OnlyFans to become title sponsor of the American Racing Team
The American Racing Team is officially being renamed OnlyFans American Racing, as the Moto2 squad announces the digital media platform as its title sponsor for 2024.
This follows a successful first year in partnership. The 2023 season saw the team and its riders share exclusive content on their OnlyFans channels, providing an insight into the inner workings of the Moto2 World Championship and the people involved.
Next year, fans can expect even more behind-the-scenes footage from team members Marcos Ramirez and Joe Roberts as they compete across the world, including prep for race weekends, how they solve problems during sessions, and details of what they get up to in daily life.
Spanish rider Ramirez continues to race for the team having joined for the final half of the 2023 campaign and finishing on the podium at the Malaysian GP earlier this month. He will be joined by Joe Roberts who is returning to the team – which he had his most successful season with in 2020 – to fight for the World Championship title.
As well as the new name, the team will run a brand-new livery, which will be revealed early in 2024, to reflect the growing partnership with OnlyFans.
Marcos Ramirez #24
I’m super excited for OnlyFans continued support for the team next season and starting my own journey on the platform, taking fans behind the scenes to show what it takes to compete at the top level in the Moto2 World Championship. It’s a really important year for us as a team to be fighting for podiums and victories and we’re looking forward to taking you all on the ride with us!
Joe Roberts #16
I can’t wait to join OnlyFans! I’ll have plenty of behind-the-scenes videos about my preparation for the upcoming season and how I live my life outside the racing. I’m pumped to take fans inside the box at the circuits and show them how we do what we do in race teams. American Racing and I had a great season together in 2020 and I feel we can bring that magic back again next season so I’m looking forward to continuing what we started.
Eitan Butbul, Co-owner of OnlyFans American Racing
This year, we have been able to take our social media content to the next level thanks to OnlyFans’ support, giving fans an even closer look at what happens over a race weekend. We are very excited to take this collaboration a step further and strengthen our relationship with the official renaming of the team to OnlyFans American Racing and rebranding our livery.
The limited-edition, track-only, 2021-2022-2023 KTM RC 8C track bikes built under contract by Kramer and sold by KTM dealers via special pre-order in the USA thrust Kramer into the spotlight.
Kramer USA has also been selling a few Kramer-branded bikes and has launched its own, upgraded 2024 version. It combines a modified 889cc KTM engine with its signature chrome-molybdenum steel trellis chassis to create the GP2-890RR, with more power, a tunable ECU, and no wings…
“Track Test: 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR,” by Racing Editor Chris Ulrich
Now closing on its 10th year of operation, Kramer Motorcycles is hitting its stride. The company recently broke ground on a new factory in Burghausen, Germany, and has been pumping out a steady stream of high-performance single-cylinder and twin-cylinder track-ready racebikes. Roadracing World Racing Editor Chris Ulrich was at the Barber Vintage Festival to throw a leg over the 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR. Read his impressions in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
NO ROADS, NO PROBLEM: RACE ANYWHERE WITH THE 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S AND KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
KTM announces availability of the 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R, a pair of high-performance Adventure machines that leaves no road or trail out of reach. Wrapped in new livery for the new year, each class-leading model is engineered to conquer mile after mile on all types of terrain.
The benchmark stays but will you go further? The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S removed limits and boundaries for any motorcyclist curious to #DARE2ADV. How? The power, versatility, assurance, and technical excellence prompted riders to race into the unknown; safe in the knowledge that what they had underneath them would handle any requirement with a deft touch. For 2024 KTM has taken the rich base of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and added a fresh sheen.
Eyes will be drawn to the new shade, a more neutral but elegant hue of KTM’s graded gray aesthetic. The gray stretches all the way through to the forged aluminum subframe, engineered to offer a lower seat (at 34.2 in/869 mm or 33.4 in/849 mm), superb load-carrying capability, and contain a raft of components. The classy colorway spreads across the bodywork; chiseled to prioritize agile handling, front-end confidence, comfort, protection and houses the 6.07-gallon (23-liter) three-part tank with superlative fuel range. The tone is as fetching for a swift dash into the office as it would be for a blast across country borders.
A 2024-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Photo courtesy KTM.
Roaming roads everywhere and anywhere with the 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is easy thanks to innovative navigation software. The 7” TFT display is a cinch for customization due to the infographics and menu system that gives the rider full control over the RIDE MODES, advanced WP Semi-Active Suspension, ABS settings and Adaptive Cruise Control: the combination of intuitive handlebar switches and access to the technical possibilities of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is a major calling card for one of the company’s flagship models. Adventurers can also count on extra options with their navigation plotting. The KTMconnect App now boasts Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and waypoints markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device. The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘Favorites’ when it comes to phone calls. Hands on the grips not only means gobbling more mileage but safer and more enjoyable interactions with the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S.
Let’s remind ourselves why the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the ultimate high-performance Adventure bike. With a twist of the throttle, the V-Twin LC8 rumbles to life, unleashing a devastating spectrum of power, allowing the rider and machine to glide on cruise, dip through traffic, or devore highways with glee. The compact heart of the bike is carefully regulated by one of KTM’s most advanced electronic management architectures: it administers the suspension configuration and reaction, ride height, ABS, RIDE MODES, Tire Pressure Management, Anti-dive and more. The unit fits inside a light chrome-molybdenum stainless steel frame honed for handling the short blasts and mountain passes, as well as the long haul. The rest of the package befits a premium motorcycle for traveling: the LED lights, reengineered windscreen and adjuster, multi-part saddle, and light aluminum side-stand. The list and the specs have already been met with wide acclaim. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S can be elevated even further with optional electronic packs, a Quickshifter+, and WP Suspension Pro, amongst other upgrades.
The second generation of the latest KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R will give a second wind. While the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S will pound the roads and cope with the dust, gravel and light, loose ground, the ‘R’ is orientated for hardcore offroad adventurers who want and need premium kit to level any landscape or terrain.
KTM redefined the upper-end of the Adventure motorcycling segment with the rejuvenated KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R in 2022. The winning combination of power, light weight, offroad agility and handling unearthed from years of DAKAR, Rally and Enduro excellence, state-of-the-art electronics and WP suspension, unbeatable travel features and styling meant that KTM was the only choice for riders that craved a bike that could do anything and go anywhere. The fresh, sporty 2024 white colorway and distinct orange frame are a nod to this race-bred lineage.
A 2024-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Photo courtesy KTM.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R delivered acute offroad positioning by harnessing all of the company’s experience, nuance and confidence in the sector, R&D and through competition. A model that can conquer a mountain trail as effortlessly as a mountain pass can count on the fabled LC8 engine, with an optimized heat system to disperse temperatures out and away from the rider, to deliver torque as gently or as forcefully as possible, depending on the terrain and the rider’s needs. All this control comes by way of the electronic rider suite which will churn out power suited for whatever the roads, rocks, or sand have in store.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R was enabled for the rigors of multiple surfaces by the advanced 48 mm WP XPLOR suspension, featuring split cartridge forks and the modifiable rear shock with 220 mm of travel. The XPLOR materials and the stock settings have been tested and refined for the characteristics of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. The suspension funnels the maximum level of feedback through the ALPINA aluminum spoked wheels; with an improved sealing system appropriate for tubeless tires. The 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R carries Bridgestone AX41 tires as stock.
KTM invites all riders to #DARE2ADV, so the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R comes with everything people would possibly need to roam the globe and feel protected and capable while in the wilderness. From elements like a low screen, adjustable handlebar positions, honed and lightened bodywork, single-piece seat (34.6 in/880 mm), engine guards, and a robust skid plate, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is ready to meet any demand.
The KTM PowerParts collection is full of gear and protection for anybody to ‘align’ themselves further with their 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S or KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. In case there are any bike components that riders feel are missing for their particular trip – such as luggage, crash bars, or more aesthetic touches – then the options are plentiful.
Highlights of the 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE RANGE
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S:new gray color scheme with prominent black and hints of orange
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R: stand out from the trekkers on the trail with a brand new sporting white color and graphic scheme
// Never get lost or have direction doubts thanks to new Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and more travel navigation options
// Dependable LC8 V-Twin engine means a world without limits and a motor that will conquer any condition or landscape
// ChroMo stainless steel light chassis weighing just 22.04 lb (10 kg) and sculpted for cornering stability and more feeling under acceleration but based on long-travel Enduro sensibilities
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S: Sophisticated WP Semi-Active Suspension hardware and software smooths out every route, all the time, any time
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R: WP XPLOR suspension represents some of the most capable hardware on any KTM offroad orientated motorcycle
// Adjustable and customizable ABS settings and RIDE MODES to traverse all terrain and meet any demand
// Standing or sitting: ergonomics are a winner for comfort and confidence. Further options across the bikes with a wide selection of KTM PowerParts (11 different seats)
// The complete adventure travel motorcycle with features such as: RACE ON remote key system, illuminated switches, 7” TFT dash board, adjustable windshield, LED lights and simplistic but advanced dashboard interactivity
Few excuses remain. The newest edition of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R will be poised in KTM Authorized dealers from December 2023 onward. Get moving, get exploring with FULL THROTTLE ADVENTURE.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.
This podcast is “Qatar 2023 – Not With A Bang But A Whimper”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
Macau Grand Prix: Peter Hickman triumphs for the fourth time – Top four lockout for the BMW racers.
Peter Hickman secures his fourth victory on the streets of Macau with his FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team BMW M 1000 RR.
Davey Todd and David Datzer claim second and third places on the podium, with Josh Brookes completing the BMW success in fourth.
Uwe Geyer: “Congratulations to our BMW Racers who once again dominated in Macau.”
Macau. The motorsport world turned its attention to Macau last weekend. As part of the 70th Macau Grand Prix, the 55th edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix took place, and the race on the spectacular Guia Circuit street course ended with a top-four lockout for the BMW Racers. Leading the pack was Peter Hickman (GBR), who raced his BMW M 1000 RR of FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team to his fourth Macau victory. Davey Todd (GBR / Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) and David Datzer (GER / MTP Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13) secured second and third places on the podium. Hickman’s teammate Josh Brookes (GBR) completed the success for the BMW M 1000 RR in his Macau debut, finishing fourth.
“Congratulations to our successful BMW riders who once again dominated in Macau. A top-four lockout for our BMW M 1000 RR is a sensational result,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “Peter Hickman lived up to his role as one of the top favourites. Davey Todd, whom we can welcome back to the BMW racing family, also proved that he belongs among the best road racers in the world. David Datzer, in his second Macau appearance, reached the podium for the second time – an impressive performance. And Josh Brookes, as a debutant in this extremely challenging race, achieved an excellent result with fourth place. Thanks to all BMW racers who represented BMW’s colours so successfully in Macau!”
Hickman competed in Macau for the first time since 2019, and it was the first appearance on the Guia Circuit for the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team, in the home town of team manager Faye Ho. Hickman quickly demonstrated that he still excelled on the unique course, setting the fastest times in the practices and securing pole position.
Hickman maintained the lead at the start of the race before it was red-flagged on the first lap. At the restart, Hickman stayed in the lead, with Todd initially putting pressure on him. However, as the race progressed, Hickman pulled away, finishing with a 28.969-second lead over Todd after twelve laps.
“We’ve had a fantastic result”, Hickman said. “We’re at Faye’s home event and it’s her proper home track, it’s her city and it’s just fantastic to be first in every single session and winning the race, so I couldn’t really ask for more than that – I’m super happy. The boys have worked absolutely mega, the BMW M 1000 RR has been superb to be honest. The track was a bit bumpier than it used to be, which makes it hard to ride. But the FHO Racing team have got the bike pretty much bang on and I felt really comfortable. Davey obviously gave us a bit of a push to start with, but we could really keep the pace and he couldn’t, so we managed to break away and disappeared up the road and just managed it from there.”
Davey Todd (7). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Todd experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on race day. After qualifying second, a technical issue prevented him from participating in the first start, forcing him back to the pit. However, he and the team didn’t give up, worked on the repair, and when the race restarted after the red flag, Todd was back in the mix, ultimately securing second place on the podium.
“I wasn’t expecting a day like that at all. It was just one of those so unlucky things at the first start”, Todd said. “The guys pushed the bike back to the garage and I felt as if my world had come apart walking back down pit lane. But the team kept going and worked flat out just in case the race was stopped and we could jump in the re-run. And we got back out there. I managed to take it up with Pete for four laps, trying to sit in behind him. I knew that the tyres would come into play and tried to save them as much as I can. I just did not have the tyre to compete at the end. Hat’s off to Pete, he had a great race and thanks to the team for an awesome job.”
David Datzer (center) celebrates his third-place finish in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Macau Grand Prix Committee.
Datzer was also overjoyed after securing his second podium finish in his second Macau appearance. The restart did not go as planned for him, starting from fourth, he initially dropped several positions and was ninth. However, he fought his way back, eventually passing Brookes to claim third place and maintained the podium position until the checkered flag.
“It’s amazing, just amazing”, Datzer enthused on the podium. “After my bad start I thought, oh no, the fast guys are gone. However, I’m blessed to have a great bike which has been prepared by a great team. I worked my way through and to be on the podium again at Macao is a great way to end the event.”
Josh Brookes (888) finished fourth in his debut at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Macau Grand Prix Committee.
Paul Jordan (GBR / ZERO UP Racing Team by Penz 13) and Sam West (GBR / moto-hub.co.uk) finished seventh and tenth, respectively, also making it into the top ten.
Yamaha Retain Bradley Ray for 2024 WorldSBK Season
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that Bradley Ray will continue in the FIM Superbike World Championship, where he will contest all rounds of the 2024 season with the Yamaha MotoxRacing WorldSBK Team.
Ray started his international career back in 2008 when he competed in several seasons of the Red Bull Rookies Cup, followed by the ever-popular Spanish CEV Moto3 and Moto2 Championships. However, it was when Ray returned to his national British Superbike Championship series that his talent became even more evident. In 2022, while riding a Yamaha R1, he was crowned British Superbike Champion with nine wins and 14 podiums, securing himself a step up to the world stage the following season.
In 2023 the 26-year-old from Lydd in the United Kingdom made his World Superbike debut with Yamaha, riding for the Yamaha MotoxRacing WorldSBK Team. Although only contracted to contest the European rounds and struggling with his physical condition part way through his rookie season, Ray showed his potential on several occasions. This prompted Yamaha Motor Europe to retain his services for 2024, racing once again with MotoxRacing, but this time entering all 12 rounds on the provisional calendar.
After taking time to overcome injury in his first year, as well as getting to grips with the new championship and new circuits, the ever positive Ray is keen to show what he’s capable of as he contests his first full season in the series and his second aboard the MotoxRacing Yamaha R1.
Andrea Dosoli, Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe
“We are happy to continue our collaboration with Bradley in WorldSBK, as we have all been impressed with his progression in the first part of the season, which peaked with a sixth place in Race 2 at Imola, the MotoxRacing team’s home race. The last few races of the 2023 Championship did not reflect the value that we see in Bradley, as he was not fully fit. I believe that the winter break will give him time to work on his condition and we are confident that he can come to the first race able to show his full potential. My special thanks go to MotoxRacing for their continued confidence in Bradley and the decision to race the full WorldSBK calendar. I am sure they will support him to the best of their ability at every opportunity.”
Bradley Ray, Yamaha MotoxRacing WorldSBK Team
“I’m so happy to sign with Yamaha again, and continue with MotoxRacing, for the 2024 season. I feel like it’s important to get a second year to really blossom and show your full potential. We had some strong races together in 2023, so I’m excited to build on that. I’m super pleased to be doing the full championship as well, I think it will be very beneficial for me in 2024. I want to say a massive thank you to all of Yamaha, and to Sandro Carusi at MotoxRacing, for giving me a second year and another opportunity to stay in WorldSBK. See you in Australia!”
Shane Narbonne (center) won the Bagger Racing League NAMZ Bagger GP race at Willow Springs and the Championship for a third straight year. He’s flanked by race runner-up Ruben Xaus (left) and third-place finisher Jesse Janisch (right). Photo by Larry Mills.
Pirelli and Trask Performance Claim Multiple Bagger Racing League Championships at Series Finale
Shane Narbonne Leads the way with his Third-Consecutive Bagger GP Title, While Teammate Gunnar Ouellette Earns the Pro Stock Bagger Title
Shane Narbonne (1). Photo by Casey Horner, courtesy Pirelli.
ATLANTA – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates Trask Performance’s Shane Narbonne and Gunnar Ouellette on their 2023 Bagger Racing League (BRL) championships. Competing aboard Pirelli DIABLO Superbike-equipped Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Narbonne collected his third Bagger GP championship, with Ouellette earning his first BRL title in the Pro Stock Bagger class. Both racers claimed race wins in three of the four BRL rounds, including the season finale at Willow Springs Raceway on November 19th.
“This was a dream BRL season for our team, and Pirelli played a big part in that success,” said Nick Trask, Trask Performance founder. “The entire team worked hard all year to assemble the most powerful and competitive package for our riders. Thanks to the performance of the DIABLO Superbike slicks, Shane and Gunnar were able to get that power to the ground and take home a pair of well-deserved titles.”
Narbonne and Ouellette were models of performance and consistency throughout the four-round series, with each racer taking home three wins en route to their respective titles. Narbonne ended the season five points ahead of his nearest competitor, while Ouellette topped second place by seven points.
“It’s been a pleasure watching the Trask Performance team continue to step up their game in the BRL series,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “Earning not one, but two titles is an accomplishment in itself, but that’s made even more impressive by the dominating performances and race wins throughout the season. Congratulations to Shane, Gunnar, Nick, and the entire Trask team on a job well done!
From v-twins to superbikes, Pirelli is the go-to tire for North American racers aiming for the podium’s top step. The Trask Performance H-D Road Glides highlighted the championship-caliber performance of the DIABLO Superbike range of tires, the same tires available to racers nationwide.
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com.
DIABLO is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tire S.p.A
Fabio Di Giannantonio won the FIM MotoGP World Championship race Sunday night at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Gresini Ducati Demosedici, the Italian won the 22-lap race by 2.734 seconds. It was Di Giannantonio’s career-first MotoGP race win.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up on his Lenovo Ducati, and Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati’s Luca Marini placed third.
Bagnaia’s only remaining challenger in the Championship, Jorge Martin, finished 10th. As a result, Bagnaia’s point lead increased from seven to 21 points over Martin with one round remaining and 37 points still up for grabs.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: Bagnaia rolls the dice as Diggia takes stunning maiden win
The number 49 makes a little history to defeat the reigning Champion, but the 20-point haul for the #1 sees the lead increase to 21 points
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) won the MotoGP race in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 19 November 2023
It was tense. It was awesome. And it was won in style – defeating the reigning Champion over 22 laps of the Lusail International Circuit. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) trailed Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) for much of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, picked his moment, made a decisive move for the lead, and then kept it together to become a MotoGP™ race winner. And all that in the unbelievable context and tension of #PECCOvsMARTIN.
That context and tension was Bagnaia leading the way for much of the race and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) facing a comeback after a bad start, before then losing more positions too as he faded down to tenth. Bagnaia didn’t seem to know that either, as the #1 nearly opened the goal for himself as he tried to attack Diggia in return and sailed into the run off at Turn 1. With the gap behind enough for him to get back on track in second, it was a heart in mouth moment but only a moment.
Third went to Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as the number 10 got his elbows out in the fight at the front and then found enough in the locker to hold off a charge from Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) over the final few laps. But let’s rewind.
As the lights went out, everything changed in an instant. Split by just 0.022 and one position on the grid, by the exit of Turn 1 Bagnaia had shot through to steal the holeshot from Marini as Martin suffered a difficult start and dropped back to eight, behind teammate Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing). Not long after that the team showed the Frenchman who was behind him too, and he either had a moment and dropped back or heeded a message and let Martin through. With the added complication of Viñales glued to the rear wheel of the number 89 and getting past as well.
Right at the front though, Bagnaia held firm with a few tenths in hand – ahead of quite a squabble too. Diggia got through on Marini and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) tried to follow suit, but had to wait a few corners before he got through. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) needed no invitation to slice past the number 10 either, before also attacking Alex Marquez. Unhindered by the battle, Bagnaia marched on. And so did Diggia – able to unleash his pace and start to reel in the Ducati Lenovo machine ahead.
Martin had his hands full too. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was right on his tail and Viñales right behind the number 93, with Zarco watching on and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) catching the group as well.
At the front, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio still had Binder for company, but the gap would start to increase from there on out as the KTM was left to battle Alex Marquez and Marini instead. The gaps behind Martin, however, were even smaller as a queue was forming behind the number 89.
Viñales was the first mover in the group to get past Marc Marquez and then stalk Martin before making a move. Once past, the Aprilia was gone. The Repsol Honda then attacked and took over before heading wide, letting Martin and Quartararo back through. El Diablo wasted no time in then dispatching Martin, leaving Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) next up as the number 89 was down to eighth again. Miller was through with 10 to go, and next up was Zarco. What would the Frenchman do?
The battle for victory, however, was now a duel: Bagnaia vs Diggia. The laps ticked down and the gap went out to a few tenths then back down, but no move was made in a tense game of chess. Lap by lap, the two marched on round Lusail.
Plenty of moves were made in the podium fight though as Viñales arrived at Binder, Alex Marquez and Marini, with too many headlines to choose as the elbows came out.
By five to go, “Mapping 8” appeared on Diggia’s dashboard, before “0000000” appeared on his pit board. Everyone was left wondering what that exactly meant. Regardless, as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) also made his way through on Martin, more points in the title fight were on the line at the front as Diggia decided to make his move.
It was a pretty perfect one at that, squeezing through at Turn 12. And Bagnaia tried to reply on the cutback but Diggia shut the door. From there they headed round the final sector and then corner before blasting onto the main straight, and then hearts went into mouths in the Ducati Lenovo box.
Bagnaia tucked in and gained down the straight before pulling out to try and take the lead back – and couldn’t get it stopped. He managed to pull up enough to avoid clattering into the Gresini and headed into the run off, then able to scrub off the speed and rejoin in second. Own goal avoided for the Championship leader, but that was that if Di Giannantonio could do three more clean laps of Lusail. And he could!
Crossing the line with 2.7 seconds in hand, the Italian becomes the eighth different winner of the season and takes an emotional maiden MotoGP™ victory. Bagnaia takes those 20 points to extend the gap to 21 over Martin, with the Spaniard crossing the line in tenth after a dramatic weekend of contact in the Tissot Sprint, a little glory and disappointment for both riders, everything on the line… and the title fight definitively to be decided in the final round.
Marini completed the podium as he pulled enough out late on to stay out of range of Viñales, with the Aprilia rider still charging up to fourth. Fifth went to Binder, ahead of Alex Marquez and Quartararo, who got extremely close to that fight in the final laps. Bastianini also charged up the order, setting a scorcher late on and finishing eighth ahead of Miller.
Behind Martin, a final frisson of stress hovered in the form of Marc Marquez over the final lap, but the number 93 couldn’t find a way through. Zarco, right behind both the number 93 and his own teammate Martin, tried a move though – and made some contact with Marquez, the Honda staying up but Zarco barely, dropping back a few seconds to take P12 only tenths ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Rookie of the Year Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completed the points.
And so the curtain falls in Qatar for 2023, after a weekend of two halves for the title contenders and a little chapter of awesome history made for Di Giannantonio. Now, it’s truly all or nothing in Valencia. Bagnaia leads by 21 points. 37 more are on the table… and the gloves will be off. Join us for the Grand Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana next weekend – there will be fireworks!
Fermin Aldeguer won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp machine, the Spaniard won the 18-lap race by 2.643 seconds. It was Aldeguer’s third straight race win and fourth in 2023.
Manuel Gonzalez, riding his Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team Kalex, finished second by 0.009 second ahead of third-place Aron Canet on his Pons Wegow Los40 Kalex.
Pole-sitter Joe Roberts scored 11th on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, and Roberts’ fellow American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) crashed his Forward Team racebike and Did Not Finish (DNF).
Hat-trick hero: Aldeguer shines brightest again in Qatar
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Thailand, Malaysia, and now Qatar. It’s three wins in the last three races for Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) as the Spaniard lights up the Lusail International Circuit to bag another 25-point haul in 2023, as Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) and Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) finish just 0.009s apart in the battle for the podium – the former clinching a debut rostrum with P2.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) got a good launch from pole position to grab the holeshot ahead of Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) and Aldeguer, with Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) grabbing P4 from P6 on the grid. Canet went backwards at the start but a great recovery ride on Lap 1 saw the Spaniard climb back up to P2 by the time the field crossed the line for the first time.
At the start of Lap 2, Aldeguer was well wide going into Turn 1 – a mistake that saw the #54 drop to P9. Canet then pounced on Roberts for the lead on Lap 2, with Dixon passing Vietti for P3 on the same lap. The Italian then dropped behind Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) with 15 laps to go, as Aldeguer began to pick his way back through the pack.
With 12 laps left, the top nine were split by 1.9s. Vietti had slipped to P10, just ahead of World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who were only two seconds adrift of P1 themselves. On Lap 7 of 18, Dixon made a move stick for P2 on Roberts and soon after, Aldeguer followed the #96 through – and then got the better of him.
Aldeguer then led with 10 to go and on Lap 8, the Spaniard slammed home a 1:57.725 – over half a second quicker than anyone else could muster up. A couple of laps later, Aldeguer was 1.1s up the road from Canet and Gonzalez, with Dixon dropping to just over a second away from the podium fight in P4.
A run of three 1:57.6s saw Aldeguer’s lead climb to two seconds despite the best efforts of Gonzalez, who had got the better of Canet for P2. A comfortable final couple of laps came for Aldeguer as Gonzalez and Canet went head-to-head for P2. It was Dixon vs Ogura for P4 as we enjoyed two great battles unfold, but for a third straight race it was all about Aldeguer – another stunning ride from the SpeedUp star as he hunts down P3 in the Championship heading to Valencia.
Canet was pipped to P2 by Gonzalez who celebrates a first podium in Moto2™, while Ogura’s last corner move on Dixon saw the Japanese rider claim P4 from P12 on the grid. Vietti claimed P6, 1.2s off Dixon, with Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Acosta completing the top eight. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Arbolino rounded out the top 10.
Roberts slipped to P11 by the chequered flag as Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – who set the fastest lap of the race on the final lap – was left to rue a poor start to finish P12. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing), Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), and Jeremy Alcoba (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) were the final points scorers in Qatar.
Three in a row for Aldeguer. Can anyone stop the Spaniard’s late-season charge in Valencia? We’re all set for a special season finale at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Spaniard Marcos Ramirez (24) on his American Racing Team Kalex. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.
OnlyFans to become title sponsor of the American Racing Team
The American Racing Team is officially being renamed OnlyFans American Racing, as the Moto2 squad announces the digital media platform as its title sponsor for 2024.
This follows a successful first year in partnership. The 2023 season saw the team and its riders share exclusive content on their OnlyFans channels, providing an insight into the inner workings of the Moto2 World Championship and the people involved.
Next year, fans can expect even more behind-the-scenes footage from team members Marcos Ramirez and Joe Roberts as they compete across the world, including prep for race weekends, how they solve problems during sessions, and details of what they get up to in daily life.
Spanish rider Ramirez continues to race for the team having joined for the final half of the 2023 campaign and finishing on the podium at the Malaysian GP earlier this month. He will be joined by Joe Roberts who is returning to the team – which he had his most successful season with in 2020 – to fight for the World Championship title.
As well as the new name, the team will run a brand-new livery, which will be revealed early in 2024, to reflect the growing partnership with OnlyFans.
Marcos Ramirez #24
I’m super excited for OnlyFans continued support for the team next season and starting my own journey on the platform, taking fans behind the scenes to show what it takes to compete at the top level in the Moto2 World Championship. It’s a really important year for us as a team to be fighting for podiums and victories and we’re looking forward to taking you all on the ride with us!
Joe Roberts #16
I can’t wait to join OnlyFans! I’ll have plenty of behind-the-scenes videos about my preparation for the upcoming season and how I live my life outside the racing. I’m pumped to take fans inside the box at the circuits and show them how we do what we do in race teams. American Racing and I had a great season together in 2020 and I feel we can bring that magic back again next season so I’m looking forward to continuing what we started.
Eitan Butbul, Co-owner of OnlyFans American Racing
This year, we have been able to take our social media content to the next level thanks to OnlyFans’ support, giving fans an even closer look at what happens over a race weekend. We are very excited to take this collaboration a step further and strengthen our relationship with the official renaming of the team to OnlyFans American Racing and rebranding our livery.
Racing Editor Chris Ulrich on the 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR, the latest version of the Kramer-built, track-only bike branded as a KTM RC 8C and first sold by KTM dealers starting in 2021. The GP2-890RR is sold through selected Kramer dealers as well as direct from Kramer USA. Photo by Skwid Motorsports Media.
Featured In the November 2023 issue of Roadracing World:
The limited-edition, track-only, 2021-2022-2023 KTM RC 8C track bikes built under contract by Kramer and sold by KTM dealers via special pre-order in the USA thrust Kramer into the spotlight.
Kramer USA has also been selling a few Kramer-branded bikes and has launched its own, upgraded 2024 version. It combines a modified 889cc KTM engine with its signature chrome-molybdenum steel trellis chassis to create the GP2-890RR, with more power, a tunable ECU, and no wings…
“Track Test: 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR,” by Racing Editor Chris Ulrich
Now closing on its 10th year of operation, Kramer Motorcycles is hitting its stride. The company recently broke ground on a new factory in Burghausen, Germany, and has been pumping out a steady stream of high-performance single-cylinder and twin-cylinder track-ready racebikes. Roadracing World Racing Editor Chris Ulrich was at the Barber Vintage Festival to throw a leg over the 2024 Kramer GP2-890RR. Read his impressions in the latest issue of Roadracing World!
Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology magazine is available in print and digital formats.
A 2024 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in action. Photo courtesy KTM North America.
NO ROADS, NO PROBLEM: RACE ANYWHERE WITH THE 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S AND KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
KTM announces availability of the 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R, a pair of high-performance Adventure machines that leaves no road or trail out of reach. Wrapped in new livery for the new year, each class-leading model is engineered to conquer mile after mile on all types of terrain.
The benchmark stays but will you go further? The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S removed limits and boundaries for any motorcyclist curious to #DARE2ADV. How? The power, versatility, assurance, and technical excellence prompted riders to race into the unknown; safe in the knowledge that what they had underneath them would handle any requirement with a deft touch. For 2024 KTM has taken the rich base of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and added a fresh sheen.
Eyes will be drawn to the new shade, a more neutral but elegant hue of KTM’s graded gray aesthetic. The gray stretches all the way through to the forged aluminum subframe, engineered to offer a lower seat (at 34.2 in/869 mm or 33.4 in/849 mm), superb load-carrying capability, and contain a raft of components. The classy colorway spreads across the bodywork; chiseled to prioritize agile handling, front-end confidence, comfort, protection and houses the 6.07-gallon (23-liter) three-part tank with superlative fuel range. The tone is as fetching for a swift dash into the office as it would be for a blast across country borders.
A 2024-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. Photo courtesy KTM.
Roaming roads everywhere and anywhere with the 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is easy thanks to innovative navigation software. The 7” TFT display is a cinch for customization due to the infographics and menu system that gives the rider full control over the RIDE MODES, advanced WP Semi-Active Suspension, ABS settings and Adaptive Cruise Control: the combination of intuitive handlebar switches and access to the technical possibilities of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is a major calling card for one of the company’s flagship models. Adventurers can also count on extra options with their navigation plotting. The KTMconnect App now boasts Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and waypoints markers while on the go and without having to stop and adjust any mobile device. The same functionality also extends to audio tracks and listing ‘Favorites’ when it comes to phone calls. Hands on the grips not only means gobbling more mileage but safer and more enjoyable interactions with the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S.
Let’s remind ourselves why the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S is the ultimate high-performance Adventure bike. With a twist of the throttle, the V-Twin LC8 rumbles to life, unleashing a devastating spectrum of power, allowing the rider and machine to glide on cruise, dip through traffic, or devore highways with glee. The compact heart of the bike is carefully regulated by one of KTM’s most advanced electronic management architectures: it administers the suspension configuration and reaction, ride height, ABS, RIDE MODES, Tire Pressure Management, Anti-dive and more. The unit fits inside a light chrome-molybdenum stainless steel frame honed for handling the short blasts and mountain passes, as well as the long haul. The rest of the package befits a premium motorcycle for traveling: the LED lights, reengineered windscreen and adjuster, multi-part saddle, and light aluminum side-stand. The list and the specs have already been met with wide acclaim. The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S can be elevated even further with optional electronic packs, a Quickshifter+, and WP Suspension Pro, amongst other upgrades.
The second generation of the latest KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R will give a second wind. While the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S will pound the roads and cope with the dust, gravel and light, loose ground, the ‘R’ is orientated for hardcore offroad adventurers who want and need premium kit to level any landscape or terrain.
KTM redefined the upper-end of the Adventure motorcycling segment with the rejuvenated KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R in 2022. The winning combination of power, light weight, offroad agility and handling unearthed from years of DAKAR, Rally and Enduro excellence, state-of-the-art electronics and WP suspension, unbeatable travel features and styling meant that KTM was the only choice for riders that craved a bike that could do anything and go anywhere. The fresh, sporty 2024 white colorway and distinct orange frame are a nod to this race-bred lineage.
A 2024-model KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Photo courtesy KTM.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R delivered acute offroad positioning by harnessing all of the company’s experience, nuance and confidence in the sector, R&D and through competition. A model that can conquer a mountain trail as effortlessly as a mountain pass can count on the fabled LC8 engine, with an optimized heat system to disperse temperatures out and away from the rider, to deliver torque as gently or as forcefully as possible, depending on the terrain and the rider’s needs. All this control comes by way of the electronic rider suite which will churn out power suited for whatever the roads, rocks, or sand have in store.
The KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R was enabled for the rigors of multiple surfaces by the advanced 48 mm WP XPLOR suspension, featuring split cartridge forks and the modifiable rear shock with 220 mm of travel. The XPLOR materials and the stock settings have been tested and refined for the characteristics of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. The suspension funnels the maximum level of feedback through the ALPINA aluminum spoked wheels; with an improved sealing system appropriate for tubeless tires. The 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R carries Bridgestone AX41 tires as stock.
KTM invites all riders to #DARE2ADV, so the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R comes with everything people would possibly need to roam the globe and feel protected and capable while in the wilderness. From elements like a low screen, adjustable handlebar positions, honed and lightened bodywork, single-piece seat (34.6 in/880 mm), engine guards, and a robust skid plate, the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R is ready to meet any demand.
The KTM PowerParts collection is full of gear and protection for anybody to ‘align’ themselves further with their 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S or KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. In case there are any bike components that riders feel are missing for their particular trip – such as luggage, crash bars, or more aesthetic touches – then the options are plentiful.
Highlights of the 2024 KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE RANGE
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S:new gray color scheme with prominent black and hints of orange
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R: stand out from the trekkers on the trail with a brand new sporting white color and graphic scheme
// Never get lost or have direction doubts thanks to new Turn-by-Turn+ guidance and more travel navigation options
// Dependable LC8 V-Twin engine means a world without limits and a motor that will conquer any condition or landscape
// ChroMo stainless steel light chassis weighing just 22.04 lb (10 kg) and sculpted for cornering stability and more feeling under acceleration but based on long-travel Enduro sensibilities
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S: Sophisticated WP Semi-Active Suspension hardware and software smooths out every route, all the time, any time
// KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R: WP XPLOR suspension represents some of the most capable hardware on any KTM offroad orientated motorcycle
// Adjustable and customizable ABS settings and RIDE MODES to traverse all terrain and meet any demand
// Standing or sitting: ergonomics are a winner for comfort and confidence. Further options across the bikes with a wide selection of KTM PowerParts (11 different seats)
// The complete adventure travel motorcycle with features such as: RACE ON remote key system, illuminated switches, 7” TFT dash board, adjustable windshield, LED lights and simplistic but advanced dashboard interactivity
Few excuses remain. The newest edition of the KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S and KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R will be poised in KTM Authorized dealers from December 2023 onward. Get moving, get exploring with FULL THROTTLE ADVENTURE.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley (left) and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom (right) in the paddock at Jerez. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor and Isle of Man TT winner Mat Oxley and two-time World Championship-winning Crew Chief Peter Bom have started “The Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast,” which will be focused on the FIM MotoGP World Championship.
This podcast is “Qatar 2023 – Not With A Bang But A Whimper”
The original podcast can be found on BuzzSprout.com or listened to via other places you get podcasts.
Peter Hickman (88). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Macau Grand Prix Committee.
Macau Grand Prix: Peter Hickman triumphs for the fourth time – Top four lockout for the BMW racers.
Peter Hickman secures his fourth victory on the streets of Macau with his FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team BMW M 1000 RR.
Davey Todd and David Datzer claim second and third places on the podium, with Josh Brookes completing the BMW success in fourth.
Uwe Geyer: “Congratulations to our BMW Racers who once again dominated in Macau.”
Macau. The motorsport world turned its attention to Macau last weekend. As part of the 70th Macau Grand Prix, the 55th edition of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix took place, and the race on the spectacular Guia Circuit street course ended with a top-four lockout for the BMW Racers. Leading the pack was Peter Hickman (GBR), who raced his BMW M 1000 RR of FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team to his fourth Macau victory. Davey Todd (GBR / Burrows Engineering / RK Racing) and David Datzer (GER / MTP Racing by ZERO UP Penz 13) secured second and third places on the podium. Hickman’s teammate Josh Brookes (GBR) completed the success for the BMW M 1000 RR in his Macau debut, finishing fourth.
“Congratulations to our successful BMW riders who once again dominated in Macau. A top-four lockout for our BMW M 1000 RR is a sensational result,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “Peter Hickman lived up to his role as one of the top favourites. Davey Todd, whom we can welcome back to the BMW racing family, also proved that he belongs among the best road racers in the world. David Datzer, in his second Macau appearance, reached the podium for the second time – an impressive performance. And Josh Brookes, as a debutant in this extremely challenging race, achieved an excellent result with fourth place. Thanks to all BMW racers who represented BMW’s colours so successfully in Macau!”
Hickman competed in Macau for the first time since 2019, and it was the first appearance on the Guia Circuit for the FHO Racing BMW Motorrad Team, in the home town of team manager Faye Ho. Hickman quickly demonstrated that he still excelled on the unique course, setting the fastest times in the practices and securing pole position.
Hickman maintained the lead at the start of the race before it was red-flagged on the first lap. At the restart, Hickman stayed in the lead, with Todd initially putting pressure on him. However, as the race progressed, Hickman pulled away, finishing with a 28.969-second lead over Todd after twelve laps.
“We’ve had a fantastic result”, Hickman said. “We’re at Faye’s home event and it’s her proper home track, it’s her city and it’s just fantastic to be first in every single session and winning the race, so I couldn’t really ask for more than that – I’m super happy. The boys have worked absolutely mega, the BMW M 1000 RR has been superb to be honest. The track was a bit bumpier than it used to be, which makes it hard to ride. But the FHO Racing team have got the bike pretty much bang on and I felt really comfortable. Davey obviously gave us a bit of a push to start with, but we could really keep the pace and he couldn’t, so we managed to break away and disappeared up the road and just managed it from there.”
Davey Todd (7). Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
Todd experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on race day. After qualifying second, a technical issue prevented him from participating in the first start, forcing him back to the pit. However, he and the team didn’t give up, worked on the repair, and when the race restarted after the red flag, Todd was back in the mix, ultimately securing second place on the podium.
“I wasn’t expecting a day like that at all. It was just one of those so unlucky things at the first start”, Todd said. “The guys pushed the bike back to the garage and I felt as if my world had come apart walking back down pit lane. But the team kept going and worked flat out just in case the race was stopped and we could jump in the re-run. And we got back out there. I managed to take it up with Pete for four laps, trying to sit in behind him. I knew that the tyres would come into play and tried to save them as much as I can. I just did not have the tyre to compete at the end. Hat’s off to Pete, he had a great race and thanks to the team for an awesome job.”
David Datzer (center) celebrates his third-place finish in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Macau Grand Prix Committee.
Datzer was also overjoyed after securing his second podium finish in his second Macau appearance. The restart did not go as planned for him, starting from fourth, he initially dropped several positions and was ninth. However, he fought his way back, eventually passing Brookes to claim third place and maintained the podium position until the checkered flag.
“It’s amazing, just amazing”, Datzer enthused on the podium. “After my bad start I thought, oh no, the fast guys are gone. However, I’m blessed to have a great bike which has been prepared by a great team. I worked my way through and to be on the podium again at Macao is a great way to end the event.”
Josh Brookes (888) finished fourth in his debut at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the Macau Grand Prix Committee.
Paul Jordan (GBR / ZERO UP Racing Team by Penz 13) and Sam West (GBR / moto-hub.co.uk) finished seventh and tenth, respectively, also making it into the top ten.
Yamaha Retain Bradley Ray for 2024 WorldSBK Season
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that Bradley Ray will continue in the FIM Superbike World Championship, where he will contest all rounds of the 2024 season with the Yamaha MotoxRacing WorldSBK Team.
Ray started his international career back in 2008 when he competed in several seasons of the Red Bull Rookies Cup, followed by the ever-popular Spanish CEV Moto3 and Moto2 Championships. However, it was when Ray returned to his national British Superbike Championship series that his talent became even more evident. In 2022, while riding a Yamaha R1, he was crowned British Superbike Champion with nine wins and 14 podiums, securing himself a step up to the world stage the following season.
In 2023 the 26-year-old from Lydd in the United Kingdom made his World Superbike debut with Yamaha, riding for the Yamaha MotoxRacing WorldSBK Team. Although only contracted to contest the European rounds and struggling with his physical condition part way through his rookie season, Ray showed his potential on several occasions. This prompted Yamaha Motor Europe to retain his services for 2024, racing once again with MotoxRacing, but this time entering all 12 rounds on the provisional calendar.
After taking time to overcome injury in his first year, as well as getting to grips with the new championship and new circuits, the ever positive Ray is keen to show what he’s capable of as he contests his first full season in the series and his second aboard the MotoxRacing Yamaha R1.
Andrea Dosoli, Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe
“We are happy to continue our collaboration with Bradley in WorldSBK, as we have all been impressed with his progression in the first part of the season, which peaked with a sixth place in Race 2 at Imola, the MotoxRacing team’s home race. The last few races of the 2023 Championship did not reflect the value that we see in Bradley, as he was not fully fit. I believe that the winter break will give him time to work on his condition and we are confident that he can come to the first race able to show his full potential. My special thanks go to MotoxRacing for their continued confidence in Bradley and the decision to race the full WorldSBK calendar. I am sure they will support him to the best of their ability at every opportunity.”
Bradley Ray, Yamaha MotoxRacing WorldSBK Team
“I’m so happy to sign with Yamaha again, and continue with MotoxRacing, for the 2024 season. I feel like it’s important to get a second year to really blossom and show your full potential. We had some strong races together in 2023, so I’m excited to build on that. I’m super pleased to be doing the full championship as well, I think it will be very beneficial for me in 2024. I want to say a massive thank you to all of Yamaha, and to Sandro Carusi at MotoxRacing, for giving me a second year and another opportunity to stay in WorldSBK. See you in Australia!”
Willow Springs International Raceway. Photo courtesy Willow Springs International Raceway.
Shane Narbonne (center) won the Bagger Racing League NAMZ Bagger GP race at Willow Springs and the Championship for a third straight year. He’s flanked by race runner-up Ruben Xaus (left) and third-place finisher Jesse Janisch (right). Photo by Larry Mills.
Pirelli and Trask Performance Claim Multiple Bagger Racing League Championships at Series Finale
Shane Narbonne Leads the way with his Third-Consecutive Bagger GP Title, While Teammate Gunnar Ouellette Earns the Pro Stock Bagger Title
Shane Narbonne (1). Photo by Casey Horner, courtesy Pirelli.
ATLANTA – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates Trask Performance’s Shane Narbonne and Gunnar Ouellette on their 2023 Bagger Racing League (BRL) championships. Competing aboard Pirelli DIABLO Superbike-equipped Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Narbonne collected his third Bagger GP championship, with Ouellette earning his first BRL title in the Pro Stock Bagger class. Both racers claimed race wins in three of the four BRL rounds, including the season finale at Willow Springs Raceway on November 19th.
“This was a dream BRL season for our team, and Pirelli played a big part in that success,” said Nick Trask, Trask Performance founder. “The entire team worked hard all year to assemble the most powerful and competitive package for our riders. Thanks to the performance of the DIABLO Superbike slicks, Shane and Gunnar were able to get that power to the ground and take home a pair of well-deserved titles.”
Narbonne and Ouellette were models of performance and consistency throughout the four-round series, with each racer taking home three wins en route to their respective titles. Narbonne ended the season five points ahead of his nearest competitor, while Ouellette topped second place by seven points.
“It’s been a pleasure watching the Trask Performance team continue to step up their game in the BRL series,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “Earning not one, but two titles is an accomplishment in itself, but that’s made even more impressive by the dominating performances and race wins throughout the season. Congratulations to Shane, Gunnar, Nick, and the entire Trask team on a job well done!
From v-twins to superbikes, Pirelli is the go-to tire for North American racers aiming for the podium’s top step. The Trask Performance H-D Road Glides highlighted the championship-caliber performance of the DIABLO Superbike range of tires, the same tires available to racers nationwide.
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com.
DIABLO is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tire S.p.A
Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Fabio Di Giannantonio won the FIM MotoGP World Championship race Sunday night at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Gresini Ducati Demosedici, the Italian won the 22-lap race by 2.734 seconds. It was Di Giannantonio’s career-first MotoGP race win.
Defending World Champion and current Championship point leader Francesco Bagnaia was the runner-up on his Lenovo Ducati, and Mooney VR46 Racing Team Ducati’s Luca Marini placed third.
Bagnaia’s only remaining challenger in the Championship, Jorge Martin, finished 10th. As a result, Bagnaia’s point lead increased from seven to 21 points over Martin with one round remaining and 37 points still up for grabs.
#PECCOvsMARTIN: Bagnaia rolls the dice as Diggia takes stunning maiden win
The number 49 makes a little history to defeat the reigning Champion, but the 20-point haul for the #1 sees the lead increase to 21 points
Fabio Di Giannantonio (49) won the MotoGP race in Qatar. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Sunday, 19 November 2023
It was tense. It was awesome. And it was won in style – defeating the reigning Champion over 22 laps of the Lusail International Circuit. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) trailed Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) for much of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, picked his moment, made a decisive move for the lead, and then kept it together to become a MotoGP™ race winner. And all that in the unbelievable context and tension of #PECCOvsMARTIN.
That context and tension was Bagnaia leading the way for much of the race and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) facing a comeback after a bad start, before then losing more positions too as he faded down to tenth. Bagnaia didn’t seem to know that either, as the #1 nearly opened the goal for himself as he tried to attack Diggia in return and sailed into the run off at Turn 1. With the gap behind enough for him to get back on track in second, it was a heart in mouth moment but only a moment.
Third went to Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) as the number 10 got his elbows out in the fight at the front and then found enough in the locker to hold off a charge from Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) over the final few laps. But let’s rewind.
As the lights went out, everything changed in an instant. Split by just 0.022 and one position on the grid, by the exit of Turn 1 Bagnaia had shot through to steal the holeshot from Marini as Martin suffered a difficult start and dropped back to eight, behind teammate Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing). Not long after that the team showed the Frenchman who was behind him too, and he either had a moment and dropped back or heeded a message and let Martin through. With the added complication of Viñales glued to the rear wheel of the number 89 and getting past as well.
Right at the front though, Bagnaia held firm with a few tenths in hand – ahead of quite a squabble too. Diggia got through on Marini and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) tried to follow suit, but had to wait a few corners before he got through. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) needed no invitation to slice past the number 10 either, before also attacking Alex Marquez. Unhindered by the battle, Bagnaia marched on. And so did Diggia – able to unleash his pace and start to reel in the Ducati Lenovo machine ahead.
Martin had his hands full too. Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) was right on his tail and Viñales right behind the number 93, with Zarco watching on and Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) catching the group as well.
At the front, Bagnaia and Di Giannantonio still had Binder for company, but the gap would start to increase from there on out as the KTM was left to battle Alex Marquez and Marini instead. The gaps behind Martin, however, were even smaller as a queue was forming behind the number 89.
Viñales was the first mover in the group to get past Marc Marquez and then stalk Martin before making a move. Once past, the Aprilia was gone. The Repsol Honda then attacked and took over before heading wide, letting Martin and Quartararo back through. El Diablo wasted no time in then dispatching Martin, leaving Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) next up as the number 89 was down to eighth again. Miller was through with 10 to go, and next up was Zarco. What would the Frenchman do?
The battle for victory, however, was now a duel: Bagnaia vs Diggia. The laps ticked down and the gap went out to a few tenths then back down, but no move was made in a tense game of chess. Lap by lap, the two marched on round Lusail.
Plenty of moves were made in the podium fight though as Viñales arrived at Binder, Alex Marquez and Marini, with too many headlines to choose as the elbows came out.
By five to go, “Mapping 8” appeared on Diggia’s dashboard, before “0000000” appeared on his pit board. Everyone was left wondering what that exactly meant. Regardless, as Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) also made his way through on Martin, more points in the title fight were on the line at the front as Diggia decided to make his move.
It was a pretty perfect one at that, squeezing through at Turn 12. And Bagnaia tried to reply on the cutback but Diggia shut the door. From there they headed round the final sector and then corner before blasting onto the main straight, and then hearts went into mouths in the Ducati Lenovo box.
Bagnaia tucked in and gained down the straight before pulling out to try and take the lead back – and couldn’t get it stopped. He managed to pull up enough to avoid clattering into the Gresini and headed into the run off, then able to scrub off the speed and rejoin in second. Own goal avoided for the Championship leader, but that was that if Di Giannantonio could do three more clean laps of Lusail. And he could!
Crossing the line with 2.7 seconds in hand, the Italian becomes the eighth different winner of the season and takes an emotional maiden MotoGP™ victory. Bagnaia takes those 20 points to extend the gap to 21 over Martin, with the Spaniard crossing the line in tenth after a dramatic weekend of contact in the Tissot Sprint, a little glory and disappointment for both riders, everything on the line… and the title fight definitively to be decided in the final round.
Marini completed the podium as he pulled enough out late on to stay out of range of Viñales, with the Aprilia rider still charging up to fourth. Fifth went to Binder, ahead of Alex Marquez and Quartararo, who got extremely close to that fight in the final laps. Bastianini also charged up the order, setting a scorcher late on and finishing eighth ahead of Miller.
Behind Martin, a final frisson of stress hovered in the form of Marc Marquez over the final lap, but the number 93 couldn’t find a way through. Zarco, right behind both the number 93 and his own teammate Martin, tried a move though – and made some contact with Marquez, the Honda staying up but Zarco barely, dropping back a few seconds to take P12 only tenths ahead of Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team). Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) and Rookie of the Year Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3) completed the points.
And so the curtain falls in Qatar for 2023, after a weekend of two halves for the title contenders and a little chapter of awesome history made for Di Giannantonio. Now, it’s truly all or nothing in Valencia. Bagnaia leads by 21 points. 37 more are on the table… and the gloves will be off. Join us for the Grand Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana next weekend – there will be fireworks!
Lusail International Circuit, in Qatar. Photo by Kohei Hirota.
Fermin Aldeguer won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at Lusail International Circuit, in Doha, Qatar. Riding his Beta Tools SpeedUp machine, the Spaniard won the 18-lap race by 2.643 seconds. It was Aldeguer’s third straight race win and fourth in 2023.
Manuel Gonzalez, riding his Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team Kalex, finished second by 0.009 second ahead of third-place Aron Canet on his Pons Wegow Los40 Kalex.
Pole-sitter Joe Roberts scored 11th on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, and Roberts’ fellow American Sean Dylan Kelly (SDK) crashed his Forward Team racebike and Did Not Finish (DNF).
Hat-trick hero: Aldeguer shines brightest again in Qatar
Fermin Aldeguer (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Thailand, Malaysia, and now Qatar. It’s three wins in the last three races for Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) as the Spaniard lights up the Lusail International Circuit to bag another 25-point haul in 2023, as Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Team) and Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) finish just 0.009s apart in the battle for the podium – the former clinching a debut rostrum with P2.
Joe Roberts (Italtrans Racing Team) got a good launch from pole position to grab the holeshot ahead of Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing) and Aldeguer, with Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar Team) grabbing P4 from P6 on the grid. Canet went backwards at the start but a great recovery ride on Lap 1 saw the Spaniard climb back up to P2 by the time the field crossed the line for the first time.
At the start of Lap 2, Aldeguer was well wide going into Turn 1 – a mistake that saw the #54 drop to P9. Canet then pounced on Roberts for the lead on Lap 2, with Dixon passing Vietti for P3 on the same lap. The Italian then dropped behind Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) with 15 laps to go, as Aldeguer began to pick his way back through the pack.
With 12 laps left, the top nine were split by 1.9s. Vietti had slipped to P10, just ahead of World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who were only two seconds adrift of P1 themselves. On Lap 7 of 18, Dixon made a move stick for P2 on Roberts and soon after, Aldeguer followed the #96 through – and then got the better of him.
Aldeguer then led with 10 to go and on Lap 8, the Spaniard slammed home a 1:57.725 – over half a second quicker than anyone else could muster up. A couple of laps later, Aldeguer was 1.1s up the road from Canet and Gonzalez, with Dixon dropping to just over a second away from the podium fight in P4.
A run of three 1:57.6s saw Aldeguer’s lead climb to two seconds despite the best efforts of Gonzalez, who had got the better of Canet for P2. A comfortable final couple of laps came for Aldeguer as Gonzalez and Canet went head-to-head for P2. It was Dixon vs Ogura for P4 as we enjoyed two great battles unfold, but for a third straight race it was all about Aldeguer – another stunning ride from the SpeedUp star as he hunts down P3 in the Championship heading to Valencia.
Canet was pipped to P2 by Gonzalez who celebrates a first podium in Moto2™, while Ogura’s last corner move on Dixon saw the Japanese rider claim P4 from P12 on the grid. Vietti claimed P6, 1.2s off Dixon, with Somkiat Chantra (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) and Acosta completing the top eight. Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) and Arbolino rounded out the top 10.
Roberts slipped to P11 by the chequered flag as Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) – who set the fastest lap of the race on the final lap – was left to rue a poor start to finish P12. Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing), Darryn Binder (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP), and Jeremy Alcoba (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) were the final points scorers in Qatar.
Three in a row for Aldeguer. Can anyone stop the Spaniard’s late-season charge in Valencia? We’re all set for a special season finale at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
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