World Superbike: bimota by Kawasaki Introduces 2025 Livery, Riders

Michael Gougis

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February 7, 2025

World Superbike: bimota by Kawasaki Introduces 2025 Livery, Riders

WorldSBK’s most eagerly-anticipated new entry for many years, the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, held its pre-season launch at the bimota factory HQ itself, located in Rimini, on Thursday 6 February.

The BbKRT squad finally unveiled its full public image for the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship season, with the cutting-edge bimota KB998 Rimini being displayed in its full race livery for the very first time.

As well as the vibrantly-coloured machine itself the riding line up of Britain’s Alex Lowes and Italy’s own Axel Bassani showed off their new riding apparel in the team’s striking new colours.

On the specially designed stage at the Italian based marque’s home factory important figures from the BbKRT Team, bimota and Kawasaki – together with all its partners, including sport and industrial collaborators Motul and Showa and Square Bricks Offices – took turns to explain more details of the overall project, and demonstrate some more aspects about the unique new KB998 Rimini.

Mr. Shigemi Tanaka, Chairman and Managing Director bimota S.p.A, stated: “To tell the truth, the idea of participating in WorldSBK with a bimota body and Kawasaki engine had been around since Kawasaki and bimota first started talking behind closed doors before the announcement of the collaboration in 2019. The time had come to further promote bimota’s philosophy and brand to the world, and the WorldSBK was the obvious venue for this. In 2023, bimota and Kawasaki jointly produced a prototype that would become the basis for the KB998 Rimini, and after getting a good feeling from running it, the go-ahead was given, and here we are today. By participating in WorldSBK with bimota as BbKRT, we want to convey the historic bimota brand, technology, heritage and philosophy to long-time bimota fans. We want the younger generation with a bright future in the world of road racing, and the generation that doesn’t know bimota, to know about bimota.”

Mr. Pierluigi Marconi, Chief Operating Officer of bimota, stated: “Today is a really exciting day. Finally, after many years, bimota can come back to the Superbike World Championship. Just two weeks after this presentation of the new bike and the BbKRT racing team we will start the first race. Like everybody can imagine, this is something that bimota was thinking could happen, but nobody could really believe. Finally, it has arrived. It’s incredible. Also, we can restart our ‘old history. When we began, we just made motorcycles for endurance races. Our aim was to take part in competition and then present the bike for production. Then we could sell the bikes for every customer to enjoy. After 50 years we can come back to our history, with the help of Kawasaki and the Provec team. It is so exciting.”

Mr. Keiichi Morohara, Kawasaki Racing Plan Manager from Kawasaki Motors, Ltd., stated: “Up until now, we have developed everything in-house. And in the past, we have been able to achieve the great feat of winning six consecutive championships. Now this new project is truly a big challenge for us. The KB998 Rimini is a steel trellis frame, as opposed to our aluminium twin-spar frame. However, we have already been able to confirm its capability using the Kawasaki engine and electronic package. We are really excited with this new direction in terms of chassis development thanks to our collaboration with bimota.”

Mr. Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Racing Plan Manager from Kawasaki Motors Europe, stated: “2025 is a landmark season for Kawasaki with no less than three Official riders in WorldSBK. The BbKRT project is a bold and calculated step. In terms of sporting ambitions our natural goal is the podium and we focus fully on achieving that at every race. But on a wider scale we are happy to work alongside bimota to bring such a famous name back to the WorldSBK grid and in doing so – provide a worldwide visibility for this iconic brand that will ultimately reward both current and legions of new bimota fans.”

Mr. Guim Roda, Team Manager bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, stated: “Our amazing staff and infrastructure created to win Championships remains in place. Also our passion for development and innovation. With this new project we add the design heritage and incredible technical skills of bimota – this has the potential to be a winning combination.”

Alex Lowes, BbKRT Rider, stated: “Firstly I think the colours look awesome for 2025! I am really excited to see what bimota and Kawasaki can achieve this year. The passion and effort from all the team to get this new project up and running has been massive, so I really appreciate that. From the first laps on the bike I’ve felt good, so my target is to build on 2024 and fight for the best results possible.”

Axel Bassani, BbKRT Rider, stated: “Today we showed the new livery of the bike, our new team and everything. It is nice because we are at home, near to where I live, so I think it is special. This is a completely new adventure for everyone, for Kawasaki, bimota and for us the riders. The bike’s livery is old school but also with something new. I think everybody will like the new livery a lot. I also hope to show in the races that we can stay at the front and have the possibility to go very far with this bike. We want to have good races, good results and enjoy everything with the team.”

MotoAmerica: Two Mini Cup Qualifying Rounds Set For Ohio

Michael Gougis

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February 7, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Two Mini Cup Qualifying Rounds Set For Ohio

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that the Ohio Mini Roadracing League (OMRL) will host two MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers at two different racetracks in the Buckeye State.

MotoAmerica has announced that the Ohio Mini Roadracing League will host two Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers in the Buckeye State. Photo courtesy of Ohio Mini Roadracing League.
OMRL will hold its two qualifiers at Quaker City Motorsports Park in Salem, Ohio (May 4), and at Camden, Ohio’s G&J KartWay (June 15).

OMRL will organize and host qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final that will be held for a second successive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

Qualifiers at the two Ohio Mini Roadracing League events will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 10-14), GP 190 (ages 10-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“It’s great that the Ohio Mini Roadracing League is providing young racers from Ohio with the chance to qualify for the National Final,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “Our Qualifier schedule is growing by the day and that means we will likely have more youngsters than ever not only racing with clubs like OMRL but qualifying from these races to compete against the very best in August at Road America. This coming race season is going to be exciting.”

“We’re really excited to be working with MotoAmerica and hosting two of their qualifiers for their Mission Mini Cup National Final,” said OMRL’s Travis Evans. “It’s going to be a lot of fun watching our local racers get the opportunity to qualify for the Road America finale. We have a lot of great young racers in Ohio, and OMRL is proud to be part of their development. We look forward to seeing how far they go in the sport.”

For more information on the Ohio Mini Roadracing League, visit https://omrlmoto.com/

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact [email protected]

New South Central Motorcycle Roadracing Championship (SCMRC) Launches 2025 Season

John Ulrich

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February 7, 2025

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New South Central Motorcycle Roadracing Championship (SCMRC) Launches 2025 Season

The South Central Motorcycle Roadracing Championship (SCMRC) is a semi-professional road racing organization dedicated to fostering the development of local motorcycle road racers. As an emerging force in motorcycle racing, the SCMRC aims to create opportunities for aspiring riders to sharpen their skills and advance their careers within a competitive yet supportive environment.

With both Sprints and Endurance races for all classes, in each division, at each event and a secured purse totaling $39,120 each weekend!

This year, the SCMRC is proud to host four exciting races! Kicking off with the first annual Ronnie Lunsford Trophy Cup on March 15th and 16th at Motorsport Ranch Houston in Angleton, Texas. In association with the Houston Ride for Kids organization and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 50% of parking passes will be donated to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in Ronnie Lunsford’s name in association with SCMRC!

Cosmo Von Hertell (21) has signed up to compete in SCMRC events. Photo courtesy SCMRC.

The following event will be held at NOLA Motorsports Park on May 10th and 11th in Avondale, Louisiana. After Summer Break the SCMRC will head to Hallet, Oklahoma for the third round held at Hallet Motor Racing Circuit on September 20th and 21st with Friday the 19th as a test and tune day on the newly repaved course!

The Championship round will be hosted at Motorsport Ranch Houston once again to end the season on October 10th and 11th . Championship ceremonies will happen shortly after with over $80,000 of Championship cash winnings up for grabs and several additional awards.

Alex Chulzhanov has also signed up to race with SCMRC,, on a Yamaha YZ125 SuperMoto bike. Photo courtesy SCMRC.

With over $265,000 in cash purse and contingency promotion on the table, this 2025 season will surely be quite the inaugural season!

Aspiring racers who are interested in participating at the SCMRC events must be registered before the event to have a spot on the grid. Racers can register and find the rulebook at www.scmrc-registration.com/registration

Spectators who are interested in pre-ordering tickets to attend these events can go to www.scmrctx.com/shop/ to purchase day or weekend passes along with parking passes.

The SCMRC is dedicated to showcasing the skills and racing talent of these aspiring racers for the 2025 season. We look forward to a great inaugural season.

For any questions please contact us at (936) 703-3223 or at our website at www.scmrctx.com

MotoGP: Alex Marquez Quickest In Sepang Test

Michael Gougis

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February 7, 2025

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MotoGP: Alex Marquez Quickest In Sepang Test

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) ends the Sepang Test fastest with a 1:56.493, edging out Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) by just 0.007 to make it a Ducati 1-2 at the head of the 1:56 club. Joining that club for the first time in their illustrious history is Yamaha as Fabio Quartararo’s lightning fast test continued on Friday and he takes third overall for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP.

It was a day of fast laps in the morning and then some longer runs in the afternoon, with the threat of rain ultimately meaning there weren’t too many late pushes for glory.

Ducati’s engine testing seems set to roll on into Buriram, but their long runs were far from indecisive. Bagnaia, teammate Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Alex Marquez all looked a little worrying for the rest of the field on many laps as well as over one. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was fast on one lap again but looked to have more to find in the locker later on his longer runs. Fermin Aldeguer (Gresini Racing MotoGP) was the fastest rookie again as he continues to raise a few eyebrows, but today he ended the day in P11.

Yamaha’s 1:56 club impressed many on the grid, and not just those on the Iwata marque’s machines. Quartararo was simply faster than they’ve ever been before, and consistently so on long runs and fast laps. On the timesheets, Quartararo’s teammate Alex Rins was P10 and Prima Pramac Yamaha’s Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira P12 and P17, respectively, but there was much more to the day than just laptimes. Ducati Lenovo Team manager Davide Tardozzi even said Yamaha could be their biggest challenger this season…

At KTM, Pedro Acosta put his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine in P6, a tenth and a half quicker than the Austrian factory have ever been round this venue in Malaysia too. Teammate Brad Binder had a small tech issue in the final hour that halted his Sprint sim but he was P13 by the end of play. Maverick Viñales ends the test in P16 and Red Bull KTM Tech3 teammate Enea Bastianini in P18 as they look to continue adapting in Buriram.

Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) both went quicker than Honda ever has before at Sepang, no mean feat. Zarco was P7 on Friday and Mir P8 for another double top ten. New technical chief Romano Albesiano also said they’ll be returning to Sepang instead of a planned test in Portugal. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) was P15 and rookie Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda LCR) continued to make improvements a little further back.

At Aprilia, Marco Bezzecchi went half a second quicker than he ever has at Sepang before – the best change of any rider swapping factory – and ended the day in P9. Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) was P14 at the end of his first official test, looking to unlock a bit more in the time attack in Buriram.

That’s it from Sepang for now, but the action continues! Many are already on the way to Bangkok for the season launch as that lights up the Thai capital on Sunday, before we’re back out on track at Buriram on Wednesday and Thursday. Are you ready? See you there!

Session for MY2 MotoGP FP3

AFT and Mission Foods Continue Partnership For Fifth Season

John Ulrich

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February 7, 2025

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AFT and Mission Foods Continue Partnership For Fifth Season

Progressive AFT and Mission Foods Continue Sweeping Partnership for Fifth Consecutive Season

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to announce the continuation of its wide-ranging and multifaceted partnership with Mission Foods® for a fifth consecutive season in 2025.

Mission Foods – the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps – has proven a dynamic supporter of Progressive AFT since the opening of the relationship in 2021. And through its unwavering efforts, Mission Foods has done much to help raise the profile and awareness of the series.

Along with its sponsorship of Progressive American Flat Track, as well as a number of its teams and riders, Mission Foods has actively backed several innovative initiatives designed to increase engagement with the sport. That’s a tradition that will continue in 2025.

In addition to once again serving as the Official Tortilla, Chip, and Salsa of Progressive AFT, the title sponsor for the premier Mission AFT SuperTwins class, and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Mission Foods will also step up as the title sponsor of the newly announced Mission Triple Challenge.

As previously outlined, the game-changing Mission Triple Challenge format set to be implemented at the Lima Half-Mile I, Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I and Springfield Mile I will feature three races of escalating intensity, stakes, excitement and points to determine each events’ ultimate victor.

And at these rounds, Mission will award escalating bonuses to the winners of the opening two races. The winner of Race 1 will receive $2500, and the winner of Race 2 will take home $5000, bumping the total bonus up to $7500 compared to the already impressive $5000 awarded to the winners of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge “dash-for-cash” utilized at the non-Triple Challenge rounds.

“We are excited to continue as title sponsor of the AFT SuperTwins class and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “I believe the new Mission Triple Challenge will bring even more excitement for both racers and fans.”

Mission Foods will also continue to elevate the visibility of Progressive American Flat Track both at and away from the racetrack and across the nation by way of its many fan-facing activations and grocery store displays featuring Mission-branded athletes.

The 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7.

AFM Launches New Programs To Make Club Racing Better

John Ulrich

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February 6, 2025

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AFM Launches New Programs To Make Club Racing Better

American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) Unveils Exciting New Programs and Modernization Efforts for 2025

The American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) is thrilled to announce groundbreaking changes for the 2025 season. As we continue to modernize and create an inviting, inclusive racing experience, we are rolling out new programs designed to enhance accessibility,
competition, and community among racers of all skill levels. AFM President Paul Kieffer expressed, “As we gear up for the AFM’s 71st year and the highly anticipated 2025 race season, the excitement is remarkable. The amount of effort and dedication put in by both the new Board of Directors and the racers, working hand-in-hand, has been nothing short of phenomenal. It’s a testament to the strength of the community and the passion we all share for the sport.”

Introducing the Street Stock Class – A Gateway to Racing

For riders looking to transition from track days to competitive racing, AFM is proud to introduce the all-new Street Stock class. This entry-level category bridges the gap between track days and full-fledged racing, providing an affordable and accessible pathway for new racers to develop their skills in a competitive yet welcoming environment. If you are a newcomer eager to experience the thrill of racing, the Street Stock class is your perfect entry point with reduced bike preparation, and helpful guidance along the way. New Racer School completion and track day experience are required prerequisites.

AFM Team Championship – Unity, Strategy, and Cash Prizes

Competition meets camaraderie in the new AFM Team Championship. This program brings together novice and expert racers to form teams of two to six racers and compete for the prestigious Unity Cup. With a season-long points race and cash payouts on the line, this championship emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, and collective success. Novices get the chance to learn from seasoned racers, while experts gain the opportunity to lead and strategize – all while fighting for the ultimate prize: A four-figure payout for the top step on the podium.

AFM Season Ticket – The Ultimate Racer’s Deal

Planning to compete all season? The new AFM Season Ticket allows racers to purchase all their entries for the season at a discounted rate before Round One. This exciting offer not only provides savings but also streamlines the registration process, allowing racers to focus entirely on their performance on the track.

AFM Speed Pass – Give the Gift of Racing

New for 2025, the AFM Speed Pass offers a unique way to support racers. This program enables family, friends, and sponsors to gift race credits, helping competitors get on the grid with less financial stress. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or simply to support a loved one’s racing journey, the AFM Speed Pass is an exciting way to fuel the passion of motorcycle racing.

Class Restructure and Racing Enhancements
In an effort to create larger grids, improve competition, and elevate the overall racing experience, AFM is undergoing a class restructuring project. By refining class structures and ensuring better alignment of skill levels and bike performance, we are making racing more exciting and competitive for everyone involved. At the same time, the AFM will be making revisions to the points structure.

Additionally, the race day schedule is being redesigned to run smoother and with greater efficiency, reducing downtime and the possibility of confusion. Racers can expect a more streamlined and engaging experience from start to finish.

One of the most significant updates is the revamp of our pre-race on-track activities. AFM will re- implement a qualifying system based on lap times rather than points, ensuring that every racer—regardless of prior standings—earns their starting position fairly. This change is especially beneficial for racers participating under reciprocity agreements, as they will have the opportunity to qualify based on performance.

Revised Mentorship Program – Supporting New Racers

AFM is excited to introduce a revamped mentorship program, ensuring that new racers have all the support they need during their first race weekend. Expert racers will be assigned to guide novices through every step, including registration, technical inspection, tire changes, race day scheduling, and invaluable track advice. This initiative is designed to make the transition into competitive racing smoother and more enjoyable, fostering confidence and community among new participants.

“With new classes and programs being rolled out, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and competitive in years. I truly believe this season will mark a turning point, bringing fresh opportunities, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments for everyone involved,” said President Kieffer.

A New Era for West Coast Racing

With these bold changes, AFM is reaffirming its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in motorcycle racing while embracing its rich history as the longest-running road racing club in the United States. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to break into the sport, a seasoned competitor chasing championships, or a team player aiming for the Unity Cup, the 2025 season promises to be our most thrilling yet.

The new AFM board members have been listening to the voice of their membership, and swift, calculated changes are being made to enhance the product that we deliver to any racer, at any skill level, from anywhere. The guiding principles we have set forth are to do what is in the best interest of the membership, adds to the bottom line of the club, and provides value to all racers. President Kieffer adds, “It’s an exciting time for the AFM, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!”

Get ready to race, compete, and be part of a community that pushes the limits of speed, skill, and passion. The AFM 2025 season is about to begin—will you be on the grid?

If you or your company are interested in sponsorship opportunities with the AFM, please inquire with [email protected].

For more information on all things AFM, visit www.afmracing.org, contact [email protected], or

find them across social media:

#RaceAFM

#AFM2025

#AFMSpeedPass

#AFMTeamChampionship

#StreetStock

#AFMSeasonTicket

MotoAmerica: Altus To Run Lewis, Nassaney On Supersport YZF-R9s

Michael Gougis

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February 6, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Altus To Run Lewis, Nassaney On Supersport YZF-R9s

Jake Lewis (85). Photo courtesy Altus Motorsports.

Altus Motorsports is thrilled to unveil its expanded efforts for the 2025 season: The addition of two Yamaha R9 entries in the MotoAmerica Supersport class. Seasoned racers Jake Lewis and Jaret Nassaney will be racing the new Yamaha’s. This marks a new chapter for the team as it diversifies its lineup and strengthens its commitment to Championship success.

Jeremy McWilliams joins Altus Motorsports as both Crew Chief and Team Rider Coach. A celebrated racer with decades of international experience, McWilliams brings unparalleled expertise and mentorship to the team, providing riders with the tools they need to excel at the highest level.

“I’m excited to be part of the Altus Motorsports family, working with Jake, Jaret, Owen, Torin, and Seth and as they prepare for the ‘25 Championship,” said McWilliams. “The team’s dedication to fostering a competitive and supportive environment aligns perfectly with my philosophy. With a talented group of riders and staff, we’re aiming to make a significant impact this season.”

The Yamaha R9 lineup is a brand new platform. Both riders and the team will be on a learning curve.

Jake Lewis will be supported by McWilliams and Lead Mechanic William Gerkin. Lewis, a proven championship contender, brings a wealth of experience and determination to the team.

Jaret Nassaney, will be supported by Lead Mechanic Jimmy Le and Crew Chief Thibault Few.

“We’re excited about the addition of the new Yamaha R9 under our canopy. Having my son Jaret race on the new R9 is an exciting change for him. Bringing back Jake Lewis to help fight for the Championship is definitely going to be fun to watch. Adding Jeremy McWilliams expertise and leadership, combined with Jake and Jaret’s talent, will elevate our program to new heights. We’re ready to take on the 2025 season with full force” said Co-Owner George Nassaney Altus Motorsports.

MotoAmerica: Progressive Insurance Becomes Official Sponsor

Michael Gougis

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February 6, 2025

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MotoAmerica: Progressive Insurance Becomes Official Sponsor

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is thrilled to announce that Progressive Insurance® has come onboard as an official sponsor of the MotoAmerica Championship for the next three years.

Started in 1937 by Joseph Lewis and Jack Green as the Progressive Mutual Insurance Company, Progressive was the first to feature a drive-in claims location. The company, headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, has since grown to become the second largest personal auto insurer in the country, a leading seller of commercial auto, motorcycle, boat and RV insurance, and one of the top 15 homeowners insurance carriers.

“We are excited to announce a three-year partnership between MotoAmerica and Progressive Insurance,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “As the industry leader in motorcycle insurance, Progressive brings a ton of experience and enthusiasm to our sport, making this collaboration a natural one for both brands. We look forward to kicking off the 2025 season with Progressive on board and leveraging their involvement to expand our reach to an even broader audience of motorsports enthusiasts.”

“As the country’s leading motorcycle insurer, we share the same passion, enthusiasm and commitment to the sport and the racing community,” said Eric Doubler, Progressive Recreational Lines Business Leader. “We’re excited to collaborate with MotoAmerica to not only sponsor their namesake championship, but to also grow the sport.”

MotoGP: Morbidelli Tops Day Two In Sepang

Michael Gougis

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February 6, 2025

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MotoGP: Morbidelli Tops Day Two In Sepang

Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) tops Day 2 of the Sepang Test with a 1:57.210, with nine riders joining the 1:57 club on Thursday. Next up was Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), fastest at the Shakedown and yesterday, finishing up 0.114 off the top.

Two more Yamahas were in the top ten again too, Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) in P8, teammate Jack Miller in P10 and Alex Rins only a couple of tenths further back in P13 for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) was 0.016 off Quartararo in third. His teammate Fermin Aldeguer is one of the most notably consistent stories of testing so far too. He was quick again on Thursday and fourth overall, only 0.205 off Morbidelli. Notable considering the #21 rode the Ducati GP24 last season too.

Fifth was Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), after the two-time Champion was further down the order on Day 1. He was notably happy with the day’s work despite a crash on Thursday too, a low side and low drama slide at Turn 15. Teammate Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) also crashed, him at Turn 9 later in the day, after also having had a tech problem at Turn 2. He was further down the timesheets too, in P14. However, Bagnaia also said the two absolutely agree on their feedback: “Honestly, it’s incredible that for the first time in my career, I have exactly the same feeling as my teammate.” Interesting.

Joan Mir put Honda HRC Castrol in sixth again on Thursday, despite losing his best lap thus far with running out of fuel. His lap was also quicker than Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) in Q2 in the GP here last year. Zarco was P12 today and Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) P15, with rookie Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda LCR) a bit further back but making some steps. There’s a lot to see there as the Japanese giants look to make a big step forward this season.

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P7, a move up from Wednesday, despite missing a bit of track time in the morning after a crash and then an issue. The seat unit, meanwhile, is now on all four factory bikes, those of Acosta and teammate Brad Binder. Binder was P11 on Thursday. Maverick Viñales was P16, just thousandths ahead of new Red Bull KTM Tech3 teammate Enea Bastianini, who also had some fuel tank modifications aimed at his adaptation.

At Aprilia, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was in the top ten on Day 2 after Aprilia’s dramatic start to the test, now leading the way with development as teammate Jorge Martin and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) are sidelined. On that note, the Noale factory also fielded test rider Lorenzo Savadori, and they do have rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) fast gaining experience too.

That’s it from a lot calmer Thursday. There’s one final push on Friday to try and set some new records… join us for more from 10am local time again!

Session for MY2 MotoGP FP2

MotoGP: Quartararo Fastest, Martin Injured

Michael Gougis

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February 5, 2025

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MotoGP: Quartararo Fastest, Martin Injured

We were ready for drama on the timesheets but instead we got it on track. Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) faces an uphill start to his title defence after a huge highside on Day 1 sees him ruled out of the remainder of the Sepang Test, and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) join the reigning Champion on the sidelines.

For Martin it’s fractures in his right hand and left foot, for Fernandez a fracture in his left hand and a broken toe on his right foot. For Di Giannantonio, it’s a left collarbone fracture. All are heading back home for surgery and to recover fully.

That drew some spotlight from the timesheets, but Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) remains fastest after he also topped the Shakedown. Not even Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) could quite depose the 2021 Champion, coming up short by 0.051.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP) completes the top three ahead of rookie teammate Fermin Aldeguer, who was the fastest debutant on Wednesday. Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) was fifth as the GP24s made their presence felt, with Diggia P7 on the GP25. The lowest Ducati was two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), 17th on the timesheets on his GP25. But it’s early days.

As well as Quartararo on top, Yamaha also had a strong presence in the top ten with Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) in eighth and teammate Miguel Oliveira tenth. There were three bikes each for Quartararo and teammate Alex Rins, and from there the Pramac duo will get more to try too.

Sixth was a solid day for Honda. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) put in a 1:58.115 to get within nine thousandths of test rider Aleix Espargaro’s Shakedown best already, and Johann Zarco (Castrol Honda LCR) makes it two Hondas in the top ten in P9. One novelty for the factory was a new seat unit. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) was P15 and rookie Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda LCR) further back, but the Thai rider felt some good improvements on Day 1.

At KTM, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P11 but crashed at Turn 13, rider ok, with Brad Binder just 0.111 off his new teammate. Even closer on the chase was Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), just 0.045 off Binder as ‘Top Gun’ switches over. Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) was a little further back as he adapts to his new bike.

For Aprilia, the Martin and Raul Fernandez story dominates the day’s headlines. Rookie Ai Ogura (Trackhouse Racing) was P16 overall – although ahead of Bagnaia – and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was just behind the #63. It’s all eyes on them now to provide some feedback over the next two days, for more on that see some of Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola’s debrief below.

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola debriefed the dramas of the day.

How is Jorge?

“You know, Jorge, after the concussion, the protocol keeps him in hospital for 24 hours and when he’s released tomorrow afternoon, he’ll fly back to Barcelona as soon as possible to get surgery on the right hand and on the left foot. It’s always difficult with these kind of heroes because with a normal human, you can’t even think about the first race but with maybe we can see him in the test in Thailand… I’m sure Jorge will do his best and we’ll support him but I think some time is needed.”

How likely is the Buriram Test?

“Today is a bit difficult to be optimistic but it’s a bit early as well. Let’s see how the surgery goes; I’m sure he’ll be in super professional hands. We must be positive.

“We said that also, at the team launch, that phase 1 is the most important to get to know each other and the bike. Maybe, having zero time to do it makes the challenge trickier and more interesting but we’re not a team that starts crying forever. Jorge is the same and we’ll fight for sure.”

Championship hopes?

“This is not the thought before the test and it’s not the goal now, obviously. The goal is to know each other as well as possible and this is a problem for sure but also, Raul, again at Sepang, was so unlucky. He’s going to fly soon to get surgery; there’s a lot of work on the shoulders of Marco on our side and Ai on the Trackhouse side.”

On Marco’s importance and pressure to steer the project:

“To be honest, I’m pretty happy about the job he did today. We’re quite impressed about his method and his feeling was quite sensible and he was fast. We did a different programme to the others but we’re quite happy. These two more days are very important as Jorge needs to get the benefit of Marco’s work.”

World Superbike: bimota by Kawasaki Introduces 2025 Livery, Riders

February 7, 2025

03_Bimota_by_KRT_WorldSBK_2025_Lowes_Bassani_KB998_BbKRT_Pre_Season_2025-0131_o7t7uq — Alex Lowes, left, and Axel Bassani. Photo courtesy bimota by Kawasaki.