Category Archives: MotoGP

PTT Thailand Grand Prix voted best of 2018

“Everything went smoothly, the commitment of the organisers was fantastic and they faced any problems through the weekend quickly, trying to find solutions as soon as possible. The crowd, the people…every single person involved was happy and always smiling. The fans’ support was incredible, the access to the circuit was fast and they demonstrated that they understood MotoGP – creating a commercial area close to the paddock, giving good exposure to our businesses, investors, sponsors, teams and riders. It’s also significant that a new event in this area – an important region for MotoGP – has achieved this result. It’s a perfect example for other countries to follow and this prize is fully deserved. From my point of view it will be hard for them to improve!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Crowd pleasers: MotoGP™’s biggest weekends of the season

MotoGP™ pulls in the crowds year on year and if 2018 is anything to go by, that trend will continue. A record 2,884,242 fans sat in the stands this season, which is 218,436 more than in 2017 and sets a serious benchmark for 2019. But which was the biggest event? The new Grand Prix on the block: Thailand. Buriram had 222,525 people heading through the gates over the race weekend, becoming the most-attended event of 2018 on its debut. Next up was another newer race as the Red Bull Ring welcomed 206,746 fans, with Le Mans for close company in third as 206,617 people enjoyed the French classic.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

F.C.C. to continue as official clutch supplier to Moto2™

“This is a very honorable moment for the F.C.C.. The riders and staff who always do the best in race give us happiness and touch our heart. Utilizing the experience of clutch offering and technical support continuing from 2013, we will continue to contribute to the development of motorsports, with Moto2™ riders, staff and all motorsports fans.” says Toshimichi Matsuda, President of F.C.C. Co., Ltd..

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Argentina to host MotoGP™ until 2021

“We have announced the sixth consecutive Argentina Grand Prix at Termas de Rio Hondo and we’ve signed a contract extension for 2020 and 2021,” says Gerardo Zamora, Governor of Santiago del Estero. “Dorna Sports has invested in us once again. We’re proud because a lot of passionate people have worked to achieve this. Work on the public infrastructure alongside private investment. And we’re happy because, at each race weekend, the amount of fans has increased, having a positive and specific impact on sport in the Termas de Rio Hondo economy and, more indirectly, in the region. Those who haven’t yet been able to make it to a Grand Prix in Argentina now have the chance to do so over the next three years to see the spectacular scope of a MotoGP event.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

XControllers, new official licensee of MotoGP™

“At XControllers we’re very happy to be able to announce our partnership with MotoGP, becoming the official SONY PS4 personalised controller for the MotoGP videogame and the MotoGP eSport Championship,” says Daniel Vidal, Manager XControllers. “We think this synergy between the two brands is something never seen before – an official competition controller for playing at the highest level. And, of course, there had to be a personalisable controller for MotoGP fans too!”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

An abundance of World Champions lineup in MotoGP™ for 2019

Then we have five Moto2™ World Champions lining up on the grid: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), alongside 2014 Champion Tito Rabat (Reale Avintia Racing) and 2017 Champion Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT), are joined by reigning intermediate class Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Alma Pramac Racing) – an incredibly exciting bunch of riders.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

A promising start to preseason for MotoE™

The pacesetter after the first three days of testing was One Energy Racing’s Bradley Smith, as the British rider competes in the 2019 MotoE™ Championship alongside his new testing role with Aprilia Racing Team Gresini. Smith finished over three tenths clear of second fastest Niki Tuuli (Ajo Motorsport MotoE) with the Finn, in turn, finishing ahead of 2008 125 World Champion Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS). Elsewhere, fellow 125 Champion Nico Terol (Angel Nieto Team) ended the test in P17 on the combined times, with teammate Maria Herrera just behind him – the latter becoming the first women to compete in the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Grand Prix Commission make important changes to 2019 rules

Race classifications, substitute riders, re-starts after interrupted races and more are outlined for this season

In a meeting held in Madrid on 30th November 2018, Dorna Chairman Carmelo Ezpeleta was joined fellow Grand Prix Commission Messrs. Paul Duparc (FIM), Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) and Mike Trimby (IRTA), as well as Carlos Ezpeleta (Dorna), Corrado Cecchinelli (Director of Technology), Mike Webb (Race Director) and Danny Aldridge (Technical Director) being present to decide important changes to the 2019 MotoGP™ rules.

Sporting Regulations – Effective Immediately

Race Classifications

Previously, in order to be qualified as a finisher, the rider had to be in contact with his machine when crossing the finish line. There have been situations when, due to a crash, the rider and machine have crossed the line separately. In future, the finish time will be determined by the first part of the rider or his motorcycle, whichever crosses the finish line last.

Substitute Riders

On occasions a Moto3™ or Moto2™ team will substitute an injured with a rider contracted to participate in another Championship, for example, FIM CEV. In future, such riders will be permitted to fulfil their entry obligations in the other series and track activity at such events will not count as rider test days for the GP class and may take place within 14 days of a GP event at the same circuit.

Riders classified to Restart an interrupted Race

To establish clearer criteria on which riders may restart an interrupted race certain clarifications to the regulations were approved. It is confirmed that riders may obtain assistance from marshals to restart the machine or to move the machine on track, trackside or in the service road.

For the purposes of the regulations covering this matter “active” and “actively competing” are defined as the rider riding on track, or attempting to repair/restart the machine, or to re-join the track or return to pit lane. The FIM MotoGP™ Stewards will be the sole judge of whether a rider is actively competing and such judgements are not subject to appeal.

Passing Under a Yellow Flag

When a change of position penalty is imposed for passing under a yellow flag, or for any other infringement, the information will be communicated via the dashboard display and on the finish line during a maximum of three laps. (Previously five laps).

Starting Machines

For Safety reasons, it is not permitted to start the engine of a racing motorcycle inside the pit box at any time. Engines must be started in the pit lane.

Official Titles for Circuit Lap Record and Race Lap Record

New official titles were approved for the following circuit records:

– “All Time Lap Record” – The fastest lap time in history including all Grand Prix sessions.
– “Best Race Lap” – The fastest lap time in history made during a race

Concession Points – MotoGP Class

When a Manufacturer gains sufficient concession points to lose concessions then the right for test riders to test at any GP circuit is cancelled. The regulation has been clarified to specify that this applies to testing in the following season when the manufacturer must nominate three current GP circuits for testing.

In order that a manufacturer who only accrued concession points on a spasmodic basis did not lose concessions after several years, it has been decided that concession points will expire on the two-year anniversary of the date on which the points were gained.

Generators used on the Grid

Currently, regulations limit the use to a hand-carried generator with a maximum output of 2 kW. Current practice is for generators to be incorporated into a service cart with toolboxes, spare wheels and other equipment.

Technical Regulations – Effective Immediately

Moto2™ Class Technical Regulations

To recognise the change of engine supplier from Honda to Triumph the technical regulations for this class have been modified. Full details will be available within the next days in the official regulations published on line by the FIM.

Tyre Allocations

After consultation with the Safety Commission and the official suppliers of tyres the following changes have been made to tyre allocations:

MotoGP™ Class

The standard allocation of rain tyres will increase from 11 to 13 being six front and seven rear tyres.

Moto3™ and Moto2™ Classes

In these classes, the number of rain tyres is not limited. However, the official supplier must now have available of a minimum of four sets of rain tyres per rider.

Disciplinary Regulations – Effective Immediately

Penalties not subject to appeal

The Disciplinary Code contains a list of penalties that are not subject to appeal, usually those penalties given during a race. However, the FIM Stewards may also impose a time penalty in lieu of another penalty, typically when the standard penalty (e.g. change position, ride through, etc.) cannot be complied with because there is insufficient time left in the race. The regulation covering such matters has now been changed so that when a time penalty is given in lieu of any non-appealable penalty, the time penalty also becomes non-appealable.

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

MotoGP™ wins Best Multiscreen HbbTV Service Award

Dorna Sports have supported BT in their EU 2-Immerse project, enabling BT to develop a MotoGP™ demonstration that showcases a new concept in TV broadcasting called Object Based Broadcasting (OBB). This offers an alternative approach to programme creation and delivery which enables content producers, broadcasters and viewers to personalise their TV programmes, depending on their preferences. 

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Moto3™: rider changes aplenty ahead of 2019

Elsewhere, John McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing), Gabriel Rodrigo (Kommerling Gresini Racing) and Marcos Ramirez (Leopard Racing) began their adaptations to new teams and new machines – all switching from KTM to Honda in 2019 – while Aron Canet (Max Racing Team) also started his new Moto3™ adventure with the Max Biaggi and Peter Oettl led setup. In addition, Tony Arbolino (Snipers Team), five-time 2018 podium finisher Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Leopard Racing), Ayumu Sasaki (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Alonso Lopez (Estrella Galicia 0,0) kick-started their 2019 preparations – all of which are remaining with their 2018 teams. 

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