Repsol Honda Team present 2023 colours at Repsol headquarters in Madrid
MotoGP World Champions, Marc Marquez and Joan Mir, unveil their 2023 Honda RC213V in full 2023 livery.
On Wednesday morning, journalists, guests and fans at the Repsol Campus in Madrid, headquarters of the multinational energy company, Marc Marquez and Joan Mir presented the Honda RC213V with which they will compete during the 2023 MotoGP World Championship. The two Spanish riders, sharing ten World Championships between them, join forces in a formidable Repsol Honda Team lineup for the coming season.
Honda and Repsol’s alliance stretches back 29 years, with success and technological development along the way. It is the longest collaboration in the world of motorsports competitions and has seen the team earn 15 World Championships, 183 victories and 454 podiums in the premier class.
Marquez is back at full fitness after some difficult years with injuries. The eight-time World Champion will again aim to fight for the title in his eleventh year with the Repsol Honda Team. In the 154 Grands Prix he has contested with the team, he has 100 podium finishes, of which 59 have been victories, 63 pole positions and six Premier Class titles.
Mir was MotoGP World Champion in 2020, as well as winning the Moto3 title on a Honda in 2017. He joins the Repsol Honda Team after 65 races in the premier class, with 13 podiums and one victory. Mir had his first experience of the RC213V at the Valencia Test last November, continuing his adaptation in the recent Sepang test.
The President of Repsol, Antonio Brufau, and Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Tetsuhiro Kuwata, also spoke during the event. This will be an important season for the most successful team in the history of MotoGP, not only in terms of competition but also for the future of the sport: in 2024, renewable fuels will become a reality in MotoGP, using sources such as organic waste to efficiently reduce emissions in the immediate future. Thanks to the commitment made by Dorna and the FIM, MotoGP fuels must be of at least 40% of non-fossil origin in 2024, rising to 100% in 2027.
Throughout 2023, tests and work undertaken in Japan and at the Repsol Technology Lab will be essential for offering the Repsol Honda Team riders the best engine and renewable fuel combination for next season. Both companies have been working on this for some time, as could be seen in the tests carried out by Marquez at Jarama a few months ago.
Before the World Championship starts in Portimao (Portugal) on March 26th, the riders will have an official test on March 11 and 12th at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
Marc Marquez
“The bike looks great again this year! I am really looking forward to riding in full Repsol Honda Team colours again at the Portugal Test. It’s great to be here with the whole Repsol family who have been with me and the team for such a long time. It will be an important test in Portimao, as we have some work to do, but the engineers have been working hard in Japan. I am eager to keep working and get this season started, I am feeling fit and ready to go racing.”
Joan Mir
“It feels incredible to wear the full Repsol Honda Team colours for the first time and to show off the latest version of the Honda RC213V. It’s such an honour to join this iconic team and my focus is to deliver the best results possible, what is expected when you join a team such as this. We’ve made good progress already in Sepang and we still have time to prepare in Portugal, we keep working and we keep improving.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata
HRC Director
“We arrive at the 2023 season after some challenging years, but we have not lost our spirit or our drive. Honda has won 25 Premier Class World Championships, including 24 Constructors Championships and we know what we are capable of as a company and as a constructor. Competition in MotoGP is tighter than ever, but we are continuing to work to our maximum in order to give our riders what they need. It is a pleasure to again be with our partners at Repsol to unveil our new colours for a new season, another beautiful Repsol Honda Team machine.
“We have two great riders to lead us this year, Marc Marquez’s history and accomplishments with us need no explanation. He has brought us some of the brightest points in our history and we are delighted that he is back to full fitness. On the other side of the garage is Joan Mir who has already twice been a World Champion at 25 years of age and has a proven track record of adapting quickly to new situations. I hope to see them both achieving the success we at Honda HRC know they are capable of this year.”
Marcos Fraga
Director of Communications and Corporate Marketing at Repsol
“We always take great pride in celebrating our alliance with HRC at Campus Repsol, a relationship which has now reached 29 years of joint success. Once again, we are faced with the challenge of returning to the path of triumph. It is a year of great importance for our alliance, we are aware of the great challenge that we will face also in 2024 with the arrival of biofuels in MotoGP. The engineers from our Repsol Technology Lab and our colleagues at Honda are working closely together to develop the fuel and lubricants that we will use in 2024. I hope that we can celebrate a great 2023 season and that the Repsol Honda pairing continues to bring us much success.”
Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the video presentation.
PETRONAS TO REV UP THE MIE RACING HONDA TEAM IN THE 2023 FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The MIE Racing Honda Team today announced its new title sponsor, PETRONAS, ahead of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship, which is set to begin this coming weekend at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island.
The agreement with PETRONAS will enable Midori Moriwaki’s team to expand upon its projects and set itself some ambitious goals for 2023 and beyond.
The FIM Superbike World Championship is one of the world’s leading championships and allows riders from all over the world to compete at the highest level with production-derived motorcycles. While the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will continue to compete in World Superbike with riders Hafizh Syahrin and Eric Granado, the 2023 season will also see it field a Supersport team for the first time with the formation of the new PETRONAS MIE MS Racing Honda Team counting on younger and skilled riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin, as they carve their professional path.
All four riders, together with Midori Moriwaki and representatives from PETRONAS unveiled the Honda CBR1000RR-R and Honda CBR600RR with which they will compete in this season’s Superbike and Supersport World Championship classes during a virtual presentation. The beautiful new livery, which stands out for its distinctive PETRONAS colour scheme, makes an unmistakeable impact both on and off track.
With the arrival of PETRONAS, MIE Racing will also focus on wider-ranging, long-term projects as well as the development of an ‘academy program’ that will see the partners join forces to harness WorldSBK and WorldSSP as the platforms and catalyst for a Malaysian talent development program that seeks to promote and develop the talents of up-and-coming riders. This venture will enable PETRONAS to exhibit its expertise and conduct product testing and development with the team, which will help amplify the energy company’s premium products for the high-performance production Superbikes.
Midori Moriwaki
(Owner of MIE Racing )
“It is a real source of pride and satisfaction for the MIE Racing Honda Team to be able to announce a multi-year partnership with PETRONAS and hope to expand our presence in the production-derived championship with our Supersport team together.”
Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz
(PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications)
“PETRONAS is extremely honoured to team up with Midori and we are very excited to embark on this new project. We have worked with Midori in the past and we look forward to a successful partnership with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team, as the FIM Superbike World Championship will provide the opportunity to push our advancement of fluid technology in motorsports and to commercially position the PETRONAS brand. We are eager to see the riders perform, both in WorldSBK and WorldSSP. We will also have the opportunity to develop the skills of Malaysian talents in the two-wheel segment, something we very much look forward to.”
PETRONAS MIE RACING HONDA TEAM RIDERS COMMENTS
With the 2023 Superbike World Championship set to begin this coming weekend at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team and new title partner PETRONAS have presented the teams with which they will compete in this season’s Superbike and Supersport World Championship classes.
Hafizh Syahrin
(PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team)
“I’m very happy to be heading into my second WorldSBK season with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team. The first year was tough but I’ve gained so much experience, thanks to both the team and other riders, and it will be interesting to see where we are this year. Our package is improved and there have been a few changes in terms of technical staff too. I am also more used to the electronics and tyres, which were new to me last year, and so I’ll be better prepared in that respect going into 2023. I’m very confident in continuing with the same team, and both they and I will do our best to support each other, trust the process and continue to learn race by race. The minimum aim is to finish every race inside the points. As for my team-mate, I shared the track with him a few times in the past, and then last year we started training and cycling together so I can say that we share a good relationship and similar goals, in that we both want to work hard and score strong results for the team.”
Eric Granado
(PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team)
“First I want to thank Midori and Honda for this opportunity. It’s also great to represent Brazil on the WorldSBK grid, following in the footsteps of Alex Barros. This next season will be an important one for me and the team, and I’m excited to get started. I know the Honda already, but the SBK spec is very different, so I’ll need to get used to this, the electronics in particular, but I’m ready to learn. Everything will be new to me, after many years in the GP paddock, and I’ll need to be physically prepared considering the intense weekend schedule, but I feel ready. I’ll be facing some new tracks, but the team has data of course, so we’ll do our best to be as prepared as we can be. It’s good that Hafizh already has experience of the bike and team, and I hope we can work well together to achieve our goals. I might need a little time to get used to the bike, tyres, tracks and everything but I intend to do my best from start to finish – I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Adam Norrodin
(PETRONAS MIE MS Racing Honda Team)
“I’m excited to be part of WorldSSP this season. I’ve raced in various international series including Moto2 and Moto3, but World Supersport is a brand-new challenge for me. I’m nervous of course but also excited, and this is my first time riding the bike, so I know I have a lot of work to do. I have high expectations to be honest. Honda hasn’t competed in the 600 class over the last couple of years, but it has been very successful in this championship in the past, so we have a lot to live up to. PETRONAS is also a big name in racing and with their support, I think we can have a great season. I know that everything has been going well back at base, so I’m keen to see how we line up against the competition. I will fight as hard as I can and the aim is to be competitive, hopefully fighting on the front row.”
Tarran Mackenzie
(PETRONAS MIE MS Racing Honda Team)
“I’ve had a great off-season and am looking forward to getting started. There’s a lot of history behind Midori and the Moriwaki family. She is passionate about racing and has put in a lot of effort to take another step up again this year. And we have PETRONAS on board too, a massive name in motorsport, which is great. As for me, the goal was always to return to world championship level and Midori and her team are now giving me that opportunity. It’s not going to be easy because there’s a lot of fast guys there, but I think starting in WorldSSP is a good move for me. I’ve been on the Superbike in BSB for five seasons now, but I think it’ll be good for me to ride the smaller and nimbler Supersport bike. I think this new Honda has great potential – we just need to take things one step at a time. On paper, I think it can be one of the strongest packages; I just need to get used to it after a few years on a Superbike. I can’t wait to get going to be honest.”
Day One Best Lap Times (all on Dunlop tires, lap times courtesy California Roadrace Association):
Jake Gagne (Yam), 1:41.274
Cameron Beaubier (BMW), 1:42.113
Mathew Scholtz (Yam), 1:42.322
Richie Escalante (Suz), 1:42.918
PJ Jacobsen (BMW), 1:43.813
Toni Elias (Suz), 1:43.962
Corey Alexander (BMW), 1:45.824
More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:
Gagne On Top At Buttonwillow Test, Beaubier Second Fastest
High Winds Stop Proceedings Early As Seven Superbikes Take Part In Preseason Test In California
IRVINE, CA (February 21, 2023) – Seven Superbike riders took part in the first of two days of semi-private testing at Buttonwillow Raceway Park on Tuesday, but the name at the top of timesheets was the same as it was a few weeks ago – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne – even though the track was run in the counterclockwise direction and the day was cut short by heavy winds.
The lone soldier under the Attack Performance umbrella with the absence of his teammate Cameron Petersen, who recently underwent a fasciotomy (arm-pump surgery), Gagne was solid as always with the two-time and defending MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Champion following up his successful test from February 7-8 at Buttonwillow with another solid day at the track located some 35 minutes north of Bakersfield.
Gagne’s best today was a 1:41.274, which came on his 19th of 28 laps, and it came in what was his second time running the Buttonwillow track counterclockwise, though he said he likes both directions.
“It was good,” Gagne said. “We all ended the day early because some wind came in that was pretty gnarly. We got some good riding in this morning, but nothing too crazy. We ran the track backwards today. I’ve been here one other time when we ran the other way. It’s nice that we can switch directions because it changes some stuff, and it just changes the track so we can try something else (settings wise). There’s also one section that we don’t use so there’s one added section so there’s a couple of different turns that we don’t have going the other way (clockwise). It does work out that the fast time one way is close to a fast time the other way. We still have some stuff on our list to try tomorrow, mainly just different chassis stuff we haven’t had to try and there’s always electronics and things like that.”
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier was second best, the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion in his second outing at Buttonwillow on his new BMW M 1000 RR as he returns to the series following a two-year stint in the Moto2 World Championship. The Californian did 26 laps today with his best – a 1:42.113 – coming on his 22nd lap and it was .839 of a second off Gagne’s fast time.
“We wanted to pick up where we left off at the test a couple of months ago, but we couldn’t compare back-to-back because we ran the track the other way,” Beaubier said. “It ended up going good and we had a decent day. We stayed on the same harder compound tires all day. We only did like 30 to 35 laps or something like that and we started and ended on the same tires. I threw in a new set of the harder option, and I went out at the end and the wind picked up, so I pulled in after a lap. The wind was trying to blow the front wheel out from under me, so it was sketch. We had some updated torque maps to try, and we worked through those a bit. I think we have a new swingarm to try tomorrow so that will be cool. We will keep working at it.”
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz ended the day third fastest with a 1:42.322 in his first-time running Buttonwillow in the counterclockwise direction.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante was having his first outing of the preseason at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, and he ended the day fourth fastest with his 1:42.918.
PJ Jacobsen joined his new teammate Beaubier under the Tytlers Cycle Racing garage and was fifth fastest with a best of 1:43.813.
2010 Moto2 World Champion and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Toni Elias was back on a Superbike for the first time since he raced an Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 at New Jersey Motorsports Park in September of 2021. It also marked Elias’ return to the same Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team that he rode for in 2020. The Spaniard turned in 34 laps today as he shook the cobwebs out, ending up sixth fastest with a best of 1:43.962.
“My eyes were popping out from my face,” Elias said of his first laps on a Superbike since 2021. “It was fun, it was good. For two or three practice (sessions) it was just getting used to it again, and then we started to work a little bit, but the weather didn’t help. It got windy when we started to test some things. It’s okay. Tomorrow it will be interesting. It was like a new track (going the other direction) and it made my first day a little bit more difficult. It’s okay. I could go back to the bike, increase the speed every run and I’m very happy to come back. I’m excited and I needed it because I only ride street bikes for the last almost two years. It’s been one point eight years since New Jersey. I’m happy to be back with Team Hammer and thank them for giving me the opportunity to race with them again.”
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Corey Alexander was seventh fastest on day one with a 1:45.824 coming on the 21st of 24 laps on the 2022 Yuasa Stock 1000 Champion’s BMW M 1000 RR
“It took us all a little by surprise this morning to have to learn the track,” Alexander said of him and his teammates. “Cam (Beaubier) had ridden it once that way. PJ (Jacobsen) and I had never gone that direction.”
The seven riders will be back on track tomorrow morning.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
Follow MP13 Racing Team Owner Melissa Paris, and young riders Aiden Sneed and Kayla Yaakov as they take on the 2023 MotoAmerica motorcycle racing season.
MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield Announces Two-Rider Team for 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Season
Johnny Lewis and Ryan Wells to contest Mission SuperTwins class aboard Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycles
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, February 21, 2023) – Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team are prepared to take on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track championship. For Lewis, this marks his fourth year of competition with Royal Enfield, and the 2023 season marks another step forward as the MotoAnatomy team will now field a full-time two-man team in the premier class, adding Ryan Wells to the roster.
Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy team have made great strides in American Flat Track, introducing the Royal Enfield INT650 motorcycle into the world of competition. After spending several seasons in the Production Twins class developing the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle, Lewis carded multiple podium finishes in the last two seasons, including a historic win at the Lima Half-Mile in 2021—a first-ever feat for Royal Enfield. Lewis is now confident that the Twins FT has the potential to be a serious contender in all formats of AFT racing: Short Track, Half-Mile, TT, and even the formidable Mile. Lewis and crew are ready to jump into the busy 18-round AFT Championship.
After several seasons of development, Johnny Lewis and Ryan Wells are looking to put the Royal Enfield Twins FT on the podium in 2023.
Johnny Lewis (10) in action on his Royal Enfield Twins FT. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
“This is going to be another historic season for Royal Enfield in American Flat Track,” said Johnny Lewis. “The Twins FT motorcycle is something we’ve spent a long time developing, and we’re now at a point where we have the confidence to go all in. We’re thrilled to bring on a second rider, as well. Ryan Wells is already a great addition to the MotoAnatomy team. We’re looking forward to kicking off the season at the Daytona Short Track.”
Ryan Wells is a force in AFT competition, and the 2016 GNC2 (Singles) champion ranks among the Singles’ class all-time winningest riders. The 2007 AMA Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year has been winning pro-level races for over a decade, and now brings his flat track expertise to Royal Enfield.
Ryan Wells. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
“Words can’t express my excitement to join the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team for 2023,” said Ryan Wells. “Finally rejoining the Mission SuperTwins class full time is long overdue for my personal goals and I’m glad it’s finally coming to fruition. Being able to work alongside Johnny Lewis, someone I’ve looked up to for so long, is really the icing on the cake. I thrive off of positivity and people chasing the same goals and Johnny and I really click in those ways. I’m very excited to get the ball rolling.”
The expanded Royal Enfield racing team will make its 2023 racing debut at the Progressive AFT season opener at Daytona Bike Week in Florida. Look for Johnny Lewis (#10) and Ryan Wells (#94) at the Daytona Short Track Doubleheader on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10.
Lewis, Wells and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team will be joined at select rounds by the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. (BTR) program. The women of BTR will be contesting a schedule of four rounds within the Progressive American Flat Track schedule, starting with the Dallas Half-Mile on April 22. For more info visit BuildTrainRace.com.
2023 Progressive American Flat Track Racing Schedule
March 9 (Rnd 1) Daytona Short Track I – Daytona Beach, FL
March 10 (Rnd 2) Daytona Short Track II – Daytona Beach, FL
August 12 (Rnd 16) Castle Rock TT – Castle Rock, WA
September 2 (Rnd 17) Springfield Mile I – Springfield, IL
September 3 (Rnd 18) Springfield Mile II – Springfield, IL
For more on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Championship, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S. and Canada. RENA currently offers the all-new Scram 411, Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R10 HELMET ON TRACK WITH JORGE MARTIN AND JACK MILLER IN 2023 PRE-SEASON MOTOGP TEST IN SEPANG, MALAYSIA
SEPANG, MALAYSIA, and ASOLO, ITALY – Completing a combined 284 laps over three days of MotoGP testing in Sepang, Jorge Martin and Jack Miller continued their preparations for the 2023 season, utilizing the Supertech R10 helmet throughout the dry, wet, and mixed circuit conditions they experienced over the course of the test.The Alpinestars Helmet Developments Department has been focused on safety advancements for over 10 years. One of the results of these years of work is the S-M10 motocross helmet, which is now a leading safety product in US and World Motocross. In tandem with the success of the S-M10 helmet, the S-R10 has been in development for several years, with focus on ensuring the highest performance when it comes to protection and a new level of safety. Advanced aerodynamics has also been a focus of development, with countless sessions in the wind tunnel aimed at reducing drag and providing optimal aerodynamic stability, while offering an elite level of comfort and ventilation.
Andrea Dovizioso has been a key part of the development team including on-track development.
Jack Miller and his new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
“It’s unreal to be back with Alpinestars and to do it in this fashion, being one of the first to bring the new helmet on board, it’s an amazing opportunity for me. I’m really happy with the first time wearing it on track, the visibility is amazing and thankfully here in Malaysia, we’ve been able to test it in all kinds of conditions, with the humidity and also some rain. I was very, very happy with how it performed in those conditions. And it’s great to be back in the leathers too, they look great and more importantly, they fit fantastically.” – Jack Miller
Jorge Martin and his new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
“I’m super happy to be in the Alpinestars family, now fully equipped by Alpinestars. I really like how the helmet’s working, how it fits my head is so important, and I’m really comfortable in it. This is very important, we’re going so, so fast; almost 340kph and it’s working perfectly, really stable. So, I’m happy and looking forward to moving forward with this family for a lot of years.” – Jorge Martin
Jack Miller’s new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
SUPERTECH R10 HELMET TECHNICAL FEATURES
OUTER SHELL
CARBON SHELL CONSTRUCTION MULTI-LAYER COMPOSITE DISPERSES ENERGY IN IMPACTS
The S-R10 helmet is constructed with a 3K high density carbon outer layer that improves the strength and efficiency of energy dissipation over the shell.
The unidirectional (UD) carbon composite layer provides significantly greater radial strength around the shell, preventing compression, but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy.
The aramid fiber layer provides critical penetration protection.
This layered composite combination is given even greater performance with an epoxy resin bonding that offers the best possible strength and energy management. The combination of material layers provides improved energy management as well as limited outer shell deflection, making the energy spread wider and better absorbed by the EPS liner.
Jack Miller wearing his new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet during the MotoGP test at Sepang. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
INNER SHELL
THE S-R10’S INNER SHELL IS MADE FROM EPS IN DIFFERENT DENSITIES, TO DISPERSE THE REQUIRED IMPACT ABSORPTION PROPERTIES EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE REQUIRED
The S-R10 has four inner shells just like the outer shell.
The EPS inner surface is smooth, creating an optimized, low friction area, for superior oblique impact management.
A-HEAD FITMENT SYSTEM the EPS is fitted with a patented A-Head Fitment System which provides both height and angle adjustment. Developed by Alpinestars and originally utilized with great success in the S-M10 Motocross helmet, the A-Head Fitment System allows for an ultra-specific set-up, where the helmet can be tuned exactly to the rider’s preference for the height and angle at which the helmet sits on the rider’s head.
AERODYNAMICS
DEVELOPED WITH CFD SIMULATIONS, VALIDATED IN THE WIND TUNNEL AND ON TRACK, THE S-R10 HELMET IS OPTIMIZED FOR LOW DRAG PERFORMANCE AND MAXIMUM AERODYNAMIC STABILITY
The aerodynamics of the S-R10 helmet are optimized to work in conjunction and unity with the hump and the back construction of Alpinestars’ racing leather suits.
The S-R10 helmet is fitted with turbulators to improve the aero-acoustic performance.
An aerodynamic spoiler is fitted with a patented release system that incorporates elastic joints that help the spoiler to detach from the helmet shell if it is subjected to a significant impact, regardless of the angle of impact.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
THE SUPERTECH R10 HELMET CONTAINS FOUR VENTILATION POINTS, ALL OF WHICH ARE CLOSEABLE
Chin Vent: This vent is formed by two openings located in the front of the helmet at the sides of the shield lock mechanism. Air entering from the chin vent will be channeled towards the inner side of the shield, creating a uniform, laminated flow of air that effectively prevents fogging and misting.
Chin Bar Vents: These vents are used to extract humid air to the outside of the helmet.
Top Vent: The large central slider channels air down to the top of the head, for better comfort. Which in turn, when open, has vents for hot air extraction away from the rider’s forehead.
Rear Spoiler Extractor: Two extractor vents are located under the rear spoiler, for effective hot air extraction.
SHIELD
THE SHIELD MECHANISM IS FITTED WITH METAL LOCK COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNWANTED SHIELD DETACHMENT DURING IMPACTS, LOCKED IN THE CLOSED POSITION BY A FRONT METAL LOCK
The Shield is equipped with internal pins to accommodate a PINLOCK 120XLT – 100 % MAX VISION lens and external pins to accommodate tear-offs.
The S-R10 is fitted with an Optical Class 1 shield, 3mm in thickness, and coated with an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.
The shield attaches to the shell via side cams mechanisms, allowing the shield to rotate and to move, in order to seal it completely against the helmet’s rubber window trim.
REMOVABLE LINING
LININGS ARE REMOVABLE AND WASHABLE, AND FEATURE FABRICS WITH ANTI-
MICROBIAL TREATMENTS
Crown Pad: The crown pad and the neck pad are elastically connected, for enhanced oblique impact management, with a construction based on four panels (front, sides, rear), for an optimized fit with the proper foam thickness.
Top Pad: The top pad is removable and height adjustable via the A-Head Fitment System.
Cheek Pads: The cheek pads are fitted with premium foam and fabrics, offering comfort and breathability. The cheek pads also feature an emergency extraction system, allowing the side cheek padding to be easily removed by trackside support and medical staff, and they also have a channel for the installation of a hydration system.
2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship Entry List announced
The full list of riders and teams can now be revealed ahead of MotoE™’s first season as a World Championship
The provisional Entry List for the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship can now be revealed! Every team will now have two bikes as Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™ and Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse expand, making it nine teams and 18 riders set to contest MotoE™’s first season as a World Championship. Present at every European Grand Prix from Le Mans to Misano and racing on all-new Ducati machinery, MotoE™ begins a new era of competition in 2023.
Amongst the riders, some familiar names return, including two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres, now at Openbank Aspar Team, and first ever Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™). Consistent contender Eric Granado will be back at LCR E-Team and Mattia Casadei, a key protagonist in 2022, remains at Pons Racing 40. There’s also Alessandro Zaccone, who was a race winner and fought for the Cup in 2021, returning after a year in Moto2™ – and he’ll saddle up with Tech3 E-Racing.
The rookie ranks make for interesting reading too, headlined by Tito Rabat as the 2014 Moto2™ World Champion returns to the Grand Prix paddock to take on MotoE™. Randy Krummenacher is another to watch as he joins Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™, adding another class to his CV of 125cc, Moto2™, WorldSSP and WorldSBK experience. With new Ducati machinery for everyone on the grid, the rookies will be an even more interesting watch as the season gets underway at Le Mans – and there are plenty fresh faces!
ZERO x HUGE DESIGN RELEASE CUSTOM BUILT SR-X ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE
The two companies reimagine the future of powersports with this stunning custom fabrication built from a stock SR/S premium electric motorcycle
Santa Cruz, Calif. (February 21, 2023) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, is pleased to release the one-of-a-kind SR-X motorcycle, a completely bespoke reimagination of the company’s SR/S model developed by HUGE Design. The SR-X is the latest addition to Zero’s “Design the Future” development program, which has produced some of the most innovative and thought-provoking electric motorcycles in the world. This program brings together some of the industry’s most talented designers and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible with electric motorcycles.
HUGE Design, led by Bill Webb, has once again played a key role in Zero’s vision for the future. Webb was also responsible for the Zero SM concept bike that heavily influenced the development of one of Zero’s most popular models, specifically the FXE. The SR-X is the latest example of his visionary concepts and Zero’s commitment to innovation. This semi-faired concept bike showcases Zero’s industry-leading electric powertrain and boasts both performance and style.
“The SR-X concept bike strives to hit a design sweet spot for the near future of electric
motorcycles by combining clean lines and disciplined design-detailing with the aggressive
stance and raw performance found in modern liter bikes,” said Webb. “This bike is an attempt to define a new sub-category for high performance electric, something between a streetfighter and a track bike. We wanted true sport riders to appreciate the subtle and balanced design approach—modern, futuristic and clean without sacrificing the raw-performance look and overtly mechanical appeal of high-performance motorcycles.”
The HUGE team wanted to create a dramatic and low ‘front-heavy’ silhouette with the
bodywork that could juxtapose the fully-exposed mechanicals toward the back of the bike in an unconventional way. Impressed by the look of the SR/S chassis and mechanicals, HUGE intentionally designed the SR-X with the raw bike underneath as part of the final composition.
“Working with Bill on the SM concept and FXE over the past few years has led to a great
partnership with Huge Design,” said Brian Wismann, VP of Product Development at Zero. “When we originally spoke about the SR-X project, I couldn’t wait to see Bill’s clean, structured aesthetic applied to our premium sport platform. The result exceeds expectations and points the way forward for our internal design teams.”
Powered by Zero’s advanced ZF75-10 electric motor and the latest ZF17.3 lithium-ion battery, the SR-X represents a bold vision for the future of motorcycling. “At Zero Motorcycles, we are driven by a passion for design and technology, and the SR-X is the perfect expression of this passion,” continued Wismann. “We can’t wait to see how this concept bike will inspire the future of the industry and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
About Zero Motorcycles:
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for intelligent, innovative riders around the world
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the results, including the combined results from the two days of testing and more.
Bautista ends the Official Test on top as Day 2 provides a mixed-up WorldSBK order
The final pre-season test concluded with 16 riders covered by less than 1.5s
2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista topped the timesheets on the final day of the Official Test with a 1’30.272s set in the morning session.
Andrea Locatelli (55) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Locatelli was second at the end of Day 2 just 0.072s off Bautista’s fastest time.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s best time of 1’30.501s gave him third place in Tuesday’s combined results as he finished 0.229s behind teammate Bautista.
Jonathan Rea (65) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea concluded Day 2 in fourth place despite a crash at Turn 4, whilst 2021 WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu was sixth with a best time of 1’30.757s.
Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Dominique Aegerter was the fastest Rookie in fifth place while his teammate, whilst home hero Remy Gardner was ninth with a 1’31.073s.
Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Day 2 Report
Pre-season is all done and dusted for the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field as the final day of testing concluded at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia. The Official Test came to an end and ahead of the first round of the season – the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round – and it was Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who topped the times with a 1’30.272s in FP1 and he was focused on working for the weekend and with set-up high on his agenda, Bautista was in a class of his own.
It was another positive day for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), as he was second in the morning session, having topped the corresponding session on Day 1. Running inside the top two for the majority of FP2 on day two, Locatelli continued working like he did on day one and was doing short race simulations throughout both two-hour sessions, finishing as the top Yamaha rider.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi took third place, with the 27-year-old Italian making strides once more and sporadically topping the timesheets throughout the day. After missing “some tenths” on day one, Rinaldi set his fastest time of the test in FP1, comfortably under the 2022 pole time.
Following a day of mixed feelings on day one, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was once again top Kawasaki rider taking fourth overall with his FP1 time being his best. He had a focus on making the bike manageable, with sector three being a weak point, whilst he also had late-race tyre life to continue working on too. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) had a relatively quiet day as he continued his search for improved rear grip, despite a good final run on the opening day. With race simulation being the call of the day, Razgatlioglu was fifth in FP1 but languished in tenth at the end of FP2, placing him sixth overall and third Yamaha.
WorldSBK Day 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’30.272s
2. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) + 0.072s
3. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.229s
4. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.444s
6. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +0.485s
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bulega remains fastest on the final day of the Official Test
Nicolo Bulega was fastest on the final day of the Official Test with a fastest time of 1.32.781s. He was the only rider within the ‘32s.
Stefano Manzi took second place on the combined results with a 1’33.227s finishing 0.446s off Bulega, while Can Oncu concluded day two in third.
WorldSSP Day 2 Report
The final session of pre-season testing is in the books for the 2023 FIM Supersport World Championship grid, and making it four out of four in terms of topping sessions, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) goes into the first weekend of the year with a target on his back. Setting the fastest time of the week so far in the WorldSSP class, the #11 Ducati rider was under the existing race lap record as he readies to lay down the gauntlet against a fierce opposition. Today was the day where he looked comfortably faster than anyone else, with nearly half a second advantage over his nearest rival.
The Italian rider set over 60 laps on his way to top spot, fending off fellow countryman Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) and Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). Manzi was 0.446s behind Bulega but was the only Yamaha rider inside the top eight positions, whilst Turkish star Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) consolidated his top three status.
Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) took fourth place despite a crash earlier in the day but was OK. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was next up in fifth but like Manzi and Oncu ahead of him, he relied on his FP1 time. Sixth place was another Ducati and another Italian in Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), who improved his time by three tenths of a second from FP1 to FP2 on day two.
Flying the Australian flag in the class, Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing) was a solid seventh on the combined times and was consistent with his lap times across the sessions.
Read the full report from Day 2 on worldsbk.com
WorldSSP Day 2 Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’32.781s
2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.446s
3. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.625s
4. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) +0.724s
5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.021s
6. Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +1.155s
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha:
STRONG TEST IN PHILLIP ISLAND FOR AEGERTER AND GARDNER
On 20th-21st February, the iconic Phillip Island circuit hosted the Dorna Supported Test ahead of the first round of the season, which will take place at the same venue, with both GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s riders showing strong and promising pace.
Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner got to try their Yamaha R1 machines for the first time in Australia, with their primary focus on continuing their adaptation to the bikes. On Day 1, Gardner completed 73 laps to find himself 7th (1’31.600), with Aegerter just behind in 9th after 71 laps (1’31.728).
The GYTR GRT Yamaha duo shifted focus twenty-four hours later on to race performance, yet still managed to pull out some impressive lap times. Indeed, Aegerter went 2nd in the very final session to end the test 6th on the combined timesheets (1’30.739, 113 laps); the Swiss saved the best for last and set a flying lap late on Tuesday after also impressing with his race pace. On the other side of the box, local hero Gardner finished in 9th (1’31.073, 115 laps) after consistently featuring in the top 3 for most of Tuesday’s afternoon practice.
Both riders will now enjoy two days off before diving into the season’s opening round at Phillip Island on 24th-26th February.
Dominique Aegerter
6th: 1’30.639, 184 laps
“The adaption keeps going on; we’re happy with this last test before the beginning of the season. We did one strong lap, and I’m happy with the one I did, even though we know we’re still missing something on our race pace. Anyway, we have good data to work on, all the people in my team did a great job, and we’re ready to start, so I cannot wait for Saturday and Sunday to come.”
Remy Gardner
9th: 1’31.073, 188 laps
“We’re satisfied with the progress we made. I enjoyed myself at Phillip Island. Even though we didn’t try to do a flying lap, our race pace was not too bad, and the feeling was okay. I cannot wait to begin the Championship; we’ll keep working during these days to progress further; we have good data available to us, so there’s still margin for improvement.”
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
Team HRC concludes official testing and prepares for Phillip Island season-opener
Team HRC and its riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have concluded the final pre-season test at Philip Island, Australia, as they prepare for the opening round of the 2023 Superbike World Championship this coming weekend.
On track on both Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 February, Team HRC tested alongside the rest of the WorldSBK field, exploiting two sessions of two hours each on both days and blessed by hot and sunny conditions, something the two factory riders particularly appreciated having not often experienced this at Phillip Island during their time in the MotoGP championship. Iker and Xavi nevertheless experienced some ups and downs as they worked tirelessly with their respective teams to iron out the details of their world championship preparation. Two crashes, on Monday and Tuesday morning, complicated things a bit more for Vierge, but he suffered no physical consequences and was able to further improve on his lap times. Lecuona traced a more linear path, progressing little by little in every session, especially in terms of his race pace on used tyres. There is nevertheless still room to improve when it comes to exploiting the new tyres.
The Team HRC engineers now have two days in which to analyse all the data collated and make final preparations for round one, with the first practice sessions of the season set to kick off on Friday morning.
In last season’s Australian finale, Vierge scored a best result of eighth in the races, while Lecuona was prevented from competing after having sustained injury at the previous Indonesian round. The factory riders will be looking to start 2023 with a bang, both fully fit and encouraged by the experience gained during 2022, their ‘rookie’ season.
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is located in the state of Victoria, to the south of Melbourne. Officially inaugurated in 1956, it is located on the coast which makes for a pretty spectacular backdrop. One of the riders’ favourite circuits, the track measures 4.445k and comprises twelve turns – 7 left-hand corners and 5 right-handers – as well as an 835-metre start/finish straight. Last year it was the stage for the final championship round, and so the 2023 quite literally begins where 2022 left off.
Iker Lecuona 7
“We end this two-day test with mixed feelings because we closed P8 but didn’t really understand why we couldn’t be faster. I felt good on the bike and felt it had good balance, but the reality is that we dropped tenths here and there and especially on new tyres. On used tyres we took a big step compared to last year because I now feel good on them and can ride consistently – this is important as we’ve resolved something that was critical for me and my riding style and that was causing me to struggle in the second part of the races. So we’ve made a step there, and that has us feeling that there is still more we can do with the bike setup, but our expectation were much higher going into this test to be honest, particularly here at a track I adore. We now have two days in which to analyse the electronics and data to understand what’s happening with the bike and decide how to approach the first race.”
Xavi Vierge 97
“Firstly, I want to say sorry and a huge thank you to the team because I had two crashes which meant the guys had to work so hard to make the repairs. They did an amazing job, as always, and provided me with a perfect bike for the final afternoon session. And, luckily, I suffered no physical consequences at all. The less positive aspect is that we struggled a lot more than expected, despite improving a little overall. Generally speaking, we’ve improved in terms of our race pace during the pre-season but are not yet able to exploit the fresh tyres. Nevertheless, we start the season fully fit and ready to give it our all – we will keep working hard just as we are used to doing.”
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Testing Ends As New Season Arrives
Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes completed their final two days of pre-season WorldSBK testing between 20-21 February at the same Phillip Island circuit that will host the start of the 2023 season in a few days time. Rea finished fifth fastest overall, with Lowes in 15th place.
The 4.445km long Australian circuit near the ocean delivered warm and dry weather as the 22 WorldSBK riders made their final preparations to meet the challenge of the opening round. A stiff and gusting breeze from the sea complicated things on the final day, with the best track conditions for outright grip appearing to be in the morning session.
With some upgrades to the Ninja ZX-10RR this season both KRT riders worked towards maximising performance in real race conditions, and ensuring that their tyres will last full race distance at the toughest circuit on the calendar in terms of tyre wear.
Rea had relatively slow falls at Turn Four on each day of testing but carried on at a strong pace after pitting to make repairs. He set 38 laps in the final afternoon test session, but his best lap of 1’30.716 was set in the morning of the final day.
Lowes set his personal best of 1’31.549 in the third of the four long track sessions in total. He and his crew continued to try to find the best potential with the new homologation of Ninja ZX-10RR.
Now attention turns to the start of the 2023 season itself, with the opening round at Phillip Island to be held between 24 and 26 February. As ever there will be three WorldSBK races for the spectators to enjoy – two full-distance races and one ten-lap Superpole Race on Sunday morning.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “Today we tried a 2022 spec bike versus the 2023 spec bike in the afternoon session. There are positives and negatives with both but I preferred to stick with the 2023 bike. Unfortunately, doing a race simulation, on about lap 14, I got caught out in Turn Four. The wind was very gusty and it is coming in strongly from the sea, and I was pushing at my limit – clearly. I had very positive sensations during that long run and I was able to stay in the 1’31 laps times. That pace is where I need to be to fight for the podium. After that we tried the SC0 rear tyre because Pirelli asked me to do a longer run to evaluate how it would perform in the Superpole race. Our tyre performance was good and from an electronics point of view I am really happy with the steps we have made inside the team. I am more satisfied with the bike than yesterday. Clearly there is potential with the new bike and we have to keep working to extract that potential. We have made a step compared to last year, I feel. For race weekend, I feel we can fight for the podium.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “I feel like we are struggling a bit. The updates we had in the winter don’t seem to be working as well here. We made some positive steps in the last session today, but we have some work to do. What we found in Europe, in cooler test conditions, has not been the same here. I did not do a time attack but the position on the timesheets is still a lot lower than I would want it to be. I just used race tyres but we still have work to do. We raced here at the end of last year and right now I don’t feel as comfortable as I did then. I was faster in the morning than the afternoon, when it was a bit gripper, and I have been wary to not make too many mistakes. We saw a lot of crashes in WorldSBK and WorldSSP. So I just wanted to keep my powder dry in some ways, but I have not been ‘sandbagging’ and then feel like I am going to win the race. That said I was 15th in testing in 2020 and then went on to win a race, so that might be a good sign!”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “We did a lot of laps in testing and we were up, down, but the races will be different. It was windy here and Jonathan had two falls, so we need to analyse and understand what has happened, of course. For the rest, we know that this track is very demanding, especially to keep the pace all the way to the end. So this is what we mainly focused on, to make the tyre wear more linear from the beginning to the end. For race weekend we need to put everything together and we have enough data. We have all the information from the Jerez and Portimao tests with the items we have this year, so we will try to put it all together and get the best from the package.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We are still working to get the best potential out of the new developments for his season. We were really focusing on race pace to be ready for the coming weekend, rather than going for a fast single lap time. Always, in terms of lap times, the Phillip Island test looks very different compared to how the races are, and who wins the races. We gathered a lot of data over these two days and from the previous tests, so now we will work on finding the best bike set-up in readiness for the first round of the season.”
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) placed 19th fastest overall after suffering a crash at Turn Four, which extensively damaged his machine. Second year WorldSBK rider Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) was 20th fastest at the final pre-season test.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Bautista first and Rinaldi third at the end of the last winter test at Phillip Island. Bulega tops the timesheet in WorldSSP
The pre-season officially came to an end today with the second day of testing held at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia, where free practice for the Australian Round – the first event of the 2023 WorldSBK season – will get underway on Friday morning.
It was a very fruitful two days of work for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team with Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi able to set incisive crono on both the fast lap and the race pace.
After Monday’s two sessions ended in second and third position, Rinaldi and Bautista managed to improve further on Day-2.
The reigning World Champion set the fastest time of the two days of testing in the morning’s FP1 (1’30.272), followed by a convincing race simulation in the afternoon.
Rinaldi also took advantage of the perfect track conditions in the early laps of FP1, setting a time of 1’30.501 (P3 in the combined standings) before switching to long-run mode in the afternoon, lapping with an incisive race pace.
P1 – Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)
“I’m happy because the feeling with the bike was immediately good. We worked a lot on the set-up and on the tires that we will use this weekend. We are ready to start the new season. I think this has been the best pre-season in my career. The sensations are definitely positive and I can’t wait to get back on track on Friday for the first free practice”.
P3 – Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“I am satisfied with what we have done in these two months. Jerez and Portimao tests went well and the objective for these two days at Phillip Island was to confirm those positive feelings. Especially today we did a good job ahead of the weekend’s races and I feel ready to start the championship.” WorldSSP
Niccolò Bulega also finished the last winter tests with extremely positive feelings. The Italian rider of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team ended with the fastest time (1’32.781), confirming the excellent feeling with his Ducati Panigale V2.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“I am very satisfied with what we have done, not only in these two days at Phillip Island but also in the tests at Jerez and Portimao. The feeling with my bike was immediately very positive. The team has done an excellent job and this allows us to arrive at the first race with a lot of confidence. There are high expectations for this season and it will be important to start in the best possible way right from Friday’s free practice”.
More, from a press release issued by MIE Racing Honda Team:
The MIE Racing Honda Team completes official Phillip Island tests
The MIE Racing Honda Team is on site at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia where it has now completed the final pre-season test sessions prior to the start of the 2023 Superbike World Championship, which will play out this coming weekend at the same Australian track.
During this week’s test sessions, the team had the opportunity to make final preparations for the upcoming season-opener. Riders Hafizh Syahrin and Eric Granado worked hard with their technicians, making a series of modifications to their CBR1000RR-R machines throughout the sessions as they continue to identify the most suitable base set-up for the bikes. Both riders completed well over 50 laps on each day, with the almost ideal weather conditions working in their favour. Day two saw the duo improve on their day one times, although there is still room for improvement.
Rookie Eric Granado is gearing up for his first WorldSBK races as a full-time rider, while Hafizh Syahrin takes on his second consecutive season with the MIE Racing Honda Team. Last year’s Australian round was also the WorldSBK season-finale, which means that Syahrin has very recent race experience of the track. Granado, on the other hand, will be looking to build on the progress made during this week’s official test sessions as the first practices of the 2023 season get underway on Friday.
The weekend’s race schedule remains unchanged with respect to 2022, with practice on Friday, Superpole and Race 1 on Saturday, and the Superpole race and Race 2 playing out on Sunday. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is one of the most appreciated tracks on the calendar, and not just because of its stunning coastal location. Located in the Australian state of Victoria, and roughly 140km south of Melbourne, the fast and flowing 4.445km track comprises seven left-hand corners and five right-handers.
Hafizh Syahrin
“These two days have been very useful for us, as this was basically our only full pre-season test for which we had time to prepare. So we took time to get back up to speed with everything and understand the new bike, which has quite a different character compared to last season. I also have a new crew chief and he works in a slightly different way, so it’s been good to get to know each other better. A big thanks to my team as they’ve been working so hard on very little sleep since getting here. I tried to do my best throughout the sessions, and I hope that we can make pick up the pace and make better inroads during the first race weekend.”
Eric Granado
“The test’s been positive in that this was the first time we were able to use the full day and complete many laps. We’re still far from where we can be of course, but right now we need to focus on better understanding the bike and particularly the electronics, which are new to me. I’m still looking for the right confidence with the throttle and power delivery, but we’ve clocked up some miles and have improved little by little. The target for this test was of course to prepare for the first rounds rather than attempting a time attack or anything, and so that’s what we did. Unfortunately, I suffered a crash yesterday and so was riding with painful feet today but luckily nothing is broken and I’ll be ready for the weekend. It’s going to be a challenging first round for me, with three races and windy conditions, but I’m confident that we’ll be able to make progress and find a good setup for the races.”
More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:
BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2023 WorldSBK season with the new BMW M 1000 RR.
Phillip Island and Mandalika: Overseas double-header to open the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship.
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo action BMW Racing Team run the new BMW M 1000 RR.
BMW Motorrad factory riders Loris Baz, Garrett Gerloff, Scott Redding and Michael van der Mark look ahead to the first races of the year. Phillip Island. The 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship opens with two back-to-back overseas events for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. This weekend (24th to 26th February), Phillip Island in Australia hosts the opening round of the season. Just one week later (3rd to 5th March), the WorldSBK circus is at Mandalika, Indonesia, for round two. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team and BMW Motorrad factory riders Loris Baz (FRA), Garrett Gerloff (USA), Scott Redding (GBR) and Michael van der Mark (NED) are set for their race debuts with the new BMW M 1000 RR.
The new generation of the BMW M 1000 RR was launched in October 2022 and serves as the basis for the World Superbike for the 2023 season. The new bike’s aerodynamics, in particular, have undergone comprehensive optimisation. At the same time, BMW Motorrad Motorsport has spent the winter developing specific racing components to be used in WorldSBK.
The two teams completed their pre-season preparations with the official tests at Phillip Island on Monday and Tuesday. The teams and the four riders used both days to fine-tune their bikes ahead of the opening races.
Quotes ahead of the Phillip Island and Mandalika rounds. Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “After a short and busy winter break, we now get back down to the serious business with two back-to-back race weekends. We are very excited about the races at Phillip Island and Mandalika. It is always challenging when you compete with a new bike – particularly as the WorldSBK has an extremely strong field this year and will be very competitive. However, we are confident: we have optimised our bike, our teams are doing an outstanding job, and our four riders are among the best in the field. For us, the two teams and the four riders, it is now important to establish a good basis in Australia and Indonesia, on which we can then build over the course of the season.”
Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “It has been the final test before 2023 officially starts. It was a good three out of four sessions. I feel like we made a lot of progress and we have a lot of information from the last two days. Only in the final session, we had some issues. In general, I think we know what we need to do for the weekend coming up. The bike feels good and I know that we can make more progress. There were more positives than negatives and that’s all that matters. At the first two rounds, I just want to have everything working well and I think at this point being in the top ten would be a really good result. I either want to be close to the best BMW or the best BMW. I think that’s the main goal. Overall, I want to be in the top ten for sure, and hopefully we can prepare the bike for these first two rounds in a way that we can make it happen.”
Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “At the test, we have worked on getting some more feeling with the bike and as the track started to have more grip I started to feel better. We tried a few things to help with the rear grip again and we worked on electronics to get me more feeling in that area of the bike. We still have some work to do. Now we start the season with a double-header. I am not feeling super confident yet but it is coming slowly the more I ride the bike. The field is super close at the moment. When you look at the lap times, it is super close with everybody. So it will be difficult to say what the targets for the first two rounds are and the race is obviously different to testing. I would be happy to get some top-six finishes in the first races. Overall, we just need to play it by ear and see where we are after the first race to improve on that.”
Michael van der Mark, #60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was nice to have another two days of testing. We had a solid plan, tried a lot of things, mainly with the electronics but also with the suspension. We did not change the bike completely but it was just small things we wanted to try and re-confirm. It has been good days of testing but as always in testing you want more time, but I think we can be quite happy. We had no problems so I am starting the weekend quite confident. At the first two rounds, we for sure need to be in the top ten. It seems that the midfield in WorldSBK is really tight now and I think we can expect some really good battles but we improved the bike a lot over the winter, step by step. Maybe not in the single-lap pace but over race distance and feeling for us. So I am looking forward to start the season. To be racing at Phillip Island and in Indonesia is amazing, two really good but completely different tracks. For me, the winter has been long enough and I can’t wait to start racing.”
Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “We were struggling a little bit throughout these two days, but had a good session on Monday morning, where I felt good straight away. After that we couldn’t really improve and had some problems with the bike. Luckily, it was a test. I would rather have these issues on Monday and Tuesday than Friday to Sunday. I want to say a huge thank you to all the guys, because it was two very long days for them now. They put in a lot of effort, we all did. We just have to continue like this. It is difficult to say what I expect from the first two rounds. If I manage to reach the team’s target, the top ten, in these two first rounds, I will be happy.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Locatelli P2 in Impressive Phillip Island Test with Razgatlıoğlu Fourth
Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK’s Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli took to the spectacular coastal Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for two days of official 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship testing, which finished today ahead of the season opener at the same venue later this week from 24-26 February.
Both riders completed a full test programme working to fine-tune the base set-up of their Yamaha R1 WorldSBK machines as well as test development parts to assist Yamaha’s engineers in future direction for this year and beyond.
Locatelli was particularly impressive – not only by completing 75 laps on Monday and a further 113 laps today including two long-run race simulations, but also in setting the second-fastest lap time overall with a 1’30.344 less than one-tenth from the top spot. The Italian has continued to reinforce the step in performance he has taken since the latter part of the 2022 season and all through winter testing.
Turkish star Razgatlıoğlu’s test programme almost mirrored his teammate, with a total of 165 laps across two days on the island and a fastest lap time of 1’30.674 banked yesterday afternoon – along with extensive data and feedback for the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK team to analyse ahead of the first round of the season.
Phillip Island’s 4.445km circuit layout is notoriously fast and features a particularly abrasive surface, calling into play tyre conservation strategies and an adapted set-up to conserve rear grip for the closing stages of each race. The next opportunity to see who has done their homework will come on Friday morning with the first Free Practice of 2023 at 11:30 local time (UTC+11).
Andrea Locatelli – P2, 1’30.344
“The feeling from yesterday was really good and I enjoyed this test! I enjoy riding on this track, it’s a bit special for me! When we finish the day, we go in the house and it is feeling like home, but also Phillip Island is just a really nice track – when you are riding you see the ocean and it’s something different. I’m really happy about these two days because we were really fast from the first day, and I think we were fast in every session – so this is a good point. The feeling with the bike was amazing in all the sessions. Now we need to look forward for the race weekend. To be honest, I think we are close to being ready and we have a really good package, so we need to trust and to believe! In general, I have more confidence with the bike, we work very well during the winter tests and also here in Phillip Island, so I think we are ready to fight.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P4, 1’30.674
“We tried many parts and different set-up on the two days, looking for best rear grip and race set up. In the end I am not so happy today, we did not find the best solution, so maybe we go back to yesterday setting – you know, my best lap time. Now my team are working for the weekend. I am just focused on set-up, not fast lap, I just focus this and trying the new parts – not push a lot. It can be easy to try too many parts or set-up and be lost, but now we are coming back again and it’s time to race. On Friday, everybody start pushing for the new season – always we try best position, maybe in the race we are big fighting again but we will see – I will try my best!”
More, from a press release issued by Team Go Eleven:
TOP 7 AT THE END OF TWO DAYS OF TESTING AT PHILLIP ISLAND!
Constance is the right word to explain the performance of Philipp Oettl and the Go Eleven Team in the two days of testing at the Phillip Island circuit. During Day 2, the Go Eleven rider confirmed his speed and concreteness in all sessions, completing the established program.
In the FP 1, the clouds and the fresh wind kept the asphalt temperatures cold, making the track very performing. Philipp set an excellent time under 31, improving his best lap ever here on the island, a tenth better than last year’s Superpole. In the morning he took fourth position for most of the session, only to drop to sixth towards the end. The only “regret” is not having improved with the softer tyre, which will be used in qualifying. However, the feeling in the race configuration is really good, so much so that he manages to lower his references easily, even in different set-up conditions.
FREE PRACTICE 1:
P 1 A. Bautista 1.30.272
P 2 A. Locatelli + 0.072
P 3 M. Rinaldi + 0.229
…
P 6 P. Oettl + 0.566
In the afternoon, the program included a complete race simulation, in a similar schedule to that of the two Main Races of the weekend. Philipp complied fully with it, completing almost 20 consecutive fast laps, constantly pushing. Here, as often happens, tyre management in the last 5-6 laps can really make the difference, as Philipp Island is a particularly incisive track especially on the rear. At the end of the session, the Italian team tried a different front, which however did not provide Oettl with an excellent feeling, despite the fact that he managed to improve the reference. In the afternoon the track was slightly slower due to the high temperature of the asphalt and perhaps with the extra grip provided by a soft tyre it could have made a difference, but the important thing was fixing all the details for the Race.
FREE PRACTICE 2:
P 1 A. Bautista 1.30.404
P 2 D. Aegerter + 0.335
P 3 M. Rinaldi + 0.592
…
P 7 P. Oettl + 0.859
A really positive two days, the one that has just ended in Phillip Island; The number 5 has always shown to be calm and fast, constantly remaining in the top places in all set-up and tyre configurations. Certainly from Friday the story will be different, we will still need to improve a few tenths, but the start was really convincing. Now, two days of well-deserved rest for riders and teams, then it will be time to inaugurate the 2023 WorldSBK World Championship!
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“Today it was another really good day of testing! In the morning we focused more on the lap time, while in the afternoon we did a complete race simulation, keep working on the turning of the bike, on tyres comparison and electronic, mainly in the anti-spin area. The only negative part of today is that we couldn’t try the new engine, it was programmed this afternoon, but we couldn’t do it due to a small technical problem. Everything else was really good, this morning I couldn’t take the maximum from the softer tyre, maybe we still have to work a bit on it, but generally we are in the right direction.”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“Today was another positive day, we managed to complete the pre-established work program and we had the confirmation we were looking for on some electronics configurations and set-up. In the morning the track was fast and we tested the tyre for Superpole Race, while we did the race simulation in the afternoon, and the rider had positive feedback, the feeling is good and understanding the management for the final laps of the race was very important. So I would say that we are ready for the start of the World Championship, let’s hope we have fun!”
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE UNLEASHES NEW SPORT CHIEF, RAISES THE BAR FOR AMERICAN V-TWIN PERFORMANCE CRUISERS
New Sport Chief Combines Timeless American Style with Quality Performance-Oriented Componentry, Including FOX® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Front Forks, Dual-Disc Brembo® Brakes and More
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 21, 2023 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed its most aggressive iteration of the iconic Indian Chief with the launch of Sport Chief. Building upon one of the most historic and influential motorcycle namesakes of all time, the 2023 Sport Chief raises the bar for American V-Twin performance cruisers through premium performance-oriented componentry and timeless, American styling.
“Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle. “With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever– offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”
When designing Sport Chief, Indian Motorcycle set its sights on performance by utilizing the finest components from proven brands. With KYB® inverted front forks, also featured on Indian Challenger models, Sport Chief offers superior handling and ride performance. The Sport Chief’s dual-disc, four-piston, semi-floating caliper, radial-mounted Brembo® brakes deliver confidence-inspiring stopping power, while piggyback rear FOX® shocks increase travel to four-inches and increases lean angle to 29.5 degrees, compared to other Indian Chief models. The result is an Indian Chief that begs for more aggressive riding and provides the confidence and capability to take the riding experience to another level.
“In 2021, we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Indian Chief with a lineup that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle. “With Sport Chief, we wanted to maintain the same care-free attitude and American muscle but elevate it even further with componentry that not only delivers a style and attitude that exudes performance but raises the bar entirely for performance cruisers.”
Featuring a simplistic steel-tube frame, Sport Chief preserves the Indian Chief’s mechanical styling. At the heart of it all, a blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 motor delivers 120 lbs.-ft. of torque, while a stylish new Quarter Fairing, along with new moto-style bars with machined triple clamps and six-inch risers set the Sport Chief apart from the rest of the Indian Chief lineup. With mid-mount foot controls and a solo gunfighter seat, riders are in a commanding, yet comfortable, riding position. Sport Chief features sport cast wheels wrapped in Pirelli® Night Dragon tires, a four-gallon fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and three selectable ride modes, including Sport, Standard and Tour.
Ride-enhancing technology comes standard with Indian Motorcycle’s class-leading four-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected features
like weather and traffic overlays. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
For riders looking to personalize their bike, Indian Motorcycle offers an array of accessories that enhance the bike’s performance, comfort, or adds personal style.
Performance Accessories
For a smoother, more comfortable ride, Indian Chief riders can add Adjustable Piggyback Rear FOX® Shocks. Featuring 24 clicks via easy-to-operate twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding preference.
Current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders can upgrade to the Sport Chief’s stock dual exposed FOX® Piggyback Rear Shocks, which provide four inches of travel with increased lean angle and an aftermarket, stylish look that increases stability, and improves comfort and capability for aggressive riding.
The new Chief Pathfinder 5 ¾ inch Adaptive LED Headlight, available in chrome or black, features patented, innovative technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle and delivers optimized illumination of the road ahead. With an industry first adaptive high-beam, lighting performance is superior to that of a standard headlight, projecting light a greater distance and spread in front of the bike.
To improve air flow and add high-performance styling, riders can purchase either the Thunderstroke High Flow Air Intake or Thunderstroke Forward Air Intake.
Style Accessories
Indian Chief riders looking to add personal style can select from a variety of Indian Motorcycle accessories. New 10-inch Moto Handlebar Risers not only add style, but deliver a more comfortable reach. Low and Tall windscreen options are available for the Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing, while a variety of bags, including a Solo Rack and Rack Bag, Tail Bag, and Bobber Saddlebag, complement the bike’s design.
The Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing and six-inch Moto Handlebar Risers are available for current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders.
Comfort Accessories
For added comfort and improved ergonomics based off height, riders can add an Extended Reach or Reduced Reach Seat. For two-up riding, Indian Motorcycle offers the Chief Syndicate Seat and a Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the Sport Chief’s aggressive design.
Pricing for the 2023 Sport Chief starts at $18,999 and is available in Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, Stealth Gray, and Spirit Blue Smoke. Sport Chief will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in March 2023. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy
FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.
KYB® is a registered trademark of KYB Corporation
Pirelli® is a registered trademark of PIRELLI & C.S.P.A.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc.
Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez (left) and Joan Mir (right). Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Repsol Honda Team present 2023 colours at Repsol headquarters in Madrid
MotoGP World Champions, Marc Marquez and Joan Mir, unveil their 2023 Honda RC213V in full 2023 livery.
On Wednesday morning, journalists, guests and fans at the Repsol Campus in Madrid, headquarters of the multinational energy company, Marc Marquez and Joan Mir presented the Honda RC213V with which they will compete during the 2023 MotoGP World Championship. The two Spanish riders, sharing ten World Championships between them, join forces in a formidable Repsol Honda Team lineup for the coming season.
Honda and Repsol’s alliance stretches back 29 years, with success and technological development along the way. It is the longest collaboration in the world of motorsports competitions and has seen the team earn 15 World Championships, 183 victories and 454 podiums in the premier class.
Marquez is back at full fitness after some difficult years with injuries. The eight-time World Champion will again aim to fight for the title in his eleventh year with the Repsol Honda Team. In the 154 Grands Prix he has contested with the team, he has 100 podium finishes, of which 59 have been victories, 63 pole positions and six Premier Class titles.
Mir was MotoGP World Champion in 2020, as well as winning the Moto3 title on a Honda in 2017. He joins the Repsol Honda Team after 65 races in the premier class, with 13 podiums and one victory. Mir had his first experience of the RC213V at the Valencia Test last November, continuing his adaptation in the recent Sepang test.
The President of Repsol, Antonio Brufau, and Director – General Manager Race Operations Management Division of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), Tetsuhiro Kuwata, also spoke during the event. This will be an important season for the most successful team in the history of MotoGP, not only in terms of competition but also for the future of the sport: in 2024, renewable fuels will become a reality in MotoGP, using sources such as organic waste to efficiently reduce emissions in the immediate future. Thanks to the commitment made by Dorna and the FIM, MotoGP fuels must be of at least 40% of non-fossil origin in 2024, rising to 100% in 2027.
Throughout 2023, tests and work undertaken in Japan and at the Repsol Technology Lab will be essential for offering the Repsol Honda Team riders the best engine and renewable fuel combination for next season. Both companies have been working on this for some time, as could be seen in the tests carried out by Marquez at Jarama a few months ago.
Before the World Championship starts in Portimao (Portugal) on March 26th, the riders will have an official test on March 11 and 12th at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
Marc Marquez
“The bike looks great again this year! I am really looking forward to riding in full Repsol Honda Team colours again at the Portugal Test. It’s great to be here with the whole Repsol family who have been with me and the team for such a long time. It will be an important test in Portimao, as we have some work to do, but the engineers have been working hard in Japan. I am eager to keep working and get this season started, I am feeling fit and ready to go racing.”
Joan Mir
“It feels incredible to wear the full Repsol Honda Team colours for the first time and to show off the latest version of the Honda RC213V. It’s such an honour to join this iconic team and my focus is to deliver the best results possible, what is expected when you join a team such as this. We’ve made good progress already in Sepang and we still have time to prepare in Portugal, we keep working and we keep improving.”
Tetsuhiro Kuwata
HRC Director
“We arrive at the 2023 season after some challenging years, but we have not lost our spirit or our drive. Honda has won 25 Premier Class World Championships, including 24 Constructors Championships and we know what we are capable of as a company and as a constructor. Competition in MotoGP is tighter than ever, but we are continuing to work to our maximum in order to give our riders what they need. It is a pleasure to again be with our partners at Repsol to unveil our new colours for a new season, another beautiful Repsol Honda Team machine.
“We have two great riders to lead us this year, Marc Marquez’s history and accomplishments with us need no explanation. He has brought us some of the brightest points in our history and we are delighted that he is back to full fitness. On the other side of the garage is Joan Mir who has already twice been a World Champion at 25 years of age and has a proven track record of adapting quickly to new situations. I hope to see them both achieving the success we at Honda HRC know they are capable of this year.”
Marcos Fraga
Director of Communications and Corporate Marketing at Repsol
“We always take great pride in celebrating our alliance with HRC at Campus Repsol, a relationship which has now reached 29 years of joint success. Once again, we are faced with the challenge of returning to the path of triumph. It is a year of great importance for our alliance, we are aware of the great challenge that we will face also in 2024 with the arrival of biofuels in MotoGP. The engineers from our Repsol Technology Lab and our colleagues at Honda are working closely together to develop the fuel and lubricants that we will use in 2024. I hope that we can celebrate a great 2023 season and that the Repsol Honda pairing continues to bring us much success.”
(From left) PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team's Eric Granado, Midori Moriwaki, and Hafizh Syahrin. Photo courtesy PETRONAS MIE Honda Racing Team.
Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the video presentation.
PETRONAS TO REV UP THE MIE RACING HONDA TEAM IN THE 2023 FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The MIE Racing Honda Team today announced its new title sponsor, PETRONAS, ahead of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship, which is set to begin this coming weekend at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island.
The agreement with PETRONAS will enable Midori Moriwaki’s team to expand upon its projects and set itself some ambitious goals for 2023 and beyond.
The FIM Superbike World Championship is one of the world’s leading championships and allows riders from all over the world to compete at the highest level with production-derived motorcycles. While the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team will continue to compete in World Superbike with riders Hafizh Syahrin and Eric Granado, the 2023 season will also see it field a Supersport team for the first time with the formation of the new PETRONAS MIE MS Racing Honda Team counting on younger and skilled riders Tarran Mackenzie and Adam Norrodin, as they carve their professional path.
All four riders, together with Midori Moriwaki and representatives from PETRONAS unveiled the Honda CBR1000RR-R and Honda CBR600RR with which they will compete in this season’s Superbike and Supersport World Championship classes during a virtual presentation. The beautiful new livery, which stands out for its distinctive PETRONAS colour scheme, makes an unmistakeable impact both on and off track.
With the arrival of PETRONAS, MIE Racing will also focus on wider-ranging, long-term projects as well as the development of an ‘academy program’ that will see the partners join forces to harness WorldSBK and WorldSSP as the platforms and catalyst for a Malaysian talent development program that seeks to promote and develop the talents of up-and-coming riders. This venture will enable PETRONAS to exhibit its expertise and conduct product testing and development with the team, which will help amplify the energy company’s premium products for the high-performance production Superbikes.
Midori Moriwaki
(Owner of MIE Racing )
“It is a real source of pride and satisfaction for the MIE Racing Honda Team to be able to announce a multi-year partnership with PETRONAS and hope to expand our presence in the production-derived championship with our Supersport team together.”
Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz
(PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications)
“PETRONAS is extremely honoured to team up with Midori and we are very excited to embark on this new project. We have worked with Midori in the past and we look forward to a successful partnership with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team, as the FIM Superbike World Championship will provide the opportunity to push our advancement of fluid technology in motorsports and to commercially position the PETRONAS brand. We are eager to see the riders perform, both in WorldSBK and WorldSSP. We will also have the opportunity to develop the skills of Malaysian talents in the two-wheel segment, something we very much look forward to.”
PETRONAS MIE RACING HONDA TEAM RIDERS COMMENTS
With the 2023 Superbike World Championship set to begin this coming weekend at the Australian circuit of Phillip Island, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team and new title partner PETRONAS have presented the teams with which they will compete in this season’s Superbike and Supersport World Championship classes.
Hafizh Syahrin
(PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team)
“I’m very happy to be heading into my second WorldSBK season with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda team. The first year was tough but I’ve gained so much experience, thanks to both the team and other riders, and it will be interesting to see where we are this year. Our package is improved and there have been a few changes in terms of technical staff too. I am also more used to the electronics and tyres, which were new to me last year, and so I’ll be better prepared in that respect going into 2023. I’m very confident in continuing with the same team, and both they and I will do our best to support each other, trust the process and continue to learn race by race. The minimum aim is to finish every race inside the points. As for my team-mate, I shared the track with him a few times in the past, and then last year we started training and cycling together so I can say that we share a good relationship and similar goals, in that we both want to work hard and score strong results for the team.”
Eric Granado
(PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team)
“First I want to thank Midori and Honda for this opportunity. It’s also great to represent Brazil on the WorldSBK grid, following in the footsteps of Alex Barros. This next season will be an important one for me and the team, and I’m excited to get started. I know the Honda already, but the SBK spec is very different, so I’ll need to get used to this, the electronics in particular, but I’m ready to learn. Everything will be new to me, after many years in the GP paddock, and I’ll need to be physically prepared considering the intense weekend schedule, but I feel ready. I’ll be facing some new tracks, but the team has data of course, so we’ll do our best to be as prepared as we can be. It’s good that Hafizh already has experience of the bike and team, and I hope we can work well together to achieve our goals. I might need a little time to get used to the bike, tyres, tracks and everything but I intend to do my best from start to finish – I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Adam Norrodin
(PETRONAS MIE MS Racing Honda Team)
“I’m excited to be part of WorldSSP this season. I’ve raced in various international series including Moto2 and Moto3, but World Supersport is a brand-new challenge for me. I’m nervous of course but also excited, and this is my first time riding the bike, so I know I have a lot of work to do. I have high expectations to be honest. Honda hasn’t competed in the 600 class over the last couple of years, but it has been very successful in this championship in the past, so we have a lot to live up to. PETRONAS is also a big name in racing and with their support, I think we can have a great season. I know that everything has been going well back at base, so I’m keen to see how we line up against the competition. I will fight as hard as I can and the aim is to be competitive, hopefully fighting on the front row.”
Tarran Mackenzie
(PETRONAS MIE MS Racing Honda Team)
“I’ve had a great off-season and am looking forward to getting started. There’s a lot of history behind Midori and the Moriwaki family. She is passionate about racing and has put in a lot of effort to take another step up again this year. And we have PETRONAS on board too, a massive name in motorsport, which is great. As for me, the goal was always to return to world championship level and Midori and her team are now giving me that opportunity. It’s not going to be easy because there’s a lot of fast guys there, but I think starting in WorldSSP is a good move for me. I’ve been on the Superbike in BSB for five seasons now, but I think it’ll be good for me to ride the smaller and nimbler Supersport bike. I think this new Honda has great potential – we just need to take things one step at a time. On paper, I think it can be one of the strongest packages; I just need to get used to it after a few years on a Superbike. I can’t wait to get going to be honest.”
Jake Gagne (1) testing in February at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Photo by David Swarts.
MotoAmerica Pre-Season Test
Buttonwillow Raceway Park (Config 26 CCW)
Buttonwillow, California
February 21, 2023
Day One Best Lap Times (all on Dunlop tires, lap times courtesy California Roadrace Association):
Jake Gagne (Yam), 1:41.274
Cameron Beaubier (BMW), 1:42.113
Mathew Scholtz (Yam), 1:42.322
Richie Escalante (Suz), 1:42.918
PJ Jacobsen (BMW), 1:43.813
Toni Elias (Suz), 1:43.962
Corey Alexander (BMW), 1:45.824
More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:
Gagne On Top At Buttonwillow Test, Beaubier Second Fastest
High Winds Stop Proceedings Early As Seven Superbikes Take Part In Preseason Test In California
IRVINE, CA (February 21, 2023) – Seven Superbike riders took part in the first of two days of semi-private testing at Buttonwillow Raceway Park on Tuesday, but the name at the top of timesheets was the same as it was a few weeks ago – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne – even though the track was run in the counterclockwise direction and the day was cut short by heavy winds.
The lone soldier under the Attack Performance umbrella with the absence of his teammate Cameron Petersen, who recently underwent a fasciotomy (arm-pump surgery), Gagne was solid as always with the two-time and defending MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Champion following up his successful test from February 7-8 at Buttonwillow with another solid day at the track located some 35 minutes north of Bakersfield.
Gagne’s best today was a 1:41.274, which came on his 19th of 28 laps, and it came in what was his second time running the Buttonwillow track counterclockwise, though he said he likes both directions.
“It was good,” Gagne said. “We all ended the day early because some wind came in that was pretty gnarly. We got some good riding in this morning, but nothing too crazy. We ran the track backwards today. I’ve been here one other time when we ran the other way. It’s nice that we can switch directions because it changes some stuff, and it just changes the track so we can try something else (settings wise). There’s also one section that we don’t use so there’s one added section so there’s a couple of different turns that we don’t have going the other way (clockwise). It does work out that the fast time one way is close to a fast time the other way. We still have some stuff on our list to try tomorrow, mainly just different chassis stuff we haven’t had to try and there’s always electronics and things like that.”
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Cameron Beaubier was second best, the five-time MotoAmerica Superbike Champion in his second outing at Buttonwillow on his new BMW M 1000 RR as he returns to the series following a two-year stint in the Moto2 World Championship. The Californian did 26 laps today with his best – a 1:42.113 – coming on his 22nd lap and it was .839 of a second off Gagne’s fast time.
“We wanted to pick up where we left off at the test a couple of months ago, but we couldn’t compare back-to-back because we ran the track the other way,” Beaubier said. “It ended up going good and we had a decent day. We stayed on the same harder compound tires all day. We only did like 30 to 35 laps or something like that and we started and ended on the same tires. I threw in a new set of the harder option, and I went out at the end and the wind picked up, so I pulled in after a lap. The wind was trying to blow the front wheel out from under me, so it was sketch. We had some updated torque maps to try, and we worked through those a bit. I think we have a new swingarm to try tomorrow so that will be cool. We will keep working at it.”
Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz ended the day third fastest with a 1:42.322 in his first-time running Buttonwillow in the counterclockwise direction.
Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante was having his first outing of the preseason at Buttonwillow Raceway Park, and he ended the day fourth fastest with his 1:42.918.
PJ Jacobsen joined his new teammate Beaubier under the Tytlers Cycle Racing garage and was fifth fastest with a best of 1:43.813.
2010 Moto2 World Champion and 2017 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion Toni Elias was back on a Superbike for the first time since he raced an Attack Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 at New Jersey Motorsports Park in September of 2021. It also marked Elias’ return to the same Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team that he rode for in 2020. The Spaniard turned in 34 laps today as he shook the cobwebs out, ending up sixth fastest with a best of 1:43.962.
“My eyes were popping out from my face,” Elias said of his first laps on a Superbike since 2021. “It was fun, it was good. For two or three practice (sessions) it was just getting used to it again, and then we started to work a little bit, but the weather didn’t help. It got windy when we started to test some things. It’s okay. Tomorrow it will be interesting. It was like a new track (going the other direction) and it made my first day a little bit more difficult. It’s okay. I could go back to the bike, increase the speed every run and I’m very happy to come back. I’m excited and I needed it because I only ride street bikes for the last almost two years. It’s been one point eight years since New Jersey. I’m happy to be back with Team Hammer and thank them for giving me the opportunity to race with them again.”
Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Corey Alexander was seventh fastest on day one with a 1:45.824 coming on the 21st of 24 laps on the 2022 Yuasa Stock 1000 Champion’s BMW M 1000 RR
“It took us all a little by surprise this morning to have to learn the track,” Alexander said of him and his teammates. “Cam (Beaubier) had ridden it once that way. PJ (Jacobsen) and I had never gone that direction.”
The seven riders will be back on track tomorrow morning.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
Kayla Yaakov at speed on her new MP13 Racing Yamaha YZF-R7. Photo by David Swarts.
Follow MP13 Racing Team Owner Melissa Paris, and young riders Aiden Sneed and Kayla Yaakov as they take on the 2023 MotoAmerica motorcycle racing season.
The Royal Enfield Twins FT flat track racebike. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield Announces Two-Rider Team for 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Season
Johnny Lewis and Ryan Wells to contest Mission SuperTwins class aboard Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycles
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, February 21, 2023) – Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team are prepared to take on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track championship. For Lewis, this marks his fourth year of competition with Royal Enfield, and the 2023 season marks another step forward as the MotoAnatomy team will now field a full-time two-man team in the premier class, adding Ryan Wells to the roster.
Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy team have made great strides in American Flat Track, introducing the Royal Enfield INT650 motorcycle into the world of competition. After spending several seasons in the Production Twins class developing the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle, Lewis carded multiple podium finishes in the last two seasons, including a historic win at the Lima Half-Mile in 2021—a first-ever feat for Royal Enfield. Lewis is now confident that the Twins FT has the potential to be a serious contender in all formats of AFT racing: Short Track, Half-Mile, TT, and even the formidable Mile. Lewis and crew are ready to jump into the busy 18-round AFT Championship.
After several seasons of development, Johnny Lewis and Ryan Wells are looking to put the Royal Enfield Twins FT on the podium in 2023.
Johnny Lewis (10) in action on his Royal Enfield Twins FT. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
“This is going to be another historic season for Royal Enfield in American Flat Track,” said Johnny Lewis. “The Twins FT motorcycle is something we’ve spent a long time developing, and we’re now at a point where we have the confidence to go all in. We’re thrilled to bring on a second rider, as well. Ryan Wells is already a great addition to the MotoAnatomy team. We’re looking forward to kicking off the season at the Daytona Short Track.”
Ryan Wells is a force in AFT competition, and the 2016 GNC2 (Singles) champion ranks among the Singles’ class all-time winningest riders. The 2007 AMA Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year has been winning pro-level races for over a decade, and now brings his flat track expertise to Royal Enfield.
Ryan Wells. Photo courtesy Royal Enfield North America.
“Words can’t express my excitement to join the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team for 2023,” said Ryan Wells. “Finally rejoining the Mission SuperTwins class full time is long overdue for my personal goals and I’m glad it’s finally coming to fruition. Being able to work alongside Johnny Lewis, someone I’ve looked up to for so long, is really the icing on the cake. I thrive off of positivity and people chasing the same goals and Johnny and I really click in those ways. I’m very excited to get the ball rolling.”
The expanded Royal Enfield racing team will make its 2023 racing debut at the Progressive AFT season opener at Daytona Bike Week in Florida. Look for Johnny Lewis (#10) and Ryan Wells (#94) at the Daytona Short Track Doubleheader on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10.
Lewis, Wells and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team will be joined at select rounds by the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. (BTR) program. The women of BTR will be contesting a schedule of four rounds within the Progressive American Flat Track schedule, starting with the Dallas Half-Mile on April 22. For more info visit BuildTrainRace.com.
2023 Progressive American Flat Track Racing Schedule
March 9 (Rnd 1) Daytona Short Track I – Daytona Beach, FL
March 10 (Rnd 2) Daytona Short Track II – Daytona Beach, FL
August 12 (Rnd 16) Castle Rock TT – Castle Rock, WA
September 2 (Rnd 17) Springfield Mile I – Springfield, IL
September 3 (Rnd 18) Springfield Mile II – Springfield, IL
For more on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Championship, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.
About Royal Enfield
The oldest motorcycle company in continuous production in the world, Royal Enfield made its first motorcycle in 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. Royal Enfield is a leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market.
Royal Enfield North America (RENA) is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is developing a growing network of more than 150 dealers in North America, including the contiguous U.S. and Canada. RENA currently offers the all-new Scram 411, Classic 350, Meteor 350, Himalayan and the 650 Twins (INT650 and Continental GT 650) motorcycles, along with a range of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories and apparel.
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/RoyalEnfield_NA, www.Facebook.com/RoyalEnfieldNorthAmerica.
ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R10 HELMET ON TRACK WITH JORGE MARTIN AND JACK MILLER IN 2023 PRE-SEASON MOTOGP TEST IN SEPANG, MALAYSIA
SEPANG, MALAYSIA, and ASOLO, ITALY – Completing a combined 284 laps over three days of MotoGP testing in Sepang, Jorge Martin and Jack Miller continued their preparations for the 2023 season, utilizing the Supertech R10 helmet throughout the dry, wet, and mixed circuit conditions they experienced over the course of the test.The Alpinestars Helmet Developments Department has been focused on safety advancements for over 10 years. One of the results of these years of work is the S-M10 motocross helmet, which is now a leading safety product in US and World Motocross. In tandem with the success of the S-M10 helmet, the S-R10 has been in development for several years, with focus on ensuring the highest performance when it comes to protection and a new level of safety. Advanced aerodynamics has also been a focus of development, with countless sessions in the wind tunnel aimed at reducing drag and providing optimal aerodynamic stability, while offering an elite level of comfort and ventilation.
Andrea Dovizioso has been a key part of the development team including on-track development.
Jack Miller and his new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
“It’s unreal to be back with Alpinestars and to do it in this fashion, being one of the first to bring the new helmet on board, it’s an amazing opportunity for me. I’m really happy with the first time wearing it on track, the visibility is amazing and thankfully here in Malaysia, we’ve been able to test it in all kinds of conditions, with the humidity and also some rain. I was very, very happy with how it performed in those conditions. And it’s great to be back in the leathers too, they look great and more importantly, they fit fantastically.” – Jack Miller
Jorge Martin and his new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
“I’m super happy to be in the Alpinestars family, now fully equipped by Alpinestars. I really like how the helmet’s working, how it fits my head is so important, and I’m really comfortable in it. This is very important, we’re going so, so fast; almost 340kph and it’s working perfectly, really stable. So, I’m happy and looking forward to moving forward with this family for a lot of years.” – Jorge Martin
Jack Miller’s new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
SUPERTECH R10 HELMET TECHNICAL FEATURES
OUTER SHELL
CARBON SHELL CONSTRUCTION MULTI-LAYER COMPOSITE DISPERSES ENERGY IN IMPACTS
The S-R10 helmet is constructed with a 3K high density carbon outer layer that improves the strength and efficiency of energy dissipation over the shell.
The unidirectional (UD) carbon composite layer provides significantly greater radial strength around the shell, preventing compression, but allowing controlled deflection for reducing transmitted impact energy.
The aramid fiber layer provides critical penetration protection.
This layered composite combination is given even greater performance with an epoxy resin bonding that offers the best possible strength and energy management. The combination of material layers provides improved energy management as well as limited outer shell deflection, making the energy spread wider and better absorbed by the EPS liner.
Jack Miller wearing his new Alpinestars Supertech R10 helmet during the MotoGP test at Sepang. Photo courtesy Alpinestars.
INNER SHELL
THE S-R10’S INNER SHELL IS MADE FROM EPS IN DIFFERENT DENSITIES, TO DISPERSE THE REQUIRED IMPACT ABSORPTION PROPERTIES EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE REQUIRED
The S-R10 has four inner shells just like the outer shell.
The EPS inner surface is smooth, creating an optimized, low friction area, for superior oblique impact management.
A-HEAD FITMENT SYSTEM the EPS is fitted with a patented A-Head Fitment System which provides both height and angle adjustment. Developed by Alpinestars and originally utilized with great success in the S-M10 Motocross helmet, the A-Head Fitment System allows for an ultra-specific set-up, where the helmet can be tuned exactly to the rider’s preference for the height and angle at which the helmet sits on the rider’s head.
AERODYNAMICS
DEVELOPED WITH CFD SIMULATIONS, VALIDATED IN THE WIND TUNNEL AND ON TRACK, THE S-R10 HELMET IS OPTIMIZED FOR LOW DRAG PERFORMANCE AND MAXIMUM AERODYNAMIC STABILITY
The aerodynamics of the S-R10 helmet are optimized to work in conjunction and unity with the hump and the back construction of Alpinestars’ racing leather suits.
The S-R10 helmet is fitted with turbulators to improve the aero-acoustic performance.
An aerodynamic spoiler is fitted with a patented release system that incorporates elastic joints that help the spoiler to detach from the helmet shell if it is subjected to a significant impact, regardless of the angle of impact.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
THE SUPERTECH R10 HELMET CONTAINS FOUR VENTILATION POINTS, ALL OF WHICH ARE CLOSEABLE
Chin Vent: This vent is formed by two openings located in the front of the helmet at the sides of the shield lock mechanism. Air entering from the chin vent will be channeled towards the inner side of the shield, creating a uniform, laminated flow of air that effectively prevents fogging and misting.
Chin Bar Vents: These vents are used to extract humid air to the outside of the helmet.
Top Vent: The large central slider channels air down to the top of the head, for better comfort. Which in turn, when open, has vents for hot air extraction away from the rider’s forehead.
Rear Spoiler Extractor: Two extractor vents are located under the rear spoiler, for effective hot air extraction.
SHIELD
THE SHIELD MECHANISM IS FITTED WITH METAL LOCK COMPONENTS TO PREVENT UNWANTED SHIELD DETACHMENT DURING IMPACTS, LOCKED IN THE CLOSED POSITION BY A FRONT METAL LOCK
The Shield is equipped with internal pins to accommodate a PINLOCK 120XLT – 100 % MAX VISION lens and external pins to accommodate tear-offs.
The S-R10 is fitted with an Optical Class 1 shield, 3mm in thickness, and coated with an anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.
The shield attaches to the shell via side cams mechanisms, allowing the shield to rotate and to move, in order to seal it completely against the helmet’s rubber window trim.
REMOVABLE LINING
LININGS ARE REMOVABLE AND WASHABLE, AND FEATURE FABRICS WITH ANTI-
MICROBIAL TREATMENTS
Crown Pad: The crown pad and the neck pad are elastically connected, for enhanced oblique impact management, with a construction based on four panels (front, sides, rear), for an optimized fit with the proper foam thickness.
Top Pad: The top pad is removable and height adjustable via the A-Head Fitment System.
Cheek Pads: The cheek pads are fitted with premium foam and fabrics, offering comfort and breathability. The cheek pads also feature an emergency extraction system, allowing the side cheek padding to be easily removed by trackside support and medical staff, and they also have a channel for the installation of a hydration system.
The start of MotoE Race One at Mugello in 2022. Photo courtesy Dorna.
2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship Entry List announced
The full list of riders and teams can now be revealed ahead of MotoE™’s first season as a World Championship
The provisional Entry List for the 2023 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship can now be revealed! Every team will now have two bikes as Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™ and Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse expand, making it nine teams and 18 riders set to contest MotoE™’s first season as a World Championship. Present at every European Grand Prix from Le Mans to Misano and racing on all-new Ducati machinery, MotoE™ begins a new era of competition in 2023.
Amongst the riders, some familiar names return, including two-time Cup winner Jordi Torres, now at Openbank Aspar Team, and first ever Cup winner Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™). Consistent contender Eric Granado will be back at LCR E-Team and Mattia Casadei, a key protagonist in 2022, remains at Pons Racing 40. There’s also Alessandro Zaccone, who was a race winner and fought for the Cup in 2021, returning after a year in Moto2™ – and he’ll saddle up with Tech3 E-Racing.
The rookie ranks make for interesting reading too, headlined by Tito Rabat as the 2014 Moto2™ World Champion returns to the Grand Prix paddock to take on MotoE™. Randy Krummenacher is another to watch as he joins Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™, adding another class to his CV of 125cc, Moto2™, WorldSSP and WorldSBK experience. With new Ducati machinery for everyone on the grid, the rookies will be an even more interesting watch as the season gets underway at Le Mans – and there are plenty fresh faces!
A Zero x HUGE Design custom SR-X electric motorcycle. Photo courtesy Zero Motorcycles.
ZERO x HUGE DESIGN RELEASE CUSTOM BUILT SR-X ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE
The two companies reimagine the future of powersports with this stunning custom fabrication built from a stock SR/S premium electric motorcycle
Santa Cruz, Calif. (February 21, 2023) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, is pleased to release the one-of-a-kind SR-X motorcycle, a completely bespoke reimagination of the company’s SR/S model developed by HUGE Design. The SR-X is the latest addition to Zero’s “Design the Future” development program, which has produced some of the most innovative and thought-provoking electric motorcycles in the world. This program brings together some of the industry’s most talented designers and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible with electric motorcycles.
HUGE Design, led by Bill Webb, has once again played a key role in Zero’s vision for the future. Webb was also responsible for the Zero SM concept bike that heavily influenced the development of one of Zero’s most popular models, specifically the FXE. The SR-X is the latest example of his visionary concepts and Zero’s commitment to innovation. This semi-faired concept bike showcases Zero’s industry-leading electric powertrain and boasts both performance and style.
“The SR-X concept bike strives to hit a design sweet spot for the near future of electric
motorcycles by combining clean lines and disciplined design-detailing with the aggressive
stance and raw performance found in modern liter bikes,” said Webb. “This bike is an attempt to define a new sub-category for high performance electric, something between a streetfighter and a track bike. We wanted true sport riders to appreciate the subtle and balanced design approach—modern, futuristic and clean without sacrificing the raw-performance look and overtly mechanical appeal of high-performance motorcycles.”
The HUGE team wanted to create a dramatic and low ‘front-heavy’ silhouette with the
bodywork that could juxtapose the fully-exposed mechanicals toward the back of the bike in an unconventional way. Impressed by the look of the SR/S chassis and mechanicals, HUGE intentionally designed the SR-X with the raw bike underneath as part of the final composition.
“Working with Bill on the SM concept and FXE over the past few years has led to a great
partnership with Huge Design,” said Brian Wismann, VP of Product Development at Zero. “When we originally spoke about the SR-X project, I couldn’t wait to see Bill’s clean, structured aesthetic applied to our premium sport platform. The result exceeds expectations and points the way forward for our internal design teams.”
Powered by Zero’s advanced ZF75-10 electric motor and the latest ZF17.3 lithium-ion battery, the SR-X represents a bold vision for the future of motorcycling. “At Zero Motorcycles, we are driven by a passion for design and technology, and the SR-X is the perfect expression of this passion,” continued Wismann. “We can’t wait to see how this concept bike will inspire the future of the industry and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
About Zero Motorcycles:
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for intelligent, innovative riders around the world
Editorial Note: Use the scroll and zoom tools in the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the results, including the combined results from the two days of testing and more.
Bautista ends the Official Test on top as Day 2 provides a mixed-up WorldSBK order
The final pre-season test concluded with 16 riders covered by less than 1.5s
2022 WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista topped the timesheets on the final day of the Official Test with a 1’30.272s set in the morning session.
Andrea Locatelli (55) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Andrea Locatelli was second at the end of Day 2 just 0.072s off Bautista’s fastest time.
Michael Rinaldi (21). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s best time of 1’30.501s gave him third place in Tuesday’s combined results as he finished 0.229s behind teammate Bautista.
Jonathan Rea (65) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (54). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Six-time World Champion Jonathan Rea concluded Day 2 in fourth place despite a crash at Turn 4, whilst 2021 WorldSBK Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu was sixth with a best time of 1’30.757s.
Dominique Aegerter (77). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Dominique Aegerter was the fastest Rookie in fifth place while his teammate, whilst home hero Remy Gardner was ninth with a 1’31.073s.
Remy Gardner (87). Photo courtesy Dorna.
WorldSBK Day 2 Report
Pre-season is all done and dusted for the 2023 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field as the final day of testing concluded at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia. The Official Test came to an end and ahead of the first round of the season – the Grand Ridge Brewery Australian Round – and it was Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) who topped the times with a 1’30.272s in FP1 and he was focused on working for the weekend and with set-up high on his agenda, Bautista was in a class of his own.
It was another positive day for Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK), as he was second in the morning session, having topped the corresponding session on Day 1. Running inside the top two for the majority of FP2 on day two, Locatelli continued working like he did on day one and was doing short race simulations throughout both two-hour sessions, finishing as the top Yamaha rider.
Michael Ruben Rinaldi took third place, with the 27-year-old Italian making strides once more and sporadically topping the timesheets throughout the day. After missing “some tenths” on day one, Rinaldi set his fastest time of the test in FP1, comfortably under the 2022 pole time.
Following a day of mixed feelings on day one, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) was once again top Kawasaki rider taking fourth overall with his FP1 time being his best. He had a focus on making the bike manageable, with sector three being a weak point, whilst he also had late-race tyre life to continue working on too. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) had a relatively quiet day as he continued his search for improved rear grip, despite a good final run on the opening day. With race simulation being the call of the day, Razgatlioglu was fifth in FP1 but languished in tenth at the end of FP2, placing him sixth overall and third Yamaha.
WorldSBK Day 2 Results
1. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’30.272s
2. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) + 0.072s
3. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.229s
4. Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.444s
6. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK) +0.485s
Nicolo Bulega (11). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Bulega remains fastest on the final day of the Official Test
Nicolo Bulega was fastest on the final day of the Official Test with a fastest time of 1.32.781s. He was the only rider within the ‘32s.
Stefano Manzi took second place on the combined results with a 1’33.227s finishing 0.446s off Bulega, while Can Oncu concluded day two in third.
WorldSSP Day 2 Report
The final session of pre-season testing is in the books for the 2023 FIM Supersport World Championship grid, and making it four out of four in terms of topping sessions, Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) goes into the first weekend of the year with a target on his back. Setting the fastest time of the week so far in the WorldSSP class, the #11 Ducati rider was under the existing race lap record as he readies to lay down the gauntlet against a fierce opposition. Today was the day where he looked comfortably faster than anyone else, with nearly half a second advantage over his nearest rival.
The Italian rider set over 60 laps on his way to top spot, fending off fellow countryman Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) and Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing). Manzi was 0.446s behind Bulega but was the only Yamaha rider inside the top eight positions, whilst Turkish star Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) consolidated his top three status.
Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) took fourth place despite a crash earlier in the day but was OK. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) was next up in fifth but like Manzi and Oncu ahead of him, he relied on his FP1 time. Sixth place was another Ducati and another Italian in Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura), who improved his time by three tenths of a second from FP1 to FP2 on day two.
Flying the Australian flag in the class, Oli Bayliss (D34G Racing) was a solid seventh on the combined times and was consistent with his lap times across the sessions.
Read the full report from Day 2 on worldsbk.com
WorldSSP Day 2 Results
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) 1’32.781s
2. Stefano Manzi (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) +0.446s
3. Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) +0.625s
4. Federico Caricasulo (Althea Racing Team) +0.724s
5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.021s
6. Raffaele De Rosa (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +1.155s
More, from a press release issued by GYTR GRT Yamaha:
STRONG TEST IN PHILLIP ISLAND FOR AEGERTER AND GARDNER
On 20th-21st February, the iconic Phillip Island circuit hosted the Dorna Supported Test ahead of the first round of the season, which will take place at the same venue, with both GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s riders showing strong and promising pace.
Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner got to try their Yamaha R1 machines for the first time in Australia, with their primary focus on continuing their adaptation to the bikes. On Day 1, Gardner completed 73 laps to find himself 7th (1’31.600), with Aegerter just behind in 9th after 71 laps (1’31.728).
The GYTR GRT Yamaha duo shifted focus twenty-four hours later on to race performance, yet still managed to pull out some impressive lap times. Indeed, Aegerter went 2nd in the very final session to end the test 6th on the combined timesheets (1’30.739, 113 laps); the Swiss saved the best for last and set a flying lap late on Tuesday after also impressing with his race pace. On the other side of the box, local hero Gardner finished in 9th (1’31.073, 115 laps) after consistently featuring in the top 3 for most of Tuesday’s afternoon practice.
Both riders will now enjoy two days off before diving into the season’s opening round at Phillip Island on 24th-26th February.
Dominique Aegerter
6th: 1’30.639, 184 laps
“The adaption keeps going on; we’re happy with this last test before the beginning of the season. We did one strong lap, and I’m happy with the one I did, even though we know we’re still missing something on our race pace. Anyway, we have good data to work on, all the people in my team did a great job, and we’re ready to start, so I cannot wait for Saturday and Sunday to come.”
Remy Gardner
9th: 1’31.073, 188 laps
“We’re satisfied with the progress we made. I enjoyed myself at Phillip Island. Even though we didn’t try to do a flying lap, our race pace was not too bad, and the feeling was okay. I cannot wait to begin the Championship; we’ll keep working during these days to progress further; we have good data available to us, so there’s still margin for improvement.”
More, from a press release issued by Team HRC:
Team HRC concludes official testing and prepares for Phillip Island season-opener
Team HRC and its riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have concluded the final pre-season test at Philip Island, Australia, as they prepare for the opening round of the 2023 Superbike World Championship this coming weekend.
On track on both Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 February, Team HRC tested alongside the rest of the WorldSBK field, exploiting two sessions of two hours each on both days and blessed by hot and sunny conditions, something the two factory riders particularly appreciated having not often experienced this at Phillip Island during their time in the MotoGP championship. Iker and Xavi nevertheless experienced some ups and downs as they worked tirelessly with their respective teams to iron out the details of their world championship preparation. Two crashes, on Monday and Tuesday morning, complicated things a bit more for Vierge, but he suffered no physical consequences and was able to further improve on his lap times. Lecuona traced a more linear path, progressing little by little in every session, especially in terms of his race pace on used tyres. There is nevertheless still room to improve when it comes to exploiting the new tyres.
The Team HRC engineers now have two days in which to analyse all the data collated and make final preparations for round one, with the first practice sessions of the season set to kick off on Friday morning.
In last season’s Australian finale, Vierge scored a best result of eighth in the races, while Lecuona was prevented from competing after having sustained injury at the previous Indonesian round. The factory riders will be looking to start 2023 with a bang, both fully fit and encouraged by the experience gained during 2022, their ‘rookie’ season.
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is located in the state of Victoria, to the south of Melbourne. Officially inaugurated in 1956, it is located on the coast which makes for a pretty spectacular backdrop. One of the riders’ favourite circuits, the track measures 4.445k and comprises twelve turns – 7 left-hand corners and 5 right-handers – as well as an 835-metre start/finish straight. Last year it was the stage for the final championship round, and so the 2023 quite literally begins where 2022 left off.
Iker Lecuona 7
“We end this two-day test with mixed feelings because we closed P8 but didn’t really understand why we couldn’t be faster. I felt good on the bike and felt it had good balance, but the reality is that we dropped tenths here and there and especially on new tyres. On used tyres we took a big step compared to last year because I now feel good on them and can ride consistently – this is important as we’ve resolved something that was critical for me and my riding style and that was causing me to struggle in the second part of the races. So we’ve made a step there, and that has us feeling that there is still more we can do with the bike setup, but our expectation were much higher going into this test to be honest, particularly here at a track I adore. We now have two days in which to analyse the electronics and data to understand what’s happening with the bike and decide how to approach the first race.”
Xavi Vierge 97
“Firstly, I want to say sorry and a huge thank you to the team because I had two crashes which meant the guys had to work so hard to make the repairs. They did an amazing job, as always, and provided me with a perfect bike for the final afternoon session. And, luckily, I suffered no physical consequences at all. The less positive aspect is that we struggled a lot more than expected, despite improving a little overall. Generally speaking, we’ve improved in terms of our race pace during the pre-season but are not yet able to exploit the fresh tyres. Nevertheless, we start the season fully fit and ready to give it our all – we will keep working hard just as we are used to doing.”
More, from a press release issued by Kawasaki:
Testing Ends As New Season Arrives
Jonathan Rea and Alex Lowes completed their final two days of pre-season WorldSBK testing between 20-21 February at the same Phillip Island circuit that will host the start of the 2023 season in a few days time. Rea finished fifth fastest overall, with Lowes in 15th place.
The 4.445km long Australian circuit near the ocean delivered warm and dry weather as the 22 WorldSBK riders made their final preparations to meet the challenge of the opening round. A stiff and gusting breeze from the sea complicated things on the final day, with the best track conditions for outright grip appearing to be in the morning session.
With some upgrades to the Ninja ZX-10RR this season both KRT riders worked towards maximising performance in real race conditions, and ensuring that their tyres will last full race distance at the toughest circuit on the calendar in terms of tyre wear.
Rea had relatively slow falls at Turn Four on each day of testing but carried on at a strong pace after pitting to make repairs. He set 38 laps in the final afternoon test session, but his best lap of 1’30.716 was set in the morning of the final day.
Lowes set his personal best of 1’31.549 in the third of the four long track sessions in total. He and his crew continued to try to find the best potential with the new homologation of Ninja ZX-10RR.
Now attention turns to the start of the 2023 season itself, with the opening round at Phillip Island to be held between 24 and 26 February. As ever there will be three WorldSBK races for the spectators to enjoy – two full-distance races and one ten-lap Superpole Race on Sunday morning.
Jonathan Rea, stated: “Today we tried a 2022 spec bike versus the 2023 spec bike in the afternoon session. There are positives and negatives with both but I preferred to stick with the 2023 bike. Unfortunately, doing a race simulation, on about lap 14, I got caught out in Turn Four. The wind was very gusty and it is coming in strongly from the sea, and I was pushing at my limit – clearly. I had very positive sensations during that long run and I was able to stay in the 1’31 laps times. That pace is where I need to be to fight for the podium. After that we tried the SC0 rear tyre because Pirelli asked me to do a longer run to evaluate how it would perform in the Superpole race. Our tyre performance was good and from an electronics point of view I am really happy with the steps we have made inside the team. I am more satisfied with the bike than yesterday. Clearly there is potential with the new bike and we have to keep working to extract that potential. We have made a step compared to last year, I feel. For race weekend, I feel we can fight for the podium.”
Alex Lowes, stated: “I feel like we are struggling a bit. The updates we had in the winter don’t seem to be working as well here. We made some positive steps in the last session today, but we have some work to do. What we found in Europe, in cooler test conditions, has not been the same here. I did not do a time attack but the position on the timesheets is still a lot lower than I would want it to be. I just used race tyres but we still have work to do. We raced here at the end of last year and right now I don’t feel as comfortable as I did then. I was faster in the morning than the afternoon, when it was a bit gripper, and I have been wary to not make too many mistakes. We saw a lot of crashes in WorldSBK and WorldSSP. So I just wanted to keep my powder dry in some ways, but I have not been ‘sandbagging’ and then feel like I am going to win the race. That said I was 15th in testing in 2020 and then went on to win a race, so that might be a good sign!”
Pere Riba, Crew Chief for Jonathan Rea, stated: “We did a lot of laps in testing and we were up, down, but the races will be different. It was windy here and Jonathan had two falls, so we need to analyse and understand what has happened, of course. For the rest, we know that this track is very demanding, especially to keep the pace all the way to the end. So this is what we mainly focused on, to make the tyre wear more linear from the beginning to the end. For race weekend we need to put everything together and we have enough data. We have all the information from the Jerez and Portimao tests with the items we have this year, so we will try to put it all together and get the best from the package.”
Marcel Duinker, Crew Chief for Alex Lowes, stated: “We are still working to get the best potential out of the new developments for his season. We were really focusing on race pace to be ready for the coming weekend, rather than going for a fast single lap time. Always, in terms of lap times, the Phillip Island test looks very different compared to how the races are, and who wins the races. We gathered a lot of data over these two days and from the previous tests, so now we will work on finding the best bike set-up in readiness for the first round of the season.”
Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) placed 19th fastest overall after suffering a crash at Turn Four, which extensively damaged his machine. Second year WorldSBK rider Oliver König (Orelac Racing VerdNatura Kawasaki) was 20th fastest at the final pre-season test.
More, from a press release issued by Aruba.it Racing Ducati:
Bautista first and Rinaldi third at the end of the last winter test at Phillip Island. Bulega tops the timesheet in WorldSSP
The pre-season officially came to an end today with the second day of testing held at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia, where free practice for the Australian Round – the first event of the 2023 WorldSBK season – will get underway on Friday morning.
It was a very fruitful two days of work for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team with Alvaro Bautista and Michael Rinaldi able to set incisive crono on both the fast lap and the race pace.
After Monday’s two sessions ended in second and third position, Rinaldi and Bautista managed to improve further on Day-2.
The reigning World Champion set the fastest time of the two days of testing in the morning’s FP1 (1’30.272), followed by a convincing race simulation in the afternoon.
Rinaldi also took advantage of the perfect track conditions in the early laps of FP1, setting a time of 1’30.501 (P3 in the combined standings) before switching to long-run mode in the afternoon, lapping with an incisive race pace.
P1 – Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)
“I’m happy because the feeling with the bike was immediately good. We worked a lot on the set-up and on the tires that we will use this weekend. We are ready to start the new season. I think this has been the best pre-season in my career. The sensations are definitely positive and I can’t wait to get back on track on Friday for the first free practice”.
P3 – Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“I am satisfied with what we have done in these two months. Jerez and Portimao tests went well and the objective for these two days at Phillip Island was to confirm those positive feelings. Especially today we did a good job ahead of the weekend’s races and I feel ready to start the championship.” WorldSSP
Niccolò Bulega also finished the last winter tests with extremely positive feelings. The Italian rider of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team ended with the fastest time (1’32.781), confirming the excellent feeling with his Ducati Panigale V2.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“I am very satisfied with what we have done, not only in these two days at Phillip Island but also in the tests at Jerez and Portimao. The feeling with my bike was immediately very positive. The team has done an excellent job and this allows us to arrive at the first race with a lot of confidence. There are high expectations for this season and it will be important to start in the best possible way right from Friday’s free practice”.
More, from a press release issued by MIE Racing Honda Team:
The MIE Racing Honda Team completes official Phillip Island tests
The MIE Racing Honda Team is on site at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia where it has now completed the final pre-season test sessions prior to the start of the 2023 Superbike World Championship, which will play out this coming weekend at the same Australian track.
During this week’s test sessions, the team had the opportunity to make final preparations for the upcoming season-opener. Riders Hafizh Syahrin and Eric Granado worked hard with their technicians, making a series of modifications to their CBR1000RR-R machines throughout the sessions as they continue to identify the most suitable base set-up for the bikes. Both riders completed well over 50 laps on each day, with the almost ideal weather conditions working in their favour. Day two saw the duo improve on their day one times, although there is still room for improvement.
Rookie Eric Granado is gearing up for his first WorldSBK races as a full-time rider, while Hafizh Syahrin takes on his second consecutive season with the MIE Racing Honda Team. Last year’s Australian round was also the WorldSBK season-finale, which means that Syahrin has very recent race experience of the track. Granado, on the other hand, will be looking to build on the progress made during this week’s official test sessions as the first practices of the 2023 season get underway on Friday.
The weekend’s race schedule remains unchanged with respect to 2022, with practice on Friday, Superpole and Race 1 on Saturday, and the Superpole race and Race 2 playing out on Sunday. The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is one of the most appreciated tracks on the calendar, and not just because of its stunning coastal location. Located in the Australian state of Victoria, and roughly 140km south of Melbourne, the fast and flowing 4.445km track comprises seven left-hand corners and five right-handers.
Hafizh Syahrin
“These two days have been very useful for us, as this was basically our only full pre-season test for which we had time to prepare. So we took time to get back up to speed with everything and understand the new bike, which has quite a different character compared to last season. I also have a new crew chief and he works in a slightly different way, so it’s been good to get to know each other better. A big thanks to my team as they’ve been working so hard on very little sleep since getting here. I tried to do my best throughout the sessions, and I hope that we can make pick up the pace and make better inroads during the first race weekend.”
Eric Granado
“The test’s been positive in that this was the first time we were able to use the full day and complete many laps. We’re still far from where we can be of course, but right now we need to focus on better understanding the bike and particularly the electronics, which are new to me. I’m still looking for the right confidence with the throttle and power delivery, but we’ve clocked up some miles and have improved little by little. The target for this test was of course to prepare for the first rounds rather than attempting a time attack or anything, and so that’s what we did. Unfortunately, I suffered a crash yesterday and so was riding with painful feet today but luckily nothing is broken and I’ll be ready for the weekend. It’s going to be a challenging first round for me, with three races and windy conditions, but I’m confident that we’ll be able to make progress and find a good setup for the races.”
More, from a press release issued by BMW Motorrad Motorsport:
BMW Motorrad Motorsport kicks off the 2023 WorldSBK season with the new BMW M 1000 RR.
Phillip Island and Mandalika: Overseas double-header to open the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship.
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team and Bonovo action BMW Racing Team run the new BMW M 1000 RR.
BMW Motorrad factory riders Loris Baz, Garrett Gerloff, Scott Redding and Michael van der Mark look ahead to the first races of the year. Phillip Island. The 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship opens with two back-to-back overseas events for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. This weekend (24th to 26th February), Phillip Island in Australia hosts the opening round of the season. Just one week later (3rd to 5th March), the WorldSBK circus is at Mandalika, Indonesia, for round two. The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team and BMW Motorrad factory riders Loris Baz (FRA), Garrett Gerloff (USA), Scott Redding (GBR) and Michael van der Mark (NED) are set for their race debuts with the new BMW M 1000 RR.
The new generation of the BMW M 1000 RR was launched in October 2022 and serves as the basis for the World Superbike for the 2023 season. The new bike’s aerodynamics, in particular, have undergone comprehensive optimisation. At the same time, BMW Motorrad Motorsport has spent the winter developing specific racing components to be used in WorldSBK.
The two teams completed their pre-season preparations with the official tests at Phillip Island on Monday and Tuesday. The teams and the four riders used both days to fine-tune their bikes ahead of the opening races.
Quotes ahead of the Phillip Island and Mandalika rounds. Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “After a short and busy winter break, we now get back down to the serious business with two back-to-back race weekends. We are very excited about the races at Phillip Island and Mandalika. It is always challenging when you compete with a new bike – particularly as the WorldSBK has an extremely strong field this year and will be very competitive. However, we are confident: we have optimised our bike, our teams are doing an outstanding job, and our four riders are among the best in the field. For us, the two teams and the four riders, it is now important to establish a good basis in Australia and Indonesia, on which we can then build over the course of the season.”
Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “It has been the final test before 2023 officially starts. It was a good three out of four sessions. I feel like we made a lot of progress and we have a lot of information from the last two days. Only in the final session, we had some issues. In general, I think we know what we need to do for the weekend coming up. The bike feels good and I know that we can make more progress. There were more positives than negatives and that’s all that matters. At the first two rounds, I just want to have everything working well and I think at this point being in the top ten would be a really good result. I either want to be close to the best BMW or the best BMW. I think that’s the main goal. Overall, I want to be in the top ten for sure, and hopefully we can prepare the bike for these first two rounds in a way that we can make it happen.”
Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “At the test, we have worked on getting some more feeling with the bike and as the track started to have more grip I started to feel better. We tried a few things to help with the rear grip again and we worked on electronics to get me more feeling in that area of the bike. We still have some work to do. Now we start the season with a double-header. I am not feeling super confident yet but it is coming slowly the more I ride the bike. The field is super close at the moment. When you look at the lap times, it is super close with everybody. So it will be difficult to say what the targets for the first two rounds are and the race is obviously different to testing. I would be happy to get some top-six finishes in the first races. Overall, we just need to play it by ear and see where we are after the first race to improve on that.”
Michael van der Mark, #60 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was nice to have another two days of testing. We had a solid plan, tried a lot of things, mainly with the electronics but also with the suspension. We did not change the bike completely but it was just small things we wanted to try and re-confirm. It has been good days of testing but as always in testing you want more time, but I think we can be quite happy. We had no problems so I am starting the weekend quite confident. At the first two rounds, we for sure need to be in the top ten. It seems that the midfield in WorldSBK is really tight now and I think we can expect some really good battles but we improved the bike a lot over the winter, step by step. Maybe not in the single-lap pace but over race distance and feeling for us. So I am looking forward to start the season. To be racing at Phillip Island and in Indonesia is amazing, two really good but completely different tracks. For me, the winter has been long enough and I can’t wait to start racing.”
Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “We were struggling a little bit throughout these two days, but had a good session on Monday morning, where I felt good straight away. After that we couldn’t really improve and had some problems with the bike. Luckily, it was a test. I would rather have these issues on Monday and Tuesday than Friday to Sunday. I want to say a huge thank you to all the guys, because it was two very long days for them now. They put in a lot of effort, we all did. We just have to continue like this. It is difficult to say what I expect from the first two rounds. If I manage to reach the team’s target, the top ten, in these two first rounds, I will be happy.”
More, from a press release issued by Yamaha:
Locatelli P2 in Impressive Phillip Island Test with Razgatlıoğlu Fourth
Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK’s Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli took to the spectacular coastal Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for two days of official 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship testing, which finished today ahead of the season opener at the same venue later this week from 24-26 February.
Both riders completed a full test programme working to fine-tune the base set-up of their Yamaha R1 WorldSBK machines as well as test development parts to assist Yamaha’s engineers in future direction for this year and beyond.
Locatelli was particularly impressive – not only by completing 75 laps on Monday and a further 113 laps today including two long-run race simulations, but also in setting the second-fastest lap time overall with a 1’30.344 less than one-tenth from the top spot. The Italian has continued to reinforce the step in performance he has taken since the latter part of the 2022 season and all through winter testing.
Turkish star Razgatlıoğlu’s test programme almost mirrored his teammate, with a total of 165 laps across two days on the island and a fastest lap time of 1’30.674 banked yesterday afternoon – along with extensive data and feedback for the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK team to analyse ahead of the first round of the season.
Phillip Island’s 4.445km circuit layout is notoriously fast and features a particularly abrasive surface, calling into play tyre conservation strategies and an adapted set-up to conserve rear grip for the closing stages of each race. The next opportunity to see who has done their homework will come on Friday morning with the first Free Practice of 2023 at 11:30 local time (UTC+11).
Andrea Locatelli – P2, 1’30.344
“The feeling from yesterday was really good and I enjoyed this test! I enjoy riding on this track, it’s a bit special for me! When we finish the day, we go in the house and it is feeling like home, but also Phillip Island is just a really nice track – when you are riding you see the ocean and it’s something different. I’m really happy about these two days because we were really fast from the first day, and I think we were fast in every session – so this is a good point. The feeling with the bike was amazing in all the sessions. Now we need to look forward for the race weekend. To be honest, I think we are close to being ready and we have a really good package, so we need to trust and to believe! In general, I have more confidence with the bike, we work very well during the winter tests and also here in Phillip Island, so I think we are ready to fight.”
Toprak Razgatlıoğlu – P4, 1’30.674
“We tried many parts and different set-up on the two days, looking for best rear grip and race set up. In the end I am not so happy today, we did not find the best solution, so maybe we go back to yesterday setting – you know, my best lap time. Now my team are working for the weekend. I am just focused on set-up, not fast lap, I just focus this and trying the new parts – not push a lot. It can be easy to try too many parts or set-up and be lost, but now we are coming back again and it’s time to race. On Friday, everybody start pushing for the new season – always we try best position, maybe in the race we are big fighting again but we will see – I will try my best!”
More, from a press release issued by Team Go Eleven:
TOP 7 AT THE END OF TWO DAYS OF TESTING AT PHILLIP ISLAND!
Constance is the right word to explain the performance of Philipp Oettl and the Go Eleven Team in the two days of testing at the Phillip Island circuit. During Day 2, the Go Eleven rider confirmed his speed and concreteness in all sessions, completing the established program.
In the FP 1, the clouds and the fresh wind kept the asphalt temperatures cold, making the track very performing. Philipp set an excellent time under 31, improving his best lap ever here on the island, a tenth better than last year’s Superpole. In the morning he took fourth position for most of the session, only to drop to sixth towards the end. The only “regret” is not having improved with the softer tyre, which will be used in qualifying. However, the feeling in the race configuration is really good, so much so that he manages to lower his references easily, even in different set-up conditions.
FREE PRACTICE 1:
P 1 A. Bautista 1.30.272
P 2 A. Locatelli + 0.072
P 3 M. Rinaldi + 0.229
…
P 6 P. Oettl + 0.566
In the afternoon, the program included a complete race simulation, in a similar schedule to that of the two Main Races of the weekend. Philipp complied fully with it, completing almost 20 consecutive fast laps, constantly pushing. Here, as often happens, tyre management in the last 5-6 laps can really make the difference, as Philipp Island is a particularly incisive track especially on the rear. At the end of the session, the Italian team tried a different front, which however did not provide Oettl with an excellent feeling, despite the fact that he managed to improve the reference. In the afternoon the track was slightly slower due to the high temperature of the asphalt and perhaps with the extra grip provided by a soft tyre it could have made a difference, but the important thing was fixing all the details for the Race.
FREE PRACTICE 2:
P 1 A. Bautista 1.30.404
P 2 D. Aegerter + 0.335
P 3 M. Rinaldi + 0.592
…
P 7 P. Oettl + 0.859
A really positive two days, the one that has just ended in Phillip Island; The number 5 has always shown to be calm and fast, constantly remaining in the top places in all set-up and tyre configurations. Certainly from Friday the story will be different, we will still need to improve a few tenths, but the start was really convincing. Now, two days of well-deserved rest for riders and teams, then it will be time to inaugurate the 2023 WorldSBK World Championship!
Philipp Oettl (Rider):
“Today it was another really good day of testing! In the morning we focused more on the lap time, while in the afternoon we did a complete race simulation, keep working on the turning of the bike, on tyres comparison and electronic, mainly in the anti-spin area. The only negative part of today is that we couldn’t try the new engine, it was programmed this afternoon, but we couldn’t do it due to a small technical problem. Everything else was really good, this morning I couldn’t take the maximum from the softer tyre, maybe we still have to work a bit on it, but generally we are in the right direction.”
Denis Sacchetti (Team Manager):
“Today was another positive day, we managed to complete the pre-established work program and we had the confirmation we were looking for on some electronics configurations and set-up. In the morning the track was fast and we tested the tyre for Superpole Race, while we did the race simulation in the afternoon, and the rider had positive feedback, the feeling is good and understanding the management for the final laps of the race was very important. So I would say that we are ready for the start of the World Championship, let’s hope we have fun!”
The new 2023 Indian Sport Chief. Photo courtesy Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE UNLEASHES NEW SPORT CHIEF, RAISES THE BAR FOR AMERICAN V-TWIN PERFORMANCE CRUISERS
New Sport Chief Combines Timeless American Style with Quality Performance-Oriented Componentry, Including FOX® Piggyback Shocks, KYB® Inverted Front Forks, Dual-Disc Brembo® Brakes and More
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 21, 2023 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed its most aggressive iteration of the iconic Indian Chief with the launch of Sport Chief. Building upon one of the most historic and influential motorcycle namesakes of all time, the 2023 Sport Chief raises the bar for American V-Twin performance cruisers through premium performance-oriented componentry and timeless, American styling.
“Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle. “With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever– offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”
When designing Sport Chief, Indian Motorcycle set its sights on performance by utilizing the finest components from proven brands. With KYB® inverted front forks, also featured on Indian Challenger models, Sport Chief offers superior handling and ride performance. The Sport Chief’s dual-disc, four-piston, semi-floating caliper, radial-mounted Brembo® brakes deliver confidence-inspiring stopping power, while piggyback rear FOX® shocks increase travel to four-inches and increases lean angle to 29.5 degrees, compared to other Indian Chief models. The result is an Indian Chief that begs for more aggressive riding and provides the confidence and capability to take the riding experience to another level.
“In 2021, we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Indian Chief with a lineup that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle. “With Sport Chief, we wanted to maintain the same care-free attitude and American muscle but elevate it even further with componentry that not only delivers a style and attitude that exudes performance but raises the bar entirely for performance cruisers.”
Featuring a simplistic steel-tube frame, Sport Chief preserves the Indian Chief’s mechanical styling. At the heart of it all, a blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 motor delivers 120 lbs.-ft. of torque, while a stylish new Quarter Fairing, along with new moto-style bars with machined triple clamps and six-inch risers set the Sport Chief apart from the rest of the Indian Chief lineup. With mid-mount foot controls and a solo gunfighter seat, riders are in a commanding, yet comfortable, riding position. Sport Chief features sport cast wheels wrapped in Pirelli® Night Dragon tires, a four-gallon fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and three selectable ride modes, including Sport, Standard and Tour.
Ride-enhancing technology comes standard with Indian Motorcycle’s class-leading four-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected features
like weather and traffic overlays. If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth® or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
For riders looking to personalize their bike, Indian Motorcycle offers an array of accessories that enhance the bike’s performance, comfort, or adds personal style.
Performance Accessories
For a smoother, more comfortable ride, Indian Chief riders can add Adjustable Piggyback Rear FOX® Shocks. Featuring 24 clicks via easy-to-operate twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding preference.
Current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders can upgrade to the Sport Chief’s stock dual exposed FOX® Piggyback Rear Shocks, which provide four inches of travel with increased lean angle and an aftermarket, stylish look that increases stability, and improves comfort and capability for aggressive riding.
The new Chief Pathfinder 5 ¾ inch Adaptive LED Headlight, available in chrome or black, features patented, innovative technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle and delivers optimized illumination of the road ahead. With an industry first adaptive high-beam, lighting performance is superior to that of a standard headlight, projecting light a greater distance and spread in front of the bike.
To improve air flow and add high-performance styling, riders can purchase either the Thunderstroke High Flow Air Intake or Thunderstroke Forward Air Intake.
Style Accessories
Indian Chief riders looking to add personal style can select from a variety of Indian Motorcycle accessories. New 10-inch Moto Handlebar Risers not only add style, but deliver a more comfortable reach. Low and Tall windscreen options are available for the Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing, while a variety of bags, including a Solo Rack and Rack Bag, Tail Bag, and Bobber Saddlebag, complement the bike’s design.
The Sport Chief’s Quarter Fairing and six-inch Moto Handlebar Risers are available for current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders.
Comfort Accessories
For added comfort and improved ergonomics based off height, riders can add an Extended Reach or Reduced Reach Seat. For two-up riding, Indian Motorcycle offers the Chief Syndicate Seat and a Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest, which complements the Sport Chief’s aggressive design.
Pricing for the 2023 Sport Chief starts at $18,999 and is available in Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, Stealth Gray, and Spirit Blue Smoke. Sport Chief will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in March 2023. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.
Brembo® is a registered trademark of Freni Brembo S.p.A. Corp of Italy
FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc.
KYB® is a registered trademark of KYB Corporation
Pirelli® is a registered trademark of PIRELLI & C.S.P.A.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc.
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Screen-reader and keyboard navigation
Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with
screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive
a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements,
alongside console screenshots of code examples:
Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website.
In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels;
descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups),
and others. Additionally, the background process scans all the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag
for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology.
To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on
as soon as they enter the website.
These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.
Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Disability profiles supported in our website
Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.
Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments
Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over seven different coloring options.
Animations – person with epilepsy can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.
Browser and assistive technology compatibility
We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).
Notes, comments, and feedback
Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
