Kindergarten students taking part in the All Kids Bike program with Strider balance bikes in Winchester, CA. Photo courtesy All Kids Bike.
All Kids Bike is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.
Winchester, CA – May 12, 2025: The HDR Foundation, in partnership withAll Kids Bike, is pleased to announce the expansion of the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program to Temecula Valley Charter School in Winchester. This initiative, made possible by a generous donation from the HDR Foundation, seeks to impart the joy of bike riding and promote essential life skills among young learners.
In a demonstration of commitment to education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship, the Foundation has contributed $324,000 to All Kids Bike for the 2024-25 school year. This substantial donation will support 36 schools across the United States, specifically in areas where HDR employees live and work. The cumulative support from the HDR Foundation to All Kids Bike now exceeds $800,000 over the past three school years.
The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, complete curriculum with lesson plans, games and activities, a fleet of 24 Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, pedal conversion kits, fully adjustable student helmets, an instructor bike with pedal conversion kit and helmet, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the life of the program. Temecula Valley Charter School celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside HDR representatives, who had the opportunity to build the bikes for the program beforehand.
“By funding All Kids Bike, HDR is helping children discover the joy of cycling,” said Anna Lantin, HDR’s Southern California Area Operations Manager. “Supporting this initiative, we are fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed appreciation for the partnership with the HDR Foundation, emphasizing the transformative impact of early bike riding education. “Learning to ride a bike empowers children with a positive foundation for a lifelong skill. Bike riding develops physical and mental well-being, instills confidence and fosters better classroom focus.” At Temecula Valley Charter School, this program will positively impact approximately 75 kindergarten students each year by teaching them how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 750 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“We sincerely thank HDR for their generous donation of the All Kids Bike Program,” stated Temecula Valley Charter School Superintendent, Dr. Charity Plaxton-Hennings. “This program will provide our students with a new and exciting way to engage in physical activity, build self-esteem, and develop a lifelong passion for health and fitness. We are so excited to share in the joy the students will experience as they utilize this gift.”
The HDR Foundation and All Kids Bike are committed to enriching the lives of young learners and cultivating valuable skills through the joy of bike riding. This collaborative effort exemplifies their dedication to building healthier, happier communities, one pedal at a time.
ABOUT ALL KIDS BIKE
The All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program launched in 2018 with a simple mission: to give every child in America the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike in school. The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, complete curriculum with lesson plans, games and activities, a fleet of 24 Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, pedal conversion kits, fully adjustable student helmets, an instructor bike with pedal conversion kit and helmet, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the life of the program, everything needed to teach kids how to ride a bike! Supported by the Strider Education Foundation, All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Programs are active in over 1,600 schools across all 50 states, teaching more than 160,000 kids to ride each year and over 1 million kids throughout the 10-year lifespan of the programs already in place. For more information, please visit www.allkidsbike.org.
About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.
About the HDR Foundation
The HDR Foundation provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR’s areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, preference is given to organizations located in communities in which HDR employees live and work, and those with strong employee involvement. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has provided more than $11 million in grants to nearly 400 organizations. Learn more at https://www.hdrinc.com/about-us/hdr-foundation.
The 2026 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RX. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled an exclusive new Speed Triple 1200 RX for model year 2026, limited to just 1200 motorcycles worldwide.
With a fully focused riding position delivered by more aggressive, sportier ergonomics, the new Speed Triple 1200 RX is the ultimate incarnation of the Speed Triple, with even more of the state-of-the-art electronics and technology that has impressed customers since the launch of the Speed Triple 1200 RS in March.
The RX limited edition delivers absolute focus with clip-ons and a machined top yoke, which are 2.71” (69mm) lower and 2.04” (52mm) further forward than the 2025 Speed Triple 1200 RS. Adding to the more focused riding position, the footpegs on the RX are .57” (14.5mm) higher and 1” (25.5mm) further to the rear than the RS model.
The 2026 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RX features lower clip-on handlebars and more rearset footpegs. Photo courtesy Triumph.
Delivering absolute precision and control, the state-of-the-art Öhlins electronic suspension is enhanced with the Öhlins SD EC steering damper. The control of the electronic damper is integrated seamlessly with the Ohlins Smart EC3 system to deliver light, agile handling and optimum stability, and it can be adjusted via the Öhlins Objective Based Tuning Interface on the instruments. The pressurized design of the damper ensures no free-play in the system.
Fitted as standard on the RX, the new Akrapovič silencer features a titanium outer wrap and mounting bracket, a carbon fiber endcap and exhaust valve cover, and is finished with a laser etched Akrapovič logo. Enhancing both performance and comfort, an upgraded performance seat enhances rider movement when in the saddle and features an embossed RX logo.
The striking look of the RX is created with an exclusive Triumph Performance Yellow and Granite graphic scheme and white RX accents. The race-inspired carbon fiber front mudguard and tank bodywork add to the exclusivity of the design and to add even more impact, there is a Triumph Performance Yellow accent on the rear wheel.
Just like the new Speed Triple 1200 RS, the RX delivers unmatched triple power and torque, unequaled handling, and top of the range rider-focused technology. The 1160cc Triumph triple engine delivers relentless acceleration and performance with 180.5 HP (183PS) at 10,750 rpm and 94.4 ft-lb (128Nm) at 8,750 rpm.
Thrilling and utterly addictive, the three-cylinder engine delivers the ultimate blend of low-end drive and top-end punch, giving cutting-edge performance on the road and on the track, coupling instant throttle response with an effortlessly smooth power delivery. The revised dynamic crankshaft balancing strategy, which made its debut on the RS, provides a significant improvement in engine refinement.
The rider-focused package of equipment and technology on the new Speed Triple models puts the rider in control, offering exceptional levels of adjustment. The Öhlins latest-generation SmartEC3 semi-active suspension includes the cutting-edge Öhlins Objective Based Tuning Interface (OBTi), which allows riders to easily adjust the suspension’s dynamic damping characteristics in different riding scenarios.
There is also new independently adjustable Front Wheel Lift Control, Engine Braking Control and Brake Slide Assist, as well as fully adjustable cruise control. Brembo Stylema® calipers and a Brembo MCS span and ratio adjustable lever offer serious stopping power and a customizable feel, even during the most demanding riding. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires deliver racetrack performance in a fully street legal tire.
“The new Speed Triple 1200 RX offers the ultimate riding experience, both on the road and on the track. The extra technology, premium specification and more focused riding position will put this firmly on the wish list of every track day enthusiast. With just 1200 of these available around the world, customers who secure an early order will really stand out from the crowd,” says Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles.
Wayne Rainey (2). Photo courtesy Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
“Rainey’s Ride To The Races” To Feature Wayne Rainey On Track At Laguna Seca
Ride With The Legends, Q&A And Lunch At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, And A Chance To See Wayne Rainey Ride Again
In the four previous editions of “Rainey’s Ride To The Races,” MotoAmerica fans have had the opportunity to spend an unforgettable day riding motorcycles with racing legends on the Monterey Peninsula and hanging out with those same racers at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This year the tradition continues, but with one special addition: Wayne Rainey will take to the track on which he dominated Grand Prix racing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the three-time 500cc World Champion set to do a few laps over the course of the weekend on a custom-built Yamaha XSR900 GP
Last year’s “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” participants whoop it up pre-ride. This year’s ride on the Monterey Peninsula is scheduled for July 11, the day prior to MotoAmerica racing action at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Photo by Tucker Scott/MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is excited to announce that the fifth annual “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” will take place in conjunction with the fifth round of the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
“Rainey’s Ride To The Races” will be held on Friday, July 11, the opening day of the fifth round of the MotoAmerica Championship, and it will again benefit the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes motorcycle racing safety with the facilitation of soft barrier systems at racing events.
This year’s ride includes the following legends:
Three-time World Champion Kenny Roberts
Four-time World Champion Eddie Lawson
Three-time AMA Grand National Champion and 1988 AMA Superbike Champion Bubba Shobert
Three-time World Champion Freddie Spencer
2000 World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr.
Seven-time Supercross and Motocross National Champion Rick Johnson
Three-time AMA Superbike Champion Doug Chandler
In addition to the legends listed above, this year’s festivities include three special guests: world-renowned crew chiefs Bud Aksland, Kel Carruthers, and Erv Kanemoto.
Bud Aksland was an engine builder and a tuner, and he was the first to recognize the potential of a young racer named Kenny Roberts. Aksland would soon become Roberts’ first sponsor and would remain associated with Roberts throughout his post-racing career, helping with the development of race bikes, including Roberts’ Proton V5. Aksland was also the head engine developer for Rainey’s World Championships and served as John Kocinski’s crew chief when Kocinski won three consecutive AMA 250cc titles in 1987, 1988, and 1989.
A two-time Isle of Man TT winner and 1969 250cc World Champion, Kel Carruthers dominated AMA road racing in the early 1970s before moving to a team manager/crew chief role after retiring as a racer. After several successful seasons with Kenny Roberts in AMA road racing, the duo went to Europe in 1978, where Carruthers guided Roberts to three successive 500cc World Championships. Carruthers was also Eddie Lawson’s crew chief for three of his four 500cc World titles with Yamaha.
Wayne Rainey (right) wasn’t alone on his rides at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (From left) Kevin Schwantz, King Kenny Roberts, Jeremy McWilliams, and Mick Doohan followed Rainey on some of his runs. Photo courtesy Goodwood Festival of Speedway.
Erv Kanemoto was the man behind Freddie Spencer’s three World Championships, including the pairing’s historic 1985 season when Spencer rode Kanemoto-tuned Hondas to two World Championships in one season with titles in both the 500cc and 250cc classes. Kanemoto joined forces with Eddie Lawson in 1989 and earned the last of his four World Championships.
Wayne Rainey (1) as seen during a practice run ahead of the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Photo courtesy Goodwood Festival of Speed.
“Each year, ‘Rainey’s Ride To The Races’ brings together some of the biggest legends in our sport, and it’s always a great experience for us and our fans,” Rainey said. “This year is even more special because we’ve added guests Bud Aksland, Kel Carruthers, and Erv Kanemoto to the list of legends. Also, I will be getting back on the track at Laguna Seca and riding a few laps at the place where I had some of my greatest races. I’ve got a lot of memories there, and I’m looking forward to making a few more.”
The 100-mile ride will begin at Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley, California, and will tour the best parts of the Monterey Peninsula, including in and around the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Salinas Valley foothills, local wineries, and the stunning Steinbeck country. The ride will conclude at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with two laps around the racetrack, lunch, and a Q&A session with the legends at the Turn 3 Paddock Suite.
The ride will be limited to 50 participants who purchase the special $700 Premium “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” Ticket, which includes the Q&A session and lunch with the legends in the climate-controlled Turn 3 Paddock Suite on Friday. While a three-day general admission ticket is included in the donation, for an additional $700, “Rainey’s Ride To The Races” ticket purchasers can upgrade to the MotoAmerica Superfan VIP Experience in the Turn 3 Paddock Suite for the entire weekend.
As always, the ride will be chaperoned by our friends at the Californian Highway Patrol.
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
Eric Wood (5) won overall in the Dash for Cash at Loudon on a Ducati. Photo by Sam Draiss/NEMRR.
From the outside looking in, Round two of the Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing series looked like it might be a carbon copy of Round one. The Saturday forecast was for rainy conditions with the possibility of some clearing later in the day, and Sunday’s races looked like they would be held under sunny conditions with a little extra wind to keep things interesting. As many of the top NEMRR riders continue to prepare for the upcoming Loudon Classic June 13-15, some additional talent arrived on Friday to add to the anticipation in the paddock.
First was New Hampshire native and current BPR Racing Yamaha MotoAmerica rider Teagg Hobbs, who will be participating in the Loudon Classic on a Yamaha R6 and the highly anticipated Street Fighter division on a Seacoast Sport Cycle Ducati Street Fighter V2. Second was Loudon Classic winner Shane Narbonne, seeking his 11th Loudon Classic title on a new Suzuki GSX-R750 and also looking to win the Street Fighter Class on a Triumph 765. Finally, current Moto America Twins Cup champion Alessandro Di Mario was racing to gain some track time before focusing on the Street Fighter class on a Warhorse Racing Ducati Street Fighter V2. The buzz at New Hampshire Motor Speedway was palpable!
Cool temperatures and torrential overnight rain led to some slow times in practice. The riders who went out were greeted with standing water in several areas of the track which were passable, but definite slowed things down. As practice wound down the rate of the rainfall had slowed significantly and NEMRR officials took to the track to blow off the standing water. The result was a track that was much more race-able, an effort that the riders surely appreciated. The GTO and GTL races were won by Yamaha R6 riders Sam Martin and Micheal Lee, both riders taking advantage of the nimble Yamaha chassis to carve up the rainy NHMS circuit. After several more races the rain stopped, and NEMRR director John Grush took advantage of a 15 minute afternoon break to clean up some standing water on the otherwise dry racetrack. Despite the best efforts of the NEMRR corner working crew the volume of overnight rain left two areas where water was coming up out of the ground and streaming across the racetrack. For the remainder of the day riders would have to take in account these wet areas while braking into Turn 1 and driving up the hill out of Turn 3.
In addition to winning the Dash For Cash on a Ducati, Eric Wood (5) rode this Yamaha YZF-R6 in several other races at Loudon. Photo by Sam Draiss/NEMRR.
Among the races run in the afternoon in these conditions was one of NEMRR’s largest classes, Ultralight Superbike. The NHMS circuit is very popular with the lightweight crowd and packed grid of riders on machines including the popular Kawasaki Ninja 400/500 battled with riders on Motard bikes, Suzuki SV650s and even a Kramer Apex 350 from the MotoAmerica Talent Cup. At the checkered flag it was Renee Franco, one of the top female riders in the nation, taking the victory on her Kawasaki Ninja 400 over the KTM 450 mounted Nathan Baeyens. Kawasaki Ninja 500 mounted Adam Muscaro emerged as the final podium finisher over 14 year old young gun Nathan Bettencourt, who finished just ahead of the Supermotard machine of Teagg Hobbs who started on the back row and fought his way forward after a challenging start through the wet section in turn one.
Eli Block (9) finished on the podium in the Dash For Cash, on his KTM 890 Street Fighter. Photo by Sam Draiss/NEMRR.
The featured Seacoast Sport Cycle Dash for Cash featured all the star power from Round 1 of the NEMRR series, plus three star riders coming from the back of the grid. Teagg Hobbs on his Ducati V2 Street Fighter and Shane Narbonne on his Suzuki GSXR750 were both absent in round one, and Eli Block, after finishing 2nd in the shortened round one event, missed the pre entry deadline and as a result started towards the back of the grid as well. With bright sunshine and 95% of the track perfectly dry, the grid lined up and the crowd held their breath as the pack roared into turn one and crossed over the stream of water coming up from the ground in turn one. Off the line it was the Yamaha R6 of Paul Duval with the jump, but the Ducati V2 of Eric Wood slid though on the inside to secure the holeshot as they tucked in past the wall and headed to the apex of turn one. Wood steadily pulled away over the first half of the race while Duval held steady in second. The 2025 format for the dash for cash separates riders into MW and HW divisions, with Wood entered in the HW and Duval in the MW categories. Behind Duval there was a ton of action as Narbonne and Block were storming through the pack. By the halfway point Narbonne secured the 2nd spot and set off after Wood, but there was simply not enough time to make any meaningful inroads into the lead the veteran Ducati rider had established. The Dunlop-mounted Wood earned $700 for his HWGP and overall combined victory checks put up by Seacoast Sport Cycle, who is the Dunlop vendor at NHMS and a major contributor to the series. Block made an impressive push to the front to secure the final podium spot on his Street Fighter KTM 890 and looks set to be a force to be reckoned with at the Loudon Classic in that division. Duval held on to 4th place overall and first in the MW Grand Prix division, securing himself a pair of checks totaling $400.
Paul Duval (728) won in the MW category of the Dash For Cash. Photo by Sam Draiss/NEMRR.
Block won a number of races on his KTM 790 and 890 Duke machines. The CT rider set some blistering times in the rain on round one on his 790, and this motivated him to seek out the more powerful 890 that he will be campaigning in the Street Fighter class at the Loudon Classic. As the results would show later in the weekend, these Street Fighter machines are proving to be quite capable around NHMS, running at the front of many classes at NEMRR normally dominated by traditional sport bike machines. Wood was back and forth between his Ducati Panigale V2 and new Yamaha R6 throughout the weekend, and won a total of 4 classes prior retiring from the lead in his 5th and final race of the weekend when his R6 had a mechanical issue.
Next up on the NEMRR calendar is the Loudon Classic weekend. NEMRR regulars will be racing Friday and Sunday, and Saturday will feature a slate of four professional races with a record setting total $400,000 purse. Friday will serve as a very interesting prelude to the pro day as the professional riders grid up against the locals in the NEMRR events as they come up to speed for their feature races on Saturday. The entry list is filled with super stars from Moto America and beyond, including a bevy of Superbike race winners and both past and current national champions. The Loudon Classic is the crown jewel of the Laconia Motorcycle Rally, and tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nemrr-102nd-loudon-classic-tickets-1036972682207.
Zarco took his second MotoGP win – and on his 150th MotoGP start – along with Australia
in 2023, when he was racing with Ducati. He becomes only the fifth rider on the grid to win with two (or more) different MotoGP machines, joining Maverick Viñales (Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia), Alex Rins (Suzuki, Honda), Jack Miller (Honda, Ducati) and Marc Marquez (Honda, Ducati).
Zarco took the first MotoGP win for a French rider at the French GP since Pierre Monneret won in Reims in 1954. This France’s 100th GP win, and their 16th in MotoGP.
Honda, Win
Honda took their first win since Alex Rins at the 2023 Americas GP. This is the first non Ducati win since Viñales (Aprilia) in Austin last year, ending a sequence of 22 MotoGP race wins by Ducati. That means Honda and Ducati remain tied on a longest winning streak of 22 Grands Prix wins in a row.
Marc Marquez (93). Photo courtesy Ducati.
Marc Marquez, P2
Marquez finished P2 for his 115th MotoGP podium. He is now alone in second on the list of riders with the most MotoGP podiums behind MotoGP Legend Valentino Rossi, who has 199. He is leading the World Championship with 171 points, 22 ahead of his brother Alex who crashed twice and retired.
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.
Fermin Aldeguer, P3
Aldeguer finished P3 for his maiden podium in MotoGP. Aged 20 years 36 days old, he becomes the fifth youngest MotoGP podium finisher after Norick Abe (20 years and 10 days old – Brazil 1995).
311,797 Attendance
For the first time in history, MotoGP has welcomed more than 300,000 fans across a Grand Prix weekend as Le Mans set a new all-time attendance record.
MotoGP Race start at Le Mans, France. Photo courtesy Dorna.
French sensation, Johann Zarco won the FIM MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his CASTROL Honda LCR RC213V on Michelin control tires, the home hero won the 26-lap race by over 19.907 seconds.
Marc Marquez was the runner-up on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
Rookie, Fermin Aldeguer placed third on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
Pedro Acosta got fourth on his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16.
Maverick Viñales crossed the finish line fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Two-time World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati out of the race on the first lap.
Poleman, Fabio Quartararo crashed his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZR-M1.
For the championship, A.Marquez is 22 points behind his principal rival M.Marquez who has 171 points. Bagnaia is third with 120 points.
CHAPEAU: Zarco emerges victorious in history-making French GP. For the first time since 1954, a French MotoGP rider wins on home turf in an unbelievably dramatic Grand Prix at Le Mans.
Flippin’ phenomenal. A day Johann Zarco, LCR Honda Castrol and a record-breaking Michelin Grand Prix of France crowd will never forget. For the first time since 1954, 71 years ago, a French MotoGP rider wins on home turf after a wet tyre gamble from Zarco sees the #5 beat second place Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) by nearly 20 seconds. The #93 gains important points in the title chase as both Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) fail to score points on a hugely dramatic Sunday afternoon, which saw Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) claim a debut MotoGP rostrum.
A RED-FLAGGED START AS RAIN FALLS
Tensions were at an all-time high in the lead up to lights out as light rain scattered the Le Mans circuit in the build up. Heading onto the warm up lap, with everyone on Michelin’s slick tyres, it was then abundantly clear that was the wrong tyre to be on. Polesitter Quartararo was nearly down at Turn 3 and at the end of the warm up lap, unsurprisingly, every rider peeled into pit lane and that brought out the red flags due to an excessive number of riders at pit lane exit as we then set ourselves for a quick restart procedure at the French GP. The Grand Prix was also reduced by one lap to 26, with a wet race declared – that meant riders could come in and change their bikes at any moment once we got underway.
And there was more drama at the end of the sighting lap. More than half the grid, including Quartararo, Alex Marquez and Marc Marquez, were in while Francesco Bagnaia stayed on the grid.
LIGHTS OUT AND IMMEDIATE DRAMA
Eventually we were lights out and underway and as he was in the Sprint, Bagnaia was down at Turn 3 on Lap 1! Meanwhile, Quartararo led from Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez, Aldeguer was fourth as Bagnaia made it back to pit lane to jump onto his dry weather bike. The Italian was miles behind but having pitted at the end of the sighting lap, over half the grid had double Long Lap penalties to take.
Quartararo, having led by over a second, was the first of the front runners to dive into the Long Lap loop. Alex Marquez, Aldeguer – who had passed Marc Marquez – and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech3) were the next to come in, but Marc Marquez didn’t. This happened after Bagnaia had been lapped – a disaster for Pecco, who then came in for dry tyres. A decision that would prove costly again soon after.
HOME HEARTBREAK TO ELATION: QUARTARARO CRASHES, ZARCO LEADS
Then, heartbreak. Quartararo was down at the final corner and so was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) right behind the Frenchman. Gutting for the 100,000+ crowd, but back on circuit, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Viñales were back in the pit lane to switch back onto wet tyres.
Where to look? Marc and Alex were next to come in and that left Aldeguer leading the Grand Prix by over 12 seconds, but now, the rookie was clearly on the wrong tyre – and sure enough, the #54 came in on the next lap.
Right, where were we? Well, to the delight of the French faithful, Zarco led the French Grand Prix! The #5 had stuck it out on the wet weather tyres and he was leading by seven seconds over Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), the Portuguese rider had done the same as Zarco, with Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez pressing Oliveira on Lap 9 of 26.
HOW THE FRENCH GP WAS WON
The brothers passed a struggling Oliveira with ease and with 17 laps to go, the gap between leader Zarco and the Marquez duo was 8.5s. That grew to nine seconds with 15 laps to go, then it was 9.3s as Zarco churned out low 1:46s, with Marquez near enough matching the home hero. Alex Marquez was losing touch on the #93, but the #73 had a six second buffer to fourth place Acosta.
With 11 laps to go, Zarco was marching towards an astonishing home Grand Prix victory. The gap had risen to 11.5s, then it was 12.4s as Zarco lapped at least a second quicker than anyone else on track. That trend continued as the advantage rose to over 14 seconds with seven laps as we witnessed two crashes – first Oliveria was down at the final corner, then Alex Marquez crashed at Turn 3. Luckily the former Championship leader remounted, and such were the gaps between a lot of riders, the Spanish GP winner re-joined the Grand Prix in P6. That off promoted Acosta to P3.
Having got back into the race, Alex Marquez was in the gravel again and unfortunately that was his French GP done. But Gresini’s podium hopes weren’t over because Aldeguer was catching Acosta at a rapid rate of knots. With two laps left, the rookie was right on the back of Acosta and at the front, Zarco’s lead was 19 seconds. The Frenchman simply had to nurse his Honda to the chequered flag.
Aldeguer did get Acosta but it was all eyes on the #5. One lap left Johann! And he brought it home. The roof was raised at Le Mans because for the first time since 1954, a French MotoGP rider clinched victory on home turf. Unbelievable. What a moment for Zarco, LCR Honda and the record-breaking French GP crowd.
Marc Marquez crossed the line 19.9s away from Zarco to collect a massive 20 points, with Aldeguer backing up his Saturday bronze medal with a debut MotoGP podium. What a weekend for the rookie.
YOUR FRENCH GP POINTS SCORERS
Acosta had to settle for P4 after he couldn’t live with Aldeguer’s late race pace, as Viñales handed KTM a double top five in France. Honda HRC Test Team’s Takaaki Nakagami took a magnificent P6 in his first wildcard ride for the Japanese factory, as Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) picked up his season best Sunday result in P7.
Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Lorenzo Savadori (Aprilia Racing) and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) rounded out the top 10, with Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol), Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) and Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) closed out the points, with Bagnaia acting as the final finisher in P16.
Just… wow. Johann Zarco is a winner at home in MotoGP. A Sunday that will go down in history for more reasons than one. Le Mans, you were simply incredible. Again.
Gonzalez (18), Moreira (10), Baltus (7), Arenas (75) and Salac (12) during Moto2 race at Le Mans Circuit. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Manuel Gonzalez won the FIM Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard won the 22-lap race by 1.811 second.
Barry Baltus was the runner-up on his Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Kalex and his teammate Aron Canet was third.
Diogo Moreira finished fourth on his Italtrans Racing Team Kalex.
Jake Dixon took fifth on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.
American Joe Roberts finished Sunday’s race 12th on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
For the championship, Canet is 16 points behind his principal rival Gonzalez who has 111 points. Dixon is third with 77 points.
Gonzalez fends off Baltus for back-to-back victories. The World Championship leader extends his advantage with a wonderful win in France as Canet claims a hard-fought P3.
Earning back-to-back wins in Jerez and Le Mans? That’s exactly what Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) has done in the last two rounds as the #18 beats second place Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) at the Michelin Grand Prix of France. It was a dominant weekend for the Spaniard who extends his title chase lead over third place finisher Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) ahead of a trip to Silverstone.
Heading into the Dunlop chicane on the opening lap, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) shoved his Triumph powered Kalex machine up the inside of polesitter Gonzalez to grab an early lead, while both ELF Marc VDS Racing Team riders, Jake Dixon and Filip Salač, made great starts to climb up to P3 and P4 respectively. Baltus had dropped to P5 from the front row, with his teammate Aron Canet shuffled back to P10 from the second row.
On Lap 4, Gonzalez hit the front for the first time at Turn 9 as Baltus carved his way brilliantly to P3 to latch onto the back of Moreira. The Belgian was then through on the Brazilian at the start of Lap 8 and set his sights on race leader Gonzalez, as Canet continued his comeback – the #44 was P4 on Lap 12 after a slick move at Turn 3 on Dixon.
A big moment coming out of Turn 4 followed though for Canet while battling Moreira. The Spaniard was pinged out of the seat but managed to stay on board, but it was crucial ground lost – he was back behind both Moreira and Dixon.
Heading into the final five laps, Gonzalez began to stretch his legs as Baltus fell over 0.5s behind for the first time in a while. That did drop back to 0.4s though so fair play to Baltus, he was making the pre-race favourite work hard for a potential 25-pointer. In the end though, Gonzalez had just enough in his back pocket to fend off Baltus for victory in Le Mans, with Baltus finishing 1.8s behind the win but 4.3s ahead of the brilliant fight for the final podium spot.
Canet, after that moment, did win that battle ahead of Moriera and Dixon, with Albert Arenas (ITALJET Gresini Moto2) finishing P6, 0.6s ahead of Salač. Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS Team) claimed P8 ahead of top rookie Ivan Ortola (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI), a top job from the Spaniard, while Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedRS Racing) rounded out the top 10.
After a Long Lap penalty, David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) crossed the line in 11thahead of Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team), Sergio Garcia (QJMOTOR – FRINSA – MSI), Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and the final point scorer, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team).
Can anyone halt Gonzalez’s momentum next time out at Silverstone?
Jose Antonio Rueda (99), David Muñoz (64) and Guido Pini (94) at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jose Antonio Rueda won the FIM Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Using his Pirelli-shod Red Bull KTM Ajo, the Spaniard won the 20-lap race by 0.636 second.
Australian rider, Joel Kelso was the runner-up on his LevelUp-MTA KTM.
Spanish rider, David Muñoz was third on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM. Muñoz crossed the finish line second, but he was penalized one finishing position for irresponsible riding.
Rueda’s teammate, Alvaro Carpe finished the race fourth.
David Almansa on his Leopard Racing Honda crossed the finish line fifth and broke the KTM stranglehold at the top.
For the championship, Piqueras is 29 points behind his principal rival Rueda who has 116 points. Kelso is third with 77 points.
Rueda sweeps through to win as Muñoz vs Kelso brings late drama at Le Mans. The Moto3 race went down to a final corner attack – with Rueda in the perfect place at the perfect time.
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) has brought the victory backflip back to Le Mans! The #99 spent his Michelin Grand Prix of France moving through the front group to be sitting third on the final lap as drama hit in the duel up ahead. An aggressive attack from David Muñoz (Liqui Moly Intact GP) on then-leader Joel Kelso (LEVELUP-MTA) saw the two make contact and head wide – leaving Rueda to sweep through for the spoils.
Muñoz was penalized for the incident and demoted to third too, putting Kelso into second on the podium. For Rueda, it was already a chance to gain big in the standings too as key rival Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) crashed out mid-race.
Off the line it was rookie polesitter Max Quiles (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) vs Kelso for the lead, and the rookie held on for much of Lap 1 until Kelso took over in the final sector. From there, the Australian got his head down and did much of the leg work in the lead, with the Moto3™ concertina classic in full song.
Kelso, Muñoz, rookie Guido Pini (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) and Rueda is what it had boiled down to after the crash for Piqueras out the chasing pack, and then there was a sudden slide out for rookie Pini. That left a trio at the front with another rookie, Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo), on the chase – but the #83 couldn’t quite make up the gap as the laps ticked down.
Barring a couple of small mistakes, Kelso kept it near perfect at the front to hold on until the last lap, and there was no open door for Muñoz on the chase. But the #64 was determined to make one and went full send at the final corner complex – making contact with the Australian and both heading wide, leaving Rueda with a clear run round the final corner to the finish line.
Muñoz crossed the line second but was demoted to third for the move, putting Kelso into P2. Carpe took fourth just behind the podium-deciding shenanigans. The top five was completed by David Almansa (Leopard Racing) heading the second group, ahead of Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), Quiles as he faded slightly from the podium fight, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing), Luca Lunetta (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), the Argentine rookie completing the top ten for home team Tech3.
Dennis Foggia (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) and Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) were just off that group, with Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Cormac Buchanan (DENSSI Racing – BOE) and Nicola Carraro (Rivacold Snipers Team) completing the points. Pini rejoined and took P17, without points but with some good prestige after his impressive qualifying and race performance in France. Find full Moto3 race results from Le Mans here.
From Sarthe it’s over the channel to Silverstone now, with Rueda back in charge at the top of the standings and Piqueras the first of those who want to hit back. Join us for more in two weeks at the legendary Silverstone Circuit!
Rice-Eccles Stadium hosted the hottest Supercross of the year with the dramatic finale of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The Salt Lake City Supercross crowned two championships that came down to the final race.
Cooper Webb Takes Supercross Championship, Chase Sexton Wins Salt Lake City Finale
Salt Lake City, Utah, (May 11, 2025) – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton grabbed his seventh win of the season with a statement ride inside Rice-Eccles Stadium at the final round of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Sexton elected to pull clear of the pack and dominate the race rather than employ tactics in an attempt to impact the points. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb took over the lead on the opening lap but eventually fell back to fourth place in a points preservation ride. Webb’s finish earned him enough points to win the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and enter the short list of just seven riders who have three or more premier class Supercross titles.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Malcolm Stewart got the crowd on its feet with a charge from a seventh-place start; Stewart reached the top three positions at the midpoint then broke through to second place in just a few laps. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper ran up front throughout the race and wrapped his Supercross season with his third-straight podium finish.
In the Dave Coombs Sr. 250SX East/West Showdown, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot and was never challenged for the lead; this backs up his win the week before when he wrapped up the Western Divisional 250SX Class Championship. Behind Deegan, the three-rider fight for the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class Championship was settled with a wildly dramatic battle that saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle finish in third place to earn a consecutive Eastern Divisional 250SX Class title.
First place 450SX Class – Chase Sexton.
“A little bit too late, obviously. Cooper had an awesome season. You can’t take anything away from him. He’s such a good competitor. I knew tonight was going to be a long shot. Nine points [to make up], especially going up against a guy like him, it’s nearly impossible. I did the best I could, rode really well at the end of the season; obviously missed that one race win that I needed. But you know what, we rode really well, and can’t thank my team enough [and] the fans. And we’ll be back for outdoors and SMX. We’ve got two more championships to go after, so [we’ll] just try and build for next year, try and start off like this, and we’ll be in a good spot.” – Chase Sexton, when asked about his impressive speed in the final rounds of the season.
Second place 450SX Class – Malcolm Stewart.
“It was awesome. Of course, huge shout out to Cooper Webb. Winning the championship three times, that’s awesome. That a big accomplishment. And for me, Salt Lake City, I don’t know why, the fans just hype me up. I knew I had to give it everything I had. I wanted to get back up on the box. Last weekend stung a little bit, so I’m like, ‘You know what, I’m giving it everything I’ve got. This is the last race, round 17, so we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.’ And huge shout out the Rockstar Husqvarna group, my mom and dad, and I know my brother’s watching in the [broadcast] booth… It’s been one heck of a season and I’m so proud and thankful that I’ve been able to get up here another time, and like I said, [the] fans are awesome… [when asked what he said to Cooper Webb after the race] We keep that confidential. We don’t forget where we came from and at the end of the day he’s done a phenomenal job, so I’m going to keep it there.” – Malcolm Stewart
Third place 450SX Class – Justin Cooper
“Yeah, of course they’ve got the championship battle going on and me and Malcolm are having our own little points battle [for third overall in the championship]. So, a lot going on out there. It’s been a great end to the season. Three podiums in a row, so it’s definitely special for me. I don’t take those for granted, and huge congrats to my teammate on the championship. It’s been an awesome two years with [Webb], learning the ropes from him and getting my 450 career started. I look up to him as a role model and he’s an awesome teammate, so it’s always fun to – this year was cool, I actually battled with him some, and not just be a distant guy in the pack. So, learning it, and it’s fun to battle with these guys up front. It’s tough, everyone’s riding really well. Malcolm was definitely finding his stride out there; he was riding awesome tonight, [I had] not much for him… Third in the championship is really special for me, and we’ll take it into outdoors now.” – Justin Cooper, when asked about the past two races competing while his teammate battled for a title.
Fourth place 450SX Class – Cooper Webb (with members of the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team)
“[This third championship] means everything. You don’t know how many nights I’ve woken up just wanting to get this again. And I never thought I’d be here again, so never give up on yourself. Never cut yourself short. I’m not maybe the best, but man, when you put your mind to something [then] you get it done. I’ve got to give it up to the Good Lord, my wife, my family. Man, they push me to be the best every day. And Yamaha for giving me another opportunity; I knew I wasn’t done after those two [championships]. It feels freakin’ awesome, man. I just couldn’t do it without everyone involved, the whole Star team… I wasn’t supposed to line up this January [due to injury] and I did and here we are. It means the world. This may never happen again so I’m going to enjoy the [heck] out of it. Thank you to all these fans, great team, teammates, everyone. It’s just a relief. Never give up on yourself, kids!” – Cooper Webb (with members of the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team)
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Malcolm Stewart, Chase Sexton, and Justin Cooper.Race_Result_450
The Dave Coombs Sr. 250SX East/West Showdown became an instant classic for the battle over the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class title which had three riders separated by only three points. When the gate dropped Haiden Deegan rocketed into the lead and ran away with it. Tom Vialle sat in second with the other Eastern Divisional contenders, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker, in fourth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire, in 14th. Along with Western Divisional rider Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer, the four riders threw down for an epic battle that saw several position changes, aggressive passes, and a take-out move that put both Hampshire and Hammaker on the ground. That crash allowed Vialle to slip past and pull the championship back when it had appeared lost. Hammaker made a charge but could not regain the time lost to Vialle. At the checkered flag Deegan cruised to his fourth win, Beaumer took second, and Vialle took third place and secured the 250SX Eastern Divisional Championship.
First place 250SX Class – Haiden Deegan.
“That was wild. I just heard bikes revving behind me, [I was] like, ‘Oh my God, they’re going at it!” I’d seen Seth for a second and then he was gone, and I was like, ‘Oh, no, they got into it.’ But congrats to Tom on the Championship, that’s super cool. And dude, the crowd was going wild. That was dope. Thank you to everyone, thank you to my fans for supporting me and my whole Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha team, love you guys.” – Haiden Deegan
Second place 250SX Class – Julien Beaumer
“It was pretty wild having the three East title contenders going at it right next to me. I don’t know what to say, that was a wild one to be in the middle of, but I’m happy with my riding. My riding all day today was good, and we’re slowly getting better. I’m happy with where we’re at and I’m ready to put this fight into outdoors.” – Julien Beaumer
Third place 250SX Class – Tom Vialle (with members of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team)
“I had a great start. My first five or six laps were actually really good. I was feeling good, and I was like, ‘Okay, this is mine.’ And [then] I started to make a few mistakes and Seth and RJ got me. They got a little gap, and my only chance was that… if something happened [to Hammaker and Hampshire], and that’s what happened tonight. I feel like that was all year, the whole Championship has been up and down, and I could capitalize tonight, and I’m really pumped.” – Tom Vialle
Fourth place 250SX Class – Seth Hammaker
“It was a great season. Came up a little short, that one’s a bummer when you get that close. That was a crazy race. Got off to a decent start and just chaos from there. Got around Tom, [I] had a little more pace than him at the beginning. And then Juju [Beaumer], [I] got round him but then he kind of ran it in on me and, you know, teammate thing. Just wasn’t really expecting it, shouldn’t have left the door open, I guess. Then RJ was coming in hot in that corner before the finish line, just took us both down. And yeah, [I] just tried to fight all the way to the end to get Tom. We got close, but second place is going to do this season. Huge shout out to everybody, my whole team. I really wanted to get this one done for them but, you know, I’ll be back… Gonna work hard for outdoors, keep this season of building going, and congrats to Tom.” – Seth Hammaker
250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Julien Beaumer, Haiden Deegan, and Tom Vialle.
In attendance was the Olympic gold medalist in the 2022 Beijing Olympics’ Women’s 500M speed skating, Erin Jackson. “I was here last year and had a blast and had to come back.” Then she told of her track-walk experience, which has recently become available to the public through Supercross’ VIP Experiences, “That was awesome. I got my white shoes a little bit dirty, but other than that it was super cool. The jumps are just so much bigger than they seem from up here [in the stands]. It was really cool to get to walk up and down all the different features out there. I had a great time.”
With another thrilling season of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship completed, the racers now face the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross season this summer. In September, points from both the Supercross and motocross championships will be combined to seed the top 20 racers from each class into the SMX World Championship. All points will be reset to zero, then each rider will be awarded single-event points for their seeded position before entering the SMX World Championship. Riders who fall outside of the top 20 spots, but within the top 30, will have a chance to compete in the SMX Rounds via a Last Chance Qualifier at each event. To earn the title of SMX World Champion, riders will earn points through two Playoff Rounds and one SMX World Championship. Points at each Round increase; Playoff 1 (Concord, N.C. on September 6th) awards points equal a Supercross Main Event finish, Playoff 2 (St. Louis, Mo. on September 13th) doubles the points payout, and points will be triple those of a standard event at the finale in Las Vegas on September 20th.
Peacock will stream every moto of the AMA Pro Motocross season as well as each SMX World Championship event live and on-demand. Select motocross races will also be available on NBC and USA Network. Every SMX World Championship event will be available live on Peacock as well as on Telemundo Deportes’ Facebook and YouTube channels in both English and Spanish broadcasts. International live coverage can be found outside of the US through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv) with live coverage of each round in English, Spanish and French. Live audio coverage can be heard for each race on NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85. Select SMX World Championship rounds will also be available on NBC and USA Network.
Tickets are already on sale now for the AMA Pro Motocross season as well as all three SMX World Championship events. For tickets, event information, race results, and more please go to supermotocross.com.
MotoGP Tissot Sprint Race at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Marc Marquez won the MotoGP Tissot Sprint race Saturday afternoon at Le Mans Bugatti Circuit, in France. Riding his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on Michelin control tires, the six-time World Champion won the 13-lap race by 0.530 second.
Alex Marquez was the runner-up on his BK8 Gresini Racing Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
His teammate and rookie, Fermin Aldeguer finished third.
Poleman Fabio Quartararo was fourth on his Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP YZF-M1.
Maverick Viñales crossed the finish line fifth on his Red Bull KTM Tech3 RC16.
Two-time World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia crashed his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25.
For the championship, Alex Marquez is 2 points behind his principal rival Marc Marquez who has 151 points. Bagnaia is third with 120 points.
Marc Marquez makes it six after battling Quartararo for Le Mans Sprint win. It was an epic opening encounter in MotoGP as the #93 returns to the top of the standings – but he had to work hard for it.
Pure emotion, adrenaline and excitement, the 2025 Michelin® Grand Prix of France still has the main day to entertain but Saturday’s stunning on-track action left plenty of goosebumps. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) vs Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), the fight we wanted to see, the fight we got. The #93 came out on top to become the first rider with six consecutive Sprint wins but the stat itself isn’t the entire story as BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP celebrate a double Saturday podium with Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer.
OPENING STAGES: Quartararo revels for home crowd
Grabbing the holeshot, Marc Marquez got to the fast Turn 2 first but ran wide, allowing home star and polesitter Quartararo to hit the front and launch away in the early stages. It was an early exit for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), as the rider P3 in the standings crashed at Turn 3 on Lap 2, despite a great start up from P6 to P4. Elsewhere, a miserable start for Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who ran off into the gravel; he was able to rejoin the action but way out of points contention.
As Lap 4 ended, there was another crasher, this time Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at Turn 9; he remounted but entered the pits. Meanwhile, at the start of Lap 6, Marquez made his first attempt to try and lead the Sprint at Turn 3 but ran wide, allowing ‘El Diablo’ to get back through on the cutback. However, he wasn’t as fortunate at Turn 8, with Marc able to squeeze down the inside and not allow any retaliation from the Frenchman.
MORE BATTLES: Alex Marquez and Aldeguer come to the fore
At the start of Lap 8 and now heading towards the final third, there was no way for Quartararo to resist the #73 of Alex Marquez, who blasted by on the way up to Turn 2. Now the #20’s attention was moving towards Marquez’s teammate Aldeguer, once again having a sensational weekend in his rookie season. He found a way ahead for P3 at Turn 3 but not willing to relinquish a top three at home, Quartararo struck back at Turn 6 with contact between the two. Not backing down, the #54 responded with equal force, shoving Quartararo back to fourth at Turn 7.
THE FINAL MOMENTS: Acosta in late drama as Marc makes his mark
There was a last lap battle between the KTM duo of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3), with the #12 attack ‘El Tiburon’ into Turn 3 but unable to make it work. Then, the unthinkable on the final lap at Turn 13, as Acosta fell all of his own accord, denying himself of a first top five in the Sprints this season.
Out front, it was dreamland for Marc, who became the first rider to win six consecutive Sprints, retaking the Championship lead from his brother by two points, with Alex taking second as the brothers once again locked out the top two places. In third, a mighty first Sprint rostrum for Aldeguer, who was one of the fastest riders in the closing stages, so keep an eye out for him in the Grand Prix. Quartararo was a determined fourth, whilst Viñales completed the top five courtesy of Acosta’s last fall.
Sixth place gave another reason for the home crowd to cheer as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) came through from P11, pipping Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who likewise climbed the order from P17 to P7. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) grabbed his first Sprint points since COTA in 2023. The last point went to Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), denying Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) who rounded out the top ten.
That sets us up very nicely for the main event tomorrow. Tune in at 14:00 local time to see how the French GP unfolds!
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.
