Andrea Locatelli and Yamaha Motor Europe have reached an agreement for the Italian to continue with Yamaha’s official team in the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2026 and 2027.
The agreement will see Locatelli become one of the longest serving Yamaha WorldSBK riders in history as he enters his sixth and seventh seasons with Yamaha in the Superbike World Championship, with only the legendary Noriyuki Haga having spent more time racing for Yamaha in the premier class of production racing.
The 2025 season has seen Locatelli enjoy his strongest start to a WorldSBK championship aboard the R1 to date with three podium finishes from the first five rounds including a remarkable debut victory with Pata Maxus Yamaha at the TT Circuit Assen. The 28-year-old currently sits fifth in the championship standings ahead of Round 6 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli next month.
Locatelli first joined Yamaha in the Supersport World Championship in 2020, where he dominated with the Evan Bros Racing team to clinch the world title in his rookie season. He moved up to WorldSBK for 2021 with the official Yamaha team where he has remained since, scoring 20 WorldSBK podium finishes including his Assen victory.
“I am really happy to sign with Yamaha for another two years. I have been with Yamaha for many years now, and I believe in the team, I believe in the people at Yamaha and want to continue to work, because I feel that we can achieve a lot more together. The people at Yamaha believe in me and this is important. Our approach will be to continue to push and try and make progress, just like we have seen this season.”
— Andrea Locatelli
“Having been with us for six years now, Andrea has become a true part of the Yamaha Racing family. His performances have been impressive since his rookie season and it has always felt like he has been on an upward trajectory in WorldSBK, as evidenced this season where he’s taken a real step forward to become not just the established leading Yamaha rider in the championship, but also a regular front-runner and podium contender. Keeping hold of him for the future was a priority for us as we look to take the next step with the R1 in WorldSBK, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that will see him become one of the longest serving Yamaha riders in WorldSBK history.”
— Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Motorsport Division, Yamaha Motor Europe
Army Of Darkness (AOD) Wins Season Opener WERA National Endurance Race at Road Atlanta
A full grid of endurance amateurs and pros, novices and experts, took to the track on a beautiful day, at a legendary track, for a day of competition against entropy and other teams.
Hunter Dunham on the AOD Yamaha during the endurance race. Photo by Raul Jerez/ Highside Photo.
AOD qualified on pole, led the race from the first lap, rode fast, and had clean pit stops to take their first win at Road Atlanta in three years. Taylor Knapp and Hunter Dunham rode for AOD. Their teammate Josh Hayes was also on site but didn’t get to ride after the race, originally scheduled for 4 hours, was shortened by two red flag incidents.
The celebration of the high attendance and the AOD victory were tempered by a single-bike accident over the blind rise under the bridge which unavoidably gathered another competitor, culminating with one rider injured and another deceased.
The team’s condolences go out to the friends and family of David Hildebrand, R.I.P.
AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Wood Craft, Hindle, Vortex, EK Chains, Thermosman, WERA, Roadracing World and Industry 13.
Pala, Calif. – The second half of the SMX World Championship regular season got underway on Saturday, with the start of the 54th season of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Southern California’s Fox Raceway at Pala was the site for Round 18, the Pala Casino Spa & Resort Fox Raceway National Presented by Fox Racing, where abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures set the stage for a compelling afternoon of racing that saw a pair of dominant performances from two of the sport’s rising stars. In the 450 Class, Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence made his return to action from a torn ACL and maintained his unbeaten record at Fox Raceway with a 1-1 sweep in which he led every lap. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan began his title defense with a second straight win at the season opener, his home race, also completing a sweep of the motos.
Jett Lawrence Opens Pro Motocross Championship Season with Continued Dominance of Fox Raceway National
Moto 1
A highly anticipated opening moto began with a familiar sight as the Team Honda HRC Progressive duo of Jett and Hunter Lawrence emerged from the first turn side-by-side and nearly came together, with the edge for the Pro Motocross Holeshot going to Jett. The younger sibling was able to inch away, as Hunter Lawrence was passed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper. A couple spots back, defending champion Chase Sexton started fifth aboard his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine.
As the top three settled in, Sexton faced adversity while running fourth as he was forced to take off his goggles. He maintained his spot in the running order, despite pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, but was directed to visit the mechanic’s area for a new set of goggles. On the ensuing lap, Sexton crashed. He was slow to remount and eventually rode back to the paddock for a DNF.
The top of the running order remained unchanged the rest of the way, as Jett Lawrence moved out to a double-digit advantage and went wire-to-wire to extend his unbeaten streak in the 450 Class at Fox Raceway to five motos. Cooper earned a career-best moto result in second, while Hunter Lawrence finished third. Tomac followed in fourth, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger rounding out the top five.
Jett Lawrence (18) maintained his undefeated record at Fox Raceway with a 1-1 sweep. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Moto 2
The final moto of the afternoon got underway with a big Pro Motocross Holeshot for Hunter Lawrence that put him a couple bike lengths ahead of the field. His lead was short lived, however, as both Jett Lawrence and Plessinger were able to get by, with Tomac lurking in fourth. As Jett inched away, the battle behind him continued with Hunter Lawrence reclaiming second and Tomac following through into third to drop Plessinger to fourth.
Less than five minutes into the moto, Tomac was able to make the pass on Hunter for second and looked to close in on Jett Lawrence for the first time in Pro Motocross competition. In a matter of a half lap, the top two were multiple seconds ahead of the field, effectively setting up a head-to-head battle for the moto win. Behind them, Hunter Lawrence and Plessinger duked it out for third.
Tomac was relentless in applying pressure on Jett Lawrence, but the young Australian was able to keep him at bay and pull away in certain parts of the track. Tomac found a way to inch closer, but Lawrence would counter a few moments later. In his pursuit, Tomac made minor miscues that allowed Lawrence to build a lead that soon grew to about 2.5 seconds as they approached the final 10 minutes.
The Yamaha rider bided his time and made another push with about eight minutes to go and was able to close the deficit to under a second. Despite being faster and having better lines, Tomac couldn’t get alongside to attempt a pass. Slowly, the distance between the leaders started to swing in Lawrence’s favor. The lead continued to grow in the closing stages of the moto as the Honda rider withstood one of the toughest tests of his young career to close out his sixth straight moto win 11.8 seconds over Tomac. A lengthy battle for third between Hunter Lawrence and Plessinger saw the KTM rider make a late pass to grab the position.
Eli Tomac (3) finished second in his first opening round race since 2022. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Eli Tomac (3) kept the pressure on Jett Lawrence (18) throughout the second moto. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Overall
In three career 450 Class starts at Fox Raceway, Jett Lawrence has not only won all six motos but also every single lap. A third straight 1-1 performance resulted in his 16th win in 17 career starts. Tomac’s first season opener since the 2022 season resulted in a runner-up effort (4-2), while Hunter Lawrence rounded out the overall podium in third (3-4).
Jett Lawrence’s initial lead in the championship standings sits at 10 points over Tomac, with Hunter Lawrence 12 points behind.
A pair of stellar starts were crucial to a third-place effort for Hunter Lawrence (96). MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
1st: Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC (1-1) “I had a few good beast mode attacks from [Tomac] and I had to do everything I could to fend him off. I knew I had a stronger section, so I made sure I nailed it every time. With about five laps to go I had to give it everything and I tried to use the lappers to my advantage. It was awesome to race against [Tomac] and feel that adrenaline again.”
2nd: Eli Tomac, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (4-2) “I was trying my heart out and it was close for about 25 minutes. We both had our strong spots on the track, so we were constantly trading momentum. It was definitely a pleasure to race against Jett. I’m really excited to get this series going. I felt strong and back to full health, and I’m ready to keep going.”
3rd: Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC (3-4) “It was a pretty average day, but I’ll take it. There’s a lot to build on. I had a great battle with [Plessinger] in Moto 2 and made a little mistake right at the end and he was there to capitalize. That’s frustrating to end the day like that, but happy to be on the podium.”
The 450cc podium, from left to right, Eli Tomac, Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence.
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 36
Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Kawasaki – 31
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki – 30
Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Honda – 26
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 26
Benoit Patruel, Lyon, France, Suzuki – 24
Haiden Deegan Begins 250 Class Title Defense with Assertive 1-1 Effort
Moto 1
The first moto of the season began with Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas emerging from the first corner with the Pro Motocross Holeshot. After an early challenge from Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ty Masterpool, who briefly held the lead, Hymas asserted his control of the moto and eventually opened a multi-second lead on the field.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer took advantage of a strong start to eventually slot into second, while Masterpool dropped back several positions after the 10-minute mark of the moto. Deegan then became the rider on the move, as the defending class champion started sixth but charged his way up to third.
Just before the halfway point of the moto Hymas went down navigating a deep rut, which allowed both Beaumer and Deegan to assume the top two positions as Hymas remounted in third. Not long after, Deegan put pressure on Beaumer for the lead and seized control of the moto. Beaumer was then forced to contend with a resurgent Hymas, who made the pass for second.
As the moto entered its final 10 minutes, the battle for the podium picked up again as Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda made his way up into second after passes on both Beaumer and his teammate.
Out front, Deegan sprinted away from his rivals and went unchallenged the rest of the way to grab the moto win by 6.6 seconds over Shimoda, with Hymas in third. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle was fourth, followed by Beaumer in fifth.
Haiden Deegan (1) scored another 1-1 250cc victory at his home race. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Moto 2
The second moto got underway with the KTM duo of Vialle and Beaumer out front, with Vialle securing the Pro Motocross Holeshot and early lead. Behind them Deegan slotted into third, with Shimoda right behind in fourth. As the leaders looked to settle in, a small miscue halted Vialle’s momentum enough to allow Beaumer to make the pass and forced the Frenchmen to fend off Deegan from third.
With the clear track ahead, Beaumer showed impressive pace to slip away by nearly three seconds 10 minutes into the moto. Behind him, the battle for second heated up between Vialle, Deegan and Shimoda. After fending off a persistent challenge from Shimoda, Deegan made quick work of an opening to get by Vialle for second and faced a 2.5 second deficit to Beaumer.
With just over 12 minutes remaining, Deegan had closed in on the lead and began to look for an opportunity to attempt a pass on Beaumer. On one of the track’s steep uphills Deegan made his move and grabbed the lead. He then sprinted away to a near two-second advantage. Shimoda, meanwhile, went to work on Beaumer and eventually made the pass for second in the same spot Deegan gained the lead. On the following lap, Vialle got by his teammate for third.
Deegan successfully kept Shimoda at bay in the closing stages to wrap up a sweep of the motos for the second consecutive season at the track he grew up riding at. The Honda rider from Japan finished 5.3 seconds back in second, with Vialle in third.
Jo Shimoda (30) put forth the best season-opening performance of his 250cc career. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Overall
Deegan begins his title defense the same way he started his championship campaign from a year ago, with a 1-1 performance for the eighth win of his career. Shimoda recorded his best-ever opening round result in second (2-2), while Vialle rounded out the overall podium in third (4-3).
Deegan has established a six-point lead over Shimoda in the point standings after one round, with Vialle 12 points back in third.
Tom Vialle (16) was in the thick of the 250cc battle all afternoon en route to third. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
1st: Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (1-1) “It was a good day, but we could still be better. This track is so gnarly, but it’s outdoors, you’ve got to dog it out. We went 1-1, same as last year, so I’m stoked.”
2nd: Jo Shimoda, Team Honda HRC Progressive (2-2) “Today had a lot of surprises. I wasn’t feeling that great coming in. I just told myself to get a good start and get a lap in and that’s what we did. It’s been a rough year, but it feels really good to be on the podium.”
3rd: Tom Vialle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (4-3) “I want to be better (than third). This race was a tricky one and it’s good to be on the podium, but I’m working to be better than that. I’m looking forward to next weekend.”
the 250cc podium, from left to right, Jo Shimoda, Haiden Deegan, and Tom Vialle.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship will continue next Saturday, May 31, with Round 19 of the SMX regular season from Northern California’s Prairie City SVRA. The Michael’s Reno Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic will be shown live in its entirety on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live Presented by MotoSport.com at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Coverage of the motos begins at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.
Aprilia opens its doors to motorcycle enthusiasts, plus families and groups of friends, for a completely free celebration – packed with on-track thrills and live entertainment from the big radio Deejay stage.
Taking centre stage: the MotoGP bikes and riders of Aprilia Racing – Marco Bezzecchi, Lorenzo Savadori, and world champion Jorge Martin alongside Trackhouse team riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.
On-track action includes the spectacular Race of Stars, the MotoGP bikes, and the legendary Aprilia 2-strokes that made history – along with the champions who rode them.
Book now at APRILIA.COMfor unforgettable experiences:
enjoy a lap riding pillion with an Aprilia Racing rider
a racing tour inside the MotoGP pit garage, guided by Aprilia Racing’s technicians
a VIP terrace lunch with riders and special guests
a front-row spot in the spectacular final parade
The countdown has begun for Aprilia All Stars, an unmissable celebration of Aprilia’s racing heritage, set to take over the Misano World Circuit on Sunday, 1 June. Open to all motorcycle and motorsport fans, this extraordinary – and completely free – event is now firmly established as one of the most eagerly awaited dates on the racing calendar.
Having grown year on year, the 2025 edition will be a day to remember, packed with iconic bikes, star riders, adrenaline-fuelled action, and entertainment for all. It also presents a unique opportunity to get up close with the spectacular Aprilia RS-GP machines from the MotoGP World Championship and to meet the stars of Aprilia Racing: reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, Lorenzo Savadori, and Trackhouse riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.
Legend Max Biaggi will also be a star attraction in the paddock.
Exceptional riders, led by Aprilia legend Max Biaggi, will also take centre stage in the paddock, where, in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will join thousands of fans to celebrate the most successful European manufacturer in MotoGP history, boasting an impressive 298 GP victories.
The adrenaline-fuelled Race of Stars is back. Aprilia Racing riders will go head-to-head on RS 660 Factory bikes in a thrilling contest that combines fierce competition with a crowd-pleasing spectacle.
For those seeking truly unique and exclusive experiences, head to APRLIA.COM, where bookings are now open for a host of unforgettable opportunities, including:
– A pillion ride for a flying lap of the circuit with an Aprilia Racing rider.
– A guided tour of the MotoGP pit garage led by Aprilia Racing technicians, offering an insider’s view of the sport’s most advanced technology.
– An exclusive VIP Hospitality pass, including a terrace lunch at the Aprilia Terrace alongside riders and celebrity guests.
– A front-row place in the spectacular final on-track parade, just behind the MotoGP stars.
– A chance to experience the Race of Stars from inside the pit garage – right at the heart of the action.
As always, Aprilia All Stars will be a grand celebration. The paddock will buzz all day with free test rides, enabling visitors to experience the finest of the Aprilia range along the beautiful roads of Romagna.
Don’t miss the Racing Museum, a must-see for enthusiasts that showcases the legendary race bikes which built the Italian brand’s legacy.
Radio Deejay will provide the soundtrack to a day packed with attractions, including a dedicated gaming zone, shopping areas featuring Aprilia Racing apparel and merchandise, food courts, and more.
Jose Antonio Rueda won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Using his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo, the championship point leader won the 15-lap race by just 0.046 second.
Rookie sensation, Maximo Quiles was the runner-up on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.
Italian rider, Luca Lunetta was third, just 0.908 second behind race winner Rueda on his SIC58 Squadra Corse Honda.
Rueda’s teammate, Alvaro Carpe crossed the finish line fourth and Valentin Perrone got fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech 3.
For the championship, Piqueras is 54 points behind his principal rival Rueda who has 141 points. Kelso is third with 77 points.
Rueda fends off Quiles to take stunning victory from the back. Last on the grid, first to the finish: the Championship leader joins an exclusive club as Quiles takes first podium.
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) made it three wins in a row in some style at the Tissot Grand Prix of the UK. The points leader is even more so after he joined an exclusive club of riders who’ve won from the back: Marc Marquez (Valencia 2012, Moto2™), Brad Binder (Jerez 2016, Moto3) and David Alonso (Silverstone 2023, Moto3). He’d taken pole but then got penalized for being slow on the line in Q2 after setting his best lap, but that didn’t stop him.
Still, it wasn’t easy as rookie Maximo Quiles (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) went toe-to-toe with Rueda to the final lap, forced to settle for second but that second also his first ever podium, taken in style. Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the podium and after a Long Lap penalty he’d seen for contact with David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP).
Off the line Rueda got a good start and picked off a few riders into Turn 1, but as Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) nailed the holeshot there remained a good distance between the #99 starting his comeback and his rookie teammate at the front. As ever though, the Moto3™ freight train was out in full force as a huge lead group streaked around Silverstone.
The lead group was down to 12 riders as the race settled slightly, with Rueda making his way through to the front of the second group by Lap 3. By Lap 4 he was into the front group and starting to make his way through it. With five laps to go, the #99 was into the top five and attacking those who’d led the way from the off, and not long after he was in the lead.
It wasn’t a fairytale pull the pin and go, though. Quiles dug in to make it a last lap duel between the Championship leader and the rookie, with everything coming down to the final corner. Side by side down the Hangar Straight and then again from Stowe down into the chicane, that’s where Quiles was ever-so-slightly deep – and Rueda dived for the inside line round the final corner to just pip the rookie to the line and complete the comeback. From the back to the top, a rare club of winners to join.
Quiles’ second is a stunning first podium for the rookie, however, and Lunetta came back from his own drama. The Italian was given a Long Lap early on for irresponsible riding in an incident with Muñoz, but came back from that to take P3.
Carpe, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM tech3), David Almansa (Leopard Racing), Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), Vicente Perez (LEVELUP-MTA) and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) completed the top ten, with a late change in the group coming from an incident between Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) – the former given a Long Lap/equivalent time penalty and the latter crashing out. Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) takes P11 on home turf, Furusato is classified P12, and Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE) and Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) completed the points.
Marco Bezzecchi won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Italian rider won the 19-lap race by 4.088 seconds.
French Grand Prix winner, Johann Zarco was the runner-up on his CASTROL Honda LCR RC213V.
Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez placed third on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati’s Franco Morbidelli crossed the finish line fourth.
Alex Marquez took fifth on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
Poleman Fabio Quartararo, who led most of the race, suffered a technical issue on his Yamaha Monster Energy YZR-M1.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on lap 3.
For the championship, A.Marquez is 24 points behind his principal rival M.Marquez who has 196 points. Bagnaia is third with 124 points.
Bezzecchi victorious from Zarco as Quartararo suffers heartbreak in Silverstone epic. A relentlessly dramatic British GP plays out as Aprilia beat Zarco and Honda to return to winning ways.
As they say, timing is everything in sport and for Aprilia Racing, Marco Bezzecchi’s victory at the Tissot Grand Prix of the United Kingdom couldn’t have come at a better time. In a drama-filled Sunday at Silverstone that saw Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) crash, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) suffer a heartbreaking technical issue while leading, it was Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) who clinched a fantastic P2 finish behind the Italian. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, following a red-flagged stoppage, was able to bounce back and pick up P3 in a podium fight then went down to the wire in an unforgettable Silverstone encounter.
Drama, Drama And A Bit More Drama
Straight from lights out, drama unfolded. From the middle of the front row, Alex Marquez got a fantastic launch and led but once the front brake was applied heading into Turn 1, the front end folded without an ounce of warning. Like a flash, the #73 was down and out of the Grand Prix – or so we thought at the time – as Marc Marquez gained the lead ahead of Quartararo and Bagnaia.
At the end of the first lap, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Honda HRC Test Team) crashed together at the Vale chicane, which would eventually bring out the red flags due to an oil spillage. But before we learned that, Grand Prix leader Marc Marquez was down at Turn 11! The top two in the World Championship both suffered crashes but because there hadn’t been three laps completed, all riders were eligible for the restart which would be a 19-lap Grand Prix. Was it a get out of jail free card for the Marquez brothers? Yes. But they’d both be starting on their not so preferred number two machines.
The Restart
Take two saw Bagnaia grab the holeshot into Turn 1 but at Turn 3, Quartararo struck to pounce into an early lead. Marc Marquez was passed Alex Marquez and then so was Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) at Brooklands.
1.2s was Quartararo’s advantage at the end of Lap 1 and at Turn 3, Miller carved his way past Marc Marquez for P3 and then at Brooklands, we had a Yamaha 1-2. The Australian launched it up the inside of Bagnaia and then Marc Marquez ran wide at Copse, which dropped him behind Zarco.
2.4s was now Quartararo’s advantage and we then had Zarco pass Pecco for P3. And sniffing an opportunity, Marc Marquez was through too. Then, Copse caught out both factory Ducatis. Marquez and Pecco were wide after separate moments, and that saw them drop to P9 and P10. Work to do.
Things then went bad to worse for Pecco. Going through Luffield, the front end said no more and that was the Italian’s Grand Prix over. Meanwhile, Bezzecchi was now P3 ahead of Zarco, Alex Marquez was P5 while Quartararo held a 3.9s gap over Miller. What a Grand Prix this was.
One thing to note was this: the current front four – Quartararo, Miller, Bezzecchi and Zarco – were on the soft front Michelin tyre. A compound that hasn’t yet completed a race distance, so would it hold up?
On Lap 6 of 19, Bezzecchi and Zarco got the better of Miller as the latter dropped from P2 to P4 in a couple of seconds. Now, what kind of pace did Bezzecchi have up his sleeve? The gap to Quartararo was 5.3s. That was then five seconds flat as Bez shaved three tenths off the disadvantage in clean air.
Elsewhere, Marc Marquez was now right behind Alex Marquez – the top two were P6 and P7, behind Morbidelli and Miller, and just ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol). The #93 then sliced his way through on the #73 at Vale, and on the next lap, the Championship leader picked off Miller. On the same lap, Alex Marquez made a mistake at Vale and that cost him both time and a place – Mir was now ahead.
The fastest lap of the race, a 1:59.770, was slammed home by Bezzecchi as the Italian ate into Quartararo’s lead. On Lap 10 of 19, the gap was down to 4.7s and on the next lap, it was down to 4.4s. Elsewhere, Marc Marquez was now P4 ahead of Morbidelli and now had three seconds to make up to get onto the rear wheel of Zarco for the podium places.
Quartararo’S Heartbreak
Suddenly, we saw Quartararo with his arm raised. What had happened? It looked like a technical issue meant the rear ride height device was stuck and despite the efforts of trying to disengage it for more than half a lap, the YZR-M1 was having none of it. Heartbreak for Quartararo and Yamaha. A potential return to the top step snatched away in such cruel circumstances.
However, Quartararo’s gut-wrenching end to the Grand Prix was Aprilia’s gain because that was the lead handed on a plate to Bezzecchi.
The Race To The Chequered Flag
The Italian was 2.9s up the road from Zarco, who in turn was two seconds clear of Marc Marquez. But it wasn’t a comfortable P3 for the title chase leader. Miller, Morbidelli, Marquez and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) were all in with a shout of claiming a Silverstone podium with five laps to go.
In that podium fight, Miller and Alex Marquez were treating us to a brilliant battle as Morbidelli tried to cling onto Marc Marquez who was now eight tenths clear of the chasing pack. At the front, Bezzecchi was four seconds clear as Zarco kept Marquez just over a second adrift.
Last lap time at Silverstone. Bezzecchi was 4.6s clear but plenty of focus was on the podium fight. Turn 3 saw Morbidelli pass Marquez but the latter bit straight back. Could Morbidelli respond? Yes he could. Copse corner was the chosen place, now the question was on Marc Marquez to have a say.
And he did. A great run out of Turn 14 allowed Marquez to get the inside line at Stowe – but it wasn’t over yet. Morbidelli slammed his Ducati down the inside at Vale, but running wide, his exit was compromised and Marquez managed to shove his way back through on the cut back to just, and we mean just, earn a P3 as Alex Marquez finished right behind his brother and Morbidelli in that fantastic fight.
Up the road though, elation for Bezzecchi and Aprilia. A debut win in Noale colours came for the Italian and after his French GP heroics, Zarco claimed another fantastic result in P2. Chapeaux to the top two.
Your Silverstone Points Scorers
Acosta delivered some cracking middle to late race pace to finish in P6 ahead of Miller, as Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) clinched an equal-best Honda result in P8. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top 10, with Mir, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) the final points scorers in the UK.
Next Up: Aragon
Wow. What a Sunday that turned out to be. Drama aplenty and a first victory for Aprilia in 2025 – Silverstone, you delivered. Next we head to MotorLand Aragon to do it all over again, what lies ahead in Spain? Who knows. That’s the beauty of this sport.
Senna Agius won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Australian rider won the 17-lap race by 0.434 second.
Diogo Moreira was the runner-up on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
David Alonso was a close third on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team Kalex.
Poleman, Aron Canet finished fourth on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex, just 0.518 second behind race winner Agius.
Izan Guevara took fifth on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 Boscoscuro and broke the Kalex stranglehold at the top.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 8th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Championship point leader, Manuel Gonzalez crashed his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on lap 3.
For the championship, Canet is 3 points behind his principal rival Gonzalez who has 111 points. Jake Dixon is third with 82 points.
Agius defeats Moreira and Alonso in Moto2™ last lap showdown. The Australian takes his maiden win despite three different leaders in the last sector – the best Moto2 Grand Prix ever?
They say the best is often saved until last and the final few laps of the Moto2™ Grand Prix at Silverstone were certainly a blockbuster. A frenetic five-way battle gave us the first double South American podium in Moto2 but it was Australia’s day with Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) snatching victory in the final corners to defeat Brazilian Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) and Colombian David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team).
There was big drama elsewhere too as Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) crashed out on the come back after a bad start – but maintained his points lead, just.
STORY OF THE GP: Gonzalez struggles, fresh faces at the front
A fiery opening lap saw Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) snatch the holeshot whilst Championship leader Gonzalez went backwards after getting a terrible initial launch. Moreira was a brief leader at Turn 3 whilst at the end of the Hangar Straight, Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2™) hit the front for the first time.
On Lap 4, there were two sets of drama as Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI) fell at Turn 3 and Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) dropped back to P13. Then, at Turn 6, Gonzalez collided and crashed with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) – Baltus originally stayed upright but then a second hit from the Spaniard’s fallen machine was enough to take him out. Riders ok but both out of this race. There was then an established group of five at the front, but no established order. Canet, Moreira, Alonso, Agius and Guevara were swapping paint relentlessly going into the second half of the Grand Prix.
Entering the final third, Alonso went from third to first into Stowe to lead for the first time – the first Colombian rider to lead a Moto2 Grand Prix since Yonny Hernandez at Estoril, 2010. It didn’t last long however, as Canet struck back a few corners later. That didn’t fluster the reigning Moto3 World Champion, who was still right there, battling away with fellow South American Moreira. However, with four laps to go, constant trading paint seemed to give Canet a half a second advantage over the rest of the group, as Moreira, Alonso and Agius couldn’t nominate one rider to chase the #44 down. However, once Alonso had muscled his way ahead and without interference, he bridged the gap and was making for a grandstand finish on the final lap.
LAST LAP BELTER: a scrap to take their first Moto2 wins
The last 5.6km were breathtaking; after Alonso tried at Turn 6, he was forced to wait until his favourite passing opportunity at Stowe. He got the job done and despite the front tyre crying for mercy, the #80 somehow managed to keep an inside line and held the advantage on the run to Vale. Canet had other ideas though as he let the brakes off into the last chicane, running himself and Alonso wide and allowing the #81 of Agius to burst through around the outside. Then into the last corner, Moreira biffed Alonso out the way, barging through to second whilst wide on the exit of the last corner, and Alonso kept it pinned to pip Canet off the rostrum. Agius threaded the needle to perfection through it all, going from third to the win in style. With Australia, Brazil and Colombia represented as Canet was forced to settle for fourth, it was a non-European podium for the first time in Moto2.
Podium picture with, from left to right, Diogo Moreira, Senna Agius and David Alonso. Photo courtesy Dorna.
BEHIND THE BATTLE: home-hero Dixon in the top, Vietti’s fight back
Behind Canet in P4, Guevara rounded out the top five after just losing touch late on, ahead of a hard-charging Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) who took P6 from 19th on the grid, ahead of Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and home-hero Dixon, who took the chequered flag in ninth but then got dropped to 11th with a late Long Lap-equivalent penalty. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) moves up to P9, ahead of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) who completes the top ten ahead of Dixon. For full results, click HERE and come back for more in two weeks from MotorLand as Gonzalez looks to hit back on more home turf…
American Julián Correa led early in British Talent Cup Race 1 held in conjunction with MotoGP at Silverstone Circuit on Saturday, then finished 4th.
Before the start, with the entire grid on slicks, sprinkles started to come down and rain flags came out. The lights went out and the race started. According to his dad Michael, “Julián led a couple laps and made some great moves. A small mistake on the last lap put him back into 7th with four corners to go but he managed to cross the line P4.”
Correa is racing in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup as well as in the British Talent Cup.
WERA and ASRA racer David Hildebrand, 44, died Friday, May 23rd after a crash at Road Atlanta during a WERA event. According to WERA’s Sean Clarke, Hildebrand was leading two other riders out of Turn 10b up the hill under the bridge when he highsided; the second rider was able to avoid Hildebrand but the third rider in the group was unable to take evasive action, hit Hildebrand, and was also injured.
David Hildebrand (427) in a WERA race at Road Atlanta in 2024.
Hildebrand was originally from Maryland but lived in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked as an aerospace engineer after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years. His sister, Carrie Hildebrand, posted on Facebook, “My brother died today doing what he loves. I’m sorry for the impersonal approach to this announcement as I know many of you love him as we do. We are our way to him in Atlanta. We will be in contact with details soon.”
Hildebrand is survived by his sister Carrie, his niece Phoenix Johnson, and his parents Mark and Sharon Hildebrand, all from Delaware.
Racer Rocco Landers posted, “We lost a real one today. David Hildebrand was one hell of a dude. Without asking for much of anything beyond a shout-out, out of kindness of his heart and his love for racing he helped fund my 2022 Supersport wildcard at Brainerd, which was the last weekend I had racing for my dad’s team, something I’ll never forget. This kind of thing never gets any easier. He will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family.”
From left, pit crew members David Hildebrand, Terry Cooper, and Amanda Cooper, with MotoAmerica Hooligan racer Leo Sowers and his racebike at Daytona, 2024.
Hildebrand was an avid enthusiast who often helped other racers, and, along with his close friends Terry and Amanda Cooper, served on the crew of their mutual friend and MotoAmerica Hooligan racer Leo Sowers. The Coopers and Hildebrand pitted together at races they attended. Hildebrand also was a frequent contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocating for and supporting the deployment of soft barriers to improve racetrack safety for motorcycle racers and track day riders.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
May he rest in peace, and Godspeed.
David Hildebrand posed in a new leather suit in this photo he posted on his Facebook page in 2023.David Hildebrand, away from the racetrack.
This just in from Terry Cooper, remembering David Hildebrand:
“We are driving home from Road Atlanta right now (Amanda is driving), but I have plenty of great stories (about David). One off the top of my head is that David and I would give one another the one-finger salute on the grid all the time. If you didn’t know we were friends, as a spectator you would think we were enemies!
“David was a coffee connoisseur and Leo had to bribe him with Starbucks to get him to work on his motorcycle at Daytona post-crash. He was going to do it anyway but wanted to make sure he jested with Leo a bit first!
“David was jokester and the life of our group. He would lighten the mood every race weekend. When someone was struggling or disappointed, he would know exactly what to say to cheer that person up.
“David was also the biggest hype man you could have. He made sure to say ‘good luck and have fun’ before every race.”
Alex Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race by 3.511 seconds.
The World Championship point leader, Marc Marquez, was the runner-up on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Fabio Di Giannantonio finished third on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Marco Bezzecchi, piloting his Aprilia Racing RS-GP, crossed the finish line fourth.
Johann Zarco was fifth on his CASTROL Honda LCR RC213V.
For the championship, A.Marquez is 19 points behind his principal rival M.Marquez who has 180 points. Bagnaia is third with 124 points.
Alex Marquez takes Sprint spoils as Silverstone serves up a spectacle. The #73 outpaces Marc Marquez as the podium fight behind sees Diggia emerge from a stunning showdown.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) pulled the pin to perfection in the Tissot Sprint at Silverstone, flying to victory by over three seconds after out-pacing Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team). The battle for the podium was a gloves-off throwdown behind, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team) coming out on top in a five-rider scrap on Saturday.
Quartararo took the holeshot from pole as the Ducati trio behind scuffled over second, with Alex Marquez able to grab it back despite a lunge round the outside from Marc Marquez, the #93 having launched from fourth and sending it. So El Diablo led Alex, Marc and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), but by the end of the Wellington Straight on Lap 1 the #93 was up into second. By the end of the Hangar Straight, Marc Marquez was through into the lead.
It seemed ominous with six Sprint wins in a row behind him but there was time left on the clock yet this time round, and Alex Marquez was soon on his tail after himself dispatching Quartararo over the line. Not long after, Marc Marquez was wide at Turn 3 and the #73 needed no invitation, taking over in the lead and the duo then starting to build a gap, leaving Quartararo vs Bagnaia vs Diggia as the battle for third.
Bagnaia was past the Yamaha not long after and the #49 was able to follow suit, but there was a spectacular Fabio-on-Fabio duel for it. As Diggia closed in on Bagnaia, Quartararo suddenly seemed to surge closer to them again too – but by then Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) was on the way to get involved. And even more so, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), as the #72 put on a serious charge after having dropped well outside the top ten off the line.
Alex Marquez continued to hold off Marc in the lead, but that battle behind erupted. Bezzecchi struck against Zarco first, and next up the Aprilia had target lock on Quartararo. He got past him at the end of the Wellington Straight and then homed in on Bagnaia – with Diggia managing to put in the metres to pull away and escape the melee. The #49 seemed safe in that P3 as Bez then elbowed past Bagnaia before Zarco then shot past the #63 into Maggots and Becketts. Quartararo was left trying to find his way through on Bagnaia too, but just ran out of laps.
Tissot Sprint race winner Alex Marquez and all BK8 Gresini Racing Team members.
At the front, Alex Marquez kept that hammer down, didn’t make a single mistake, and slowly edged out a gap to then pull the pin in style – breaking that streak of consecutive Sprint wins and taking his own first Sprint win since 2023. Marc Marquez was forced to settle for second, and Diggia makes a rostrum return for the first time since a GP podium in Austin.
Behind, Bezzecchi’s charge from near the back of the grid resulted in an impressive fourth, with his pace one to watch on Sunday if he has less to do off the line. Zarco was fifth, with Bagnaia just holding on to that sixth place ahead of Quartararo.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made a late charge to eighth at the expense of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) as the rookie was elbowed back out the points, with the Saturday scorers therefore completed by Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team) after the Australian ran strong early on and was able to hold P9.
That’s a wrap on Saturday – and Sunday offers up even more. With Bezzecchi’s stunning Sprint pace, Diggia back on form, Bagnaia always able to find something on Sunday and Marc Marquez heading in after being outright beaten on Saturday, an incredible show is guaranteed. See you at 13:00 (UTC+1)!
Andrea Locatelli and Yamaha Motor Europe have reached an agreement for the Italian to continue with Yamaha’s official team in the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2026 and 2027.
The agreement will see Locatelli become one of the longest serving Yamaha WorldSBK riders in history as he enters his sixth and seventh seasons with Yamaha in the Superbike World Championship, with only the legendary Noriyuki Haga having spent more time racing for Yamaha in the premier class of production racing.
The 2025 season has seen Locatelli enjoy his strongest start to a WorldSBK championship aboard the R1 to date with three podium finishes from the first five rounds including a remarkable debut victory with Pata Maxus Yamaha at the TT Circuit Assen. The 28-year-old currently sits fifth in the championship standings ahead of Round 6 at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli next month.
Locatelli first joined Yamaha in the Supersport World Championship in 2020, where he dominated with the Evan Bros Racing team to clinch the world title in his rookie season. He moved up to WorldSBK for 2021 with the official Yamaha team where he has remained since, scoring 20 WorldSBK podium finishes including his Assen victory.
“I am really happy to sign with Yamaha for another two years. I have been with Yamaha for many years now, and I believe in the team, I believe in the people at Yamaha and want to continue to work, because I feel that we can achieve a lot more together. The people at Yamaha believe in me and this is important. Our approach will be to continue to push and try and make progress, just like we have seen this season.”
— Andrea Locatelli
“Having been with us for six years now, Andrea has become a true part of the Yamaha Racing family. His performances have been impressive since his rookie season and it has always felt like he has been on an upward trajectory in WorldSBK, as evidenced this season where he’s taken a real step forward to become not just the established leading Yamaha rider in the championship, but also a regular front-runner and podium contender. Keeping hold of him for the future was a priority for us as we look to take the next step with the R1 in WorldSBK, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement that will see him become one of the longest serving Yamaha riders in WorldSBK history.”
— Niccolò Canepa, Road Racing Sporting Manager, Motorsport Division, Yamaha Motor Europe
Taylor Knapp on the Army of Darkness Yamaha during the WERA endurance race. Photo by Raul Jerez/Highside Photo.
Army Of Darkness (AOD) Wins Season Opener WERA National Endurance Race at Road Atlanta
A full grid of endurance amateurs and pros, novices and experts, took to the track on a beautiful day, at a legendary track, for a day of competition against entropy and other teams.
Hunter Dunham on the AOD Yamaha during the endurance race. Photo by Raul Jerez/ Highside Photo.
AOD qualified on pole, led the race from the first lap, rode fast, and had clean pit stops to take their first win at Road Atlanta in three years. Taylor Knapp and Hunter Dunham rode for AOD. Their teammate Josh Hayes was also on site but didn’t get to ride after the race, originally scheduled for 4 hours, was shortened by two red flag incidents.
The celebration of the high attendance and the AOD victory were tempered by a single-bike accident over the blind rise under the bridge which unavoidably gathered another competitor, culminating with one rider injured and another deceased.
The team’s condolences go out to the friends and family of David Hildebrand, R.I.P.
AOD is sponsored by: Army of Darkness, Dunlop, Wood Craft, Hindle, Vortex, EK Chains, Thermosman, WERA, Roadracing World and Industry 13.
A start at SMX Round 18, the Pro Motocross race at Fox Raceway National.
Pala, Calif. – The second half of the SMX World Championship regular season got underway on Saturday, with the start of the 54th season of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Southern California’s Fox Raceway at Pala was the site for Round 18, the Pala Casino Spa & Resort Fox Raceway National Presented by Fox Racing, where abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures set the stage for a compelling afternoon of racing that saw a pair of dominant performances from two of the sport’s rising stars. In the 450 Class, Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence made his return to action from a torn ACL and maintained his unbeaten record at Fox Raceway with a 1-1 sweep in which he led every lap. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan began his title defense with a second straight win at the season opener, his home race, also completing a sweep of the motos.
Jett Lawrence Opens Pro Motocross Championship Season with Continued Dominance of Fox Raceway National
Moto 1
A highly anticipated opening moto began with a familiar sight as the Team Honda HRC Progressive duo of Jett and Hunter Lawrence emerged from the first turn side-by-side and nearly came together, with the edge for the Pro Motocross Holeshot going to Jett. The younger sibling was able to inch away, as Hunter Lawrence was passed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper. A couple spots back, defending champion Chase Sexton started fifth aboard his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine.
As the top three settled in, Sexton faced adversity while running fourth as he was forced to take off his goggles. He maintained his spot in the running order, despite pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, but was directed to visit the mechanic’s area for a new set of goggles. On the ensuing lap, Sexton crashed. He was slow to remount and eventually rode back to the paddock for a DNF.
The top of the running order remained unchanged the rest of the way, as Jett Lawrence moved out to a double-digit advantage and went wire-to-wire to extend his unbeaten streak in the 450 Class at Fox Raceway to five motos. Cooper earned a career-best moto result in second, while Hunter Lawrence finished third. Tomac followed in fourth, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger rounding out the top five.
Jett Lawrence (18) maintained his undefeated record at Fox Raceway with a 1-1 sweep. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Moto 2
The final moto of the afternoon got underway with a big Pro Motocross Holeshot for Hunter Lawrence that put him a couple bike lengths ahead of the field. His lead was short lived, however, as both Jett Lawrence and Plessinger were able to get by, with Tomac lurking in fourth. As Jett inched away, the battle behind him continued with Hunter Lawrence reclaiming second and Tomac following through into third to drop Plessinger to fourth.
Less than five minutes into the moto, Tomac was able to make the pass on Hunter for second and looked to close in on Jett Lawrence for the first time in Pro Motocross competition. In a matter of a half lap, the top two were multiple seconds ahead of the field, effectively setting up a head-to-head battle for the moto win. Behind them, Hunter Lawrence and Plessinger duked it out for third.
Tomac was relentless in applying pressure on Jett Lawrence, but the young Australian was able to keep him at bay and pull away in certain parts of the track. Tomac found a way to inch closer, but Lawrence would counter a few moments later. In his pursuit, Tomac made minor miscues that allowed Lawrence to build a lead that soon grew to about 2.5 seconds as they approached the final 10 minutes.
The Yamaha rider bided his time and made another push with about eight minutes to go and was able to close the deficit to under a second. Despite being faster and having better lines, Tomac couldn’t get alongside to attempt a pass. Slowly, the distance between the leaders started to swing in Lawrence’s favor. The lead continued to grow in the closing stages of the moto as the Honda rider withstood one of the toughest tests of his young career to close out his sixth straight moto win 11.8 seconds over Tomac. A lengthy battle for third between Hunter Lawrence and Plessinger saw the KTM rider make a late pass to grab the position.
Eli Tomac (3) finished second in his first opening round race since 2022. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Eli Tomac (3) kept the pressure on Jett Lawrence (18) throughout the second moto. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Overall
In three career 450 Class starts at Fox Raceway, Jett Lawrence has not only won all six motos but also every single lap. A third straight 1-1 performance resulted in his 16th win in 17 career starts. Tomac’s first season opener since the 2022 season resulted in a runner-up effort (4-2), while Hunter Lawrence rounded out the overall podium in third (3-4).
Jett Lawrence’s initial lead in the championship standings sits at 10 points over Tomac, with Hunter Lawrence 12 points behind.
A pair of stellar starts were crucial to a third-place effort for Hunter Lawrence (96). MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
1st: Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC (1-1) “I had a few good beast mode attacks from [Tomac] and I had to do everything I could to fend him off. I knew I had a stronger section, so I made sure I nailed it every time. With about five laps to go I had to give it everything and I tried to use the lappers to my advantage. It was awesome to race against [Tomac] and feel that adrenaline again.”
2nd: Eli Tomac, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (4-2) “I was trying my heart out and it was close for about 25 minutes. We both had our strong spots on the track, so we were constantly trading momentum. It was definitely a pleasure to race against Jett. I’m really excited to get this series going. I felt strong and back to full health, and I’m ready to keep going.”
3rd: Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC (3-4) “It was a pretty average day, but I’ll take it. There’s a lot to build on. I had a great battle with [Plessinger] in Moto 2 and made a little mistake right at the end and he was there to capitalize. That’s frustrating to end the day like that, but happy to be on the podium.”
The 450cc podium, from left to right, Eli Tomac, Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence.
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 36
Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Kawasaki – 31
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki – 30
Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Honda – 26
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 26
Benoit Patruel, Lyon, France, Suzuki – 24
Haiden Deegan Begins 250 Class Title Defense with Assertive 1-1 Effort
Moto 1
The first moto of the season began with Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Chance Hymas emerging from the first corner with the Pro Motocross Holeshot. After an early challenge from Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ty Masterpool, who briefly held the lead, Hymas asserted his control of the moto and eventually opened a multi-second lead on the field.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer took advantage of a strong start to eventually slot into second, while Masterpool dropped back several positions after the 10-minute mark of the moto. Deegan then became the rider on the move, as the defending class champion started sixth but charged his way up to third.
Just before the halfway point of the moto Hymas went down navigating a deep rut, which allowed both Beaumer and Deegan to assume the top two positions as Hymas remounted in third. Not long after, Deegan put pressure on Beaumer for the lead and seized control of the moto. Beaumer was then forced to contend with a resurgent Hymas, who made the pass for second.
As the moto entered its final 10 minutes, the battle for the podium picked up again as Team Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda made his way up into second after passes on both Beaumer and his teammate.
Out front, Deegan sprinted away from his rivals and went unchallenged the rest of the way to grab the moto win by 6.6 seconds over Shimoda, with Hymas in third. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle was fourth, followed by Beaumer in fifth.
Haiden Deegan (1) scored another 1-1 250cc victory at his home race. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Moto 2
The second moto got underway with the KTM duo of Vialle and Beaumer out front, with Vialle securing the Pro Motocross Holeshot and early lead. Behind them Deegan slotted into third, with Shimoda right behind in fourth. As the leaders looked to settle in, a small miscue halted Vialle’s momentum enough to allow Beaumer to make the pass and forced the Frenchmen to fend off Deegan from third.
With the clear track ahead, Beaumer showed impressive pace to slip away by nearly three seconds 10 minutes into the moto. Behind him, the battle for second heated up between Vialle, Deegan and Shimoda. After fending off a persistent challenge from Shimoda, Deegan made quick work of an opening to get by Vialle for second and faced a 2.5 second deficit to Beaumer.
With just over 12 minutes remaining, Deegan had closed in on the lead and began to look for an opportunity to attempt a pass on Beaumer. On one of the track’s steep uphills Deegan made his move and grabbed the lead. He then sprinted away to a near two-second advantage. Shimoda, meanwhile, went to work on Beaumer and eventually made the pass for second in the same spot Deegan gained the lead. On the following lap, Vialle got by his teammate for third.
Deegan successfully kept Shimoda at bay in the closing stages to wrap up a sweep of the motos for the second consecutive season at the track he grew up riding at. The Honda rider from Japan finished 5.3 seconds back in second, with Vialle in third.
Jo Shimoda (30) put forth the best season-opening performance of his 250cc career. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
Overall
Deegan begins his title defense the same way he started his championship campaign from a year ago, with a 1-1 performance for the eighth win of his career. Shimoda recorded his best-ever opening round result in second (2-2), while Vialle rounded out the overall podium in third (4-3).
Deegan has established a six-point lead over Shimoda in the point standings after one round, with Vialle 12 points back in third.
Tom Vialle (16) was in the thick of the 250cc battle all afternoon en route to third. MX Sports Pro Racing photo.
1st: Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (1-1) “It was a good day, but we could still be better. This track is so gnarly, but it’s outdoors, you’ve got to dog it out. We went 1-1, same as last year, so I’m stoked.”
2nd: Jo Shimoda, Team Honda HRC Progressive (2-2) “Today had a lot of surprises. I wasn’t feeling that great coming in. I just told myself to get a good start and get a lap in and that’s what we did. It’s been a rough year, but it feels really good to be on the podium.”
3rd: Tom Vialle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (4-3) “I want to be better (than third). This race was a tricky one and it’s good to be on the podium, but I’m working to be better than that. I’m looking forward to next weekend.”
the 250cc podium, from left to right, Jo Shimoda, Haiden Deegan, and Tom Vialle.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)
The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship will continue next Saturday, May 31, with Round 19 of the SMX regular season from Northern California’s Prairie City SVRA. The Michael’s Reno Powersports Hangtown Motocross Classic will be shown live in its entirety on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live Presented by MotoSport.com at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Coverage of the motos begins at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET.
Riders take to the track at an Aprilia All Stars event. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
Aprilia opens its doors to motorcycle enthusiasts, plus families and groups of friends, for a completely free celebration – packed with on-track thrills and live entertainment from the big radio Deejay stage.
Taking centre stage: the MotoGP bikes and riders of Aprilia Racing – Marco Bezzecchi, Lorenzo Savadori, and world champion Jorge Martin alongside Trackhouse team riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.
On-track action includes the spectacular Race of Stars, the MotoGP bikes, and the legendary Aprilia 2-strokes that made history – along with the champions who rode them.
Book now at APRILIA.COMfor unforgettable experiences:
enjoy a lap riding pillion with an Aprilia Racing rider
a racing tour inside the MotoGP pit garage, guided by Aprilia Racing’s technicians
a VIP terrace lunch with riders and special guests
a front-row spot in the spectacular final parade
The countdown has begun for Aprilia All Stars, an unmissable celebration of Aprilia’s racing heritage, set to take over the Misano World Circuit on Sunday, 1 June. Open to all motorcycle and motorsport fans, this extraordinary – and completely free – event is now firmly established as one of the most eagerly awaited dates on the racing calendar.
Having grown year on year, the 2025 edition will be a day to remember, packed with iconic bikes, star riders, adrenaline-fuelled action, and entertainment for all. It also presents a unique opportunity to get up close with the spectacular Aprilia RS-GP machines from the MotoGP World Championship and to meet the stars of Aprilia Racing: reigning MotoGP World Champion Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, Lorenzo Savadori, and Trackhouse riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura.
Legend Max Biaggi will also be a star attraction in the paddock.
Exceptional riders, led by Aprilia legend Max Biaggi, will also take centre stage in the paddock, where, in true Aprilia All Stars tradition, they will join thousands of fans to celebrate the most successful European manufacturer in MotoGP history, boasting an impressive 298 GP victories.
The adrenaline-fuelled Race of Stars is back. Aprilia Racing riders will go head-to-head on RS 660 Factory bikes in a thrilling contest that combines fierce competition with a crowd-pleasing spectacle.
For those seeking truly unique and exclusive experiences, head to APRLIA.COM, where bookings are now open for a host of unforgettable opportunities, including:
– A pillion ride for a flying lap of the circuit with an Aprilia Racing rider.
– A guided tour of the MotoGP pit garage led by Aprilia Racing technicians, offering an insider’s view of the sport’s most advanced technology.
– An exclusive VIP Hospitality pass, including a terrace lunch at the Aprilia Terrace alongside riders and celebrity guests.
– A front-row place in the spectacular final on-track parade, just behind the MotoGP stars.
– A chance to experience the Race of Stars from inside the pit garage – right at the heart of the action.
As always, Aprilia All Stars will be a grand celebration. The paddock will buzz all day with free test rides, enabling visitors to experience the finest of the Aprilia range along the beautiful roads of Romagna.
Don’t miss the Racing Museum, a must-see for enthusiasts that showcases the legendary race bikes which built the Italian brand’s legacy.
Radio Deejay will provide the soundtrack to a day packed with attractions, including a dedicated gaming zone, shopping areas featuring Aprilia Racing apparel and merchandise, food courts, and more.
Moto3 race start at Silverstone in England. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jose Antonio Rueda won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Using his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo, the championship point leader won the 15-lap race by just 0.046 second.
Rookie sensation, Maximo Quiles was the runner-up on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.
Italian rider, Luca Lunetta was third, just 0.908 second behind race winner Rueda on his SIC58 Squadra Corse Honda.
Rueda’s teammate, Alvaro Carpe crossed the finish line fourth and Valentin Perrone got fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech 3.
For the championship, Piqueras is 54 points behind his principal rival Rueda who has 141 points. Kelso is third with 77 points.
Rueda fends off Quiles to take stunning victory from the back. Last on the grid, first to the finish: the Championship leader joins an exclusive club as Quiles takes first podium.
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) made it three wins in a row in some style at the Tissot Grand Prix of the UK. The points leader is even more so after he joined an exclusive club of riders who’ve won from the back: Marc Marquez (Valencia 2012, Moto2™), Brad Binder (Jerez 2016, Moto3) and David Alonso (Silverstone 2023, Moto3). He’d taken pole but then got penalized for being slow on the line in Q2 after setting his best lap, but that didn’t stop him.
Still, it wasn’t easy as rookie Maximo Quiles (CFMoto Valresa Aspar Team) went toe-to-toe with Rueda to the final lap, forced to settle for second but that second also his first ever podium, taken in style. Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) completed the podium and after a Long Lap penalty he’d seen for contact with David Muñoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP).
Off the line Rueda got a good start and picked off a few riders into Turn 1, but as Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) nailed the holeshot there remained a good distance between the #99 starting his comeback and his rookie teammate at the front. As ever though, the Moto3™ freight train was out in full force as a huge lead group streaked around Silverstone.
The lead group was down to 12 riders as the race settled slightly, with Rueda making his way through to the front of the second group by Lap 3. By Lap 4 he was into the front group and starting to make his way through it. With five laps to go, the #99 was into the top five and attacking those who’d led the way from the off, and not long after he was in the lead.
It wasn’t a fairytale pull the pin and go, though. Quiles dug in to make it a last lap duel between the Championship leader and the rookie, with everything coming down to the final corner. Side by side down the Hangar Straight and then again from Stowe down into the chicane, that’s where Quiles was ever-so-slightly deep – and Rueda dived for the inside line round the final corner to just pip the rookie to the line and complete the comeback. From the back to the top, a rare club of winners to join.
Quiles’ second is a stunning first podium for the rookie, however, and Lunetta came back from his own drama. The Italian was given a Long Lap early on for irresponsible riding in an incident with Muñoz, but came back from that to take P3.
Carpe, Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM tech3), David Almansa (Leopard Racing), Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP), Ryusei Yamanaka (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI), Vicente Perez (LEVELUP-MTA) and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) completed the top ten, with a late change in the group coming from an incident between Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) – the former given a Long Lap/equivalent time penalty and the latter crashing out. Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) takes P11 on home turf, Furusato is classified P12, and Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE) and Riccardo Rossi (Rivacold Snipers Team) completed the points.
MotoGP race start at Silverstone. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marco Bezzecchi won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25 on Michelin control tires, the Italian rider won the 19-lap race by 4.088 seconds.
French Grand Prix winner, Johann Zarco was the runner-up on his CASTROL Honda LCR RC213V.
Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez placed third on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati’s Franco Morbidelli crossed the finish line fourth.
Alex Marquez took fifth on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
Poleman Fabio Quartararo, who led most of the race, suffered a technical issue on his Yamaha Monster Energy YZR-M1.
Two-time MotoGP World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on lap 3.
For the championship, A.Marquez is 24 points behind his principal rival M.Marquez who has 196 points. Bagnaia is third with 124 points.
Bezzecchi victorious from Zarco as Quartararo suffers heartbreak in Silverstone epic. A relentlessly dramatic British GP plays out as Aprilia beat Zarco and Honda to return to winning ways.
As they say, timing is everything in sport and for Aprilia Racing, Marco Bezzecchi’s victory at the Tissot Grand Prix of the United Kingdom couldn’t have come at a better time. In a drama-filled Sunday at Silverstone that saw Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) crash, and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) suffer a heartbreaking technical issue while leading, it was Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) who clinched a fantastic P2 finish behind the Italian. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, following a red-flagged stoppage, was able to bounce back and pick up P3 in a podium fight then went down to the wire in an unforgettable Silverstone encounter.
Drama, Drama And A Bit More Drama
Straight from lights out, drama unfolded. From the middle of the front row, Alex Marquez got a fantastic launch and led but once the front brake was applied heading into Turn 1, the front end folded without an ounce of warning. Like a flash, the #73 was down and out of the Grand Prix – or so we thought at the time – as Marc Marquez gained the lead ahead of Quartararo and Bagnaia.
At the end of the first lap, Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Honda HRC Test Team) crashed together at the Vale chicane, which would eventually bring out the red flags due to an oil spillage. But before we learned that, Grand Prix leader Marc Marquez was down at Turn 11! The top two in the World Championship both suffered crashes but because there hadn’t been three laps completed, all riders were eligible for the restart which would be a 19-lap Grand Prix. Was it a get out of jail free card for the Marquez brothers? Yes. But they’d both be starting on their not so preferred number two machines.
The Restart
Take two saw Bagnaia grab the holeshot into Turn 1 but at Turn 3, Quartararo struck to pounce into an early lead. Marc Marquez was passed Alex Marquez and then so was Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) at Brooklands.
1.2s was Quartararo’s advantage at the end of Lap 1 and at Turn 3, Miller carved his way past Marc Marquez for P3 and then at Brooklands, we had a Yamaha 1-2. The Australian launched it up the inside of Bagnaia and then Marc Marquez ran wide at Copse, which dropped him behind Zarco.
2.4s was now Quartararo’s advantage and we then had Zarco pass Pecco for P3. And sniffing an opportunity, Marc Marquez was through too. Then, Copse caught out both factory Ducatis. Marquez and Pecco were wide after separate moments, and that saw them drop to P9 and P10. Work to do.
Things then went bad to worse for Pecco. Going through Luffield, the front end said no more and that was the Italian’s Grand Prix over. Meanwhile, Bezzecchi was now P3 ahead of Zarco, Alex Marquez was P5 while Quartararo held a 3.9s gap over Miller. What a Grand Prix this was.
One thing to note was this: the current front four – Quartararo, Miller, Bezzecchi and Zarco – were on the soft front Michelin tyre. A compound that hasn’t yet completed a race distance, so would it hold up?
On Lap 6 of 19, Bezzecchi and Zarco got the better of Miller as the latter dropped from P2 to P4 in a couple of seconds. Now, what kind of pace did Bezzecchi have up his sleeve? The gap to Quartararo was 5.3s. That was then five seconds flat as Bez shaved three tenths off the disadvantage in clean air.
Elsewhere, Marc Marquez was now right behind Alex Marquez – the top two were P6 and P7, behind Morbidelli and Miller, and just ahead of Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol). The #93 then sliced his way through on the #73 at Vale, and on the next lap, the Championship leader picked off Miller. On the same lap, Alex Marquez made a mistake at Vale and that cost him both time and a place – Mir was now ahead.
The fastest lap of the race, a 1:59.770, was slammed home by Bezzecchi as the Italian ate into Quartararo’s lead. On Lap 10 of 19, the gap was down to 4.7s and on the next lap, it was down to 4.4s. Elsewhere, Marc Marquez was now P4 ahead of Morbidelli and now had three seconds to make up to get onto the rear wheel of Zarco for the podium places.
Quartararo’S Heartbreak
Suddenly, we saw Quartararo with his arm raised. What had happened? It looked like a technical issue meant the rear ride height device was stuck and despite the efforts of trying to disengage it for more than half a lap, the YZR-M1 was having none of it. Heartbreak for Quartararo and Yamaha. A potential return to the top step snatched away in such cruel circumstances.
However, Quartararo’s gut-wrenching end to the Grand Prix was Aprilia’s gain because that was the lead handed on a plate to Bezzecchi.
The Race To The Chequered Flag
The Italian was 2.9s up the road from Zarco, who in turn was two seconds clear of Marc Marquez. But it wasn’t a comfortable P3 for the title chase leader. Miller, Morbidelli, Marquez and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) were all in with a shout of claiming a Silverstone podium with five laps to go.
In that podium fight, Miller and Alex Marquez were treating us to a brilliant battle as Morbidelli tried to cling onto Marc Marquez who was now eight tenths clear of the chasing pack. At the front, Bezzecchi was four seconds clear as Zarco kept Marquez just over a second adrift.
Last lap time at Silverstone. Bezzecchi was 4.6s clear but plenty of focus was on the podium fight. Turn 3 saw Morbidelli pass Marquez but the latter bit straight back. Could Morbidelli respond? Yes he could. Copse corner was the chosen place, now the question was on Marc Marquez to have a say.
And he did. A great run out of Turn 14 allowed Marquez to get the inside line at Stowe – but it wasn’t over yet. Morbidelli slammed his Ducati down the inside at Vale, but running wide, his exit was compromised and Marquez managed to shove his way back through on the cut back to just, and we mean just, earn a P3 as Alex Marquez finished right behind his brother and Morbidelli in that fantastic fight.
Up the road though, elation for Bezzecchi and Aprilia. A debut win in Noale colours came for the Italian and after his French GP heroics, Zarco claimed another fantastic result in P2. Chapeaux to the top two.
Your Silverstone Points Scorers
Acosta delivered some cracking middle to late race pace to finish in P6 ahead of Miller, as Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) clinched an equal-best Honda result in P8. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounded out the top 10, with Mir, Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) the final points scorers in the UK.
Next Up: Aragon
Wow. What a Sunday that turned out to be. Drama aplenty and a first victory for Aprilia in 2025 – Silverstone, you delivered. Next we head to MotorLand Aragon to do it all over again, what lies ahead in Spain? Who knows. That’s the beauty of this sport.
Moto2 race start at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Senna Agius won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Australian rider won the 17-lap race by 0.434 second.
Diogo Moreira was the runner-up on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
David Alonso was a close third on his CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team Kalex.
Poleman, Aron Canet finished fourth on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex, just 0.518 second behind race winner Agius.
Izan Guevara took fifth on his BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 Boscoscuro and broke the Kalex stranglehold at the top.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 8th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Championship point leader, Manuel Gonzalez crashed his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on lap 3.
For the championship, Canet is 3 points behind his principal rival Gonzalez who has 111 points. Jake Dixon is third with 82 points.
Agius defeats Moreira and Alonso in Moto2™ last lap showdown. The Australian takes his maiden win despite three different leaders in the last sector – the best Moto2 Grand Prix ever?
They say the best is often saved until last and the final few laps of the Moto2™ Grand Prix at Silverstone were certainly a blockbuster. A frenetic five-way battle gave us the first double South American podium in Moto2 but it was Australia’s day with Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) snatching victory in the final corners to defeat Brazilian Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) and Colombian David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team).
There was big drama elsewhere too as Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) crashed out on the come back after a bad start – but maintained his points lead, just.
STORY OF THE GP: Gonzalez struggles, fresh faces at the front
A fiery opening lap saw Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) snatch the holeshot whilst Championship leader Gonzalez went backwards after getting a terrible initial launch. Moreira was a brief leader at Turn 3 whilst at the end of the Hangar Straight, Izan Guevara (BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2™) hit the front for the first time.
On Lap 4, there were two sets of drama as Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI) fell at Turn 3 and Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) dropped back to P13. Then, at Turn 6, Gonzalez collided and crashed with Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) – Baltus originally stayed upright but then a second hit from the Spaniard’s fallen machine was enough to take him out. Riders ok but both out of this race. There was then an established group of five at the front, but no established order. Canet, Moreira, Alonso, Agius and Guevara were swapping paint relentlessly going into the second half of the Grand Prix.
Entering the final third, Alonso went from third to first into Stowe to lead for the first time – the first Colombian rider to lead a Moto2 Grand Prix since Yonny Hernandez at Estoril, 2010. It didn’t last long however, as Canet struck back a few corners later. That didn’t fluster the reigning Moto3 World Champion, who was still right there, battling away with fellow South American Moreira. However, with four laps to go, constant trading paint seemed to give Canet a half a second advantage over the rest of the group, as Moreira, Alonso and Agius couldn’t nominate one rider to chase the #44 down. However, once Alonso had muscled his way ahead and without interference, he bridged the gap and was making for a grandstand finish on the final lap.
LAST LAP BELTER: a scrap to take their first Moto2 wins
The last 5.6km were breathtaking; after Alonso tried at Turn 6, he was forced to wait until his favourite passing opportunity at Stowe. He got the job done and despite the front tyre crying for mercy, the #80 somehow managed to keep an inside line and held the advantage on the run to Vale. Canet had other ideas though as he let the brakes off into the last chicane, running himself and Alonso wide and allowing the #81 of Agius to burst through around the outside. Then into the last corner, Moreira biffed Alonso out the way, barging through to second whilst wide on the exit of the last corner, and Alonso kept it pinned to pip Canet off the rostrum. Agius threaded the needle to perfection through it all, going from third to the win in style. With Australia, Brazil and Colombia represented as Canet was forced to settle for fourth, it was a non-European podium for the first time in Moto2.
Podium picture with, from left to right, Diogo Moreira, Senna Agius and David Alonso. Photo courtesy Dorna.
BEHIND THE BATTLE: home-hero Dixon in the top, Vietti’s fight back
Behind Canet in P4, Guevara rounded out the top five after just losing touch late on, ahead of a hard-charging Celestino Vietti (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) who took P6 from 19th on the grid, ahead of Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and home-hero Dixon, who took the chequered flag in ninth but then got dropped to 11th with a late Long Lap-equivalent penalty. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) moves up to P9, ahead of Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedRS Team) who completes the top ten ahead of Dixon. For full results, click HERE and come back for more in two weeks from MotorLand as Gonzalez looks to hit back on more home turf…
American Julián Correa (40) leads Filip Surowiak (75), Peter Willis (99), and Ryan Frost (24) during British Talent Cup Race 1 at Silverstone.
Photo by Michael Hallam/courtesy Michael Correa.
American Julián Correa led early in British Talent Cup Race 1 held in conjunction with MotoGP at Silverstone Circuit on Saturday, then finished 4th.
Before the start, with the entire grid on slicks, sprinkles started to come down and rain flags came out. The lights went out and the race started. According to his dad Michael, “Julián led a couple laps and made some great moves. A small mistake on the last lap put him back into 7th with four corners to go but he managed to cross the line P4.”
Correa is racing in the MotoAmerica Talent Cup as well as in the British Talent Cup.
David Hildebrand poses with endurance teammate Amanda Cooper at Road Atlanta as seen in this photo from 2022, posted on his Facebook page.
WERA and ASRA racer David Hildebrand, 44, died Friday, May 23rd after a crash at Road Atlanta during a WERA event. According to WERA’s Sean Clarke, Hildebrand was leading two other riders out of Turn 10b up the hill under the bridge when he highsided; the second rider was able to avoid Hildebrand but the third rider in the group was unable to take evasive action, hit Hildebrand, and was also injured.
David Hildebrand (427) in a WERA race at Road Atlanta in 2024.
Hildebrand was originally from Maryland but lived in Huntsville, Alabama, where he worked as an aerospace engineer after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years. His sister, Carrie Hildebrand, posted on Facebook, “My brother died today doing what he loves. I’m sorry for the impersonal approach to this announcement as I know many of you love him as we do. We are our way to him in Atlanta. We will be in contact with details soon.”
Hildebrand is survived by his sister Carrie, his niece Phoenix Johnson, and his parents Mark and Sharon Hildebrand, all from Delaware.
Racer Rocco Landers posted, “We lost a real one today. David Hildebrand was one hell of a dude. Without asking for much of anything beyond a shout-out, out of kindness of his heart and his love for racing he helped fund my 2022 Supersport wildcard at Brainerd, which was the last weekend I had racing for my dad’s team, something I’ll never forget. This kind of thing never gets any easier. He will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family.”
From left, pit crew members David Hildebrand, Terry Cooper, and Amanda Cooper, with MotoAmerica Hooligan racer Leo Sowers and his racebike at Daytona, 2024.
Hildebrand was an avid enthusiast who often helped other racers, and, along with his close friends Terry and Amanda Cooper, served on the crew of their mutual friend and MotoAmerica Hooligan racer Leo Sowers. The Coopers and Hildebrand pitted together at races they attended. Hildebrand also was a frequent contributor to the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit advocating for and supporting the deployment of soft barriers to improve racetrack safety for motorcycle racers and track day riders.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
May he rest in peace, and Godspeed.
David Hildebrand posed in a new leather suit in this photo he posted on his Facebook page in 2023.David Hildebrand, away from the racetrack.
This just in from Terry Cooper, remembering David Hildebrand:
“We are driving home from Road Atlanta right now (Amanda is driving), but I have plenty of great stories (about David). One off the top of my head is that David and I would give one another the one-finger salute on the grid all the time. If you didn’t know we were friends, as a spectator you would think we were enemies!
“David was a coffee connoisseur and Leo had to bribe him with Starbucks to get him to work on his motorcycle at Daytona post-crash. He was going to do it anyway but wanted to make sure he jested with Leo a bit first!
“David was jokester and the life of our group. He would lighten the mood every race weekend. When someone was struggling or disappointed, he would know exactly what to say to cheer that person up.
“David was also the biggest hype man you could have. He made sure to say ‘good luck and have fun’ before every race.”
Marc Marquez (93), Alex Marquez (73), Fermin Aldeguer (54) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) during practice session at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Alex Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Silverstone Circuit, in England. Riding his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard won the 10-lap race by 3.511 seconds.
The World Championship point leader, Marc Marquez, was the runner-up on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Fabio Di Giannantonio finished third on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Marco Bezzecchi, piloting his Aprilia Racing RS-GP, crossed the finish line fourth.
Johann Zarco was fifth on his CASTROL Honda LCR RC213V.
For the championship, A.Marquez is 19 points behind his principal rival M.Marquez who has 180 points. Bagnaia is third with 124 points.
Alex Marquez takes Sprint spoils as Silverstone serves up a spectacle. The #73 outpaces Marc Marquez as the podium fight behind sees Diggia emerge from a stunning showdown.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) pulled the pin to perfection in the Tissot Sprint at Silverstone, flying to victory by over three seconds after out-pacing Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team). The battle for the podium was a gloves-off throwdown behind, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Team) coming out on top in a five-rider scrap on Saturday.
Quartararo took the holeshot from pole as the Ducati trio behind scuffled over second, with Alex Marquez able to grab it back despite a lunge round the outside from Marc Marquez, the #93 having launched from fourth and sending it. So El Diablo led Alex, Marc and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), but by the end of the Wellington Straight on Lap 1 the #93 was up into second. By the end of the Hangar Straight, Marc Marquez was through into the lead.
It seemed ominous with six Sprint wins in a row behind him but there was time left on the clock yet this time round, and Alex Marquez was soon on his tail after himself dispatching Quartararo over the line. Not long after, Marc Marquez was wide at Turn 3 and the #73 needed no invitation, taking over in the lead and the duo then starting to build a gap, leaving Quartararo vs Bagnaia vs Diggia as the battle for third.
Bagnaia was past the Yamaha not long after and the #49 was able to follow suit, but there was a spectacular Fabio-on-Fabio duel for it. As Diggia closed in on Bagnaia, Quartararo suddenly seemed to surge closer to them again too – but by then Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) was on the way to get involved. And even more so, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), as the #72 put on a serious charge after having dropped well outside the top ten off the line.
Alex Marquez continued to hold off Marc in the lead, but that battle behind erupted. Bezzecchi struck against Zarco first, and next up the Aprilia had target lock on Quartararo. He got past him at the end of the Wellington Straight and then homed in on Bagnaia – with Diggia managing to put in the metres to pull away and escape the melee. The #49 seemed safe in that P3 as Bez then elbowed past Bagnaia before Zarco then shot past the #63 into Maggots and Becketts. Quartararo was left trying to find his way through on Bagnaia too, but just ran out of laps.
Tissot Sprint race winner Alex Marquez and all BK8 Gresini Racing Team members.
At the front, Alex Marquez kept that hammer down, didn’t make a single mistake, and slowly edged out a gap to then pull the pin in style – breaking that streak of consecutive Sprint wins and taking his own first Sprint win since 2023. Marc Marquez was forced to settle for second, and Diggia makes a rostrum return for the first time since a GP podium in Austin.
Behind, Bezzecchi’s charge from near the back of the grid resulted in an impressive fourth, with his pace one to watch on Sunday if he has less to do off the line. Zarco was fifth, with Bagnaia just holding on to that sixth place ahead of Quartararo.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) made a late charge to eighth at the expense of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) as the rookie was elbowed back out the points, with the Saturday scorers therefore completed by Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP Team) after the Australian ran strong early on and was able to hold P9.
That’s a wrap on Saturday – and Sunday offers up even more. With Bezzecchi’s stunning Sprint pace, Diggia back on form, Bagnaia always able to find something on Sunday and Marc Marquez heading in after being outright beaten on Saturday, an incredible show is guaranteed. See you at 13:00 (UTC+1)!
A “press release” is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform
the public about an event, product, or service from the issuer’s own point of view, and if deemed
to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers.
A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. When a post is labeled with the words “press release”, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors.
Accessibility
Accessibility modes
Epilepsy Safe Mode
Dampens color and removes blinks
This mode enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode
Improves website's visuals
This mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode
Helps to focus on specific content
This mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode
Reduces distractions and improve focus
This mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode
Allows using the site with your screen-reader
This mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Online Dictionary
Readable Experience
Content Scaling
Default
Text Magnifier
Readable Font
Dyslexia Friendly
Highlight Titles
Highlight Links
Font Sizing
Default
Line Height
Default
Letter Spacing
Default
Left Aligned
Center Aligned
Right Aligned
Visually Pleasing Experience
Dark Contrast
Light Contrast
Monochrome
High Contrast
High Saturation
Low Saturation
Adjust Text Colors
Adjust Title Colors
Adjust Background Colors
Easy Orientation
Mute Sounds
Hide Images
Hide Emoji
Reading Guide
Stop Animations
Reading Mask
Highlight Hover
Highlight Focus
Big Dark Cursor
Big Light Cursor
Cognitive Reading
Virtual Keyboard
Navigation Keys
Voice Navigation
Accessibility Statement
www.roadracingworld.com
May 28, 2025
Compliance status
We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience,
regardless of circumstance and ability.
To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level.
These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible
to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.
This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific
disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.
Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML,
adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.
If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email
Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
