite a couple of more difficult races for the Italian, and the good news for him is that he won in the Czech Republic last year, in some style. So it’s a good track to begin his assault on the second half of the season, with confidence and good memories nothing to be sniffed at when glory and defeat can be thousandths apart. But Dovizioso’s teammate Danilo Petrucci is now pretty hot on his heels, only six points back, and he could complicate life for the now two-time runner up in the Championship. And ‘Petrux’ knows the bike he’s now on took a 1-2 at Brno last year. Will it repeat the feat in 2019? And if so, in which order?
Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), meanwhile, is the man looking for a little more redemption. After two DNFs in a row, both from near the front, the Suzuki man went into summer on the back foot despite having some serious speed at both races. He’s now 84 points off Marquez and fourth in the Championship, but the upside is Rins now races with much less pressure. He’ll simply want to win and win as much as possible in the remaining ten rounds. He’s already taken a MotoGP™ victory, so why not again?
That’s also true of Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and nine-time World Champion teammate Valentino Rossi, although they arrive the second half of 2019 with very different recent runs of form. Viñales opened his victory account for the year at Assen and then followed it up with a podium, heading into summer looking like a serious threat. Can he start back up where he left off? If yes, it’ll be the first time he’s taken three premier class podiums in a row. For Rossi, it’s the opposite – with three DNFs prefacing an eighth place in Germany, the ‘Doctor’ needs to bounce back and turn it around. But his CV at Brno is a good one, with a win in every category he’s raced there – including five in the premier class. After such a stellar start to the season, can Rossi come back out swinging for round two?
Then there’s the fight for top Independent Team rider. Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) currently leads it by virtue of consistency and that impressive podium earlier in the year, but he’s only three points ahead of rookie sensation Fabio Quartararo (Petronas Yamaha SRT). The Frenchman is another looking to bounce back at Brno but only from one mistake in Germany – incredibly, his first DNF caused by a crash – and if his form so far in 2019 hasn’t been quite ominous enough, he’ll now be much more recovered from the arm pump surgery that nevertheless didn’t hold him back from the podium. At full power, Quartararo will doubtless be bothering the field for more than the accolade of top Independent Team rider or Rookie of the Year. Brno, beware.
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol), however, will want to be one of those making that as difficult as possible. The Brit is equal on points with Quartararo and his unforgettable first win came at Brno in 2016 as Crutchlow was impeccable in difficult conditions – so he’s another for whom the Czech venue holds good memories. He also took his second podium of the season in Germany despite recovering from a cycling mishap and is another who will be in much better shape heading into the second half. A podium contender? Don’t doubt it.
The fight throughout the top ten has been tight this year and the likes of Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu), Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) will all be gunning to remain key presences in the battle, with all having taken some top finishes in 2019 so far. And what of Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and teammate Andrea Iannone? And they’ll also have someone else to contend with: Stefan Bradl, Honda test rider, who replaces the absent and recovering Jorge Lorenzo at the Repsol Honda Team. The German has put in some solid rides and could cause the odd headache in the fight for Q2 and good points.
As we head for Brno for the 50th time, we’re back in business for 2019, with ten races remaining and 250 points on the table. Healed, reset and fired up to go racing again, the field is deep and gunning for glory…with everything far from decided. Another twist could be just around the corner in Czechia, so tune in on Sunday 4th August for the Monster Energy Grand Prix České republiky at the Automotodrom Brno.
Championship standings
1 – Marc Marquez (SPA – Honda) – 185
2 – Andrea Dovizioso (ITA – Ducati) – 127
3 – Danilo Petrucci (ITA – Ducati) – 121
4 – Alex Rins (SPA – Suzuki) – 101
5 – Maverick Viñales (SPA – Yamaha) – 85






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Helmets, Industry News, Latest News, Manufacturers, Suzuki

Suzuki and Arai release MotoGP-inspired Chaser-X

Suzuki and Arai have joined forces to create a Team Suzuki Ecstar, MotoGP-inspired Chaser-X limited edition helmet, which comes with an RRP of £550 and is available now through authorised Suzuki dealerships or online.

The helmet gets a striking blue, white, and yellow design with bold Suzuki lettering, reminiscent of the firm’s GSX-RR MotoGP racer, and is ACU Gold Standard certified. It also uses a double d-ring chin strap fastener, Arai’s new shield latch system, and includes liner speaker pockets.

Available in sizes XS-XXL, it is available through authorised Suzuki dealerships or online via Suzuki’s web store, here.