Tag Archives: Dorna Sports

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, News

Australian MotoGP Cancelled

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The Phillip Island MotoGP round won’t be happening this year – and five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan isn’t too happy about it. 

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation board member isn’t the only one gritting his teeth.  With ongoing restrictions costing last year’s Aussie Grand Prix to fold, riders and viewers alike were looking forward to the next race to unite the track – in the case of Doohan’s frustrations, for an Aussie to win it.

Jack Miller and Remy Gardner, two Aussies connected to the Aussie Grand Prix
Aussie homestars Jack Miller and Remy Gardner

According to a report from Crash.net, two Aussies were carrying a lot of potential for this year’s home race.  Factory Ducati rider and home star Jack Miller had been winning races in the premier class, and with future Tech3 KTM rider Remy Gardner leading the Moto2 world championship, chances were high for an Aussie win.

Besides that, fans were simply eager to see things return to normal after the restrictions of 2020. 

cartoon caricatures of Jack Miller and Remy Gardner waiting for the next MotoGP Race
Phillip Island Christmas cards of 2020/2021, prior to the most recent restrictions.

“I’m totally devastated that we’re not hosting the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix again this year at Phillip Island,” says Doohan, “especially with the form we’ve got with Jack Miller in MotoGP and Remy Gardner in Moto2, who could have been in a position to win the championship overall at Phillip Island”. 

While fans are exempt from the view at Phillip Island for 2021, they will still be able to look forward to next year’s rounds, where Miller and Gardner will be sharing the same grid. 

front view of Carmelo Ezpeleta
MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta released the following in a statement:

“Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year to return to Victoria, but we very much look forward to seeing the Australian fans in 2022 and staging another fantastic event together – this time with two home heroes, Jack Miller and Remy Gardner, on the premier class grid when we return”.

Paul Little, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman
Andrew Westacott, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (L) listens to Paul Little, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman

Paul Little, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, mirrors these sentiments. 

“I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers, and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community, that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”

Fingers crossed for 2022, and make sure to support the riders by staying up to date on all things MotoGP!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News, WSBK

Wedding Bells Ring for WSB Championship as Eurosport and Dorna Sports Extend Partnership

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Who doesn’t love a little competition?

I love the thrill of the chase as much as the next person, and the seasonal appearance of WorldSBK has always been a regular tradition for me – the past year in particular, with increased hours at home and less to do.

So when I heard of the new extended partnership between Doran Sports and Eurosport, I was more than a little excited.

According to a report from MCN, Doran Sports has just renewed its historical partnership with Eurosport. This will reinforce extended exclusive broadcasting of the World Superbike Championship until the end of the 2025 season. 

And with the WorldSBK season starting next weekend, we couldn’t be happier about it.

Racers Compete Against Each Other in World Superbike Race

Discovery’s leading multi-sport brand confirmed the partnership this week, along with a few additional details – namely, that they now have exclusivity in 32 territories, and that they will be broadcasting the World SBK alongside the WorldSSP300 and WorldSSP300 classes, continuing the tradition as the championship home in the UK and Ireland with rights also shared to Portugal, Spain, Germany, Austria, and 17 other countries. 

The championship will have Matt Roberts hosting the live coverage, with giants like Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne and James Whitham to provide input 

Manuel Arroy, Managing Director at Dorna Sports

Quotes from MCN on the words of Manuel Arroy, Managing Director at Dorna Sports, read as follows:

“We are thrilled to renew and reinforce our historical partnership with Eurosport. This renewal will ensure that our championship will be available to the largest audience of fans across Europe through one of the biggest sports broadcasters. The competition promises to be exceptional with fresh changes to the rules and Dorna is very excited to be bringing a new look WorldSBK to millions of people via Eurosport’s established audience.”

“Eurosport’s dedicated coverage to the Championship combined with the track action will make for more content hours for fans to enjoy a truly immersive WorldSBK experience, and another memorable era of the Championship for everyone involved.”

Eurosport will be available to viewers digitally in available markets via discovery+, as well as the Eurosports app and on the Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 channels.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com