The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota is set to return to the world racing stage in 2025 competing in the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.
Winners of the 1980 350cc World Championship fielding Jon Ekerold on a two-cylinder, two stroke Bimota YB3 machine, success was also achieved in TT Formula 1 with legend Virginio Ferrari aboard a YB4R taking the Championship honours in1987. No strangers to four stroke machinery, Bimota won no less than seven races in the very first World Superbike Championship year of 1988 thanks to Davide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2). Even as late as the year 2000, Bimota were still able to achieve a WorldSBK race win thanks to the late, great Anthony Gobert aboard an SB8R machine mounting the top step of the podium at a wet Phillip Island race weekend.
For the 2025 season, Bimota is partnering with Kawasaki in a joint venture which will result in a Bimota chassis with Kawasaki engine (plus allied technology), competing in WorldSBK. Not only will the donor Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant be familiar, but also many of the team staff as Kawasaki transfers its efforts into the Bimota racing program marking a landmark moment in the journey of the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the premier global racing series based on production machines that can be purchased at dealerships.
Recognising not just the legacy of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but also the close cooperation and synergies between majority Bimota shareholder, Kawasaki, and the Rimini based Italian manufacturer, the new team will operate under the title of Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
Fielding a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the new team will play a pivotal role in the wider global recognition and market presence of the Bimota brand as well as being crucial in highlighting the hand built craftsmanship and care that goes into the creation of every Bimota product. This wider appreciation of the Bimota brand and its core racing DNA is also expected to create increased demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles.
Speaking about the new direction for Kawasaki in WorldSBK, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Hiroshi Ito, stated: “Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture. As part of our vision for the evolution of this world famous brand we see racing as a logical next step in terms of both product development as well as brand exposure on the global stage. Our commitment to WorldSBK is as strong as ever and we hope that this new racing project will energise fans of both Bimota and Kawasaki. The passion for race success remains and we look forward to the presence of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on the 2025 WorldSBK grid”.
On behalf of Bimota, COO, Pierluigi Marconi, commented: “The engineering, technology and day to day business support already offered by Kawasaki has put Bimota firmly back into the consciousness of the media and potential customers, now it is time to take a next step in our evolution.
Bimota has had racing as part of its DNA from day one and to compete in WorldSBK alongside developing our new product range, while expanding the European and global dealer network, has an undeniable logic to it. With the unparalleled experience of the existing Kawasaki racing team experts plus the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. in Japan fills us with pride and optimism. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the foundations of the next chapter in the Bimota story”.
KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, concluded: “In the past thirteen years, myself, and all of those at the KRT workshop in Granollers, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to the Kawasaki Superbike project and garnered seven WorldSBK rider titles in that time plus numerous team and manufacturer awards. Now – after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike championship – we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. This is an evolution for Kawasaki’s approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.”
APRILIA AMERICAS CELEBRATES THE MOTOGP VICTORY AT THE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS WITH THE RELEASE OF THE FINAL THREE XTRENTA MODELS PERSONALIZED BY THE FACTORY RIDERS: MAVERICK VINALES, ALEIX ESPARGARO, AND LORENZO SAVADORI
FROM APRILIA RACING ENGINEERING AND MOTOGP TECHNOLOGY THE XTRENTA IS THE MOST EXTREME, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AND EXCLUSIVE APRILIA RSV4 EVER AND THE FIRST MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD EQUIPPED WITH REAR AND UNDER WINGS.
UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE FOR MAXIMUM FUN ON TRACK: 230 HP FOR JUST 166 KG, RACING COMPONENTS AND REAL RACING SET-UP.
THESE FINAL THREE EXCLUSIVE MODELS WILL MATCH PERFORMANCE WITH PASSION FOR RACING, OFFERING A VIP TRIP TO REMAINING 2024 MOTOGP ROUND TO PURCHASING CUSTOMER
NEW YORK, NY – 24 APRIL 2024 – Following the successful MotoGP weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, Aprilia raises the curtain on the final chapter of the coveted XTrenta story. Three, meticulously crafted XTrenta motorcycles – the ultimate expression of Aprilia’s racing DNA – are now available for purchase, each signed by one of Aprilia’s esteemed MotoGP factory riders: Maverick Viñales, Aleix Espargaro, and Lorenzo Savadori.
A LEGACY OF PERFORMANCE
Aprilia boasts a legendary history in World Superbike with celebrated RSV4, which was the platform to build its presence in MotoGP, consistently pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology and performance. The engineers who meticulously design and develop Aprilia’s MotoGP machines are the same masterminds behind the XTrenta. This exclusive track-only motorcycle embodies Aprilia’s championship-winning heritage, offering the most sophisticated and performance-driven experience available to enthusiasts.
The RSV4 XTrenta is part of the Factory Works program launched by Aprilia Racing: unique in the world, it makes the same technology developed in competition available to those who intend to compete at the highest levels in the production derivatives championships or who wish to have an RSV4 or Tuono V4 with performance optimized for use on the track. The XTrenta is unlike no other before it and sits as the pinnacle reference of the RSV4’s racing capability. Tireless development has been done by the Aprilia Racing engineers to elevate the maximum potential of the RSV4, with specific improvements unique to the XTrenta, which include:
• Aerodynamics: The bike uses MotoGP-derived carbon fairings with new front wings, rear wings, and an under wing on the swingarm, increasing aerodynamic load by 25% and reducing drag by 4%.
The Aprilia XTrenta is claimed to be the only motorcycle that comes with an aerodynamic “under wing” on the swingarm. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
• Engine: Starting from the base of a 2024 Aprilia RSV4 Factory has been tuned to produce 230 horsepower. This is achieved through several enhancements, which among others include an increased compression ratio, a specially designed titanium and carbon exhaust system from Aprilia Racing partner SC Project, and a Sprint Filter MotoGP spec air filter.
• Electronics: Specially calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit and a JetPrime racing panel to control the electronics suite.
• Cooling systems: To accommodate high performance and heavy-duty track use, the water and oil radiators are Superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing.
• Suspension: Öhlins modified by Andreani in collaboration with Aprilia MotoGP engineers.
• Wheels: Forged magnesium Marchesini M7R GENESI rims that are 2 kg lighter than the standard wheels.
• Tires: The tires are Pirelli Diablo SBK slick tires in sizes 120/70 and 200/65, with SC-1 compound front and SC-X compound rear.
The Aprilia XTrenta is fitted with functional front and rear wings. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
OWNING THE DREAM
These final three XTrenta models transcend mere motorcycles; they represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Aprilia’s MotoGP legacy. Each XTrenta comes with a personalized touch – the signature of the factory MotoGP rider you choose.
THE ULTIMATE MOTOGP EXPERIENCE
But the exclusivity doesn’t stop there. The proud owner of each XTrenta will be treated to an experience unlike any other, with a trip to a 2024 MotoGP race weekend of their choice. This VIP experience includes a meet-and-greet with your chosen rider, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Aprilia Racing Team garage, coveted paddock passes, and premium viewing seats to witness the pinnacle of motorcycle racing firsthand.
The Final Chapter
With only three XTrenta motorcycles remaining, this is your final chance to secure a place in Aprilia’s racing royalty. Each XTrenta is priced at $80,000 USD and represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a slice of Aprilia’s racing history. Lucky buyers will also receive not only the limited and numbered version of the RSV4 but also the dedicated motorbike cover and mat.
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
“After four rounds, we were 20 points up on Alpha Omega for the overall N2/WERA National Endurance Championship with two races left in the year. Although that is the biggest lead we had enjoyed in years, there are over 100 points up for grabs at a single event so a mistake by any crew member or rider could drop us out of contention. Also, through a combined tragedy of scheduling and injuries, we were short staffed for riders…”
“Army Of Darkness: Lightning Strikes & Shock Swaps,” by Sam Q. Fleming
The text went out to Taylor Knapp, who took a day off of work and joined Army Of Darkness for the Summit Point round of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. The reunion with his old team could not have gone better, with the squad atop the box once again. Read about the trials, the tribulations, the typical madness that is the glory of endurance racing—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
AGR Team Owner Anscari Nadal (right) with then-17-year-old American Maxwell Toth (left). Photo courtesy AGR Team.
Age: 18.
Current home: Barcelona, Spain (originally from Belmont, California).
Current height/weight: 6’0”/150 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2009, Stockton, California, Supermoto USA, PW Class, 2nd place.
Current racebike: Kalex Moto2.
Current tuners/mechanics: AGR Team.
Primary race series: FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Sponsors: T3 Racing, Vircos Leathers, HJC, CT Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, tied for 24th in FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship (best race result was 13th in Race Two at Portimao); 2022 season, earned co-Championship in CIV/Italian Aprilia RS 660 Cup (4 wins, 8 total podiums), 1 podium finish in RFME ESBK SuperStock 600 race at Jerez, raced as wild card in FIM Moto2 European Championship finale at Valencia (qualified 19th but was taken out/crashed in race); 2021 season, finished 2nd racing as a wild card in CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Vallelunga, finished 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (only rab 12 races, 1 win, 4 total podiums), finished 13th in MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (only ran 4 races, 2 podium finishes); 2020 season, qualified 4th and finished 5th in Race Two in MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Laguna Seca, tied for 19th in CIV (Italian) Moto3 National Championship (best race finish was 10th at Misano); 2019 season, placed 9th in CIV PreMoto3 Championship (1 podium finish at Mugello), won Pro Supermoto USA 250 race; 2018 season, won all races he entered in Z & F Grand Prix School (mini Grand Prix series in France).
2024 racing goals: Win FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Racing career goal: Race in one of the World Championships.
Racing hero: Iker Lecuona.
Favorite track: Valencia.
Favorite hobby: Riding BMX.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A music producer.
…
Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;
five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
Hayden Gillim has finished as the runner-up in AMA or MotoAmerica National Championships six times during his successful career. But the 29-year-old veteran knocked that monkey off his back by winning two MotoAmerica Championships in 2023.
It was a long road getting there, but Gillim isn’t planning on stopping any time soon…
“Hanging With: Hayden Gillim,” by David Swarts
Hayden Gillim started at the age of six on a Honda XR50 and has done journeyman’s work ever since, grinding out a career and showing flashes of brilliance when his bikes were good enough. Last season, Gillim had his chance, and showed everyone just how good a rider he really is! Read his story in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
Here are complete race results from the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held April 21 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California.
Yamaha Champions Riding School Founder and Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch was recently interviewed by Teejay Adams on the Motos & Friends podcast. Ienatsch, a former professional racer, journalist, and lifelong motorcyclist, talked about the different approaches and techniques of motorcycle rider training.
Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Jensen Beeler as Its New CEO
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – April 23, 2024 – Krämer Motorcycles USA is proud to announce the appointment of Jensen Beeler as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Launching Krämer Motorcycles USA in 2015, Joe Karvonen has been the driving force behind the brand’s success in North America, and earned him the moniker “Krämer Joe” amongst loyal Krämer fans. Joe will continue to own and operate Krämer Motorcycles USA out of its headquarters in Fargo, North Dakota.
“This is less of a change in management, and more of an expansion of leadership in our team, as Jensen increasingly takes on the responsibility for the business direction and corporate strategy of Krämer Motorcycles USA, leaving myself and the current staff to execute that plan,” explained Joe Karvonen, Founder and Owner of Krämer Motorcycles USA.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Jensen’s leadership has already been a benefit to Krämer Motorcycles USA, with unit sales and revenue essentially doubling since he joined the company two years ago.
The dealer network has also expanded in the past two years, with Krämer motorcycles now available regionally in the Pacific Northwest, California Coast, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Northeast, and Florida peninsula.
“After the pandemic, Krämer Motorcycles USA was in need of a reboot, so Joe and I sat down and came up with a strategic plan to turnaround the company,” explains Jensen Beeler. “Two years later, we are seeing that hard work come to fruition, and now Krämer Motorcycles USA sits in the best position it has ever seen, with an awesome team to take us into the future,” explained Jensen Beeler.
“For the past two years, Jensen has been a critical member of our team, and many of the changes that we have made behind the scenes have been successful because of his implementation and oversight,” added Karvonen. “This year is already off to an impressive start, and we still have some more big announcements for 2024 and beyond still to come.”
Krämer Motorcycles USA imports handbuilt, German-made, track-only road racing motorcycles into North America. More information is available at kramermotorcyclesusa.com.
1. The FIM MINICUP round scheduled for June 22-23 VIR is moved to August 3-4 VIR.
2. The VIR August 3-4 round will be an ASRA Pirelli National round. Along with being a South-East/Atlantic points round. This will take place of the CMP race weekend originally slated for July 20-21.
3. Due to new insurance requirements the ASRA Endurance/Team Challenge round originally slated for NJMP is moving to Blackhawk Farms September 14-15.
With the complications of the Americas GP behind them, the Repsol Honda Team are aiming to reset and return to making forward progress at the familiar Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España
The Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto first hosted a Grand Prix in 1987 and has become one of the most well attended and iconic races on the calendar with fans flocking to the grandstand and hills around the track. At 4.42 kilometers long, the track has created legendary moments such as Doohan vs Criville, Rossi vs Gibernau, Marquez vs Lorenzo and many more. Honda have won the Spanish Grind Prix in the premier class on 25 occasions, first in 1983 and most recently in 2019.
Leaving Austin with a double DNF, Joan Mir is eager to get back to the form he showed in the opening two races of the year and continue maximising his performance throughout the weekend. The Jerez circuit offers another contrasting track in the opening gambit of the MotoGP season for Mir and the Repsol Honda Team to test the RC213V machine in the hunt for improvements.
Like his teammate, Luca Marini arrives in Spain looking for more. The Italian was able to complete both races in America but remains focused on making progress forward and joining the fight for top Honda honours consistently. At this stage, more bike time and more information to work with are what is needed. Marini’s best finish at the Spanish Grand Prix is sixth in the premier class, achieved in 2023.
Stefan Bradl and the HRC Test Team will join as a fifth Honda RC213V this weekend, the team regularly testing at Jerez throughout the year.
A one-day post-race Test will follow the Grand Prix on Monday.
Joan Mir
“I think coming to a race like Jerez where you have all the home fans to support you will be a help after the tough weekend we had in Austin. It’s important to put that behind us and keep working like we did at the start of the year to understand the capability of the bike this weekend. We are realistic about what is possible, and we need to focus on making improvements and aiming for more in the future. It’s about step by step, making steady progress and we can’t expect a big leap at this stage.”
Luca Marini
“It’s another weekend to keep working with the team and aim for more improvements. Now is not the time to stop working, we have to keep on gathering information and not only trying to improve our current package but also working on developments for the future. Jerez is a good track for this kind of job, the Test Team has done a lot of testing here and will be with us this weekend so it will be interesting to see what we can learn from this.”
Nicolo Bulega (11) and Andrea Iannone (29) battle for the lead at the start of a WorldSBK race at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bimota Returns To WorldSBK In 2025
The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota is set to return to the world racing stage in 2025 competing in the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.
Winners of the 1980 350cc World Championship fielding Jon Ekerold on a two-cylinder, two stroke Bimota YB3 machine, success was also achieved in TT Formula 1 with legend Virginio Ferrari aboard a YB4R taking the Championship honours in1987. No strangers to four stroke machinery, Bimota won no less than seven races in the very first World Superbike Championship year of 1988 thanks to Davide Tardozzi (5) and Stephane Mertens (2). Even as late as the year 2000, Bimota were still able to achieve a WorldSBK race win thanks to the late, great Anthony Gobert aboard an SB8R machine mounting the top step of the podium at a wet Phillip Island race weekend.
For the 2025 season, Bimota is partnering with Kawasaki in a joint venture which will result in a Bimota chassis with Kawasaki engine (plus allied technology), competing in WorldSBK. Not only will the donor Ninja ZX-10RR powerplant be familiar, but also many of the team staff as Kawasaki transfers its efforts into the Bimota racing program marking a landmark moment in the journey of the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the premier global racing series based on production machines that can be purchased at dealerships.
Recognising not just the legacy of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but also the close cooperation and synergies between majority Bimota shareholder, Kawasaki, and the Rimini based Italian manufacturer, the new team will operate under the title of Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.
Fielding a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the new team will play a pivotal role in the wider global recognition and market presence of the Bimota brand as well as being crucial in highlighting the hand built craftsmanship and care that goes into the creation of every Bimota product. This wider appreciation of the Bimota brand and its core racing DNA is also expected to create increased demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles.
Speaking about the new direction for Kawasaki in WorldSBK, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. Hiroshi Ito, stated: “Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture. As part of our vision for the evolution of this world famous brand we see racing as a logical next step in terms of both product development as well as brand exposure on the global stage. Our commitment to WorldSBK is as strong as ever and we hope that this new racing project will energise fans of both Bimota and Kawasaki. The passion for race success remains and we look forward to the presence of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team on the 2025 WorldSBK grid”.
On behalf of Bimota, COO, Pierluigi Marconi, commented: “The engineering, technology and day to day business support already offered by Kawasaki has put Bimota firmly back into the consciousness of the media and potential customers, now it is time to take a next step in our evolution.
Bimota has had racing as part of its DNA from day one and to compete in WorldSBK alongside developing our new product range, while expanding the European and global dealer network, has an undeniable logic to it. With the unparalleled experience of the existing Kawasaki racing team experts plus the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. in Japan fills us with pride and optimism. The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the foundations of the next chapter in the Bimota story”.
KRT Team Manager, Guim Roda, concluded: “In the past thirteen years, myself, and all of those at the KRT workshop in Granollers, have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to the Kawasaki Superbike project and garnered seven WorldSBK rider titles in that time plus numerous team and manufacturer awards. Now – after Kawasaki competing for nearly four decades in the Superbike championship – we are proud to be part of a new era forming the infrastructure of the new Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. For sure we will spare some time to reflect on and celebrate the heritage of Kawasaki in Superbike racing, but we are also extremely excited to be a core component of this new Bimota and Kawasaki joint venture. This is an evolution for Kawasaki’s approach to the top level of production racing and we are honoured to play our role in this new project. I am confident we have the technology and human resources necessary to succeed and it will be a fresh, energising experience fielding an impressive two rider team in the 2025 Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.”
An Aprilia XTrenta track-only motorcycle. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
APRILIA AMERICAS CELEBRATES THE MOTOGP VICTORY AT THE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS WITH THE RELEASE OF THE FINAL THREE XTRENTA MODELS PERSONALIZED BY THE FACTORY RIDERS: MAVERICK VINALES, ALEIX ESPARGARO, AND LORENZO SAVADORI
FROM APRILIA RACING ENGINEERING AND MOTOGP TECHNOLOGY THE XTRENTA IS THE MOST EXTREME, HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AND EXCLUSIVE APRILIA RSV4 EVER AND THE FIRST MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD EQUIPPED WITH REAR AND UNDER WINGS.
UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE FOR MAXIMUM FUN ON TRACK: 230 HP FOR JUST 166 KG, RACING COMPONENTS AND REAL RACING SET-UP.
THESE FINAL THREE EXCLUSIVE MODELS WILL MATCH PERFORMANCE WITH PASSION FOR RACING, OFFERING A VIP TRIP TO REMAINING 2024 MOTOGP ROUND TO PURCHASING CUSTOMER
NEW YORK, NY – 24 APRIL 2024 – Following the successful MotoGP weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, Aprilia raises the curtain on the final chapter of the coveted XTrenta story. Three, meticulously crafted XTrenta motorcycles – the ultimate expression of Aprilia’s racing DNA – are now available for purchase, each signed by one of Aprilia’s esteemed MotoGP factory riders: Maverick Viñales, Aleix Espargaro, and Lorenzo Savadori.
A LEGACY OF PERFORMANCE
Aprilia boasts a legendary history in World Superbike with celebrated RSV4, which was the platform to build its presence in MotoGP, consistently pushing the boundaries of motorcycle technology and performance. The engineers who meticulously design and develop Aprilia’s MotoGP machines are the same masterminds behind the XTrenta. This exclusive track-only motorcycle embodies Aprilia’s championship-winning heritage, offering the most sophisticated and performance-driven experience available to enthusiasts.
The RSV4 XTrenta is part of the Factory Works program launched by Aprilia Racing: unique in the world, it makes the same technology developed in competition available to those who intend to compete at the highest levels in the production derivatives championships or who wish to have an RSV4 or Tuono V4 with performance optimized for use on the track. The XTrenta is unlike no other before it and sits as the pinnacle reference of the RSV4’s racing capability. Tireless development has been done by the Aprilia Racing engineers to elevate the maximum potential of the RSV4, with specific improvements unique to the XTrenta, which include:
• Aerodynamics: The bike uses MotoGP-derived carbon fairings with new front wings, rear wings, and an under wing on the swingarm, increasing aerodynamic load by 25% and reducing drag by 4%.
The Aprilia XTrenta is claimed to be the only motorcycle that comes with an aerodynamic “under wing” on the swingarm. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
• Engine: Starting from the base of a 2024 Aprilia RSV4 Factory has been tuned to produce 230 horsepower. This is achieved through several enhancements, which among others include an increased compression ratio, a specially designed titanium and carbon exhaust system from Aprilia Racing partner SC Project, and a Sprint Filter MotoGP spec air filter.
• Electronics: Specially calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit and a JetPrime racing panel to control the electronics suite.
• Cooling systems: To accommodate high performance and heavy-duty track use, the water and oil radiators are Superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing.
• Suspension: Öhlins modified by Andreani in collaboration with Aprilia MotoGP engineers.
• Wheels: Forged magnesium Marchesini M7R GENESI rims that are 2 kg lighter than the standard wheels.
• Tires: The tires are Pirelli Diablo SBK slick tires in sizes 120/70 and 200/65, with SC-1 compound front and SC-X compound rear.
The Aprilia XTrenta is fitted with functional front and rear wings. Photo courtesy Aprilia Americas.
OWNING THE DREAM
These final three XTrenta models transcend mere motorcycles; they represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Aprilia’s MotoGP legacy. Each XTrenta comes with a personalized touch – the signature of the factory MotoGP rider you choose.
THE ULTIMATE MOTOGP EXPERIENCE
But the exclusivity doesn’t stop there. The proud owner of each XTrenta will be treated to an experience unlike any other, with a trip to a 2024 MotoGP race weekend of their choice. This VIP experience includes a meet-and-greet with your chosen rider, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Aprilia Racing Team garage, coveted paddock passes, and premium viewing seats to witness the pinnacle of motorcycle racing firsthand.
The Final Chapter
With only three XTrenta motorcycles remaining, this is your final chance to secure a place in Aprilia’s racing royalty. Each XTrenta is priced at $80,000 USD and represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a slice of Aprilia’s racing history. Lucky buyers will also receive not only the limited and numbered version of the RSV4 but also the dedicated motorbike cover and mat.
Taylor Knapp (99) leads Emerson Amaya (11) at Summit Point early in the race that marked Knapp's return to the top of the podium with AOD for the first time in nine years!
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
“After four rounds, we were 20 points up on Alpha Omega for the overall N2/WERA National Endurance Championship with two races left in the year. Although that is the biggest lead we had enjoyed in years, there are over 100 points up for grabs at a single event so a mistake by any crew member or rider could drop us out of contention. Also, through a combined tragedy of scheduling and injuries, we were short staffed for riders…”
“Army Of Darkness: Lightning Strikes & Shock Swaps,” by Sam Q. Fleming
The text went out to Taylor Knapp, who took a day off of work and joined Army Of Darkness for the Summit Point round of the N2/WERA National Endurance Series. The reunion with his old team could not have gone better, with the squad atop the box once again. Read about the trials, the tribulations, the typical madness that is the glory of endurance racing—it’s in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
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Maxwell Toth in action on a Kalex Moto2 racebike at Catalunya Spain. Photo by @lifebelucky, courtesy Max Toth.
Roadracing World started this exclusive special feature recognizing the most promising young road racers as an answer to pessimists who claimed America had no new, up-and-coming young racers. This edition of the Roadracing World Young Gun Awards marks the 28th consecutive year of showcasing an abundance of new talent.
Roadracing World Young Guns have won:
FIM MotoGP and FIM Superbike races and World Championships;
MotoAmerica and AMA Pro races and Championships, including 13 AMA Pro Superbike Championships;
A KTM RC Cup World Final race;
WERA National Endurance Championships and WERA National Challenge Championships;
ASRA/Formula USA Grand National and CCS National Championships;
AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and Horizon Awards;
USGPRU National Championships;
Many regional and local titles.
The competition has continually become more intense as more – and younger—racers with higher levels of accomplishment are nominated, and the level of achievement required to make the grade keeps getting tougher.
We’ve spent the last several months accepting nominations and evaluating road racers between the ages of 10 and 18 (as of the start of the 2024 season) who have, at a minimum, won Expert-level road races and/or Championships or had outstanding results as an Amateur/Novice. Most of the riders included here have done far more than the minimum.
The young riders recognized here are the most promising young road racers in North America. All have earned the title of Roadracing World Young Gun.
We will feature one Young Gun per day, presenting them in alphabetical order.
AGR Team Owner Anscari Nadal (right) with then-17-year-old American Maxwell Toth (left). Photo courtesy AGR Team.
Age: 18.
Current home: Barcelona, Spain (originally from Belmont, California).
Current height/weight: 6’0”/150 pounds.
Current school grade level: 12th grade.
Began riding at age: 4 years.
First road race: 2009, Stockton, California, Supermoto USA, PW Class, 2nd place.
Current racebike: Kalex Moto2.
Current tuners/mechanics: AGR Team.
Primary race series: FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Sponsors: T3 Racing, Vircos Leathers, HJC, CT Racing.
Recent racing accomplishments: 2023 season, tied for 24th in FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship (best race result was 13th in Race Two at Portimao); 2022 season, earned co-Championship in CIV/Italian Aprilia RS 660 Cup (4 wins, 8 total podiums), 1 podium finish in RFME ESBK SuperStock 600 race at Jerez, raced as wild card in FIM Moto2 European Championship finale at Valencia (qualified 19th but was taken out/crashed in race); 2021 season, finished 2nd racing as a wild card in CIV Aprilia RS 660 Cup race at Vallelunga, finished 9th in MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship (only rab 12 races, 1 win, 4 total podiums), finished 13th in MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship (only ran 4 races, 2 podium finishes); 2020 season, qualified 4th and finished 5th in Race Two in MotoAmerica Junior Cup debut at Laguna Seca, tied for 19th in CIV (Italian) Moto3 National Championship (best race finish was 10th at Misano); 2019 season, placed 9th in CIV PreMoto3 Championship (1 podium finish at Mugello), won Pro Supermoto USA 250 race; 2018 season, won all races he entered in Z & F Grand Prix School (mini Grand Prix series in France).
2024 racing goals: Win FIM JuniorGP Moto2 European Championship.
Racing career goal: Race in one of the World Championships.
Racing hero: Iker Lecuona.
Favorite track: Valencia.
Favorite hobby: Riding BMX.
If I wasn’t racing I would be…: A music producer.
…
Some of the riders who have graduated from Young Guns and gone on to racing success in National or International series include:
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion Jason Aguilar (R.I.P.);
2013 AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and 2022 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Corey Alexander;
AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race winner Tommy Aquino (R.I.P.);
2008 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and multi-time MotoAmerica Superbike race winner J.D. Beach;
five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion and Moto2 World Championship point scorer Cameron Beaubier;
MotoAmerica Twins Cup race winner Jackson Blackmon;
former Canadian Sport Bike Champion Tomas Casas;
three-time Canadian Sport Bike Champion and 2014 Canadian Superbike Champion Jodi Christie;
former AMA Pro SuperSport East Champion and MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 race winner Josh Day;
2011 Daytona 200 winner Jason DiSalvo;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Championship runner-up and current MotoAmerica team owner Dustin Dominguez;
2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2019 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, and 2021 Canadian Superbike Champion Alex Dumas;
four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race winner and former motorcycle track record holder Carlin Dunne (R.I.P.);
Canadian Superbike race winner Bodhi Edie;
two-time AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, two-time AMA Pro XR1200/Harley-Davidson Champion and four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick;
2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Bobby Fong;
2010 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Superstock 1000 Champion, and three-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Jake Gagne;
two-time MotoAmerica Supersport Champion and World Superbike podium finisher Garrett Gerloff;
2017 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Championship runner-up Michael Gilbert;
2014 AMA Pro SuperSport Champion, 2023 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Champion Hayden Gillim;
2002 AMA Superbike Champion and 2006 FIM MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (R.I.P.);
2007 AMA Pro 600cc Supersport Champion, 2014 AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up, and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship runner-up Roger Hayden;
eight-time AMA Pro Superbike race winner and two-time AMA Supersport Champion Tommy Hayden;
2013 AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, and three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin;
MotoAmerica Supersport front-runner Teagg Hobbs;
AMA Pro Superstock race winner Jake Holden;
2011 British Superbike Championship runner-up and former MotoGP and World Superbike regular John Hopkins;
2015 Supersport World Championship runner-up, 2019 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Superbike race winner Patrick “P.J.” Jacobsen;
2021 MotoAmerica Supersport Champion, Moto2 World Championship point scorer, and MotoAmerica Superbike racer Sean Dylan Kelly;
Canadian Superbike race winner Kevin Lacombe;
two-time MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion, 2020 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Champion, 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship runner-up Rocco Landers;
two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion Andrew Lee;
2021 MotoAmerica Stock 1000 and Superbike Cup Champion Jake Lewis;
MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Sam Lochoff;
MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race winner Nick McFadden;
AMA Pro SuperSport race winner and MotoAmerica Supersport race winner Stefano Mesa;
Elena Myers, the first and only woman to win AMA Pro Supersport races;
AMA Pro XR1200 race winner, multi-time Loudon Classic winner, and three-time BRL Champion Shane Narbonne;
2012 Canadian Superbike Championship runner-up Andrew Nelson;
2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Champion, 2019 British Motostar (Moto3) Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch;
2012 Daytona 200 winner and 2010 AMA Pro Supersport West Champion Joey Pascarella;
AMA Pro and Canadian National race winner and multi-time N2/WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Peris;
two-time AMA Pro SuperSport National Champion, British Supersport podium finisher, 2020 AFT Production Twins Champion, and 2023 MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers Championship runner-up James Rispoli;
2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 600 Champion, MotoAmerica Supersport race winner, and Moto2 World Championship race winner Joe Roberts;
2022 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up and 2023 MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship runner-up Gus Rodio;
former Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Champion and former FIM Moto2 European Championship competitor Benny Solis, Jr.;
three-time AMA Pro Superbike Champion, 2009 Superbike World Champion, MotoGP race winner, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Ben Spies;
multi-time AMA Pro race winner and four-time overall WERA National Endurance Champion Chris Ulrich;
MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher and former World Superbike competitor Jayson Uribe;
2017 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship runner-up, 2018 MotoAmerica Junior Cup Championship runner-up, and MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher Cory Ventura;
Canadian Superbike race winner Alex Welsh;
former AMA Pro Superbike Rookie of the Year, Chinese Superbike Championship race winner, MotoAmerica Supersport podium finisher, and MotoAmerica Super Hooligan race winner Cory West;
MotoAmerica Junior Cup and Superbike Cup race winner Ashton Yates;
and two-time AMA Pro Superbike Championship runner-up Blake Young.
King Of The Baggers (KOTB) 2023 Champion Hayden Gillim (1) on his Revzilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Road Glide at Daytona, 2024. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Featured In the April 2024 issue of Roadracing World:
Hayden Gillim has finished as the runner-up in AMA or MotoAmerica National Championships six times during his successful career. But the 29-year-old veteran knocked that monkey off his back by winning two MotoAmerica Championships in 2023.
It was a long road getting there, but Gillim isn’t planning on stopping any time soon…
“Hanging With: Hayden Gillim,” by David Swarts
Hayden Gillim started at the age of six on a Honda XR50 and has done journeyman’s work ever since, grinding out a career and showing flashes of brilliance when his bikes were good enough. Last season, Gillim had his chance, and showed everyone just how good a rider he really is! Read his story in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
Click here for a sample issue of Roadracing World magazine. (Print Edition, one sample issue per household, U.S. address only.)
AHRMA racer David Crussell (117). Photo by CaliPhotography.com, courtesy AHRMA.
Here are complete race results from the 2024 Bridgestone Tires AHRMA Roadracing Series event held April 21 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, in Buttonwillow, California.
ChampSchool's Nick Ienatsch (standing with hand raised) during a Yamaha Champions Riding School. Photo by John Sackett - At the Apex Photos, courtesy Yamaha Champions Riding School.
Yamaha Champions Riding School Founder and Chief Instructor Nick Ienatsch was recently interviewed by Teejay Adams on the Motos & Friends podcast. Ienatsch, a former professional racer, journalist, and lifelong motorcyclist, talked about the different approaches and techniques of motorcycle rider training.
Krämer Motorcycles USA CEO Jensen Beeler onboard the Krämer EVO2-690S at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Ryan Phillips - 360 Photography, courtesy Krämer Motorcycles USA.
Krämer Motorcycles USA Announces Jensen Beeler as Its New CEO
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – April 23, 2024 – Krämer Motorcycles USA is proud to announce the appointment of Jensen Beeler as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Launching Krämer Motorcycles USA in 2015, Joe Karvonen has been the driving force behind the brand’s success in North America, and earned him the moniker “Krämer Joe” amongst loyal Krämer fans. Joe will continue to own and operate Krämer Motorcycles USA out of its headquarters in Fargo, North Dakota.
“This is less of a change in management, and more of an expansion of leadership in our team, as Jensen increasingly takes on the responsibility for the business direction and corporate strategy of Krämer Motorcycles USA, leaving myself and the current staff to execute that plan,” explained Joe Karvonen, Founder and Owner of Krämer Motorcycles USA.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Jensen’s leadership has already been a benefit to Krämer Motorcycles USA, with unit sales and revenue essentially doubling since he joined the company two years ago.
The dealer network has also expanded in the past two years, with Krämer motorcycles now available regionally in the Pacific Northwest, California Coast, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Northeast, and Florida peninsula.
“After the pandemic, Krämer Motorcycles USA was in need of a reboot, so Joe and I sat down and came up with a strategic plan to turnaround the company,” explains Jensen Beeler. “Two years later, we are seeing that hard work come to fruition, and now Krämer Motorcycles USA sits in the best position it has ever seen, with an awesome team to take us into the future,” explained Jensen Beeler.
“For the past two years, Jensen has been a critical member of our team, and many of the changes that we have made behind the scenes have been successful because of his implementation and oversight,” added Karvonen. “This year is already off to an impressive start, and we still have some more big announcements for 2024 and beyond still to come.”
Krämer Motorcycles USA imports handbuilt, German-made, track-only road racing motorcycles into North America. More information is available at kramermotorcyclesusa.com.
VIRginia International Raceway. Photo courtesy of VIR.
New Round added to the Overall Schedule
VIR Virginia International Raceway
North Course
August 3-4
Friday practice day with EvolveGT August 2nd
What does this mean? Several things actually.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
1. The FIM MINICUP round scheduled for June 22-23 VIR is moved to August 3-4 VIR.
2. The VIR August 3-4 round will be an ASRA Pirelli National round. Along with being a South-East/Atlantic points round. This will take place of the CMP race weekend originally slated for July 20-21.
3. Due to new insurance requirements the ASRA Endurance/Team Challenge round originally slated for NJMP is moving to Blackhawk Farms September 14-15.
Luca Marini (10), as seen on his Repsol Honda RC213V at COTA. Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Repsol Honda Team look for progress in Jerez
With the complications of the Americas GP behind them, the Repsol Honda Team are aiming to reset and return to making forward progress at the familiar Gran Premio Estrella Galicia 0,0 de España
The Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto first hosted a Grand Prix in 1987 and has become one of the most well attended and iconic races on the calendar with fans flocking to the grandstand and hills around the track. At 4.42 kilometers long, the track has created legendary moments such as Doohan vs Criville, Rossi vs Gibernau, Marquez vs Lorenzo and many more. Honda have won the Spanish Grind Prix in the premier class on 25 occasions, first in 1983 and most recently in 2019.
Leaving Austin with a double DNF, Joan Mir is eager to get back to the form he showed in the opening two races of the year and continue maximising his performance throughout the weekend. The Jerez circuit offers another contrasting track in the opening gambit of the MotoGP season for Mir and the Repsol Honda Team to test the RC213V machine in the hunt for improvements.
Like his teammate, Luca Marini arrives in Spain looking for more. The Italian was able to complete both races in America but remains focused on making progress forward and joining the fight for top Honda honours consistently. At this stage, more bike time and more information to work with are what is needed. Marini’s best finish at the Spanish Grand Prix is sixth in the premier class, achieved in 2023.
Stefan Bradl and the HRC Test Team will join as a fifth Honda RC213V this weekend, the team regularly testing at Jerez throughout the year.
A one-day post-race Test will follow the Grand Prix on Monday.
Joan Mir
“I think coming to a race like Jerez where you have all the home fans to support you will be a help after the tough weekend we had in Austin. It’s important to put that behind us and keep working like we did at the start of the year to understand the capability of the bike this weekend. We are realistic about what is possible, and we need to focus on making improvements and aiming for more in the future. It’s about step by step, making steady progress and we can’t expect a big leap at this stage.”
Luca Marini
“It’s another weekend to keep working with the team and aim for more improvements. Now is not the time to stop working, we have to keep on gathering information and not only trying to improve our current package but also working on developments for the future. Jerez is a good track for this kind of job, the Test Team has done a lot of testing here and will be with us this weekend so it will be interesting to see what we can learn from this.”
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