Andrea Iannone and his Team GoEleven unwrapped their 2025 season at their team’s launch event, debuting the new bike’s livery.
With the motorsport season fast approaching and Philip Island’s Australian round just a month away, Team Pata GoEleven have officially launched their 2025 campaign from the Italian Alps at an event held in Limone Piedmonte. The team unveiled a new livery, a reimagining of the team’s signature yellow and white colors, which will feature the same #29 of rider Andrea Iannone.
Iannone made his debut with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the GoEleven Ducati alike last season, a transition which hardly seemed to slow him down. Atop his team’s independent Ducati Panigale V4 R, ‘The Maniac’ earned five podiums including a race win at the Tissot Aragon Round’s Race day 1. Iannone will look to maintain this pace and look to take another step forward in what has been a fruitful racing career so far.
Be sure to catch ‘The Maniac’ and his podium pursuit this season, see every moment with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Excitement Grows for the Third Year of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series:
CSBK Scholarship Awarded to Martina Cardenas of Maple Ridge, British Columbia
As the anticipation builds for the third year of the FIM Mini GP Canada Series presented by Motul and Pirelli, motorsport enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. This year, the series not only promises thrilling racing action but also celebrates the achievements of young talent in the sport.
Toni Sharpless, the Series Organizer for Canada, noted a significant increase in interest for the Series this year. “This uptick can likely be attributed to the maturation of the event, as we are now in our third year. It is important to recognize that building momentum in such initiatives takes time and considerable effort. We are grateful for our supporters helping along the way including those who have provided bikes through the scholarship program at Super Sonic School.”
Continuing their support of the FIM MiniGP Canada series and the Super Sonic School, the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) has awarded their scholarship bike to a talented 10 year old, Martina Cardenas from Maple Ridge, British Columbia. This recognition underscores the commitment to fostering the next generation of riders, and Martina’s journey is sure to inspire many as the series gears up for an exhilarating season ahead.
“We are excited for the growth of mini-racing in Canada. CSBK is pleased to see Martina riding the CSBK-supported bike this year. Her impressive accomplishments truly reflect the dedication and passion we seek in our athletes. Thanks to Toni Sharpless and her team’s initiatives, we have a strong framework in place to nurture young talents like Martina. We are committed to continuing the CSBK Scholarship program in the FIM MiniGP Canada series for future generations,” said Ross Millson, CEO of the Bridgestone CSBK National Series.
Martina Cardenas. Photo by Colin Fraser/FIM MiniGP Canada.
Martina’s dedication and passion for racing was evident on her application and her father Luis Cardena is thrilled his daughter was selected. “Martina is so excited to learn she was awarded the CSBK Scholarship bike to compete in the FIM MiniGP Canada series! She has been training almost every day, even in the bad weather to improve her skill. I believe my daughter will be ready for the challenge in 2025.”
Martina is now a contender to join the list of young athletes who have gone to the FIM MiniGP World Finals, a collaboration project between Ohvale, Dorna and FIM, to represent Canada. To date Canada has sent a total of four Canadians, two-per-year to compete at the World Finals in Spain namely, Michael Galvis, Lincoln Scott, Ben Hardwick and Jager Stockill. Our best finish to date was P15 made by Lincoln Scott of Alberta in November 2025 at Motorland Aragon during a combined practice in WET conditions among 44 other riders from 22 other countries.
There are two more scholarship bikes up for grabs and applicants can seize this opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for racing. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their applications (see below). With the continued support of sponsors and the growing enthusiasm for the FIM MiniGP Canada Series, the future looks bright for aspiring young athletes. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this thrilling journey!
Interested families of 10-14 year old riders can download their Application Form here or contact [email protected] and demonstrate their commitment to the sport.
The 47th edition of the Dakar and the 6th in Saudi Arabia was completed in Shubaytah by 175 vehicles. 77 bikes (including 67 Rally 2), 40 Ultimate cars, 1 Stock car, 21 Challengers, 23 SSVs and 13 trucks reached the final finishing line after covering the entire 7,453 km (FIM) or 7,828 km (FIA) of the route. 52 vehicles that used their jokers also finished, while 108 were forced into premature exits from the rally (i.e., 32.24%).
The bike race witnessed a return to the top step of the podium for KTM, which enjoyed its 20th triumph on the race thanks to the unshakable Daniel Sanders who became the second Australian winner on the Dakar after having dominated the race from start to finish, as Marc Coma did in 2009.
The Dakar roll of honour welcomed a new name and a new nationality in the car category thanks to Yazeed Al Rajhi: the Saudi driver persevered until his 11th participation to enjoy his date with destiny, with the rare privilege of winning the rally on home soil, as was the case when Pierre Lartigue triumphed in 1994 on the Paris-Dakar-Paris!
With Nicolas Cavigliasso (who triumphed in the quad category in 2019) winning the title in the Challenger class and Brock Heger in the SSV race on his 25th birthday, two new drivers also triumphed. Only Martin Macik, who dominated proceedings in the truck category, victoriously defended the title he conquered last year.
The Dakar Classic race for consistency came to a close with 80 vehicles (as opposed to 95 starters). Spanish title holder Carlos Santaolalla triumphed to become the first double winner since the creation of the category in 2021.
The five vehicles enrolled in the Mission 1000 challenge completed their journey through Saudi Arabia, over a distance of 1,300 kilometres for this second edition. Progress was made since last year in terms of range and performance for the KH7 truck driven by Jordi Juvanteny, who already won in 2024, as for the hydrogen-powered HySe SSV. The three Segway electric bikes, which were newcomers to the challenge, also validated their technology on the terrains of the Dakar and can look forward with a whetted appetite to 2026.
Americans Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes and Jacob Argubright finished the final stage in 10th, 11th and 15th, and finished fifth, sixth and 22nd overall.
A year ago, at the Trackhouse Racing MotoGP launch in Hollywood, team officials were explaining that Miguel Oliveira would be racing a 2024-spec bike and Raul Fernandez would start the season on a 2023 machine. The explanation? It took a long time to build a factory-spec bike, and Trackhouse was racing to get ready for its first season in MotoGP. There was no time to supply Trackhouse with two additional bikes built to the latest spec. Fernandez would have to wait until mid-season to get a 2024 machine, and at the launch, team officials weren’t even exactly sure when they’d get the new bike for Fernandez.
Fast-forward to January 2025. Aprilia’s MotoGP Team Manager Paolo Bonora says the company not only introduced the 2025-spec RS-GP in November at the post-season Barcelona test, but is building 10 of the 2025 bikes for the upcoming tests in Sepang.
Ten of them. All 2025-spec.
Two for each of the factory riders, incoming World Champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Two for each of the Trackhouse riders, Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura. And two for test rider Lorenzo Savadori. No one is going to trundle around on year-old equipment gathering data. Aprilia is going to have all five riders on new stuff, pushing it to the limit, gathering data and delivering feedback on the bike that will be its front-line weapon for the upcoming season.
It’s a big turnaround. But it’s the latest indication that Aprilia is stepping up its game for 2025.
Obviously, signing Martin was the first indication that things were changing for Aprilia. And signing former KTM MotoGP technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini was another indication, as was hiring race winner Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 satellite Ducati squad.
But a skeptic could see something other than an increased commitment to MotoGP in all of those hires. Martin had twice been skipped over for the factory Ducati team, the satellite Pramac team he rode for was leaving Ducati and going to Yamaha, the first signs of KTM’s financial troubles were starting to appear, and Yamaha and Honda were mired at the back of the pack. Where else was Martin going to go if he wanted a factory ride?
Sterlacchini’s options were limited once he left KTM and Honda poached Romano Albesiano from Aprilia to head up its MotoGP development. Again, where was Sterlacchini going to go, other than Aprilia?
And Ducati was cutting the number of 2025-spec Desmosedicis it would field. Factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez would get them, as would one other rider, but they would be on a satellite team. And like nearly everyone else on the GP23, Bezzecchi struggled on a year-old bike in 2024. The possibility of doing that again in 2025 on a satellite team probably didn’t sound appealing to a rider who looked like a title contender in 2023.
So you could chalk all of those up as opportunistic hires by Aprilia, signing people who didn’t really have a better choice.
But bringing the new stuff to the Barcelona post-season test was a major sign of leveling up. Committing to have every one of its riders on the latest spec machine from the beginning of the season is another major sign that Aprilia is upping its efforts.
And, based on the images presented at the 2025 factory Aprilia launch, its engineers are taking their cues from the two other fastest bikes in the field, the Ducati and the KTM.
Note in the main image above the long aero fences midway up the fairing; the streamlining behind the rear wheel; and the vented leading lip on the front fender. Those are all taken straight from the KTM RC16 playbook.
Aprilia has finally incorporated leading-edge fairing lower ducting, as pioneered by Ducati. It also has adopted the tail section fins pioneered by Ducati – Aprilia was the only bike on the grid last season without aerodynamic elements on the top of the tail. Gone is the “bat wing” tail section Aprilia experimented with last year. Rather than plowing new ground, the company is taking inspiration from the bike that’s winning everything.
Front view of the Aprilia RS-GP25. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The streamlined front fork covers (the bottom legs of the front fender) are massive, similar to something seen on a Moto2 bike. The head-on shot shows that there are new aero elements inside the front wheel “spats.”
Remember that since April 2023, only Aprilia has beaten Ducati in a Grand Prix race. The RS-GP is good. And if you look at the new faces in the Aprilia garages, the new spec of the new bikes and the sheer number of new machines, you’re looking at a factory that trying, really trying, to shoot for the top of the Championship table.
Parts Unlimited Is The Title Sponsor Of The New MotoAmerica Talent Cup
Parts Unlimited Talent Cup To Begin, March 28-30, With Grand Prix Of The Americas At COTA
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that global powersports distributor Parts Unlimited will be the title sponsor of the new and highly anticipated MotoAmerica Parts Unlimited Talent Cup.
The Parts Unlimited Talent Cup, a championship designed to prepare young North American racers who have the desire and talent to compete on the world stage of MotoGP, will make its debut at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, March 28-30.
“We’re excited to be the title sponsor of the new Parts Unlimited Talent Cup,” said Hylton Beattie, Parts Unlimited’s Global Motorsports Director. “We share the same vision as MotoAmerica in that we want to see Americans compete on the world stage and we think the Talent Cup is the first step in making that a reality. The racing is going to be top-notch, and it will be exciting to see these young racers develop their talents as the season progresses.”
Parts Unlimited is the world’s largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation, which is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships worldwide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
“MotoAmerica’s relationship with Parts Unlimited goes back to the very beginning of our series,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “We’re excited to create a new path for young racers that puts them on the Road to MotoGP™ with Parts Unlimited’s help. It’s great that they want to support the Talent Cup. We’re looking forward to getting to COTA in March and seeing the debut of the new class as the 2025 season should be the best yet.”
2025 MotoAmerica Parts Unlimited Talent Cup Schedule
*March 28-30 Circuit of The Americas | Austin, TX
April 4-6 Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, AL
May 30-June 1 Road America | Elkhart Lake, WI
**July 25-27 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | Lexington, OH
August 1-3 VIRginia International Raceway | Alton, VA
Sept. 12-14 Circuit of The Americas | Austin, TX
Sept. 26-28 New Jersey Motorsports Park | Millville, NJ
*With Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas
**With AMA Motorcycle Vintage Days
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is excited to announce the release of the new 2025 Yamaha XMAX featuring key updates designed to take Yamaha’s premium Sport Scooter to the next level of capability and refinement. In addition to renowned features like its powerful and fuel-efficient 292cc engine, nimble sportbike-inspired handling and advanced Y-Connect smartphone connectivity, new features for 2025 further enhance wind protection, rider comfort and convenience for enthusiasts looking for a fun and stylish high-performance urban commuter.
New Electronically Adjustable Windscreen
For 2025 the new XMAX now comes equipped with an electronically adjustable windscreen for enhanced rider comfort and improved style. The new screen offers nearly four inches of stepless, vertical adjustment allowing riders of different heights to precisely dial in their preferred windscreen position. Windscreen adjustments can be made on-the-fly via a convenient new control switch located on the left handlebar switchgear. In addition to the new premium screen, the 2025 XMAX also features a redesigned front-end including integrated front turn signals providing improved wind protection to the rider’s arms, and a restyled nose-cowling and spoiler help to reduce wind buffeting for a quiet and comfortable ride.
New Integrated Instrument Panel
For an even better riding experience, the 2025 XMAX features a new integrated instrument panel that arranges a 4.2-inch TFT screen and a 3.2-inch LCD screen into a single interface for a sleeker, more unified look and enhanced visibility. The LCD’s backlighting is also updated, improving the brightness of the LCD display.
Optimized Traction Control System
Enabling smooth starts from a stop and smooth acceleration on a variety of road surface conditions, the Traction Control System has been remapped for more refined intervention characteristics. The system’s basic functionality remains the same with sensors on the front and rear wheels which instantly detect rear-wheel spin and adjust the engine’s ignition system and fuel delivery to improve traction.
Revised Lightweight Muffler
The 2025 XMAX muffler has been redesigned, reducing weight and improving mass centralization. The swingarm has also been redesigned to accommodate the new muffler.
New USB Type-C Socket
For added convenience, the XMAX now comes equipped with a new USB Type-C socket as a convenient power source to charge smartphones or other electronic accessories.
2025 XMAX Top Features
Powerful and efficient fuel-injected 292cc single-cylinder engine
The dawn of a new era: Aprilia Racing unveils the RS-GP25 and the new rider line-up
After an initial taster on the track during the Montmeló tests, Jorge Martín, reigning World Champion of MotoGP, and Marco Bezzecchi, officially unveiled the Aprilia RS-GP25. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aprilia Racing, characterised by a strong technical identity, proudly Italian.
The 2025 season represents the dawn of a new era for Aprilia Racing, with the arrival of two young, fiercely talented young riders: Jorge Martín, who will race as world No.1 after winning the MotoGP title, and Marco Bezzecchi, who is ready to express his enormous potential in the premier class. To provide support to the official riders, Lorenzo Savadori has also been confirmed as a test rider, after his significant contribution to the growth of the RS-GP in recent years.
The Aprilia RS-GP25 represents an important evolution for Aprilia Racing’s MotoGP project. Each detail has been overhauled with a view to delivering the highest levels of performance, in order to consolidate Aprilia Racing’s status as one of the leading lights of MotoGP. All zones of the bike have been improved, from the aerodynamics to the chassis, right down to the electronics and the V4 engine, which has been subject to a great deal of development with regard to all components not affected by the freeze imposed by the regulation. The Noale technical department, led by Fabiano Sterlacchini, has met this new challenge, remaining faithful to the brand’s DNA and developing a highly innovative bike that can compete at the highest levels.
Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi will be supported by a strong, close-knit team, as well as by official test rider Lorenzo Savadori. They will be joined by the riders from the Team Trackhouse: Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura, MotoGP debutant and Moto2 World Champion in 2024. The Trackhouse project, established to serve as a strategic partner to Aprilia and not simply a satellite team, is a key resource in the ongoing development of the RS-GP25, providing useful data and contributing to the process of innovation. For the first time in its history, Aprilia Racing will make its MotoGP début with four bikes with the most advanced specification.
JORGE MARTÍN ALMOGUERA
“I am super excited by this new challenge: to win with Aprilia. My goals are very clear; now we must concentrate on being the best version of ourselves – that goes for Aprilia and for me personally. I’m in the right place to do great things, it will be an exciting challenge, we are all very determined. I really feel the warmth of being part of this team, and I think that this is the perfect place for me. We are all thrilled to be starting this new season.”
MARCO BEZZECCHI
“I’m really happy I joined this team, and Aprilia as a whole. It’s going to be fantastic, and I’m really happy to be representing such an important brand. It’s a great source of pride for me, both as a person and as a rider, to become an official rider. I can’t wait to get onto the track, to work hard and to give it some gas, and try to achieve good results. We are all really motivated, and that’s something that I really value. I’m really fired up – see you in Sepang for the test!”.
FABIANO STERLACCHINI
“It’s a real pleasure for me to start this new adventure with Aprilia Racing. The goal for 2025 is to be remain competitive at all times, both in the sprints and in the longer races, aiming to achieve the best possible results throughout the season. It’s crucial that we continue to grow, working with two new, very talented riders. This really does represent a new era for us, with a significant change after many years, both in terms of technical management and the line-up of our riders. We are particularly motivated for the new season and proud to have two top new MotoGP riders in our team, including the World Champion.”
MASSIMO RIVOLA
“For Aprilia Racing, the 2025 season represents the start of a new era, and our aim is to be leaders and not just followers. Our goal is clear – to stay competitive at all times, in every race. With two strong, talented and motivated riders like Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, and an equally determined team and company, we can create something special. The RS-GP25 has enormous potential, and our task will be to ensure that this is expressed to the maximum in each of the 22 races in the championship.”
BMW’s 2024 Superbike World Championship season was an exercise in domination. World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu won 13 races in a row, 18 in total and won the title by 43 points even after missing six races due to injury.
But in 2025, the team apparently will have to make do without the special chassis that it developed for the M 1000 RR that it raced in 2024.
World Superbike’s “superconcessions” rules allow for substantial changes for teams that are not doing well. In 2023, BMW did not win a single World Superbike race, with Alvaro Bautista dominating on the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Under the rules, BMW was allowed to race with a “superconcessions” chassis in 2024, which Razgatlioglu took to his second world title.
Right now, BMW is preparing to race in 2025 with the standard chassis from its new 2025 M 1000 RR, said Shaun Muir, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team Principal.
“We started a plan for this as late as September last year, we knew this was going to disappear,” said Muir at the team’s 2025 team launch. “The chassis was our only concession, and we had already been testing the bike in its full, complete 2025 package in December in Jerez, so I’d say we’re confident.”
Shaun Muir, left, and Sven Blusch at the launch of the 2025 BMW racing team. Photo courtesy BMW.
However, BMW’s Superbike Technical Director Chris Gonschor said it has not yet been completely settled whether the team can race with the 2024 chassis.
“Based on the regulations, we can carry on (with) our concession parts. There are some discussions about fine-tuning the regulations. In case the regulations will change, our bike will be according to the regulations. Let’s see and wait for the final outcome of the regulations,” Gonschor said.
A final decision on the 2025 homologation for the M 1000 RR configuration is due in two weeks, he said.
BMW Superbike Technical Director Chris Gonschor. Photo courtesy BMW.
With data acquisition an increasingly critical part of road racing success, Gonschor says he is not concerned that BMW will be handicapped by the loss of the Bonovo Action team, which ran American Garrett Gerloff and Scott Redding on satellite M 1000 RR racebikes in 2024. BMW will have only the two factory bikes on the grid, while chief rival Ducati will have eight. But Gonschor said the team would rely on the feedback from the test team and the racing by other BMW riders. Former Superbike World Champion Sylvain Guintoli and former European Superstock 1000 Champion Markus Reiterberger will race an M 1000 RR in the FIM Endurance World Championship series as well as perform testing duties for the World Superbike team.
“I can focus on my bikes and our riders. We have two strong racebikes on the grid and we have the test team in the background. So we can do the work we need to do. Anyway, only one rider can win the race. Only one rider can win the Championship,” Gonschor said.
From their team launch event in Berlin, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK hosted a team launch event at which the team spoke on their feelings and aspirations for the upcoming 2025 season.
Much is new ahead of ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s 2025 campaign, a new version of the M 1000 RR, the #1 mounted on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s bike, and new regulations are set to impact BMW’s package as the German manufacturer hopes to not only defend their Riders’ title, but double down, and claim the Manufacturers’ title as well. Further complicating all this buzz, while he will be fully recovered by the start of the season, it was confirmed Razgatlioglu will miss at least the Jerez test, and potentially the Portimao test as he suffered an injury to his right index finger, crucial for his signature braking style.
TOPRAK #1 AGAIN, BMW #1 FOR THE FIRST-EVER TIME: aiming high in 2025
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s bombshell decision to change teams from Yamaha, which he had won a World Championship with in 2021, to BMW, who in their history had never propelled a rider to a Championship was a huge talking point heading into 2024. A year later, ‘El Turco’ has flipped the narrative on its head, he is the defending Riders’ Champion and it is BMW who are projected among the title frontrunners this year. Hot off the best season in the manufacturer’s history, BMW will look to keep that momentum ahead of the preseason tests in Jerez and Portimao which precede round one in Phillip Island, Australia.
“Normally I wouldn’t use #1, but I did this for BMW, this is a really big team accomplishment, we worked really hard and now we are World Champions,” said Razgatlioglu. “I can feel improvements in the grip, it doesn’t feel super different, but with the new fairing I feel the bike being even more agile, to me this is a big step.”
VAN DER MARK RESURGENT: The Dutchman looks to keep building on a strong 2024 campaign
Shoulder-to-shoulder, he is joined by friend and teammate Michael Van der Mark, who enjoyed a very positive comeback season. Free of injury after struggling to maintain his race fitness throughout 2022 and 2023, 2024 saw him place 6th in the rider championship, winning race day one at the French Round, third at race day two in the Spanish Round, and a fastest lap at race day two at the Motul Czech Round.
“We’ve been building a lot of momentum the last year, we ended the season so strong, and now with the bike new and improved, we should be there from the start,” said Van der Mark. “I have a lot of confidence, and of course Phillip Island is different, but I think we are stronger than last year. I’m really looking forward to it.”
BLUSCH LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW CHALLENGE: He and his BMW Team set their eyes on the rider and manufacturer title double
Sven Blusch, BMW Motorrad Director was enthusiastic to get the season rolling, while to him the pressure is higher, symptomatic of having the prestigious #1 on the fairing of one of their riders, he also expanded on the higher goals the team is striving for.
“It’s a different mindset we have now, from being the hunters, to now being the hunted, so far it feels really good,” said Blusch. “I think if you come in as the Champion you always want to be the Champion again, there’s the Manufacturers’ Championship as well, which we were not able to win last year, and now we are going for sure for both, we are going all-in.”
TITLE DEFENCE: BMW’s take on this season’s opposition
Team Principal, Shaun Muir made clear that while his BMW garage is highly confident in the talent of their riders and team, goals as high as winning both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ competitions will be no easy task with the other teams they will be facing off against on the track.
“The fuel flow regulation is going to make in impact for everybody, we don’t underestimate the opposition at all, we know the strength of the other manufacturers,” said Muir. “ We know specifically riders like Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro [Bautista] (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) are going to be very strong, so we don’t underestimate our competition and have full respect for their abilities.”
GETTING AN UPGRADE: BMW will compete with a new and improved M1000RR in 2025
Chris Gonschor, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s Technical Director illustrated how his team are adjusting to a new bike as well as new regulations and the absence of last year’s superconcessions which his team was granted.
“The 2025 M 1000 RR benefits from homologations made to the street bike, including six more horsepower, new aerodynamics, a new fairing and new electronics, adding potential for even more improvements.” Said Gonschor, “At the end of January, FIM officials are coming to Berlin to fully homologate the bike, and we have no doubt that everything will be sorted, and by Phillip Island we will be ready to race.”
Over 200 racers from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico registered for the January 11-12 fourth round of the CVMA 2024-2025 Winter Series at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, but due to tragic fires in Southern California, some were unable to join, while others had to leave the track to safeguard their properties or assist friends and family in the Los Angeles area. The organization extends its thoughts and support to everyone impacted by the devastating fires.
The weekend was action-packed, with ultra-competitive racing in all classes, and on Friday the New Racer School welcomed three riders who obtained their racing licenses and will be joining the amateur ranks with the club.
Saturday Qualifying
Saturday morning dawned clear and cool, but things heated up quickly when riders took to the track for the start of qualifying. Cool temperatures enabled the bikes to make big power and track conditions aided riders in turning some blisteringly fast lap times in qualifying.
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, Bryce Prince topped the field of open-class bikes turning a 1:43.128 lap time on his MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Yamaha YZF-R1.
David “Aussie Dave” Anthony was the fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:45.455 lap time on his Next-Generation MotoAmerica Supersport Suzuki GSX-R750.
Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:51.98 lap time; Alex George was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.208 lap time; Danny Spina was fastest on an American Twin with a 1:58.341 lap time; and Jeff Lane was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:56.110 lap time.
Saturday Races
The races on Saturday were as close as ever. There were some awesome battles in several classes with a couple of lap records falling as well. Highlights from Saturday’s racing included: Farrah “Bandit” Landers winning both the Amateur 500 Supersport and Femwalla Ultra Lightweight races.
Rafael Chavez won the Amateur Formula Open and Amateur Supersport Open races.
Marlon Gonzalez won both Amateur Middleweight class races, Formula and Supersport.
Jayson Uribe set a new lap record in the CVMA Hooligans class, turning a 1:49.112 lap time.
Sunday Shootouts
Sunday dawned clear and cold with the sun battling the wind to keep the track temperatures up. The cold weather gave the bikes more power, but riders had to fight the wind to turn fast laps.
In the first shootout race of the day, the Middleweight Shootout, Owen Williams was first into turn one and led the first lap followed by David Anthony and Josh Hayes. Anthony got by Williams entering turn six on the second lap to take the lead, demoting Williams to second. Once in the lead, Anthony put his head down and built a gap to Williams in second. Hayes began to close the gap to Williams over the next few laps. At the halfway point in the race, Anthony lost the front in turn 14, crashing out of the race and Williams took over in the lead with Hayes second and Aldo Rovirosa running third. Hayes was able to close the gap to Williams and take the lead on lap six. On the eighth lap, Hayes began to have issues and Williams was able to overtake him and lead the race once again. Also on lap eight, Rovirosa had an issue and allowed Victor Perez de Leon and Kayla Yaakov to pass. On the final lap, Yaakov made a brave pass into turn two to take third. In the end, it was Williams for the win, Hayes holding on for second, and Yaakov third.
At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Alex George got the holeshot and led the first lap followed by Treston Morrison and Sawyer Lafayette. Initially, George was able to establish a gap to second place rider Morrison. On lap four Zachary Foster took third position and Morrison closed the gap to George. On the sixth lap, Morrison took the lead into turn fourteen on the brakes. Morrison and George exchanged the lead again and Lafayette took third back as well on lap eight. On the ninth Morrison took the the lead back going into turn two and Foster took third back from Lafayette and the finishing order was set. At the stripe, it was Morrison for the win, George second, and Foster third.
Another shot from the Sunday CVMA Stock 1000 Shootout at Chuckwalla, with Corey Alexander (1), Deion Campbell (194), Bryce Prince (partially hidden behind Campbell), Andrew Lee (140), Justin Gibbs (646), Ryan Shu (149) and others. Photo by Caliphotography.com/Courtesy CVMA.
The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Gio Alvarez getting the holeshot followed by Naden Balladares and Justin Bordonaro. Bordonaro took second on the second lap and that set the finishing order. Alvarez maintained his lead and won the race with Bordonaro in second and Balladares third.
In the premier race of the day, the Stock 1000 Shootout, Corey Alexander was first into turn one at the start but Deion Campbell was able to take the lead by passing on the exit of turn 13 (The Bowl). At the end of the first lap, Campbell led followed by Alexander and Bryce Prince in third. On lap four Prince took second with a better drive out of turn five, demoting Alexander to third. On the fifth lap, Prince took the lead and then Alexander attempted to pass Campbell in turn 14 but highsided and crashed out of the race with Andrew Lee inheriting third place. Prince put his head down to build a gap and set a new lap record for the class, turning a 1:43.610 lap time. At the finish, Prince won, followed by Campbell in second, and Lee in third.
The next Round of the CVMA 2024/2025 Winter Series will be held February 7-9, 2025.
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, Galfer USA, Criterion Plumbers
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R Andrea Iannone will race in the 2025 Superbike World Championship. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Andrea Iannone and his Team GoEleven unwrapped their 2025 season at their team’s launch event, debuting the new bike’s livery.
With the motorsport season fast approaching and Philip Island’s Australian round just a month away, Team Pata GoEleven have officially launched their 2025 campaign from the Italian Alps at an event held in Limone Piedmonte. The team unveiled a new livery, a reimagining of the team’s signature yellow and white colors, which will feature the same #29 of rider Andrea Iannone.
Iannone made his debut with the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the GoEleven Ducati alike last season, a transition which hardly seemed to slow him down. Atop his team’s independent Ducati Panigale V4 R, ‘The Maniac’ earned five podiums including a race win at the Tissot Aragon Round’s Race day 1. Iannone will look to maintain this pace and look to take another step forward in what has been a fruitful racing career so far.
Be sure to catch ‘The Maniac’ and his podium pursuit this season, see every moment with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
10 year old Martina Cardenas from British Columbia has been awarded use of a CSBK Scholarship bike for the FIM MiniGP Canada Series. Photo by Colin Fraser/FIM MiniGP Canada.
Excitement Grows for the Third Year of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series:
CSBK Scholarship Awarded to Martina Cardenas of Maple Ridge, British Columbia
As the anticipation builds for the third year of the FIM Mini GP Canada Series presented by Motul and Pirelli, motorsport enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. This year, the series not only promises thrilling racing action but also celebrates the achievements of young talent in the sport.
Toni Sharpless, the Series Organizer for Canada, noted a significant increase in interest for the Series this year. “This uptick can likely be attributed to the maturation of the event, as we are now in our third year. It is important to recognize that building momentum in such initiatives takes time and considerable effort. We are grateful for our supporters helping along the way including those who have provided bikes through the scholarship program at Super Sonic School.”
Continuing their support of the FIM MiniGP Canada series and the Super Sonic School, the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) has awarded their scholarship bike to a talented 10 year old, Martina Cardenas from Maple Ridge, British Columbia. This recognition underscores the commitment to fostering the next generation of riders, and Martina’s journey is sure to inspire many as the series gears up for an exhilarating season ahead.
“We are excited for the growth of mini-racing in Canada. CSBK is pleased to see Martina riding the CSBK-supported bike this year. Her impressive accomplishments truly reflect the dedication and passion we seek in our athletes. Thanks to Toni Sharpless and her team’s initiatives, we have a strong framework in place to nurture young talents like Martina. We are committed to continuing the CSBK Scholarship program in the FIM MiniGP Canada series for future generations,” said Ross Millson, CEO of the Bridgestone CSBK National Series.
Martina Cardenas. Photo by Colin Fraser/FIM MiniGP Canada.
Martina’s dedication and passion for racing was evident on her application and her father Luis Cardena is thrilled his daughter was selected. “Martina is so excited to learn she was awarded the CSBK Scholarship bike to compete in the FIM MiniGP Canada series! She has been training almost every day, even in the bad weather to improve her skill. I believe my daughter will be ready for the challenge in 2025.”
Martina is now a contender to join the list of young athletes who have gone to the FIM MiniGP World Finals, a collaboration project between Ohvale, Dorna and FIM, to represent Canada. To date Canada has sent a total of four Canadians, two-per-year to compete at the World Finals in Spain namely, Michael Galvis, Lincoln Scott, Ben Hardwick and Jager Stockill. Our best finish to date was P15 made by Lincoln Scott of Alberta in November 2025 at Motorland Aragon during a combined practice in WET conditions among 44 other riders from 22 other countries.
There are two more scholarship bikes up for grabs and applicants can seize this opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for racing. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their applications (see below). With the continued support of sponsors and the growing enthusiasm for the FIM MiniGP Canada Series, the future looks bright for aspiring young athletes. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this thrilling journey!
Interested families of 10-14 year old riders can download their Application Form here or contact [email protected] and demonstrate their commitment to the sport.
Start of the final stage of the 2025 Dakar rally. Photo courtesy Dakar.com.
The 47th edition of the Dakar and the 6th in Saudi Arabia was completed in Shubaytah by 175 vehicles. 77 bikes (including 67 Rally 2), 40 Ultimate cars, 1 Stock car, 21 Challengers, 23 SSVs and 13 trucks reached the final finishing line after covering the entire 7,453 km (FIM) or 7,828 km (FIA) of the route. 52 vehicles that used their jokers also finished, while 108 were forced into premature exits from the rally (i.e., 32.24%).
The bike race witnessed a return to the top step of the podium for KTM, which enjoyed its 20th triumph on the race thanks to the unshakable Daniel Sanders who became the second Australian winner on the Dakar after having dominated the race from start to finish, as Marc Coma did in 2009.
The Dakar roll of honour welcomed a new name and a new nationality in the car category thanks to Yazeed Al Rajhi: the Saudi driver persevered until his 11th participation to enjoy his date with destiny, with the rare privilege of winning the rally on home soil, as was the case when Pierre Lartigue triumphed in 1994 on the Paris-Dakar-Paris!
With Nicolas Cavigliasso (who triumphed in the quad category in 2019) winning the title in the Challenger class and Brock Heger in the SSV race on his 25th birthday, two new drivers also triumphed. Only Martin Macik, who dominated proceedings in the truck category, victoriously defended the title he conquered last year.
The Dakar Classic race for consistency came to a close with 80 vehicles (as opposed to 95 starters). Spanish title holder Carlos Santaolalla triumphed to become the first double winner since the creation of the category in 2021.
The five vehicles enrolled in the Mission 1000 challenge completed their journey through Saudi Arabia, over a distance of 1,300 kilometres for this second edition. Progress was made since last year in terms of range and performance for the KH7 truck driven by Jordi Juvanteny, who already won in 2024, as for the hydrogen-powered HySe SSV. The three Segway electric bikes, which were newcomers to the challenge, also validated their technology on the terrains of the Dakar and can look forward with a whetted appetite to 2026.
Americans Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes and Jacob Argubright finished the final stage in 10th, 11th and 15th, and finished fifth, sixth and 22nd overall.
Aprilia's MotoGP contender for 2025, the RS-GP25. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
First person/opinion:
By Michael Gougis
A year ago, at the Trackhouse Racing MotoGP launch in Hollywood, team officials were explaining that Miguel Oliveira would be racing a 2024-spec bike and Raul Fernandez would start the season on a 2023 machine. The explanation? It took a long time to build a factory-spec bike, and Trackhouse was racing to get ready for its first season in MotoGP. There was no time to supply Trackhouse with two additional bikes built to the latest spec. Fernandez would have to wait until mid-season to get a 2024 machine, and at the launch, team officials weren’t even exactly sure when they’d get the new bike for Fernandez.
Fast-forward to January 2025. Aprilia’s MotoGP Team Manager Paolo Bonora says the company not only introduced the 2025-spec RS-GP in November at the post-season Barcelona test, but is building 10 of the 2025 bikes for the upcoming tests in Sepang.
Ten of them. All 2025-spec.
Two for each of the factory riders, incoming World Champion Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Two for each of the Trackhouse riders, Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura. And two for test rider Lorenzo Savadori. No one is going to trundle around on year-old equipment gathering data. Aprilia is going to have all five riders on new stuff, pushing it to the limit, gathering data and delivering feedback on the bike that will be its front-line weapon for the upcoming season.
It’s a big turnaround. But it’s the latest indication that Aprilia is stepping up its game for 2025.
Obviously, signing Martin was the first indication that things were changing for Aprilia. And signing former KTM MotoGP technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini was another indication, as was hiring race winner Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 satellite Ducati squad.
But a skeptic could see something other than an increased commitment to MotoGP in all of those hires. Martin had twice been skipped over for the factory Ducati team, the satellite Pramac team he rode for was leaving Ducati and going to Yamaha, the first signs of KTM’s financial troubles were starting to appear, and Yamaha and Honda were mired at the back of the pack. Where else was Martin going to go if he wanted a factory ride?
Sterlacchini’s options were limited once he left KTM and Honda poached Romano Albesiano from Aprilia to head up its MotoGP development. Again, where was Sterlacchini going to go, other than Aprilia?
And Ducati was cutting the number of 2025-spec Desmosedicis it would field. Factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez would get them, as would one other rider, but they would be on a satellite team. And like nearly everyone else on the GP23, Bezzecchi struggled on a year-old bike in 2024. The possibility of doing that again in 2025 on a satellite team probably didn’t sound appealing to a rider who looked like a title contender in 2023.
So you could chalk all of those up as opportunistic hires by Aprilia, signing people who didn’t really have a better choice.
But bringing the new stuff to the Barcelona post-season test was a major sign of leveling up. Committing to have every one of its riders on the latest spec machine from the beginning of the season is another major sign that Aprilia is upping its efforts.
And, based on the images presented at the 2025 factory Aprilia launch, its engineers are taking their cues from the two other fastest bikes in the field, the Ducati and the KTM.
Note in the main image above the long aero fences midway up the fairing; the streamlining behind the rear wheel; and the vented leading lip on the front fender. Those are all taken straight from the KTM RC16 playbook.
Aprilia has finally incorporated leading-edge fairing lower ducting, as pioneered by Ducati. It also has adopted the tail section fins pioneered by Ducati – Aprilia was the only bike on the grid last season without aerodynamic elements on the top of the tail. Gone is the “bat wing” tail section Aprilia experimented with last year. Rather than plowing new ground, the company is taking inspiration from the bike that’s winning everything.
Front view of the Aprilia RS-GP25. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The streamlined front fork covers (the bottom legs of the front fender) are massive, similar to something seen on a Moto2 bike. The head-on shot shows that there are new aero elements inside the front wheel “spats.”
Remember that since April 2023, only Aprilia has beaten Ducati in a Grand Prix race. The RS-GP is good. And if you look at the new faces in the Aprilia garages, the new spec of the new bikes and the sheer number of new machines, you’re looking at a factory that trying, really trying, to shoot for the top of the Championship table.
The MotoAmerica Talent Cup Krämer APX 350 MA. Photo courtesy of Krämer Motorcycles USA.
Parts Unlimited Is The Title Sponsor Of The New MotoAmerica Talent Cup
Parts Unlimited Talent Cup To Begin, March 28-30, With Grand Prix Of The Americas At COTA
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that global powersports distributor Parts Unlimited will be the title sponsor of the new and highly anticipated MotoAmerica Parts Unlimited Talent Cup.
The Parts Unlimited Talent Cup, a championship designed to prepare young North American racers who have the desire and talent to compete on the world stage of MotoGP, will make its debut at the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, March 28-30.
“We’re excited to be the title sponsor of the new Parts Unlimited Talent Cup,” said Hylton Beattie, Parts Unlimited’s Global Motorsports Director. “We share the same vision as MotoAmerica in that we want to see Americans compete on the world stage and we think the Talent Cup is the first step in making that a reality. The racing is going to be top-notch, and it will be exciting to see these young racers develop their talents as the season progresses.”
Parts Unlimited is the world’s largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation, which is headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships worldwide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
“MotoAmerica’s relationship with Parts Unlimited goes back to the very beginning of our series,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “We’re excited to create a new path for young racers that puts them on the Road to MotoGP™ with Parts Unlimited’s help. It’s great that they want to support the Talent Cup. We’re looking forward to getting to COTA in March and seeing the debut of the new class as the 2025 season should be the best yet.”
2025 MotoAmerica Parts Unlimited Talent Cup Schedule
*March 28-30 Circuit of The Americas | Austin, TX
April 4-6 Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, AL
May 30-June 1 Road America | Elkhart Lake, WI
**July 25-27 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | Lexington, OH
August 1-3 VIRginia International Raceway | Alton, VA
Sept. 12-14 Circuit of The Americas | Austin, TX
Sept. 26-28 New Jersey Motorsports Park | Millville, NJ
*With Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas
**With AMA Motorcycle Vintage Days
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is excited to announce the release of the new 2025 Yamaha XMAX featuring key updates designed to take Yamaha’s premium Sport Scooter to the next level of capability and refinement. In addition to renowned features like its powerful and fuel-efficient 292cc engine, nimble sportbike-inspired handling and advanced Y-Connect smartphone connectivity, new features for 2025 further enhance wind protection, rider comfort and convenience for enthusiasts looking for a fun and stylish high-performance urban commuter.
New Electronically Adjustable Windscreen
For 2025 the new XMAX now comes equipped with an electronically adjustable windscreen for enhanced rider comfort and improved style. The new screen offers nearly four inches of stepless, vertical adjustment allowing riders of different heights to precisely dial in their preferred windscreen position. Windscreen adjustments can be made on-the-fly via a convenient new control switch located on the left handlebar switchgear. In addition to the new premium screen, the 2025 XMAX also features a redesigned front-end including integrated front turn signals providing improved wind protection to the rider’s arms, and a restyled nose-cowling and spoiler help to reduce wind buffeting for a quiet and comfortable ride.
New Integrated Instrument Panel
For an even better riding experience, the 2025 XMAX features a new integrated instrument panel that arranges a 4.2-inch TFT screen and a 3.2-inch LCD screen into a single interface for a sleeker, more unified look and enhanced visibility. The LCD’s backlighting is also updated, improving the brightness of the LCD display.
Optimized Traction Control System
Enabling smooth starts from a stop and smooth acceleration on a variety of road surface conditions, the Traction Control System has been remapped for more refined intervention characteristics. The system’s basic functionality remains the same with sensors on the front and rear wheels which instantly detect rear-wheel spin and adjust the engine’s ignition system and fuel delivery to improve traction.
Revised Lightweight Muffler
The 2025 XMAX muffler has been redesigned, reducing weight and improving mass centralization. The swingarm has also been redesigned to accommodate the new muffler.
New USB Type-C Socket
For added convenience, the XMAX now comes equipped with a new USB Type-C socket as a convenient power source to charge smartphones or other electronic accessories.
2025 XMAX Top Features
Powerful and efficient fuel-injected 292cc single-cylinder engine
From left, Paolo Bonora, Marco Bezzecchi, Massimo Rivola, Jorge Martin and Fabiano Sterlacchini. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The Aprilia RS-GP25. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The dawn of a new era: Aprilia Racing unveils the RS-GP25 and the new rider line-up
After an initial taster on the track during the Montmeló tests, Jorge Martín, reigning World Champion of MotoGP, and Marco Bezzecchi, officially unveiled the Aprilia RS-GP25. This project marks the beginning of a new chapter for Aprilia Racing, characterised by a strong technical identity, proudly Italian.
The 2025 season represents the dawn of a new era for Aprilia Racing, with the arrival of two young, fiercely talented young riders: Jorge Martín, who will race as world No.1 after winning the MotoGP title, and Marco Bezzecchi, who is ready to express his enormous potential in the premier class. To provide support to the official riders, Lorenzo Savadori has also been confirmed as a test rider, after his significant contribution to the growth of the RS-GP in recent years.
The Aprilia RS-GP25 represents an important evolution for Aprilia Racing’s MotoGP project. Each detail has been overhauled with a view to delivering the highest levels of performance, in order to consolidate Aprilia Racing’s status as one of the leading lights of MotoGP. All zones of the bike have been improved, from the aerodynamics to the chassis, right down to the electronics and the V4 engine, which has been subject to a great deal of development with regard to all components not affected by the freeze imposed by the regulation. The Noale technical department, led by Fabiano Sterlacchini, has met this new challenge, remaining faithful to the brand’s DNA and developing a highly innovative bike that can compete at the highest levels.
Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi will be supported by a strong, close-knit team, as well as by official test rider Lorenzo Savadori. They will be joined by the riders from the Team Trackhouse: Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura, MotoGP debutant and Moto2 World Champion in 2024. The Trackhouse project, established to serve as a strategic partner to Aprilia and not simply a satellite team, is a key resource in the ongoing development of the RS-GP25, providing useful data and contributing to the process of innovation. For the first time in its history, Aprilia Racing will make its MotoGP début with four bikes with the most advanced specification.
JORGE MARTÍN ALMOGUERA
“I am super excited by this new challenge: to win with Aprilia. My goals are very clear; now we must concentrate on being the best version of ourselves – that goes for Aprilia and for me personally. I’m in the right place to do great things, it will be an exciting challenge, we are all very determined. I really feel the warmth of being part of this team, and I think that this is the perfect place for me. We are all thrilled to be starting this new season.”
MARCO BEZZECCHI
“I’m really happy I joined this team, and Aprilia as a whole. It’s going to be fantastic, and I’m really happy to be representing such an important brand. It’s a great source of pride for me, both as a person and as a rider, to become an official rider. I can’t wait to get onto the track, to work hard and to give it some gas, and try to achieve good results. We are all really motivated, and that’s something that I really value. I’m really fired up – see you in Sepang for the test!”.
FABIANO STERLACCHINI
“It’s a real pleasure for me to start this new adventure with Aprilia Racing. The goal for 2025 is to be remain competitive at all times, both in the sprints and in the longer races, aiming to achieve the best possible results throughout the season. It’s crucial that we continue to grow, working with two new, very talented riders. This really does represent a new era for us, with a significant change after many years, both in terms of technical management and the line-up of our riders. We are particularly motivated for the new season and proud to have two top new MotoGP riders in our team, including the World Champion.”
MASSIMO RIVOLA
“For Aprilia Racing, the 2025 season represents the start of a new era, and our aim is to be leaders and not just followers. Our goal is clear – to stay competitive at all times, in every race. With two strong, talented and motivated riders like Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi, and an equally determined team and company, we can create something special. The RS-GP25 has enormous potential, and our task will be to ensure that this is expressed to the maximum in each of the 22 races in the championship.”
Sylvain Guintoli tests a BMW M 1000 RR with factory rider Michael van der Mark's No. 60 on the swingarm at the post-season Jerez tests. Photo by Michael Gougis.
First Person/Opinion:
By Michael Gougis
BMW’s 2024 Superbike World Championship season was an exercise in domination. World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu won 13 races in a row, 18 in total and won the title by 43 points even after missing six races due to injury.
But in 2025, the team apparently will have to make do without the special chassis that it developed for the M 1000 RR that it raced in 2024.
World Superbike’s “superconcessions” rules allow for substantial changes for teams that are not doing well. In 2023, BMW did not win a single World Superbike race, with Alvaro Bautista dominating on the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Under the rules, BMW was allowed to race with a “superconcessions” chassis in 2024, which Razgatlioglu took to his second world title.
Right now, BMW is preparing to race in 2025 with the standard chassis from its new 2025 M 1000 RR, said Shaun Muir, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team Principal.
“We started a plan for this as late as September last year, we knew this was going to disappear,” said Muir at the team’s 2025 team launch. “The chassis was our only concession, and we had already been testing the bike in its full, complete 2025 package in December in Jerez, so I’d say we’re confident.”
Shaun Muir, left, and Sven Blusch at the launch of the 2025 BMW racing team. Photo courtesy BMW.
However, BMW’s Superbike Technical Director Chris Gonschor said it has not yet been completely settled whether the team can race with the 2024 chassis.
“Based on the regulations, we can carry on (with) our concession parts. There are some discussions about fine-tuning the regulations. In case the regulations will change, our bike will be according to the regulations. Let’s see and wait for the final outcome of the regulations,” Gonschor said.
A final decision on the 2025 homologation for the M 1000 RR configuration is due in two weeks, he said.
BMW Superbike Technical Director Chris Gonschor. Photo courtesy BMW.
With data acquisition an increasingly critical part of road racing success, Gonschor says he is not concerned that BMW will be handicapped by the loss of the Bonovo Action team, which ran American Garrett Gerloff and Scott Redding on satellite M 1000 RR racebikes in 2024. BMW will have only the two factory bikes on the grid, while chief rival Ducati will have eight. But Gonschor said the team would rely on the feedback from the test team and the racing by other BMW riders. Former Superbike World Champion Sylvain Guintoli and former European Superstock 1000 Champion Markus Reiterberger will race an M 1000 RR in the FIM Endurance World Championship series as well as perform testing duties for the World Superbike team.
“I can focus on my bikes and our riders. We have two strong racebikes on the grid and we have the test team in the background. So we can do the work we need to do. Anyway, only one rider can win the race. Only one rider can win the Championship,” Gonschor said.
2024 Superbike World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu with BMW Motorrad team president Sven Blusch at the introduction of BMW's 2025 racing team in Berlin. In the background, from left, are Michael van der Mark, Sylvain Guintoli and Markus Reiterberger. Photo courtesy BMW.
From their team launch event in Berlin, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK hosted a team launch event at which the team spoke on their feelings and aspirations for the upcoming 2025 season.
Much is new ahead of ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s 2025 campaign, a new version of the M 1000 RR, the #1 mounted on Toprak Razgatlioglu’s bike, and new regulations are set to impact BMW’s package as the German manufacturer hopes to not only defend their Riders’ title, but double down, and claim the Manufacturers’ title as well. Further complicating all this buzz, while he will be fully recovered by the start of the season, it was confirmed Razgatlioglu will miss at least the Jerez test, and potentially the Portimao test as he suffered an injury to his right index finger, crucial for his signature braking style.
TOPRAK #1 AGAIN, BMW #1 FOR THE FIRST-EVER TIME: aiming high in 2025
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s bombshell decision to change teams from Yamaha, which he had won a World Championship with in 2021, to BMW, who in their history had never propelled a rider to a Championship was a huge talking point heading into 2024. A year later, ‘El Turco’ has flipped the narrative on its head, he is the defending Riders’ Champion and it is BMW who are projected among the title frontrunners this year. Hot off the best season in the manufacturer’s history, BMW will look to keep that momentum ahead of the preseason tests in Jerez and Portimao which precede round one in Phillip Island, Australia.
“Normally I wouldn’t use #1, but I did this for BMW, this is a really big team accomplishment, we worked really hard and now we are World Champions,” said Razgatlioglu. “I can feel improvements in the grip, it doesn’t feel super different, but with the new fairing I feel the bike being even more agile, to me this is a big step.”
VAN DER MARK RESURGENT: The Dutchman looks to keep building on a strong 2024 campaign
Shoulder-to-shoulder, he is joined by friend and teammate Michael Van der Mark, who enjoyed a very positive comeback season. Free of injury after struggling to maintain his race fitness throughout 2022 and 2023, 2024 saw him place 6th in the rider championship, winning race day one at the French Round, third at race day two in the Spanish Round, and a fastest lap at race day two at the Motul Czech Round.
“We’ve been building a lot of momentum the last year, we ended the season so strong, and now with the bike new and improved, we should be there from the start,” said Van der Mark. “I have a lot of confidence, and of course Phillip Island is different, but I think we are stronger than last year. I’m really looking forward to it.”
BLUSCH LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW CHALLENGE: He and his BMW Team set their eyes on the rider and manufacturer title double
Sven Blusch, BMW Motorrad Director was enthusiastic to get the season rolling, while to him the pressure is higher, symptomatic of having the prestigious #1 on the fairing of one of their riders, he also expanded on the higher goals the team is striving for.
“It’s a different mindset we have now, from being the hunters, to now being the hunted, so far it feels really good,” said Blusch. “I think if you come in as the Champion you always want to be the Champion again, there’s the Manufacturers’ Championship as well, which we were not able to win last year, and now we are going for sure for both, we are going all-in.”
TITLE DEFENCE: BMW’s take on this season’s opposition
Team Principal, Shaun Muir made clear that while his BMW garage is highly confident in the talent of their riders and team, goals as high as winning both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ competitions will be no easy task with the other teams they will be facing off against on the track.
“The fuel flow regulation is going to make in impact for everybody, we don’t underestimate the opposition at all, we know the strength of the other manufacturers,” said Muir. “ We know specifically riders like Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro [Bautista] (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) are going to be very strong, so we don’t underestimate our competition and have full respect for their abilities.”
GETTING AN UPGRADE: BMW will compete with a new and improved M1000RR in 2025
Chris Gonschor, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s Technical Director illustrated how his team are adjusting to a new bike as well as new regulations and the absence of last year’s superconcessions which his team was granted.
“The 2025 M 1000 RR benefits from homologations made to the street bike, including six more horsepower, new aerodynamics, a new fairing and new electronics, adding potential for even more improvements.” Said Gonschor, “At the end of January, FIM officials are coming to Berlin to fully homologate the bike, and we have no doubt that everything will be sorted, and by Phillip Island we will be ready to race.”
Deion Campbell (194) leads Corey Alexander (1) and Bryce Prince (17) in the Stock 1000 Shootout on Sunday at Chuckwalla. Prince won. Photo by caliphotography.com/courtesy CVMA.
Over 200 racers from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico registered for the January 11-12 fourth round of the CVMA 2024-2025 Winter Series at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, but due to tragic fires in Southern California, some were unable to join, while others had to leave the track to safeguard their properties or assist friends and family in the Los Angeles area. The organization extends its thoughts and support to everyone impacted by the devastating fires.
The weekend was action-packed, with ultra-competitive racing in all classes, and on Friday the New Racer School welcomed three riders who obtained their racing licenses and will be joining the amateur ranks with the club.
Saturday Qualifying
Saturday morning dawned clear and cool, but things heated up quickly when riders took to the track for the start of qualifying. Cool temperatures enabled the bikes to make big power and track conditions aided riders in turning some blisteringly fast lap times in qualifying.
The fastest of all in Saturday morning qualifying, Bryce Prince topped the field of open-class bikes turning a 1:43.128 lap time on his MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Yamaha YZF-R1.
David “Aussie Dave” Anthony was the fastest on a middleweight, turning a 1:45.455 lap time on his Next-Generation MotoAmerica Supersport Suzuki GSX-R750.
Gio Alvarez was fastest on a lightweight bike with a 1:51.98 lap time; Alex George was fastest on an ultra-lightweight bike with a 1:54.208 lap time; Danny Spina was fastest on an American Twin with a 1:58.341 lap time; and Jeff Lane was fastest on a CVMA Hooligan bike with a 1:56.110 lap time.
Saturday Races
The races on Saturday were as close as ever. There were some awesome battles in several classes with a couple of lap records falling as well. Highlights from Saturday’s racing included: Farrah “Bandit” Landers winning both the Amateur 500 Supersport and Femwalla Ultra Lightweight races.
Rafael Chavez won the Amateur Formula Open and Amateur Supersport Open races.
Marlon Gonzalez won both Amateur Middleweight class races, Formula and Supersport.
Jayson Uribe set a new lap record in the CVMA Hooligans class, turning a 1:49.112 lap time.
Sunday Shootouts
Sunday dawned clear and cold with the sun battling the wind to keep the track temperatures up. The cold weather gave the bikes more power, but riders had to fight the wind to turn fast laps.
In the first shootout race of the day, the Middleweight Shootout, Owen Williams was first into turn one and led the first lap followed by David Anthony and Josh Hayes. Anthony got by Williams entering turn six on the second lap to take the lead, demoting Williams to second. Once in the lead, Anthony put his head down and built a gap to Williams in second. Hayes began to close the gap to Williams over the next few laps. At the halfway point in the race, Anthony lost the front in turn 14, crashing out of the race and Williams took over in the lead with Hayes second and Aldo Rovirosa running third. Hayes was able to close the gap to Williams and take the lead on lap six. On the eighth lap, Hayes began to have issues and Williams was able to overtake him and lead the race once again. Also on lap eight, Rovirosa had an issue and allowed Victor Perez de Leon and Kayla Yaakov to pass. On the final lap, Yaakov made a brave pass into turn two to take third. In the end, it was Williams for the win, Hayes holding on for second, and Yaakov third.
At the start of the Formula Ultra Lightweight Shootout, Alex George got the holeshot and led the first lap followed by Treston Morrison and Sawyer Lafayette. Initially, George was able to establish a gap to second place rider Morrison. On lap four Zachary Foster took third position and Morrison closed the gap to George. On the sixth lap, Morrison took the lead into turn fourteen on the brakes. Morrison and George exchanged the lead again and Lafayette took third back as well on lap eight. On the ninth Morrison took the the lead back going into turn two and Foster took third back from Lafayette and the finishing order was set. At the stripe, it was Morrison for the win, George second, and Foster third.
Another shot from the Sunday CVMA Stock 1000 Shootout at Chuckwalla, with Corey Alexander (1), Deion Campbell (194), Bryce Prince (partially hidden behind Campbell), Andrew Lee (140), Justin Gibbs (646), Ryan Shu (149) and others. Photo by Caliphotography.com/Courtesy CVMA.
The Formula Lightweight Twins Shootout started with Gio Alvarez getting the holeshot followed by Naden Balladares and Justin Bordonaro. Bordonaro took second on the second lap and that set the finishing order. Alvarez maintained his lead and won the race with Bordonaro in second and Balladares third.
In the premier race of the day, the Stock 1000 Shootout, Corey Alexander was first into turn one at the start but Deion Campbell was able to take the lead by passing on the exit of turn 13 (The Bowl). At the end of the first lap, Campbell led followed by Alexander and Bryce Prince in third. On lap four Prince took second with a better drive out of turn five, demoting Alexander to third. On the fifth lap, Prince took the lead and then Alexander attempted to pass Campbell in turn 14 but highsided and crashed out of the race with Andrew Lee inheriting third place. Prince put his head down to build a gap and set a new lap record for the class, turning a 1:43.610 lap time. At the finish, Prince won, followed by Campbell in second, and Lee in third.
The next Round of the CVMA 2024/2025 Winter Series will be held February 7-9, 2025.
CVMA offers two full days of racing every race weekend and also includes Saturday qualifying for grid position in all classes, amateur, and expert, as well as a wide variety of classes to choose from.
CVMA offers free reciprocity as a means of encouraging racers from other clubs to come out and compete. CVMA also offers a New Racers School for those starting in racing on the Friday before each race weekend. Log on to www.cvmaracing.com to sign up or for more information.
CVMA. Built for racers by racers and offering the best racing experience around!
CVMA would also like to thank the 2024/2025 Winter Series Sponsors: Support Moto Racing, Apex Assassins, Ryder Gear, CaliPhotography, Racers Edge/Dunlop, RoadRace City/Bridgestone, Del’s Flooring, The California Superbike School, Ride HMVC, First Team IT, Yamaha, CT Racing/Pirelli, Compact Octane Trackdays, Galfer USA, Criterion Plumbers
NRS Sponsors: Alpinestars, 6D Helmets, Five Gloves, and Racers Edge/Dunlop.
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