Marco Bezzecchi earned pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:37.556 to lead the 22-rider field.
Pedro Acosta was the best of the rest with a 1:37.706 on his Red Bull KTM Factory machine, and Fabio Quartararo claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:37.860 on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZF-M1.
Row-two qualifiers included Lenovo Team Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia (1:37.935), BK8 Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez (1:37.987) and Castrol Honda LCR’s Johann Zarco (1:38.059).
Bezzecchi beats Acosta and Quartararo to bag Portimao pole. A blistering Q2 unfolds at the rollercoaster as a late Turn 3 crash for Alex Marquez costs Friday’s frontrunner a chance of pole.
Well, that wasn’t a bad qualifying session, was it? Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) grabbed pole for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal with a 1:37.556 in a relentless MotoGP Q2 that sees Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) earn a first front row start of the season in P2. Third place went the way of Q1 graduate Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), who once again pulls a rabbit out of the hat in qualifying trim.
Quartararo and Miller grab Q2 spots
The first reference lap time in the dry but tricky conditions was set by Quartararo, a 1:40.031, but that was soon bettered by El Diablo himself. Three riders found themselves in the 1:39 bracket, those were the Frenchman, second place Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and third fastest Nicolo Bulega (Ducati Lenovo Team).
With two minutes to go, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) shot to P1 by less than a tenth, but red sector times were everywhere as track conditions improved. Quartararo returned the favour to beat Marini’s time by three tenths and shadowing his Yamaha stablemate, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) promoted himself into P2. And with no more personal or session best times inbound after that flurry of times, the Yamaha duo did enough to sail into Q2.
Four-way fight for pole unfolds as Marquez endures late tip-off
Nicely up to speed after Q1, Quartararo immediately landed the fastest lap time of the day at the beginning of Q2 – a 1:38.518. As expected, though, the second flying laps saw the times tumble, and it was Friday pacesetter Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who rose to P1. But it was tight. Bezzecchi was 0.027s off, with Acosta also within a tenth of the #73’s effort.
At the end of the first run, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was P4, 0.415s away from Marquez’s 1:38.098, with Quartararo and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) occupying the provisional P5 and P6 spots on the second row.
However, things were going to change. Bezzecchi was the first to move the goalposts thanks to a 1:37.556, Acosta went P2 but the KTM star was over three tenths down on the Italian, with Miller climbing into the top five from P12. Marquez’s next flyer was only good enough for P3, and that turned to P4 when Quartararo fired himself up to P2.
Then, Marquez’s session was done. A Turn 3 crash meant the 2025 runner-up’s pole position hopes were over, as Acosta climbed back above Quartararo into P2. And that was as good as it was going to get for Acosta, he sat up and out of his final lap, with Bezzecchi also unable to improve.
Would it cost him pole though? Pecco was in touch through Sector 3, but the Italian’s lap went away a bit in the final split to see the #63 go P4, ahead of Marquez. And with that, a blistering Q2 was done – Bezzecchi held onto a brilliant pole, with Acosta and Quartararo making up a tantalising front row.
Your top 12 on the grid
As mentioned, Pecco spearheads the second row in P4 ahead of Marquez and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR). Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) fronts the third row in P7, the 2020 World Champion will line up alongside Miller and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). Pol Espargaro’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) late personal best saw the #44 earn P10, which means Aldeguer and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), our two rookies, will start from P11 and P12.
Coming up: Tissot Sprint
12 laps, 15:00 local time in Portugal. You know the score – tune in! Especially after that…
Fermin Aldeguer led MotoGP World Championship wet-dry Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:41.654 to lead the 22-rider field.
His teammate, Alex Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:41.657.
Joan Mir was third at 1:41.677 on his Honda HRC Castrol RC213V.
Marco Bezzecchi finished the session fourth with a 1:41.963 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Francesco Bagnaia got fifth on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 with a lap time of 1:42.012.
Alex Escrig was quickest during Moto2 World Championship wet Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Pirelli-shod KLINT Forward on the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:58.105 to lead the field of 10 riders.
Sergio Garcia was the best of the rest with a 1:58.251 on his ITALJET Gresini Kalex.
Mario Aji was third-fastest with a 1:58.802 on his IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Kalex.
Angel Piqueras led Moto3 World Championship wet Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Piqueras used his Pirelli-shod FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM to lap the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:59.106 to lead the field of 19 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Brian Uriarte was second-best with a time of 2:00.600.
Adrian Fernandez, piloting his Leopard Racing Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:00.841.
Alex Marquez (73) at Portimao. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
Alex Marquez:“I got here in Portugal in the right mood. I’m relax but still wit the right tension for a MotoGP weekend. We need to flow here riding wise and we managed to do so from the early laps. We’re good, the team is working well as always and today’s two sessions were positive.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) at Portimao. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Racing.
Fermin Aldeguer:“We hit our Q2 target with excellent feeling from the get-go. I was a little nervous yesterday thinking about this track – and with the chance of rain. But we adapted pretty well to the track and gelled with the bike. We’re probably even in a better place pace wise compared to the time attack, but we can improve the latter as well tomorrow.”
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More from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Consistent through change – Mir on the pace in Portugal as Marini narrowly misses out.
Shifting weather throughout the day kept the Honda HRC Castrol team on their toes, but Joan Mir emerged as the fifth fastest rider while Luca Marini just missed the Q2 cut off as he recovered from an early fall.
A day of dark clouds commenced round 21 of the MotoGP World Championship, weather radars and upward glances were the order of the day. With the conditions ready to change at a moment’s notice, the Honda HRC Castrol squad were keen to get to work and capitalise on the best of the track conditions at each and every moment.
Continuing to brim with confidence after two podiums, Joan Mir made himself a key fixture in the top ten once more. Eighth in the morning, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion would improve his time by over a second in the afternoon to seal fifth overall on Friday. Comfortably into Q2, Mir was able to exploit his impressive feeling with the Honda RC213V and show the pace to fight for the front two rows of the grid. With the bike setup already able to contest the top five, Mir and his team will focus on minor improvements overnight as they target a strong qualifying to line up a competitive pair of races.
Seventh in the morning, a fall early in the afternoon left Marini with just a single bike when the first shootout of the weekend began. Making an impressive improvement after a brief sprinkling of rain, the #10 would be pushed out of the top ten in the final moments. Eleventh overall and just a tenth off Q2, Marini and his team already have some ideas on how to improve and fight for the top spots in Q1 on Saturday.
The 12-lap Sprint is schedule for 15:00 Local Time on Saturday, November 08 with reasonable conditions forecast.
Joan Mir (36) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Joan Mir:“A big smile today, in a positive spiral from the flyaways! Today we confirmed that we can be competitive here as well, I have a good feeling with the bike – especially with the front, and this makes my life on track a lot easier than it has been in the past. The bike is working well, of course there are things to improve but we really have a bike where we can compete now. This is really important, to arrive and know that we can be there and that we are in the area more or less straight away. Our feeling is similar to Sepang, we are close to the top guys and working in the correct way, let’s see what everyone can find tonight to be strong on Saturday too.”
Luca Marini (10) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“Not our best day, my mistake with the crash and some bad luck. I was a bit wide and the temperature of the tyre dropped, it’s easy to happen here with the conditions we had. It’s a pity because we lost time, we couldn’t use that bike, but I stayed focused to push hard because you could see the weather coming in. For tomorrow we need to improve the braking in Turn 1 and 5, some fine tuning to increase my speed. Today we also tried a couple of new things to help out the engineers which is always good, we’ve made a lot of progress this year but we still have more to make.”
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More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Positive vibes for Aprilia Racing in Portimão.
The first day of practice at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve ended with positive feedback for Aprilia Racing. Marco Bezzecchi reaffirmed his outstanding feeling with the RS-GP25 and with the track, putting in a solid Friday. After his second-place time in FP1 – less than two tenths behind the top time – the Italian rider finished practice fourth, thereby clinching a spot in Q2.
Lorenzo Savadori, subbing for Jorge Martín, continued his work developing the RS-GP25, finishing practice in twenty-first place.
Also worth a mention was Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider Ai Ogura’s performance, who finished practice in the top ten, earning a spot in Q2 along with Bezzecchi.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi: “The day went well because I had positive sensations already in the first session, which were then confirmed in the afternoon. We also managed to improve, especially in the session finale, despite the light rain. It was a good first day and I’m satisfied.”
Lorenzo Savadori (32) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Lorenzo Savadori: “Having two Aprilias in Q2 is extremely positive. We tested something interesting that seems to be working well, although it was a bit of a peculiar day because of the weather. I hadn’t raced here for several years and it’s great to be back, but we know that it is an extremely particular track, so it’s positive to see a track where we perform well.”
Paolo Bonora: “It was a positive day with Marco doing the fourth-place time which puts him straight through to Q2. We managed to send both Marco and Ogura straight to Q2 in the practice session, but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to be ready for both the sprint race and the long race. However, we know what areas we need to work on to improve. With Lorenzo, on the other hand, we are one hundred percent in line with the plan. We’re continuing to advance technical development solutions to improve the bike.”
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More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Uphill Battle for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP on Portimão Friday.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins kicked off the Grand Prix of Portugal weekend in somewhat mixed conditions. The teammates pushed to the limit at an overcast Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and ended the day in 13th and 18th place respectively in the classifications, putting them on tomorrow’s Q1 entry list.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team got straight to work on the Grand Prix of Portugal Friday. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins used FP1 and most of the Practice to prepare for a tense shoot-out. They ended the afternoon session in 13th and 18th place respectively and will take part in tomorrow’s Q1.
Quartararo finished FP1 in P11 and was keen to push in the afternoon session. When the Practice got underway, the Frenchman showed he meant business by featuring inside the top 10 until the final 20 minutes. However, crucially, some light rain started to fall just when El Diablo was due to begin his time attack, making it more challenging to find the limit on his hot laps. Quartararo was 13th at the time and had to push. He set a 1’38.717s, which temporarily had him rank fourth, but with 6 minutes left, he was nudged outside the top 10. Though he responded by clocking a 1’38.598s on lap 21/23, he ended up in 13th place in the Practice timesheets, 0.624s from first.
Rins wrapped up FP1 in P16 and was keen to make further steps in the afternoon. The Spaniard worked diligently during the 60-minute Practice and showed his fondness of the Portimão track. He climbed up to 11th, but with 16 minutes to go, spots of rains started to fall, making track conditions more difficult to assess during the time attacks. The number-42 rider put in several more attempts, but he wasn’t able to get into the 1’38s. His 1’39.070s, set on lap 15/23, put him in 18th place in the Practice results, 1.096s from the top.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action tomorrow for the Saturday MotoGP sessions: FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40 GMT+0, followed by the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, and the 12-lap Sprint, which starts at 15:00.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha
“We faced more challenges than anticipated at the start of the Portimão weekend. Today’s results reflect the poor track conditions. Unfortunately, we had sudden rain in both session which didn’t help either. Compared to our rivals we tend to struggle more in low-grip conditions, making it a complicated first day. While Fabio still came close to a top-10 result and both riders gave their maximum effort, we remain too far from the front. The level of competition is extremely high, so we are focused on extracting every ounce of performance from our package. The team is committed to supporting the riders as they prepare for a highly competitive Q1 and Sprint. Looking ahead, the forecast for the coming days is sunnier, or at least should provide fully dry sessions, allowing us to work under more consistent conditions.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo:“We are struggling quite a bit. This is a track where grip is very important. When everything is set up right, as a rider you can enjoy riding here like it’s a roller coaster. This is a track I really like, but today my feeling was not great on the bike, so we have to analyse it. We have to try to find a solution for tomorrow to improve our feeling a bit.”
Alex Rins (42) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Alex Rins:“This is a demanding track, and if you make a mistake, like when we missed corner 1 in the Practice, the whole lap is cancelled. Today, we struggled with a mix of problems, maybe because of the low grip and the mixed conditions. Today’s weather out on track was not ideal for us. But we need to stay positive. Let’s see if tomorrow we can do better, especially for the Sprint with more grip on track.”
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More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Francesco Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team second in Portimão Practice. Nicolò Bulega seventeenth on his MotoGP debut.
The Ducati Lenovo Team enjoyed a positive penultimate Friday of the 2025 MotoGP season at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão. Francesco Bagnaia finished Practice in second place, while Nicolò Bulega was seventeenth on his first-ever day in MotoGP.
Bagnaia started the afternoon session well, taking fourth place in the opening minutes. After briefly dropping to the lower end of the top ten, Pecco made his way back to second courtesy of an excellent time attack, ending up only 30 milliseconds shy of today’s quickest time. Bulega, this year’s WorldSBK runner-up with Ducati, showed encouraging signs aboard the Desmosedici GP as he finished seventeenth, one second off the top.
The Ducati Lenovo Team will be back in action tomorrow morning at 10:10 local time (GMT) for Free Practice 2, followed by Q1 at 10:50 and Q2 at 11:15. The twenty-first Sprint of the season will be contested over 12 laps from 15:00.
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Ducati Team
Francesco Bagnaia: “This morning we made a mistake with the front-tyre choice. I was having a bit of a difficult time because the bike tended to go wide at some corners and I couldn’t make it stop and flow into the corner. Things went better this afternoon: we started with the soft option to get some feedback from the bike, and then I enjoyed the hard front tyre as well. In the last time attack we managed to set a good lap time without pushing too hard. All in all, I’d say the situation is positive at the moment.”
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Ducati Team
Nicolo Bulega: “Today went quite well. I didn’t give too much importance to the classification: what really mattered was completing as many laps as possible and understanding the many differences compared to the bike I’m used to. Tyres are different, there are the ride-height devices to manage, and the Desmosedici GP is really a powerful machine. The positive thing, ironically enough, is that my riding wasn’t the best — but I guess that’s quite normal. There’s a lot to process and absorb, but I’ll sleep on it and start tomorrow with one more day of experience.”
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More from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:
The penultimate round of a thrilling 2025 MotoGP™ campaign has kicked off on Friday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal. Enea Bastianini and Pol Espargaro were representing the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad, with the latter filling in for Maverick Viñales for the 5th time this season. The number 44 did us good once again, as he directly reached Q2 for the third time this season with a 9th place in Practice, while Enea Bastianini will have to go through Q1 on Saturday, after finishing 19th.
As Maverick Viñales continues to recover, Pol Espargaro was once again a man on a mission arriving to Portimao, with some unfinished business between the Spaniard and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, the track where he was seriously injured during the opening round of the 2023 season. Time has flown by since then, and Espargaro was ready to face this new challenge and step once again into Viñales’ boots. And he did brilliantly so, as Polyccio grabbed his direct Q2 ticket after taking the 9th place of a rain-disrupted Practice session on Friday afternoon. After a positive FP1 at the end of which we saw him take the 5th time this morning, the Spaniard managed to make it to the coveted top 10 on Friday afternoon, thanks to a very late improvement in 1’38.424, one that saw him remain in 9th at the final checkered flag. Solid job from the Spaniard, who will give his best to place his RC16 on the front rows on Saturday.
Fridays have not been Enea Bastianini’s favorites this season, with the Italian having often struggled to quickly adapt his RC16 to new tracks. One of the key points of the day was the new swing arm, brought to Enea for the first time this morning. The Italian was finally able to benefit from it, and small improvements were already noticed by the Italian, although he will need to get his head around it. In Free Practice 1, Enea was just 1.2 seconds off early pace setter, Alex Marquez. In the afternoon, track conditions were a bit tricky, with the rain joining the party, and the best Enea could give was a 1’39.130, placing him in 19th of the timesheets. He will have to face Q1 on Saturday morning at 10:50 local time, shortly after Free Practice 2 kicking off MotoGP™ action at 10:10. Then, there will be the penultimate Tissot Sprint of the season, at 15:00 for 12 laps.
Pol Espargaro (44) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3
Pol Espargaro: “Fabio Quartararo is one of those guys who keeps pushing even if there is someone behind him, and this is why he is one of the best riders, because he is confident. I tried to follow him, I tried to push as much as I could. It was really tough to make a good lap time today, so I am happy that we managed to make one which has qualified us directly into Q2. Psychologically, it has been so important for myself to reach the pit box back on my bike after my small crash this morning, and it gave me the confidence I needed for the remainder of the day, because obviously, the last time we crashed here was bad. Anyway, it was a good day for us, let’s try to qualify well tomorrow!”
Enea Bastianini (23) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3
Enea Bastianini: “Today has been more or less like the other Fridays, unfortunately. Track conditions were difficult, because it was quite dark in Practice, and it was not easy to understand which parts of the track were dry. I also think that our strategy was not great because I just had one lap with the new tires, so we need to improve this for tomorrow. For the first time, we tried the new swing arm, in both sessions. We have improved a bit, but we need to adjust a few things, because after checking the data, we are losing in some strange points of the track, where I am usually good at like T3, so we have to look into this!”
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More from a press release issued by CASTROL Honda LCR:
Positive start for Johann Zarco in Portugal.
Returning to Portuguese soil after more than a year, Frenchman Johann Zarco and his crew enjoyed a positive and strong start to the weekend.
From his first run in the morning, Zarco felt fast and confident, consistently placing inside the top four on the timesheets.
Although weather conditions changed throughout the day, he maintained good feeling and consistency.
He ended the day in 6th position, less than three-tenths off the fastest time, securing a direct spot in Q2 ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying.
Johann Zarco (5) at Portimao. Photo courtesy CASTROL Honda LCR
Johann Zarco 6th:“It was a positive Friday, and I was happy to have found the speed straight away. That’s good for the confidence, and the front-end feeling confirms the good feeling from Malaysia. I was able to be fast, to push, and to set a good lap time, but we still need to improve the pace. We’re working hard to find the right solution. With both medium tyres the feeling was better in the afternoon, which was good. Securing a Q2 spot is positive, and now we’ll focus on having a solid qualifying to start from a strong position in the Sprint.”
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More from a press release issued by IDEMITSU Honda LCR:
Somkiat Chantra completes hectic Friday in Portugal.
Somkiat Chantra was one of the highlights in Portimão on Friday after a massive wheelie in the morning session, which drew the attention of all the cameras.
In the afternoon, the Thai rider reported feeling good on the bike after testing different setups.
The Portimão track is one of the most demanding of the season, and Chantra and his crew are determined to maximize their potential and deliver the best possible performance in qualifying and the Sprint.
Somkiat Chantra (35) at Portimao. Photo courtesy IDEMITSU Honda LCR
Somkiat Chantra 20th: “Today was crazy! I had a big wheelie in sixth gear. After it, I was shaking and lucky to save it. Throughout the day, I felt good; we’ve been working on different setups to feel comfortable on this track, which is demanding but really fun. I’ll try to give my best, to improve and do better tomorrow.”
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More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Challenging start to the Portuguese GP for the Prima Pramac Yamaha.
The first day of the Portuguese GP proved to be demanding for the Prima Pramac Yamaha, as changing weather conditions affected both Practice sessions. Despite a positive start in the morning, the afternoon rain complicated the work on track, preventing the riders from fully expressing their potential.
The Portuguese Grand Prix got underway with mixed feelings for the Prima Pramac Yamaha team. Jack Miller displayed promising speed in the morning session, while local star Miguel Oliveira thrilled the home fans around Portimão.
Despite their efforts, the afternoon rain shuffled the order, leaving the two riders in 16th and 22nd place ahead of tomorrow‘s Q1.
GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
“Jack started well, setting his best time on the new tyre when the track offered good grip. The afternoon rain created some confusion and reduced grip significantly. Between the two sessions, we worked a lot to help Miguel make a step forward, and tomorrow we‘ll try an important change to give him better support. Unfortunately, Jack couldn‘t make it directly into Q2, but we have some ideas to try”.
Jack Miller (43) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller:“The day started well, with the new tyre I felt comfortable and my pace was good. In the afternoon, the weather conditions became challenging and difficult to read. I couldn‘t find the same feeling, and I also had a small crash at Turn 5 due to the incoming rain. After that, I managed to put together a decent lap, but it wasn‘t enough to get directly into Q2”.
Miguel Oliveira (88) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Miguel Oliveira:“The tricky weather conditions made our day complicated. We worked on the bike setup to find the feeling we were looking for, but unfortunately, the changes we tried didn‘t give us the results we hoped for. Tomorrow we‘ll face an uphill Saturday, but we‘ll keep pushing to turn things around”.
November 7, 2025 – Portimão, Portugal. The American Racing Team heads into the 2026 season with an updated rider line-up, welcoming Filip Salač to the team alongside Joe Roberts.
Salač joins the team with a strong record in Moto2 and a reputation for hard work and great motivation. His experience and approach to racing fit perfectly with the team’s mindset as American Racing continues to build on its progress and push for the team’s continuous evolution and long-term vision to remain consistently competitive at the highest level of the sport.
Eitan Butbul, Team Principal:“Every new season is an opportunity to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to take another step forward as a team. Our focus is simple: keep improving, stay hungry, and compete with passion. Change brings opportunity, and we’re fired up for what’s ahead. We’re excited to welcome Filip to the team and look forward to achieving great things together in 2026.”
Filip Salač, Rider: “I want to say thanks to Eitan for this opportunity, it means a lot to me, especially after a season that wasn’t my best. I can’t wait to start with the Team and to be back on the Kalex. I truly believe this will be a year to remember, not only for me but also for the Team. I know we’ll achieve great things together.”
Harley-Davidson has officially revealed new details of the highly anticipated Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup during a press conference at EICMA 2025 in Milan. The brand revealed the series’ official logo, debuted a prototype race bike, and announced the first teams confirmed to compete in the inaugural season. Kicking off in 2026, the series will run alongside six MotoGP™ Grands Prix, marking a significant evolution in the company’s racing legacy.
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will become the world’s first global racing series dedicated exclusively to high-performance Harley-Davidson baggers. Built on the brand’s Grand American Touring platform, these race-modified bikes will deliver incredible speed, agility, and on-track drama. They weigh approximately 280 kg (617 lbs), produce more than 200 horsepower, and will exceed 300 km/h (186 mph) on track, creating a visceral racing format distinct from anything currently on the MotoGP calendar.
Harley-Davidson also revealed the official championship logo, an evolution of the brand’s iconic Bar & Shield visual language, blending Harley-Davidson heritage with a modern, global racing identity. The new visual identity was officially unveiled at the Harley-Davidson stand with the race-prepped Road Glide, purpose-built for competition by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing and featuring the official championship logo in its exclusive livery.
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup logo
Harley-Davidson also confirmed the first teams that will join the inaugural Bagger World Cup grid: Saddlemen Racing (United States), Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) and Cecchini Racing (Italy). Each brings unique pedigree, competitive ambition, and global credibility to the new championship.
Saddlemen Racing enters as one of America’s most established and innovative V-twin performance programs. Led by David Echert, the team competes in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers and claimed the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, earning a reputation for technical excellence, rider development, and race-winning engineering. With deep roots in V-twin performance culture, Saddlemen brings proven capability and championship ambition to the global stage.
Joe Rascal Racing, led by James Tonna, represents Australia’s bold new voice in premium performance and international motorsport. With foundations in high-end motorcycle retail and racing operations, the program blends commercial acumen with a passion for performance culture. With a growing international footprint and rapidly expanding community, Joe Rascal joins the Bagger World Cup intent on elevating the sport across the Asia-Pacific region and proving that Australia belongs on the global bagger stage.
Cecchini Racing brings Italian motorsport heritage and decades of elite European racing experience to the championship. Led by Fabrizio Cecchini, the team has spent more than 30 years inside the MotoGP paddock supporting world-class riders and teams. Cecchini Racing arrives with engineering precision, competitive discipline and European pedigree, all now directed toward the world’s first global bagger series.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the first teams that have secured their spots in the inaugural season of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup,”said Kolja Rebstock, Senior Vice President for International Markets, Harley-Davidson Motor Company.“Since the initial announcement of the series, we’ve seen tremendous interest from well-established and respected organizations. We’ve designed the series to feature between six and eight teams, for a total of 12 to 16 riders, and with these first three agreements, we’ve already filled almost half the grid. It’s a strong signal that confirms the momentum and excitement surrounding this project. We’re moving quickly to bring this championship to life and can’t wait to hit the track in 2026. It’s going to be loud, competitive, and unlike anything fans have ever seen before.”
As already announced in August at the Austrian GP, the championship will span six adrenaline-fueled rounds, each held during MotoGP ™ weekends, with two races per round, totaling 12 races across the season. This format brings Harley-Davidson’s signature performance to some of the world’s most iconic circuits, amplifying the excitement for fans and riders alike. The 2026 calendar includes:
• Grand Prix of The Americas – Circuit of the Americas (USA): March 27–29
• Grand Prix of Italy – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Italy): May 29–31
• Grand Prix of the Netherlands – TT Circuit Assen (Netherlands): June 26–28
• Grand Prix of the United Kingdom – Silverstone Circuit (UK): August 7–9
• Grand Prix of Aragon – MotorLand Aragón (Spain): August 28–30
• Grand Prix of Austria – Red Bull Ring (Austria): September 18–20 – Championship Round
With the Bagger World Cup, Harley-Davidson is redefining what’s possible on two wheels, bringing thunder, torque, and a whole new level of excitement to racetracks around the world.
Harley-Davidson Background:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. Harley-Davidson also has a controlling interest in LiveWire Group, Inc., the first publicly traded all-electric motorcycle company in the United States. LiveWire is the future in the making for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. Drawing on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector, LiveWire’s ambition is to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world. Learn more at harley-davidson.com and livewire.com.
MotoGP™ Background:
Welcome to the most exciting sport on earth. The fastest bikes. The most forward- thinking manufacturers. The world’s most fearless riders. This is the hunt, and there can only be one winner. Come with us to the edge of possibility and the edge of your seat. MotoGP™. Faster. Forward. Fearless.
Anthony West’s rich vein of form in the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) has continued at The Bend, with the Queenslander setting the fastest time in Friday practice at the season finale.
After being near the top of the timesheets all day, West cranked up his Addicted to Track Yamaha in the final SW-Motech Superbike session to set a best lap of 1:50.518, marginally under the current lap record of 1:50.529 held by Troy Herfoss.
With a strong wind providing both a help and hindrance to many riders – top speeds were certainly impressive with the 300km/h mark regularly eclipsed down the man straight – less than a second covered the top six riders at the end of Friday, with Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) second from Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team), Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda).
Waters takes a 50pt lead into this weekend’s final round over Jones, and can wrap up the championship as early as Saturday afternoon if he secures pole position.
Meanwhile, Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha) just got the better of teammate and visiting international Kyle Ryde in Kawasaki Supersport practice.
The Supersport battle is shaping as a beauty, as are the other ASBK Championship classes: Race and Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup, BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters. Only Supersport 300 has already crowned a champion, so the stakes are high.
There will be on-track action from 8am ACST on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as stunt shows and pillion rides at lunchtime, the ASBK Trade Alley and the Minimoto ‘come and try it’ sessions for the kids.
Hard on the anchors: Cru Halliday put in an impressive Friday. Photo by RbMotoLens
West’s purple patch was again on full display as he took the day one honours in the 20-rider SW-Motech Superbike field.
After a superb year, West is assured of finishing at least third in the championship, but with only 19pts separating him from Jones there’s still a final round carrot dangling in front of him.
Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha), Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team), Max Stauffer (Yamaha) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha) completed the top 10 on Friday, ahead of one more practice session tomorrow morning and then qualifying in the afternoon.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Kyle Ryde didn’t waste anytime in getting up to speed in Kawasaki Supersport. Photo by RbMotoLens
Although feeling a little off colour, McDonald did enough to finish on top in Kawasaki Supersport ahead of Ryde, who showed why he is a two-time British Superbike champion with a consummate day one performance.
Ryde adapted to a new bike and a new track with clinical efficiency, while Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki) was third from Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and championship leader Jack Mahaffy (Stop and Seal Yamaha).
Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the pacesetter in Supersport Next Gen (and fourth overall), ahead of teammate Beau Beaton.
Qualifying is tomorrow morning followed by two nine-lap races on Sunday.
Race and Road Supersport 300/ShopYamaha R3 Cup
Riley NAUTA (42) at The Bend. Photo by RbMotoLens
Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki) upped the ante in every session, and was over a second ahead of 2025 champion Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) by the end of the day.
Yamaha trio Hudson Thompson, Mitch Simpson and Jordy Simpson saw out the top five, and in the ShopYamaha R3 Cup Thompson was the pacesetter from Oscar Lewis and Mitch Simpson.
BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup
Chaz Williams put the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup field on notice with a slick Friday. Photo by RbMotoLens
Chaz Williams put the hammer down in BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup practice and finished well ahead of Hunter Charlett, followed by Ghage Plowman, Rossi McAdam and Xavier Curmi.
Connor Lewis, who is 3pts ahead of Williams as the title race goes down to the wire, was sixth.
Superbike Masters
Beau Beaton continued on his merry way in Superbike Masters qualifying. Photo by RbMotoLens
Qualifying officially kicked off at The Bend with the Superbike Masters brigade, as Beaton (Ducati) put on another clinic on his way to pole position. Ben Burke (Honda) and Michael Berti Mendez (Ducati) saw out the top three.
Beaton’s 1:59.977 was also a new qualifying benchmark for Superbike Masters.
For more information on the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul:
November 7, 2025 – Portimão, Portugal. The American Racing Team and rider Marcos Ramírez have mutually agreed to end their collaboration at the end of the 2025 season.
The team wishes to extend its sincere thanks to Marcos Ramírez for his contribution and professionalism throughout our time together. Over the past seasons, he has played an important role in the team’s journey. We’re proud of the chapters we’ve written as a team and wish him the best in what’s next.
Eitan Butbul, Team Principal:“I’ve got so much appreciation for Marcos, he brought incredible energy, professionalism and heart when he rejoined the team in 2023. I’m proud of what he achieved with us and especially the podium at the end of 2023 was special. He’s one of the coolest riders we’ve ever had and will always be a part of this team’s history. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
SR GT 400 is the new mid-engine GT that breaks all the rules, bringing Aprilia’s motorcycle expertise to scooters: it’s agile, responsive and stable, thanks to the Aprilia chassis and the 36 hp, 400 cc engine.
The SR GT 400 is 100% Aprilia:
powerful, light, beautiful
a precise ride with perfect hold and total control.
Electronics worthy of a sports bike.
City, travel, adventure: the SR GT 400 is designed to conquer both everyday tarmac roads and more remote routes.
Aprilia makes its debut in the mid-cc GT scooter segment, rewriting all the rules – as is its wont. The Aprilia SR GT 400 is the crossover that brings the design philosophy, innovation and motorcycling expertise that have made Aprilia an icon both on road and off to the world of scooters.
The Aprilia SR GT 400 stands for performance and adventure. In traffic, it is agile and easy to manoeuvre, in mixed conditions it’s responsive, and at high speeds, it’s stable. And when the tarmac runs out, it doesn’t’t hold back.
The new SR GT 400 accepts no half measures, aiming to establish itself as a benchmark in the category for its style and technology, as well as in all the areas that every motorcyclist looks for in a two-wheeler: thrills, fun and riding pleasure.
The Aprilia SR GT 400 combines a strictly-engineered chassis – designed by experts who have built extraordinary motorcycles that dominate both on the tarmac and off – plus a full range of technological equipment with a powerful 400 cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which boasts 36 hp of power. Weighing just 186 kg in running order, the SR GT 400 is at the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio.
Aprilia SR GT 400. Photo courtesy Aprilia
THE APRILIA SR GT 400, A BOLD DESIGN AND CHARACTER
The Aprilia design centre took inspiration for the shape of the SR GT 400 from Aprilia’s sports bikes and the world of off-road riding.
The result is a stunning scooter with a strong personality that expresses real dynamism, courtesy of its sleek, sharp superstructures that echo enduro motorcycles, where every detail without a specific function has been eliminated.
The SR GT 400 boasts a minimalist design which makes a real impact. The front end of the bike is dominated by the three-element full LED light cluster, a signature feature of
Aprilia sports bikes. The suspended windscreen rises above, tapered vertically in pure off-road style, offering excellent protection and adjustability (five positions).
The flanks of the SR GT are brought to life by striking slits, while the ergonomic footrests are a nod to the protective external plates of off-road motorcycles.
From the side, the Aprilia SR GT 400 conveys a powerful sense of dynamism, with reduced overhangs and taut lines that highlight its sporty spirit. The central tunnel houses the fuel tank and connects the front and rear of the bike, giving the SR GT real motorcycle vibes.
The grit and dynamism of the SR GT 400 is also enhanced by the design of its slim, sleek tail; the rear light cluster is fully integrated into the number plate holder, leaving it completely free, evoking the high mudguards on enduro bikes.
Aprilia SR GT 400 Rugged Black. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
A 100% APRILIA CHASSIS
The SR GT 400 is 100% Aprilia; the frame and chassis are designed and manufactured to the very highest standards, delivering precise dynamic performance and a greater feeling of safety and control regardless of the riding conditions.
The double-cradle frame, crafted from all-new high-strength steel tubing, was designed with a motorbike-style approach. By tweaking the design and cross-section of the tubes, Aprilia’s technicians have succeeded in achieving extremely high rigidity, boosting the riding precision, front-end feel and stability. This has enabled another radical choice to be made: a reduced steering head angle which decreases the trail, for maximum manoeuvrability. This results in a safe, enjoyable ride, thanks to the perfect balance between agility and stability.
The suspension is also inspired by the motorcycling universe: the front is fitted with a 41 mm upside-down double-plate fork with a decent 120 mm of travel. During testing, a specific calibration was developed to ensure the perfect degree of support for sporty riding, offering comfort and good absorption of bumps even on the roughest roads.
The same applies to the rear of the SR GT 400, where a double gas shock absorber with separate reservoir takes the strain, with adjustable preload and 120 mm of travel.
Another key goal of this project was weight reduction: the frame, engine, superstructure and alloy rims, with a new design featuring five finely- tapered split spokes, contribute to a total weight of just 186 kg in running order, resulting in a record-breaking power-to-weight ratio for the category of approximately 7 kg per kW. This also reflects positively in the bike’s acceleration, which is among the best in its class, with a time of 5 seconds in 0 to 60 metres.
The generous braking system also features solutions that are usually found in motorcycling, with a 300 mm floating disc on the front with a radial-mounted calliper featuring four pistons and sintered pads. At the rear, meanwhile, is a 240 mm disc with a two-piston calliper. All this is supported by a dual-channel ABS system with dual mapping, either on both wheels or only on the front wheel.
Aprilia SR GT 400, Rally Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia
CITY, TRAVEL, ADVENTURE: THE APRILIA SR GT IS READY FOR ALL ROUTES
Riding the Aprilia SR GT 400 is a real thrill: responsive and lively when pulling away, agile and easy to manoeuvre in traffic and on winding roads, and stable at higher speeds. Furthermore, it’s always ready to venture off the tarmac, to reach less crowded places on less travelled routes.
The active riding position and broad, double-section naked handlebars with hand guards evoke the typical ergonomics of adventure bikes, offering the best possible control, while the long-travel suspension and ample ground clearance – a minimum of 190 mm – allow riders to tackle the obstacles typical of off-road routes with ease.
The adventurous spirit of the SR GT 400 is complemented by the Mitas Enduro Trail tyres, developed specifically for this model: measuring 120/70 on the front and 150/70 on the rear, on 16-in and 14-in rims respectively, these wide tyres feature an all-terrain tread which is suitable for all road surfaces, from tarmac to cobblestones and from dirt roads to light off-road terrain.
Adventure is also synonymous with travel, and the SR GT 400 is ready for long distances, thanks to its capacious 12-litre fuel tank that guarantees a range of over 300 km.
Aprilia SR GT 400, Rally Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia
BEST-IN-CLASS ELECTRONICS
The electronic equipment on the SR GT 400 continues the Aprilia tradition and is designed and built to emphasise riding enjoyment whilst maximising safety.
The ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) system can be adjusted to two levels of intervention, and can also be disabled, even while riding. ATC MAX and ATC MIN denote the levels of intervention.
The braking system is supported by Bosch dual-channel ABS with dual mapping, either on both wheels or just on the front. The ABS can be disabled on the rear wheel, or the rider can even choose to disable it every time the ATC OFF level is selected. This provides the perfect setting for off-road riding: traction control deactivated and ABS active only on the front wheel.
All parameters can be displayed and managed in a simple, intuitive manner via the instrument panel with 5″ colour TFT display and the striking graphic interface, which provides easy-to-read information in all lighting conditions as well as automatically adjusting between day and night modes.
Aprilia MIA is Aprilia’s multimedia platform which enables the rider to connect their smartphone to the vehicle, an accessory that further extends the functionality of the instrumentation. The system also provides access to a voice assistant, phone calls and music via the handlebar controls, as well as a navigation function that enables the rider to view pictogram directions directly on the instrument panel.
Aprilia SR GT 400. Photo courtesy Aprilia
COMFORT WORTHY OF GREAT TRAVELLERS
Comfort and sportiness go hand in hand on the Aprilia SR GT 400: the riding position is comfortable and relaxed, ideal for taking on even the longest distances. Despite the 190 mm ground clearance, the saddle height is limited to 820 mm, so all riders can keep their feet securely on the ground whenever they need.
The superior level of comfort is also enhanced by complete protection from air currents, achieved following detailed aerodynamic studies on the front end of the vehicle (which also enabled the best stability at high speeds to be achieved). The fairing, with its reduced footprint, guarantees protection in all conditions, thanks also to the option to manually adjust the height to five positions, with a total range of 70 mm.
The keyless system comes as standard, enabling the vehicle to be started with the electronic key still in the rider’s pocket. The engine is started by pressing the button on the control panel. The underseat compartment and fuel door can either be operated using the buttons or remotely with the electronic key, which can also be used to activate the Bike Finder function – a remote vehicle recognition system that flashes all the turn signals on the bike: very useful in crowded car parks!
The underseat compartment can hold a full-face helmet and other items, such as gloves. The central tunnel is equipped with a handy storage compartment with a USB-C socket for charging mobile devices.
ENGINE: EFFICIENCY, POWER AND PERFORMANCE
The refined chassis of the Aprilia SR GT 400 called for a cutting-edge engine to generate new levels of performance and riding pleasure.
The 400 hpe Euro 5+ is a 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection, inspired by a design philosophy that combines high levels of performance and readability with lightness and compactness: key to achieving superb riding dynamics. With a maximum power of 36 HP (26.4 kW) at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 37.7 Nm at 5,700 rpm, the 400 hpe engine boasts a host of advanced technical solutions.
The longer, weight-optimised connecting rod and lighter piston in stamped aluminium alloy – typically found on top-of-the-range motorcycles – help to reduce alternating inertial forces, reducing vibrations and increasing comfort, especially at cruising speeds, emphasising the SR GT 400’s suitability for touring outside the city.
An innovative patented system called PCV – Positive Crankcase Ventilation, which consists of two blades integrated into the engine casing, reduces pumping losses and boosts power. The engine’s performance, in terms of both power and torque, benefits from a specific intake system and optimised valve lift parameters. A progressive chain tensioner contributes to quieter operation of the timing system.
The overall efficiency of the engine is also enhanced by the optimised combustion chamber geometry based on CFD calculations, with a high-pressure injector that increases fuel atomisation and the use of low-viscosity engine oil (5W-40). The specially-
designed exhaust system, with its bold, motorcycle-inspired tailpipes, delivers a throaty, sporty roar.
Finally, the cover of the CVT automatic speed variator features a specific design to improve belt cooling.
Aprilia SR GT 400 Dusty Grey. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
COLOURS
The Aprilia SR GT 400 comes in four colourways.
Alongside Rugged Black are two different metallic grey shades: Boulder Grey, with a matte finish and a warm tone, and Dusty Grey, with a shiny finish and cooler tones.
These colours are paired with aluminium-coloured details, such as the passenger handles, footrest guards, exhaust tailpipes and centre console.
The sporty black dual-layer saddle is enhanced by contrasting red/black and grey/black double stitching, whilst red details on the channel stand out against the black rims.
The range is completed by the Aprilia SR GT 400 in Rally Replica colouring, inspired by the livery and graphics of the Aprilia Tuareg Rally, the bike which dominated in the last two editions of the Africa Eco Race, the gruelling rally raid on the historic Dakar roads in Africa.
The matte black livery with high-impact graphics, such as the large ‘Aprilia’ lettering that runs along the entire flank of the bike, is paired with other racing details, such as gold-coloured fork stems and red shock absorber springs. The equipment is completed by a dedicated saddle, enhanced by a bold red strip on the rear, plus the Aprilia MIA connectivity system as standard.
Aprilia SR GT 400. Photo courtesy Aprilia
DEDICATED ACCESSORIES AND TECHNICAL CLOTHING
The Aprilia SR GT 400 range of accessories is designed to further boost comfort and functionality.
In combination with the roomy underseat compartment, an ultra-resistant ABS square top box is also available to further increase load capacity.
Characterised by a rugged, robust style with a truly adventurous spirit, the top box is fitted on the rear luggage rack, which is also an accessory, by simply and intuitively removing the passenger handles. Equipped with an airtight seal that prevents water or dust from getting inside, the spacious top box can hold a full-face helmet. It is embellished by the Aprilia logo, backrest, removable internal padding and lock with personalised key.
The side protectors, crafted from steel tubes painted in matte black, echo the sporty lines of the vehicle, whilst protecting it from accidental impacts.
The sporty footrests, featuring a non-slip surface and aluminium inserts, emphasise the bike’s sporty character.
Heated handgrips ensure maximum comfort in all weather conditions; thanks to the Aprilia MIA system, also available as an accessory, the temperature level can be adjusted directly from the handlebar to three different levels, visible on the instrument panel.
The range of accessories is completed by a leg cover, the Aprilia MIA connectivity system (as standard with the Rally Replica version) which connects the rider’s smartphone to the bike via Bluetooth, an electronic anti-theft system and an outdoor cover.
The technical clothing developed by Aprilia, available at STORE.APRILIA.COM, also complements the style and characteristics of the Aprilia SR GT 400.
Overtake full-face helmet: developed in the wind tunnel to reduce turbulence, improve stability and enhance soundproofing at high speeds. Equipped with an efficient ventilation system, this helmet also comes with a retractable internal sun visor. Includes Pinlock anti-fog visor, action camera mount and air deflector for the chin guard. Available in white and black.
Speed Blast Air Tex Jacket: developed in collaboration with Alpinestars, it boasts a cutting-edge poly-fabric outer shell, offering high levels of abrasion and tear resistance. Equipped with air vents and extensive mesh-on-mesh panelling on the chest, back and arms to increase ventilation, it is perfect for all weather conditions. The Nucleon Flex Plus protectors on the shoulders and elbows feature an ergonomic design, guaranteeing ample freedom of movement.
Next Rival Tech sweatshirt: developed in collaboration with Alpinestars, this is the perfect garment for riding in urban environments. It offers superb abrasion resistance courtesy of the reinforcements on the shoulders, elbows and back. The main shell is made of woven fabric, lending it a casual look. The Nucleon Flex Plus protectors in the shoulder and elbow area ensure the very highest levels of protection.
APRILIA RS 457 GP REPLICA
A special version of the hugely popular RS 457 arrives from Aprilia: the most sought-after sporting bike among young riders is now also available in a GP Replica version, featuring more exclusive details and graphics inspired by the RS-GP motorcycle competing in the MotoGP.
Aprilia RS 457 Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The success of the RS 457 owes its thanks not only to its technical characteristics, which are best-in-class, but also to the fact that it has been able to provide an innovative response to the growing demand for easy-to-ride, fun bikes, with a technologically and stylistically advanced offering specifically dedicated to young motorcyclists, as it can be driven with an A2 license. Elegant, aggressive and with an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio, the RS 457 has rapidly become a point of reference in its category, popular amongst young motorcyclists everywhere and much lauded by critics.
It is now available in a truly unique version, with even better equipment and all-exclusive graphics. The RS 457 GP Replica boasts even better sporty riding performance, thanks to the super-useful quick shift, which allows the rider to shift up and down without using the clutch, just like on a real racing bike. Furthermore, the front brake pads have a higher friction coefficient, which enable even more effective braking. The special RS 457 GP Replica set-up is completed by the single-seat passenger saddle cover and the new black finish for the aluminum frame, swingarm and steering plate.
Aprilia RS 457 Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The GP Replica livery is a clear tribute to the RS-GP competing in the MotoGP championship and features glossy and matte black shades and the sponsor graphics that appear on Aprilia Racing’s prototype racing bike. This all-new Aprilia model is the ultimate in sophisticated Replica versions dedicated to young motorcyclists.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Dorna
Marco Bezzecchi earned pole position during MotoGP World Championship qualifying on Saturday at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:37.556 to lead the 22-rider field.
Pedro Acosta was the best of the rest with a 1:37.706 on his Red Bull KTM Factory machine, and Fabio Quartararo claimed the third and final spot on the front row with a 1:37.860 on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZF-M1.
Row-two qualifiers included Lenovo Team Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia (1:37.935), BK8 Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez (1:37.987) and Castrol Honda LCR’s Johann Zarco (1:38.059).
Bezzecchi beats Acosta and Quartararo to bag Portimao pole. A blistering Q2 unfolds at the rollercoaster as a late Turn 3 crash for Alex Marquez costs Friday’s frontrunner a chance of pole.
Well, that wasn’t a bad qualifying session, was it? Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) grabbed pole for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal with a 1:37.556 in a relentless MotoGP Q2 that sees Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) earn a first front row start of the season in P2. Third place went the way of Q1 graduate Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), who once again pulls a rabbit out of the hat in qualifying trim.
Quartararo and Miller grab Q2 spots
The first reference lap time in the dry but tricky conditions was set by Quartararo, a 1:40.031, but that was soon bettered by El Diablo himself. Three riders found themselves in the 1:39 bracket, those were the Frenchman, second place Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and third fastest Nicolo Bulega (Ducati Lenovo Team).
With two minutes to go, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) shot to P1 by less than a tenth, but red sector times were everywhere as track conditions improved. Quartararo returned the favour to beat Marini’s time by three tenths and shadowing his Yamaha stablemate, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) promoted himself into P2. And with no more personal or session best times inbound after that flurry of times, the Yamaha duo did enough to sail into Q2.
Four-way fight for pole unfolds as Marquez endures late tip-off
Nicely up to speed after Q1, Quartararo immediately landed the fastest lap time of the day at the beginning of Q2 – a 1:38.518. As expected, though, the second flying laps saw the times tumble, and it was Friday pacesetter Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) who rose to P1. But it was tight. Bezzecchi was 0.027s off, with Acosta also within a tenth of the #73’s effort.
At the end of the first run, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was P4, 0.415s away from Marquez’s 1:38.098, with Quartararo and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) occupying the provisional P5 and P6 spots on the second row.
However, things were going to change. Bezzecchi was the first to move the goalposts thanks to a 1:37.556, Acosta went P2 but the KTM star was over three tenths down on the Italian, with Miller climbing into the top five from P12. Marquez’s next flyer was only good enough for P3, and that turned to P4 when Quartararo fired himself up to P2.
Then, Marquez’s session was done. A Turn 3 crash meant the 2025 runner-up’s pole position hopes were over, as Acosta climbed back above Quartararo into P2. And that was as good as it was going to get for Acosta, he sat up and out of his final lap, with Bezzecchi also unable to improve.
Would it cost him pole though? Pecco was in touch through Sector 3, but the Italian’s lap went away a bit in the final split to see the #63 go P4, ahead of Marquez. And with that, a blistering Q2 was done – Bezzecchi held onto a brilliant pole, with Acosta and Quartararo making up a tantalising front row.
Your top 12 on the grid
As mentioned, Pecco spearheads the second row in P4 ahead of Marquez and Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR). Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) fronts the third row in P7, the 2020 World Champion will line up alongside Miller and Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). Pol Espargaro’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) late personal best saw the #44 earn P10, which means Aldeguer and Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team), our two rookies, will start from P11 and P12.
Coming up: Tissot Sprint
12 laps, 15:00 local time in Portugal. You know the score – tune in! Especially after that…
Fermin Aldeguer (54) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Gresini Team
Fermin Aldeguer led MotoGP World Championship wet-dry Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24 on spec Michelin tires, the Spaniard turned a lap time of 1:41.654 to lead the 22-rider field.
His teammate, Alex Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:41.657.
Joan Mir was third at 1:41.677 on his Honda HRC Castrol RC213V.
Marco Bezzecchi finished the session fourth with a 1:41.963 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.
Francesco Bagnaia got fifth on his Lenovo Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 with a lap time of 1:42.012.
Alex Escrig (11) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Forward Team
Alex Escrig was quickest during Moto2 World Championship wet Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Riding his Pirelli-shod KLINT Forward on the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track, the Spaniard recorded a 1:58.105 to lead the field of 10 riders.
Sergio Garcia was the best of the rest with a 1:58.251 on his ITALJET Gresini Kalex.
Mario Aji was third-fastest with a 1:58.802 on his IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia Kalex.
Angel Piqueras (36) at Portimao. Photo courtesy MSI Team.
Angel Piqueras led Moto3 World Championship wet Free Practice Two (FP2) Saturday morning, at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portugal. Piqueras used his Pirelli-shod FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI KTM to lap the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:59.106 to lead the field of 19 riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Brian Uriarte was second-best with a time of 2:00.600.
Adrian Fernandez, piloting his Leopard Racing Honda, claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 2:00.841.
Alex Marquez (73) at Portimao. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Team.
Alex Marquez:“I got here in Portugal in the right mood. I’m relax but still wit the right tension for a MotoGP weekend. We need to flow here riding wise and we managed to do so from the early laps. We’re good, the team is working well as always and today’s two sessions were positive.”
Fermin Aldeguer (54) at Portimao. Photo courtesy BK8 Gresini Racing.
Fermin Aldeguer:“We hit our Q2 target with excellent feeling from the get-go. I was a little nervous yesterday thinking about this track – and with the chance of rain. But we adapted pretty well to the track and gelled with the bike. We’re probably even in a better place pace wise compared to the time attack, but we can improve the latter as well tomorrow.”
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More from a press release issued by Honda HRC Castrol:
Consistent through change – Mir on the pace in Portugal as Marini narrowly misses out.
Shifting weather throughout the day kept the Honda HRC Castrol team on their toes, but Joan Mir emerged as the fifth fastest rider while Luca Marini just missed the Q2 cut off as he recovered from an early fall.
A day of dark clouds commenced round 21 of the MotoGP World Championship, weather radars and upward glances were the order of the day. With the conditions ready to change at a moment’s notice, the Honda HRC Castrol squad were keen to get to work and capitalise on the best of the track conditions at each and every moment.
Continuing to brim with confidence after two podiums, Joan Mir made himself a key fixture in the top ten once more. Eighth in the morning, the 2020 MotoGP World Champion would improve his time by over a second in the afternoon to seal fifth overall on Friday. Comfortably into Q2, Mir was able to exploit his impressive feeling with the Honda RC213V and show the pace to fight for the front two rows of the grid. With the bike setup already able to contest the top five, Mir and his team will focus on minor improvements overnight as they target a strong qualifying to line up a competitive pair of races.
Seventh in the morning, a fall early in the afternoon left Marini with just a single bike when the first shootout of the weekend began. Making an impressive improvement after a brief sprinkling of rain, the #10 would be pushed out of the top ten in the final moments. Eleventh overall and just a tenth off Q2, Marini and his team already have some ideas on how to improve and fight for the top spots in Q1 on Saturday.
The 12-lap Sprint is schedule for 15:00 Local Time on Saturday, November 08 with reasonable conditions forecast.
Joan Mir (36) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Joan Mir:“A big smile today, in a positive spiral from the flyaways! Today we confirmed that we can be competitive here as well, I have a good feeling with the bike – especially with the front, and this makes my life on track a lot easier than it has been in the past. The bike is working well, of course there are things to improve but we really have a bike where we can compete now. This is really important, to arrive and know that we can be there and that we are in the area more or less straight away. Our feeling is similar to Sepang, we are close to the top guys and working in the correct way, let’s see what everyone can find tonight to be strong on Saturday too.”
Luca Marini (10) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Honda HRC
Luca Marini:“Not our best day, my mistake with the crash and some bad luck. I was a bit wide and the temperature of the tyre dropped, it’s easy to happen here with the conditions we had. It’s a pity because we lost time, we couldn’t use that bike, but I stayed focused to push hard because you could see the weather coming in. For tomorrow we need to improve the braking in Turn 1 and 5, some fine tuning to increase my speed. Today we also tried a couple of new things to help out the engineers which is always good, we’ve made a lot of progress this year but we still have more to make.”
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More from a press release issued by Aprilia Racing:
Positive vibes for Aprilia Racing in Portimão.
The first day of practice at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve ended with positive feedback for Aprilia Racing. Marco Bezzecchi reaffirmed his outstanding feeling with the RS-GP25 and with the track, putting in a solid Friday. After his second-place time in FP1 – less than two tenths behind the top time – the Italian rider finished practice fourth, thereby clinching a spot in Q2.
Lorenzo Savadori, subbing for Jorge Martín, continued his work developing the RS-GP25, finishing practice in twenty-first place.
Also worth a mention was Trackhouse MotoGP Team rider Ai Ogura’s performance, who finished practice in the top ten, earning a spot in Q2 along with Bezzecchi.
Marco Bezzecchi (72) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Marco Bezzecchi: “The day went well because I had positive sensations already in the first session, which were then confirmed in the afternoon. We also managed to improve, especially in the session finale, despite the light rain. It was a good first day and I’m satisfied.”
Lorenzo Savadori (32) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing
Lorenzo Savadori: “Having two Aprilias in Q2 is extremely positive. We tested something interesting that seems to be working well, although it was a bit of a peculiar day because of the weather. I hadn’t raced here for several years and it’s great to be back, but we know that it is an extremely particular track, so it’s positive to see a track where we perform well.”
Paolo Bonora: “It was a positive day with Marco doing the fourth-place time which puts him straight through to Q2. We managed to send both Marco and Ogura straight to Q2 in the practice session, but there is still a lot of work to be done in order to be ready for both the sprint race and the long race. However, we know what areas we need to work on to improve. With Lorenzo, on the other hand, we are one hundred percent in line with the plan. We’re continuing to advance technical development solutions to improve the bike.”
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More from a press release issued by Monster Energy Yamaha:
Uphill Battle for Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP on Portimão Friday.
Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins kicked off the Grand Prix of Portugal weekend in somewhat mixed conditions. The teammates pushed to the limit at an overcast Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and ended the day in 13th and 18th place respectively in the classifications, putting them on tomorrow’s Q1 entry list.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team got straight to work on the Grand Prix of Portugal Friday. Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins used FP1 and most of the Practice to prepare for a tense shoot-out. They ended the afternoon session in 13th and 18th place respectively and will take part in tomorrow’s Q1.
Quartararo finished FP1 in P11 and was keen to push in the afternoon session. When the Practice got underway, the Frenchman showed he meant business by featuring inside the top 10 until the final 20 minutes. However, crucially, some light rain started to fall just when El Diablo was due to begin his time attack, making it more challenging to find the limit on his hot laps. Quartararo was 13th at the time and had to push. He set a 1’38.717s, which temporarily had him rank fourth, but with 6 minutes left, he was nudged outside the top 10. Though he responded by clocking a 1’38.598s on lap 21/23, he ended up in 13th place in the Practice timesheets, 0.624s from first.
Rins wrapped up FP1 in P16 and was keen to make further steps in the afternoon. The Spaniard worked diligently during the 60-minute Practice and showed his fondness of the Portimão track. He climbed up to 11th, but with 16 minutes to go, spots of rains started to fall, making track conditions more difficult to assess during the time attacks. The number-42 rider put in several more attempts, but he wasn’t able to get into the 1’38s. His 1’39.070s, set on lap 15/23, put him in 18th place in the Practice results, 1.096s from the top.
The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team will be back in action tomorrow for the Saturday MotoGP sessions: FP2 will be held from 10:10-10:40 GMT+0, followed by the qualifying sessions from 10:50-11:30, and the 12-lap Sprint, which starts at 15:00.
MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha
“We faced more challenges than anticipated at the start of the Portimão weekend. Today’s results reflect the poor track conditions. Unfortunately, we had sudden rain in both session which didn’t help either. Compared to our rivals we tend to struggle more in low-grip conditions, making it a complicated first day. While Fabio still came close to a top-10 result and both riders gave their maximum effort, we remain too far from the front. The level of competition is extremely high, so we are focused on extracting every ounce of performance from our package. The team is committed to supporting the riders as they prepare for a highly competitive Q1 and Sprint. Looking ahead, the forecast for the coming days is sunnier, or at least should provide fully dry sessions, allowing us to work under more consistent conditions.”
Fabio Quartararo (20) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo:“We are struggling quite a bit. This is a track where grip is very important. When everything is set up right, as a rider you can enjoy riding here like it’s a roller coaster. This is a track I really like, but today my feeling was not great on the bike, so we have to analyse it. We have to try to find a solution for tomorrow to improve our feeling a bit.”
Alex Rins (42) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Monster Energy Yamaha
Alex Rins:“This is a demanding track, and if you make a mistake, like when we missed corner 1 in the Practice, the whole lap is cancelled. Today, we struggled with a mix of problems, maybe because of the low grip and the mixed conditions. Today’s weather out on track was not ideal for us. But we need to stay positive. Let’s see if tomorrow we can do better, especially for the Sprint with more grip on track.”
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More from a press release issued by Ducati Lenovo Team:
Francesco Bagnaia and the Ducati Lenovo Team second in Portimão Practice. Nicolò Bulega seventeenth on his MotoGP debut.
The Ducati Lenovo Team enjoyed a positive penultimate Friday of the 2025 MotoGP season at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão. Francesco Bagnaia finished Practice in second place, while Nicolò Bulega was seventeenth on his first-ever day in MotoGP.
Bagnaia started the afternoon session well, taking fourth place in the opening minutes. After briefly dropping to the lower end of the top ten, Pecco made his way back to second courtesy of an excellent time attack, ending up only 30 milliseconds shy of today’s quickest time. Bulega, this year’s WorldSBK runner-up with Ducati, showed encouraging signs aboard the Desmosedici GP as he finished seventeenth, one second off the top.
The Ducati Lenovo Team will be back in action tomorrow morning at 10:10 local time (GMT) for Free Practice 2, followed by Q1 at 10:50 and Q2 at 11:15. The twenty-first Sprint of the season will be contested over 12 laps from 15:00.
Francesco Bagnaia (63) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Ducati Team
Francesco Bagnaia: “This morning we made a mistake with the front-tyre choice. I was having a bit of a difficult time because the bike tended to go wide at some corners and I couldn’t make it stop and flow into the corner. Things went better this afternoon: we started with the soft option to get some feedback from the bike, and then I enjoyed the hard front tyre as well. In the last time attack we managed to set a good lap time without pushing too hard. All in all, I’d say the situation is positive at the moment.”
Nicolo Bulega (11) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Ducati Team
Nicolo Bulega: “Today went quite well. I didn’t give too much importance to the classification: what really mattered was completing as many laps as possible and understanding the many differences compared to the bike I’m used to. Tyres are different, there are the ride-height devices to manage, and the Desmosedici GP is really a powerful machine. The positive thing, ironically enough, is that my riding wasn’t the best — but I guess that’s quite normal. There’s a lot to process and absorb, but I’ll sleep on it and start tomorrow with one more day of experience.”
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More from a press release issued by Red Bull KTM Tech3:
The penultimate round of a thrilling 2025 MotoGP™ campaign has kicked off on Friday at the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Portugal. Enea Bastianini and Pol Espargaro were representing the Red Bull KTM Tech3 squad, with the latter filling in for Maverick Viñales for the 5th time this season. The number 44 did us good once again, as he directly reached Q2 for the third time this season with a 9th place in Practice, while Enea Bastianini will have to go through Q1 on Saturday, after finishing 19th.
As Maverick Viñales continues to recover, Pol Espargaro was once again a man on a mission arriving to Portimao, with some unfinished business between the Spaniard and the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, the track where he was seriously injured during the opening round of the 2023 season. Time has flown by since then, and Espargaro was ready to face this new challenge and step once again into Viñales’ boots. And he did brilliantly so, as Polyccio grabbed his direct Q2 ticket after taking the 9th place of a rain-disrupted Practice session on Friday afternoon. After a positive FP1 at the end of which we saw him take the 5th time this morning, the Spaniard managed to make it to the coveted top 10 on Friday afternoon, thanks to a very late improvement in 1’38.424, one that saw him remain in 9th at the final checkered flag. Solid job from the Spaniard, who will give his best to place his RC16 on the front rows on Saturday.
Fridays have not been Enea Bastianini’s favorites this season, with the Italian having often struggled to quickly adapt his RC16 to new tracks. One of the key points of the day was the new swing arm, brought to Enea for the first time this morning. The Italian was finally able to benefit from it, and small improvements were already noticed by the Italian, although he will need to get his head around it. In Free Practice 1, Enea was just 1.2 seconds off early pace setter, Alex Marquez. In the afternoon, track conditions were a bit tricky, with the rain joining the party, and the best Enea could give was a 1’39.130, placing him in 19th of the timesheets. He will have to face Q1 on Saturday morning at 10:50 local time, shortly after Free Practice 2 kicking off MotoGP™ action at 10:10. Then, there will be the penultimate Tissot Sprint of the season, at 15:00 for 12 laps.
Pol Espargaro (44) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3
Pol Espargaro: “Fabio Quartararo is one of those guys who keeps pushing even if there is someone behind him, and this is why he is one of the best riders, because he is confident. I tried to follow him, I tried to push as much as I could. It was really tough to make a good lap time today, so I am happy that we managed to make one which has qualified us directly into Q2. Psychologically, it has been so important for myself to reach the pit box back on my bike after my small crash this morning, and it gave me the confidence I needed for the remainder of the day, because obviously, the last time we crashed here was bad. Anyway, it was a good day for us, let’s try to qualify well tomorrow!”
Enea Bastianini (23) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Red Bull KTM Tech3
Enea Bastianini: “Today has been more or less like the other Fridays, unfortunately. Track conditions were difficult, because it was quite dark in Practice, and it was not easy to understand which parts of the track were dry. I also think that our strategy was not great because I just had one lap with the new tires, so we need to improve this for tomorrow. For the first time, we tried the new swing arm, in both sessions. We have improved a bit, but we need to adjust a few things, because after checking the data, we are losing in some strange points of the track, where I am usually good at like T3, so we have to look into this!”
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More from a press release issued by CASTROL Honda LCR:
Positive start for Johann Zarco in Portugal.
Returning to Portuguese soil after more than a year, Frenchman Johann Zarco and his crew enjoyed a positive and strong start to the weekend.
From his first run in the morning, Zarco felt fast and confident, consistently placing inside the top four on the timesheets.
Although weather conditions changed throughout the day, he maintained good feeling and consistency.
He ended the day in 6th position, less than three-tenths off the fastest time, securing a direct spot in Q2 ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying.
Johann Zarco (5) at Portimao. Photo courtesy CASTROL Honda LCR
Johann Zarco 6th:“It was a positive Friday, and I was happy to have found the speed straight away. That’s good for the confidence, and the front-end feeling confirms the good feeling from Malaysia. I was able to be fast, to push, and to set a good lap time, but we still need to improve the pace. We’re working hard to find the right solution. With both medium tyres the feeling was better in the afternoon, which was good. Securing a Q2 spot is positive, and now we’ll focus on having a solid qualifying to start from a strong position in the Sprint.”
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More from a press release issued by IDEMITSU Honda LCR:
Somkiat Chantra completes hectic Friday in Portugal.
Somkiat Chantra was one of the highlights in Portimão on Friday after a massive wheelie in the morning session, which drew the attention of all the cameras.
In the afternoon, the Thai rider reported feeling good on the bike after testing different setups.
The Portimão track is one of the most demanding of the season, and Chantra and his crew are determined to maximize their potential and deliver the best possible performance in qualifying and the Sprint.
Somkiat Chantra (35) at Portimao. Photo courtesy IDEMITSU Honda LCR
Somkiat Chantra 20th: “Today was crazy! I had a big wheelie in sixth gear. After it, I was shaking and lucky to save it. Throughout the day, I felt good; we’ve been working on different setups to feel comfortable on this track, which is demanding but really fun. I’ll try to give my best, to improve and do better tomorrow.”
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More from a press release issued by Prima Pramac Yamaha:
Challenging start to the Portuguese GP for the Prima Pramac Yamaha.
The first day of the Portuguese GP proved to be demanding for the Prima Pramac Yamaha, as changing weather conditions affected both Practice sessions. Despite a positive start in the morning, the afternoon rain complicated the work on track, preventing the riders from fully expressing their potential.
The Portuguese Grand Prix got underway with mixed feelings for the Prima Pramac Yamaha team. Jack Miller displayed promising speed in the morning session, while local star Miguel Oliveira thrilled the home fans around Portimão.
Despite their efforts, the afternoon rain shuffled the order, leaving the two riders in 16th and 22nd place ahead of tomorrow‘s Q1.
GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
“Jack started well, setting his best time on the new tyre when the track offered good grip. The afternoon rain created some confusion and reduced grip significantly. Between the two sessions, we worked a lot to help Miguel make a step forward, and tomorrow we‘ll try an important change to give him better support. Unfortunately, Jack couldn‘t make it directly into Q2, but we have some ideas to try”.
Jack Miller (43) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Jack Miller:“The day started well, with the new tyre I felt comfortable and my pace was good. In the afternoon, the weather conditions became challenging and difficult to read. I couldn‘t find the same feeling, and I also had a small crash at Turn 5 due to the incoming rain. After that, I managed to put together a decent lap, but it wasn‘t enough to get directly into Q2”.
Miguel Oliveira (88) at Portimao. Photo courtesy Prima Pramac Yamaha
Miguel Oliveira:“The tricky weather conditions made our day complicated. We worked on the bike setup to find the feeling we were looking for, but unfortunately, the changes we tried didn‘t give us the results we hoped for. Tomorrow we‘ll face an uphill Saturday, but we‘ll keep pushing to turn things around”.
From left to right, Eitan Butbul, Filip Salač and Avner Kass. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
November 7, 2025 – Portimão, Portugal. The American Racing Team heads into the 2026 season with an updated rider line-up, welcoming Filip Salač to the team alongside Joe Roberts.
Salač joins the team with a strong record in Moto2 and a reputation for hard work and great motivation. His experience and approach to racing fit perfectly with the team’s mindset as American Racing continues to build on its progress and push for the team’s continuous evolution and long-term vision to remain consistently competitive at the highest level of the sport.
Eitan Butbul, Team Principal:“Every new season is an opportunity to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to take another step forward as a team. Our focus is simple: keep improving, stay hungry, and compete with passion. Change brings opportunity, and we’re fired up for what’s ahead. We’re excited to welcome Filip to the team and look forward to achieving great things together in 2026.”
Filip Salač, Rider: “I want to say thanks to Eitan for this opportunity, it means a lot to me, especially after a season that wasn’t my best. I can’t wait to start with the Team and to be back on the Kalex. I truly believe this will be a year to remember, not only for me but also for the Team. I know we’ll achieve great things together.”
Series logo and first teams revealed for 2026 Harley-Davidson World Cup. Photo courtesy Dorna
Harley-Davidson has officially revealed new details of the highly anticipated Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup during a press conference at EICMA 2025 in Milan. The brand revealed the series’ official logo, debuted a prototype race bike, and announced the first teams confirmed to compete in the inaugural season. Kicking off in 2026, the series will run alongside six MotoGP™ Grands Prix, marking a significant evolution in the company’s racing legacy.
The Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will become the world’s first global racing series dedicated exclusively to high-performance Harley-Davidson baggers. Built on the brand’s Grand American Touring platform, these race-modified bikes will deliver incredible speed, agility, and on-track drama. They weigh approximately 280 kg (617 lbs), produce more than 200 horsepower, and will exceed 300 km/h (186 mph) on track, creating a visceral racing format distinct from anything currently on the MotoGP calendar.
Harley-Davidson also revealed the official championship logo, an evolution of the brand’s iconic Bar & Shield visual language, blending Harley-Davidson heritage with a modern, global racing identity. The new visual identity was officially unveiled at the Harley-Davidson stand with the race-prepped Road Glide, purpose-built for competition by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing and featuring the official championship logo in its exclusive livery.
Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup logo
Harley-Davidson also confirmed the first teams that will join the inaugural Bagger World Cup grid: Saddlemen Racing (United States), Joe Rascal Racing (Australia) and Cecchini Racing (Italy). Each brings unique pedigree, competitive ambition, and global credibility to the new championship.
Saddlemen Racing enters as one of America’s most established and innovative V-twin performance programs. Led by David Echert, the team competes in MotoAmerica’s King of the Baggers and claimed the 2024 Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, earning a reputation for technical excellence, rider development, and race-winning engineering. With deep roots in V-twin performance culture, Saddlemen brings proven capability and championship ambition to the global stage.
Joe Rascal Racing, led by James Tonna, represents Australia’s bold new voice in premium performance and international motorsport. With foundations in high-end motorcycle retail and racing operations, the program blends commercial acumen with a passion for performance culture. With a growing international footprint and rapidly expanding community, Joe Rascal joins the Bagger World Cup intent on elevating the sport across the Asia-Pacific region and proving that Australia belongs on the global bagger stage.
Cecchini Racing brings Italian motorsport heritage and decades of elite European racing experience to the championship. Led by Fabrizio Cecchini, the team has spent more than 30 years inside the MotoGP paddock supporting world-class riders and teams. Cecchini Racing arrives with engineering precision, competitive discipline and European pedigree, all now directed toward the world’s first global bagger series.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the first teams that have secured their spots in the inaugural season of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup,”said Kolja Rebstock, Senior Vice President for International Markets, Harley-Davidson Motor Company.“Since the initial announcement of the series, we’ve seen tremendous interest from well-established and respected organizations. We’ve designed the series to feature between six and eight teams, for a total of 12 to 16 riders, and with these first three agreements, we’ve already filled almost half the grid. It’s a strong signal that confirms the momentum and excitement surrounding this project. We’re moving quickly to bring this championship to life and can’t wait to hit the track in 2026. It’s going to be loud, competitive, and unlike anything fans have ever seen before.”
As already announced in August at the Austrian GP, the championship will span six adrenaline-fueled rounds, each held during MotoGP ™ weekends, with two races per round, totaling 12 races across the season. This format brings Harley-Davidson’s signature performance to some of the world’s most iconic circuits, amplifying the excitement for fans and riders alike. The 2026 calendar includes:
• Grand Prix of The Americas – Circuit of the Americas (USA): March 27–29
• Grand Prix of Italy – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello (Italy): May 29–31
• Grand Prix of the Netherlands – TT Circuit Assen (Netherlands): June 26–28
• Grand Prix of the United Kingdom – Silverstone Circuit (UK): August 7–9
• Grand Prix of Aragon – MotorLand Aragón (Spain): August 28–30
• Grand Prix of Austria – Red Bull Ring (Austria): September 18–20 – Championship Round
With the Bagger World Cup, Harley-Davidson is redefining what’s possible on two wheels, bringing thunder, torque, and a whole new level of excitement to racetracks around the world.
Harley-Davidson Background:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. Harley-Davidson also has a controlling interest in LiveWire Group, Inc., the first publicly traded all-electric motorcycle company in the United States. LiveWire is the future in the making for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. Drawing on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector, LiveWire’s ambition is to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world. Learn more at harley-davidson.com and livewire.com.
MotoGP™ Background:
Welcome to the most exciting sport on earth. The fastest bikes. The most forward- thinking manufacturers. The world’s most fearless riders. This is the hunt, and there can only be one winner. Come with us to the edge of possibility and the edge of your seat. MotoGP™. Faster. Forward. Fearless.
Anthony West was the star of the show in SW-Motech Superbike. Photo by RbMotoLens
Anthony West’s rich vein of form in the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) has continued at The Bend, with the Queenslander setting the fastest time in Friday practice at the season finale.
After being near the top of the timesheets all day, West cranked up his Addicted to Track Yamaha in the final SW-Motech Superbike session to set a best lap of 1:50.518, marginally under the current lap record of 1:50.529 held by Troy Herfoss.
With a strong wind providing both a help and hindrance to many riders – top speeds were certainly impressive with the 300km/h mark regularly eclipsed down the man straight – less than a second covered the top six riders at the end of Friday, with Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) second from Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati), Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team), Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) and Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Honda).
Waters takes a 50pt lead into this weekend’s final round over Jones, and can wrap up the championship as early as Saturday afternoon if he secures pole position.
Meanwhile, Archie McDonald (Stop and Seal Yamaha) just got the better of teammate and visiting international Kyle Ryde in Kawasaki Supersport practice.
The Supersport battle is shaping as a beauty, as are the other ASBK Championship classes: Race and Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup, BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup and Superbike Masters. Only Supersport 300 has already crowned a champion, so the stakes are high.
There will be on-track action from 8am ACST on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as stunt shows and pillion rides at lunchtime, the ASBK Trade Alley and the Minimoto ‘come and try it’ sessions for the kids.
Hard on the anchors: Cru Halliday put in an impressive Friday. Photo by RbMotoLens
West’s purple patch was again on full display as he took the day one honours in the 20-rider SW-Motech Superbike field.
After a superb year, West is assured of finishing at least third in the championship, but with only 19pts separating him from Jones there’s still a final round carrot dangling in front of him.
Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha), Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team), Max Stauffer (Yamaha) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha) completed the top 10 on Friday, ahead of one more practice session tomorrow morning and then qualifying in the afternoon.
Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen
Kyle Ryde didn’t waste anytime in getting up to speed in Kawasaki Supersport. Photo by RbMotoLens
Although feeling a little off colour, McDonald did enough to finish on top in Kawasaki Supersport ahead of Ryde, who showed why he is a two-time British Superbike champion with a consummate day one performance.
Ryde adapted to a new bike and a new track with clinical efficiency, while Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki) was third from Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki), Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) and championship leader Jack Mahaffy (Stop and Seal Yamaha).
Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the pacesetter in Supersport Next Gen (and fourth overall), ahead of teammate Beau Beaton.
Qualifying is tomorrow morning followed by two nine-lap races on Sunday.
Race and Road Supersport 300/ShopYamaha R3 Cup
Riley NAUTA (42) at The Bend. Photo by RbMotoLens
Riley Nauta (Champions Ride Days Kawasaki) upped the ante in every session, and was over a second ahead of 2025 champion Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) by the end of the day.
Yamaha trio Hudson Thompson, Mitch Simpson and Jordy Simpson saw out the top five, and in the ShopYamaha R3 Cup Thompson was the pacesetter from Oscar Lewis and Mitch Simpson.
BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup
Chaz Williams put the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup field on notice with a slick Friday. Photo by RbMotoLens
Chaz Williams put the hammer down in BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup practice and finished well ahead of Hunter Charlett, followed by Ghage Plowman, Rossi McAdam and Xavier Curmi.
Connor Lewis, who is 3pts ahead of Williams as the title race goes down to the wire, was sixth.
Superbike Masters
Beau Beaton continued on his merry way in Superbike Masters qualifying. Photo by RbMotoLens
Qualifying officially kicked off at The Bend with the Superbike Masters brigade, as Beaton (Ducati) put on another clinic on his way to pole position. Ben Burke (Honda) and Michael Berti Mendez (Ducati) saw out the top three.
Beaton’s 1:59.977 was also a new qualifying benchmark for Superbike Masters.
For more information on the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul:
Marcos Ramirez (24) at Mandalika. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
November 7, 2025 – Portimão, Portugal. The American Racing Team and rider Marcos Ramírez have mutually agreed to end their collaboration at the end of the 2025 season.
The team wishes to extend its sincere thanks to Marcos Ramírez for his contribution and professionalism throughout our time together. Over the past seasons, he has played an important role in the team’s journey. We’re proud of the chapters we’ve written as a team and wish him the best in what’s next.
Eitan Butbul, Team Principal:“I’ve got so much appreciation for Marcos, he brought incredible energy, professionalism and heart when he rejoined the team in 2023. I’m proud of what he achieved with us and especially the podium at the end of 2023 was special. He’s one of the coolest riders we’ve ever had and will always be a part of this team’s history. We wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Aprilia SR GT 400, Rally Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia
SR GT 400 is the new mid-engine GT that breaks all the rules, bringing Aprilia’s motorcycle expertise to scooters: it’s agile, responsive and stable, thanks to the Aprilia chassis and the 36 hp, 400 cc engine.
The SR GT 400 is 100% Aprilia:
powerful, light, beautiful
a precise ride with perfect hold and total control.
Electronics worthy of a sports bike.
City, travel, adventure: the SR GT 400 is designed to conquer both everyday tarmac roads and more remote routes.
Aprilia makes its debut in the mid-cc GT scooter segment, rewriting all the rules – as is its wont. The Aprilia SR GT 400 is the crossover that brings the design philosophy, innovation and motorcycling expertise that have made Aprilia an icon both on road and off to the world of scooters.
The Aprilia SR GT 400 stands for performance and adventure. In traffic, it is agile and easy to manoeuvre, in mixed conditions it’s responsive, and at high speeds, it’s stable. And when the tarmac runs out, it doesn’t’t hold back.
The new SR GT 400 accepts no half measures, aiming to establish itself as a benchmark in the category for its style and technology, as well as in all the areas that every motorcyclist looks for in a two-wheeler: thrills, fun and riding pleasure.
The Aprilia SR GT 400 combines a strictly-engineered chassis – designed by experts who have built extraordinary motorcycles that dominate both on the tarmac and off – plus a full range of technological equipment with a powerful 400 cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which boasts 36 hp of power. Weighing just 186 kg in running order, the SR GT 400 is at the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio.
Aprilia SR GT 400. Photo courtesy Aprilia
THE APRILIA SR GT 400, A BOLD DESIGN AND CHARACTER
The Aprilia design centre took inspiration for the shape of the SR GT 400 from Aprilia’s sports bikes and the world of off-road riding.
The result is a stunning scooter with a strong personality that expresses real dynamism, courtesy of its sleek, sharp superstructures that echo enduro motorcycles, where every detail without a specific function has been eliminated.
The SR GT 400 boasts a minimalist design which makes a real impact. The front end of the bike is dominated by the three-element full LED light cluster, a signature feature of
Aprilia sports bikes. The suspended windscreen rises above, tapered vertically in pure off-road style, offering excellent protection and adjustability (five positions).
The flanks of the SR GT are brought to life by striking slits, while the ergonomic footrests are a nod to the protective external plates of off-road motorcycles.
From the side, the Aprilia SR GT 400 conveys a powerful sense of dynamism, with reduced overhangs and taut lines that highlight its sporty spirit. The central tunnel houses the fuel tank and connects the front and rear of the bike, giving the SR GT real motorcycle vibes.
The grit and dynamism of the SR GT 400 is also enhanced by the design of its slim, sleek tail; the rear light cluster is fully integrated into the number plate holder, leaving it completely free, evoking the high mudguards on enduro bikes.
Aprilia SR GT 400 Rugged Black. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
A 100% APRILIA CHASSIS
The SR GT 400 is 100% Aprilia; the frame and chassis are designed and manufactured to the very highest standards, delivering precise dynamic performance and a greater feeling of safety and control regardless of the riding conditions.
The double-cradle frame, crafted from all-new high-strength steel tubing, was designed with a motorbike-style approach. By tweaking the design and cross-section of the tubes, Aprilia’s technicians have succeeded in achieving extremely high rigidity, boosting the riding precision, front-end feel and stability. This has enabled another radical choice to be made: a reduced steering head angle which decreases the trail, for maximum manoeuvrability. This results in a safe, enjoyable ride, thanks to the perfect balance between agility and stability.
The suspension is also inspired by the motorcycling universe: the front is fitted with a 41 mm upside-down double-plate fork with a decent 120 mm of travel. During testing, a specific calibration was developed to ensure the perfect degree of support for sporty riding, offering comfort and good absorption of bumps even on the roughest roads.
The same applies to the rear of the SR GT 400, where a double gas shock absorber with separate reservoir takes the strain, with adjustable preload and 120 mm of travel.
Another key goal of this project was weight reduction: the frame, engine, superstructure and alloy rims, with a new design featuring five finely- tapered split spokes, contribute to a total weight of just 186 kg in running order, resulting in a record-breaking power-to-weight ratio for the category of approximately 7 kg per kW. This also reflects positively in the bike’s acceleration, which is among the best in its class, with a time of 5 seconds in 0 to 60 metres.
The generous braking system also features solutions that are usually found in motorcycling, with a 300 mm floating disc on the front with a radial-mounted calliper featuring four pistons and sintered pads. At the rear, meanwhile, is a 240 mm disc with a two-piston calliper. All this is supported by a dual-channel ABS system with dual mapping, either on both wheels or only on the front wheel.
Aprilia SR GT 400, Rally Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia
CITY, TRAVEL, ADVENTURE: THE APRILIA SR GT IS READY FOR ALL ROUTES
Riding the Aprilia SR GT 400 is a real thrill: responsive and lively when pulling away, agile and easy to manoeuvre in traffic and on winding roads, and stable at higher speeds. Furthermore, it’s always ready to venture off the tarmac, to reach less crowded places on less travelled routes.
The active riding position and broad, double-section naked handlebars with hand guards evoke the typical ergonomics of adventure bikes, offering the best possible control, while the long-travel suspension and ample ground clearance – a minimum of 190 mm – allow riders to tackle the obstacles typical of off-road routes with ease.
The adventurous spirit of the SR GT 400 is complemented by the Mitas Enduro Trail tyres, developed specifically for this model: measuring 120/70 on the front and 150/70 on the rear, on 16-in and 14-in rims respectively, these wide tyres feature an all-terrain tread which is suitable for all road surfaces, from tarmac to cobblestones and from dirt roads to light off-road terrain.
Adventure is also synonymous with travel, and the SR GT 400 is ready for long distances, thanks to its capacious 12-litre fuel tank that guarantees a range of over 300 km.
Aprilia SR GT 400, Rally Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia
BEST-IN-CLASS ELECTRONICS
The electronic equipment on the SR GT 400 continues the Aprilia tradition and is designed and built to emphasise riding enjoyment whilst maximising safety.
The ATC (Aprilia Traction Control) system can be adjusted to two levels of intervention, and can also be disabled, even while riding. ATC MAX and ATC MIN denote the levels of intervention.
The braking system is supported by Bosch dual-channel ABS with dual mapping, either on both wheels or just on the front. The ABS can be disabled on the rear wheel, or the rider can even choose to disable it every time the ATC OFF level is selected. This provides the perfect setting for off-road riding: traction control deactivated and ABS active only on the front wheel.
All parameters can be displayed and managed in a simple, intuitive manner via the instrument panel with 5″ colour TFT display and the striking graphic interface, which provides easy-to-read information in all lighting conditions as well as automatically adjusting between day and night modes.
Aprilia MIA is Aprilia’s multimedia platform which enables the rider to connect their smartphone to the vehicle, an accessory that further extends the functionality of the instrumentation. The system also provides access to a voice assistant, phone calls and music via the handlebar controls, as well as a navigation function that enables the rider to view pictogram directions directly on the instrument panel.
Aprilia SR GT 400. Photo courtesy Aprilia
COMFORT WORTHY OF GREAT TRAVELLERS
Comfort and sportiness go hand in hand on the Aprilia SR GT 400: the riding position is comfortable and relaxed, ideal for taking on even the longest distances. Despite the 190 mm ground clearance, the saddle height is limited to 820 mm, so all riders can keep their feet securely on the ground whenever they need.
The superior level of comfort is also enhanced by complete protection from air currents, achieved following detailed aerodynamic studies on the front end of the vehicle (which also enabled the best stability at high speeds to be achieved). The fairing, with its reduced footprint, guarantees protection in all conditions, thanks also to the option to manually adjust the height to five positions, with a total range of 70 mm.
The keyless system comes as standard, enabling the vehicle to be started with the electronic key still in the rider’s pocket. The engine is started by pressing the button on the control panel. The underseat compartment and fuel door can either be operated using the buttons or remotely with the electronic key, which can also be used to activate the Bike Finder function – a remote vehicle recognition system that flashes all the turn signals on the bike: very useful in crowded car parks!
The underseat compartment can hold a full-face helmet and other items, such as gloves. The central tunnel is equipped with a handy storage compartment with a USB-C socket for charging mobile devices.
ENGINE: EFFICIENCY, POWER AND PERFORMANCE
The refined chassis of the Aprilia SR GT 400 called for a cutting-edge engine to generate new levels of performance and riding pleasure.
The 400 hpe Euro 5+ is a 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection, inspired by a design philosophy that combines high levels of performance and readability with lightness and compactness: key to achieving superb riding dynamics. With a maximum power of 36 HP (26.4 kW) at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 37.7 Nm at 5,700 rpm, the 400 hpe engine boasts a host of advanced technical solutions.
The longer, weight-optimised connecting rod and lighter piston in stamped aluminium alloy – typically found on top-of-the-range motorcycles – help to reduce alternating inertial forces, reducing vibrations and increasing comfort, especially at cruising speeds, emphasising the SR GT 400’s suitability for touring outside the city.
An innovative patented system called PCV – Positive Crankcase Ventilation, which consists of two blades integrated into the engine casing, reduces pumping losses and boosts power. The engine’s performance, in terms of both power and torque, benefits from a specific intake system and optimised valve lift parameters. A progressive chain tensioner contributes to quieter operation of the timing system.
The overall efficiency of the engine is also enhanced by the optimised combustion chamber geometry based on CFD calculations, with a high-pressure injector that increases fuel atomisation and the use of low-viscosity engine oil (5W-40). The specially-
designed exhaust system, with its bold, motorcycle-inspired tailpipes, delivers a throaty, sporty roar.
Finally, the cover of the CVT automatic speed variator features a specific design to improve belt cooling.
Aprilia SR GT 400 Dusty Grey. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
COLOURS
The Aprilia SR GT 400 comes in four colourways.
Alongside Rugged Black are two different metallic grey shades: Boulder Grey, with a matte finish and a warm tone, and Dusty Grey, with a shiny finish and cooler tones.
These colours are paired with aluminium-coloured details, such as the passenger handles, footrest guards, exhaust tailpipes and centre console.
The sporty black dual-layer saddle is enhanced by contrasting red/black and grey/black double stitching, whilst red details on the channel stand out against the black rims.
The range is completed by the Aprilia SR GT 400 in Rally Replica colouring, inspired by the livery and graphics of the Aprilia Tuareg Rally, the bike which dominated in the last two editions of the Africa Eco Race, the gruelling rally raid on the historic Dakar roads in Africa.
The matte black livery with high-impact graphics, such as the large ‘Aprilia’ lettering that runs along the entire flank of the bike, is paired with other racing details, such as gold-coloured fork stems and red shock absorber springs. The equipment is completed by a dedicated saddle, enhanced by a bold red strip on the rear, plus the Aprilia MIA connectivity system as standard.
Aprilia SR GT 400. Photo courtesy Aprilia
DEDICATED ACCESSORIES AND TECHNICAL CLOTHING
The Aprilia SR GT 400 range of accessories is designed to further boost comfort and functionality.
In combination with the roomy underseat compartment, an ultra-resistant ABS square top box is also available to further increase load capacity.
Characterised by a rugged, robust style with a truly adventurous spirit, the top box is fitted on the rear luggage rack, which is also an accessory, by simply and intuitively removing the passenger handles. Equipped with an airtight seal that prevents water or dust from getting inside, the spacious top box can hold a full-face helmet. It is embellished by the Aprilia logo, backrest, removable internal padding and lock with personalised key.
The side protectors, crafted from steel tubes painted in matte black, echo the sporty lines of the vehicle, whilst protecting it from accidental impacts.
The sporty footrests, featuring a non-slip surface and aluminium inserts, emphasise the bike’s sporty character.
Heated handgrips ensure maximum comfort in all weather conditions; thanks to the Aprilia MIA system, also available as an accessory, the temperature level can be adjusted directly from the handlebar to three different levels, visible on the instrument panel.
The range of accessories is completed by a leg cover, the Aprilia MIA connectivity system (as standard with the Rally Replica version) which connects the rider’s smartphone to the bike via Bluetooth, an electronic anti-theft system and an outdoor cover.
The technical clothing developed by Aprilia, available at STORE.APRILIA.COM, also complements the style and characteristics of the Aprilia SR GT 400.
Overtake full-face helmet: developed in the wind tunnel to reduce turbulence, improve stability and enhance soundproofing at high speeds. Equipped with an efficient ventilation system, this helmet also comes with a retractable internal sun visor. Includes Pinlock anti-fog visor, action camera mount and air deflector for the chin guard. Available in white and black.
Speed Blast Air Tex Jacket: developed in collaboration with Alpinestars, it boasts a cutting-edge poly-fabric outer shell, offering high levels of abrasion and tear resistance. Equipped with air vents and extensive mesh-on-mesh panelling on the chest, back and arms to increase ventilation, it is perfect for all weather conditions. The Nucleon Flex Plus protectors on the shoulders and elbows feature an ergonomic design, guaranteeing ample freedom of movement.
Next Rival Tech sweatshirt: developed in collaboration with Alpinestars, this is the perfect garment for riding in urban environments. It offers superb abrasion resistance courtesy of the reinforcements on the shoulders, elbows and back. The main shell is made of woven fabric, lending it a casual look. The Nucleon Flex Plus protectors in the shoulder and elbow area ensure the very highest levels of protection.
APRILIA RS 457 GP REPLICA
A special version of the hugely popular RS 457 arrives from Aprilia: the most sought-after sporting bike among young riders is now also available in a GP Replica version, featuring more exclusive details and graphics inspired by the RS-GP motorcycle competing in the MotoGP.
Aprilia RS 457 Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The success of the RS 457 owes its thanks not only to its technical characteristics, which are best-in-class, but also to the fact that it has been able to provide an innovative response to the growing demand for easy-to-ride, fun bikes, with a technologically and stylistically advanced offering specifically dedicated to young motorcyclists, as it can be driven with an A2 license. Elegant, aggressive and with an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio, the RS 457 has rapidly become a point of reference in its category, popular amongst young motorcyclists everywhere and much lauded by critics.
It is now available in a truly unique version, with even better equipment and all-exclusive graphics. The RS 457 GP Replica boasts even better sporty riding performance, thanks to the super-useful quick shift, which allows the rider to shift up and down without using the clutch, just like on a real racing bike. Furthermore, the front brake pads have a higher friction coefficient, which enable even more effective braking. The special RS 457 GP Replica set-up is completed by the single-seat passenger saddle cover and the new black finish for the aluminum frame, swingarm and steering plate.
Aprilia RS 457 Replica. Photo courtesy Aprilia.
The GP Replica livery is a clear tribute to the RS-GP competing in the MotoGP championship and features glossy and matte black shades and the sponsor graphics that appear on Aprilia Racing’s prototype racing bike. This all-new Aprilia model is the ultimate in sophisticated Replica versions dedicated to young motorcyclists.
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MASSIMO MEREGALLI – Team Director, Monster Energy Yamaha
GINO BORSOI – Team Director, Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP
