Estrella Galicia 0,0 ambassadors in MotoGP and Formula 1 racing talk about their aspirations for next season in a mutual interview at MEGA, the Galician brewery’s museum.
No interviewer can understand better his interviewee than an elite car racing driver talking to a rider at the same level in motorcycle racing. Despite both kinds of machinery may look different, the pulse of competition at the highest level, the insatiable need to chase success day and night, the satisfaction of beating the best riders in the world and, above all, the amazing feeling of control at speeds over 300 km/h, make both racing activities do actually have a lot in common.
Join Estrella Galicia 0,0 riders Marc Marquez and Carlos Sainz in an interesting conversation in the relaxed atmosphere of MEGA, the museum of Estrella Galicia 0,0 as personal sponsor of the two most prominent Spanish riders on the MotoGP and Formula 1 grids.
BMW M TEAM WRT MAKES FIRST DRIVER LINE-UPS ANNOUNCEMENTS
16 December, 2022
Team WRT, or more exactly, the entire WRT family is reunited tonight in Stavelot, near the Spa-Francorchamps track, for the yearly Christmas celebration, which joyfully gathers the entire WRT staff, most of its drivers, sponsors, partners, and friends for the end-of-season celebration, under the motto ‘We aRe a Team’. It will be also an opportunity to see and touch the BMW M4 GT3 that will be the new racer of the squad next year and to unveil another bit of the 2023 GT3 racing programme.
Fanatec GTWCE powered by AWS
Today, BMW M Team WRT announced the line-ups of two of its BMW M4 GT3 that will contest the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS in 2023.
In car #32, Team WRT’s home boys’ Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts, recently announced as BMW M Motorsport works drivers, will defend the Sprint Cup crown conquered for three years in a row. In the Endurance Cup, they will be joined by South African Sheldon van der Linde, a long-time BMW driver. While taking the helm from his brother Kelvin, Sheldon is not new to Team WRT, for which he raced in the then Blancpain GT Series in 2018.
In car #46, whose livery is sported by the BMW M4 GT3 on display at tonight’s event, after an excellent first season at the highest level, Valentino Rossi will continue his GT3 career and will be associated with Maxime Martin. A well-established star in GT racing, with wins at the 24 Hours of Spa and the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Belgian will be making his debut with Team WRT and a come-back to BMW M Motorsport. In the Endurance Cup, the duo will be joined by another great name, Brazilian Augusto Farfus Jr.
Dubai 24 Hours
Team WRT will race for the first time with the BMW M4 GT3 on 13-15 January at the Dubai 24 Hours, a race the Belgian squad has won twice, in 2016 and this year, where it signed a one-two. Car #7 will be entrusted to Mohammed Al Saud and Dries Vanthoor, already part of the winning crew in 2022, and Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer. The other two drivers will be announced in due course.
In car #46, Valentino Rossi will be accompanied by Maxime Martin, Sean Gelael, who races for Team WRT in LMP2, and recruit Tim Whale from Britain, who joins from the GT4 scene. A fifth driver will be named in due course.
Bathurst 12 Hours
The first outing of the BMW M4 GT3 of the Belgian squad under the BMW M Team WRT banner is scheduled on 4-5 February at the Bathurst 12 Hours, which will serve as the first round of the 2023 Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.
In Australia, where Team WRT won in 2018, two cars will be entered, #32 for Dries Vanthoor-Charles Weerts-Sheldon van der Linde and #46 for Valentino Rossi-Maxime Martin-Augusto Farfus Jr.
Team WRT Principal Vincent Vosse commented: “It’s a very busy and exciting period for us, as we advance in the new partnership with BMW and prepare for the 2023 season. The end-of-the-year break will be very short, but today is the time for our yearly party, a tradition we cherish and allows the entire WRT family to get together around a good dinner. It’s a perfect time to show our people the BMW M4 GT3 in full race gear and announce some more elements of our 2023 race programmes. We are extremely happy to retain and welcome heavy names such as the ones you have read above. Our first race in Dubai is basically around the corner, shortly followed by our debut as BMW M Team WRT at Bathurst. We are terribly excited at what is ahead of us and can’t wait to be hitting the track!”
The Dunlop Sportmax Q5 is designed to increase the depth of the Sportmax family lineup to accommodate track-day-level riding like no other Dunlop DOT street tire has before, with even greater overall performance and grip than the Q4.
ADDITIONAL TIRE FEATURES
Made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, New York, plant on the same proprietary equipment as Dunlop racing products.
Sharply defined new tread pattern with lower groove density puts more rubber on the ground at all lean angles.
New taller profile with improved corner entry and high-speed stability at full lean.
Both front and rear tires utilize Dunlop’s proprietary Racing Type Fine Carbon Technology in the tread compound.
Performs better in the wet, warms up quicker, does not require tire warmers, and is engineered to run on the track at close to street pressures.
Dunlop has also expanded the size range of the Q5 to include five additional sizes for increased bike fitments: 110/70ZR17, 140/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17, 160/60ZR17, and 200/60ZR17.
The Sportmax Q5 is DOT-approved for street-legal use.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds, and tread patterns, the Dunlop Q5S provides nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
ADDITIONAL TIRE FEATURES
The front tire profile and construction were changed to allow for a 7mm shorter tire. This shorter profile created a lighter steering feel and quicker turn-in rate to allow for a nimble handling tire.
Intuitive Response Profile™ (IRP) technology allows for a taller tire profile along with sides that taper in more aggressively for remarkable turn-in response and feel.
MT Multi-Tread™ technology in the Q5S rear tire uses a silica-infused, long-wearing compound in the center of the tread for longer tread life, and special lateral grip compounds on the left and right shoulders for outstanding grip.
Improved compound to enhance both the dry and wet grip by adjusting the polymer, changing to a softer shoulder compound, increased the amount of carbon black content by utilizing Carbon R technology and increased oil content.
Optimized tread pattern design to aid in quicker warm-up times and improved wear characteristics.
The Sportmax Q5S is DOT-approved for street-legal use.
We highly recommend WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS, the third collection of Roadracing World MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley’s stories about motorcycle racing, following The Fast Stuff (2007) and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Racing (2017). The hardback book measures 240mm x 170mm (about 9.4 inches by 6.7 inches) and is full of Mat’s best magazine features, interviews, and blogs from the last half-dozen years.
There are 80 stories on 214 pages, plus 16 glossy color photo pages. It’s all there, from MotoGP to the Isle of Man TT, World Superbike and beyond, talking to riders and engineers about anything and everything to do with the greatest sport on this planet. And like always, Mat tries to dig deep into these people, to get to the heart and the soul of what they do, how they do it, and why.
WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS contains 80 stories involving the biggest names in motorcycle road racing. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
The list of riders whose hallowed words fill the book’s pages includes Ana Carrasco, Cal Crutchlow, Mick Doohan, Aleix Espargaró, Wayne Gardner, Peter Hickman, John McGuinness, Marc Márquez, Joan Mir, Franco Morbidelli, Miguel Oliveira, Danilo Petrucci, Alberto Puig, Fabio Quartararo, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Jonathan Rea, ‘King’ Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz, Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and more.
Then there are the engineers, including Fujio Yoshimura, Ducati’s Gigi Dall’Igna, plus Soichiro Irimajiri, who created Honda’s legendary six-cylinder 250cc GP racebike and CBX1000 road bike.
WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS also features 16 glossy color pages of photos. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
Delivered to the U.S. via airmail, the book sells for £51 (British Pounds) (About $63 U.S.) or via economy delivery £39 (about $48 U.S.). Airmail delivery takes about 2-3 weeks and economy delivery takes about 6-7 weeks. Order from https://matoxley.bigcartel.com/.
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Rider Lineup of Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés to Compete in 2023 MotoAmerica Championship
Herrin, the reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion, reunites with the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team to campaign the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R in the top class of America’s premier road racing series
Forés will make his American racing debut, bringing world championship pedigree to the MotoAmerica paddock
Sunnyvale, Calif., December 15, 2022 — Ducati North America is pleased to announce that Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés will compete in the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team. Herrin, the reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion, will contest the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship aboard the Panigale V4 R superbike, and Forés will make his American racing debut, riding the Panigale V2 in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.
Last season, Herrin dominated the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship aboard the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Panigale V2, earning 9 wins and 16 total podiums on the way to giving Ducati its first MotoAmerica Supersport title. Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paulo Ciabatti says that promoting from within the family and rewarding Herrin with a ride on the Panigale V4 R superbike is logical given his success and experience with Dunlop’s MotoAmerica spec tires.
Herrin brings a wealth of experience to the championship and his familiarity with the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team will no doubt prove an asset as he seeks to capture the most coveted prize in American road racing. The 32-year-old Georgia native is the 2013 MotoAmerica Superbike champion, the 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock champion, and the winner of the 2010 Daytona 200. Herrin and the Panigale V4 R, a motorcycle that earned 16 podiums from 20 starts in 2022, could prove a formidable pairing.
Xavi Fores, circa 2021. Photo courtesy FHO Racing BMW.
Repeating Herrin’s success on the Panigale V2 is no mean feat, but there’s no doubt that Xavi Forés has the experience required to meet the challenge. A busy 2022 saw the 37-year-old Spaniard compete in several championships, including the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship for Pramac Racing. He also competed in the Endurance World Championship (EWC) for Team ERC Endurance Ducati, and in the final three rounds of the WorldSBK Championship with the Barni Spark Racing Team aboard a Panigale V4 R superbike. He previously raced with Barni Racing Team Ducati in WorldSBK from 2016–2018, achieving six podiums. Over his career, Forés has raced a wide variety of machinery in multiple classes, which should be an advantage as he gets acquainted with Dunlop rubber and the unique challenges of American road racing circuits.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #2)
“I’m excited to return to the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship and be reunited with the team with whom I enjoyed so much success last year. The MotoAmerica Superbike class is really competitive, but I’m confident that my team can deliver a motorcycle capable of winning. I’m really looking forward to swinging a leg over the factory-prepped Panigale V4 R superbike and wearing Ducati red for another year.”
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York)
“Competing in MotoAmerica, especially as part of a strong team like Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York, has been a goal of mine for some time. At this point in my racing career, I’d like to score wins and podiums in the most competitive domestic championships. I’m also looking forward to continuing my long relationship with Ducati, a union that has given me many happy memories over the years. It will be a big challenge: everything—the tracks and the tires, especially—will be unfamiliar, but I think I’m equal to the task. The Panigale V2 won the title last year with Josh Herrin, so I’m excited to be in the same box with him and see if we can replicate some of his success.”
Bobby Shek (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team Principal)
“Once again, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York is proud to partner with Ducati Corse and Ducati North America to contest the 2023 MotoAmerica Mediallia Superbike and Supersport championships. We’re excited to have Josh Herrin back for another year and to welcome Xavi Forés to the team. After Josh’s incredible success in Supersport in 2022, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do on the new Panigale V4 R superbike. We’re sure he’ll put on another show for us all this year! We’re also excited to welcome Xavi to the team. Xavi has been a fixture in world championship racing for many years and he’s ridden for some of the top teams. His desire to race here shows that the quality of competition in MotoAmerica hasn’t gone unnoticed. That also means we’ll have our work cut out, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Jason Chinnock (CEO, Ducati North America)
“We welcome the world-class rider Xavi Florés to the HSBK Racing Ducati New York team,“ said Chinnock. “Xavi’s experience will help him quickly adapt to the U.S. tracks and tires and we are confident that he will continue the momentum that Josh championed last season. Josh earned his seat for this year’s Superbike program after debuting the dominance of the Panigale V2 in MotoAmerica’s Supersport Championship. We are elated to have him aboard the 2023 Panigale V4 R challenging the most competitive field in U.S. national road racing and putting on a show for our Ducatisti and road racing fans alike,” said Chinnock. “We thank Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York and our colleagues at Ducati Corse as we anticipate another thrilling season.
2023 MotoAmerica Calendar
March 9-11 Daytona Beach International Speedway Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 21-23 Road Atlanta Braselton, GA
May 19-21 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, Ala.
June 2-4 Road America Elkhart Lake, Wis.
June 23-25 Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, Wash.
July 7-9 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, Calif.
July 28-30 Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, Minn.
August 18-20 Pittsburgh Intern ational Race Complex Wampum, Pa.
Sept. 8-10 Circuit of The Americas Austin, Texas
Sept. 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, N.J.
About Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York
Founded in 2011, HSBK Racing partnered with Pennsylvanian dealership North American Warhorse/Ducati New York in 2020 to bring Ducati back to the forefront of professional Superbike competition in North America.N
About MotoAmerica
For 2023, MotoAmerica enters its ninth season as North America’s premier road racing championship.
MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership between three-time 500cc Grand Prix World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer, Wayne Rainey; former Vice President of Motorsports Operations at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA), and former Managing Director of Team Roberts in MotoGP, Chuck Aksland; Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, Terry Karges; and energy sector investor and businessman, Richard Varner.
A useful albeit wet last test of the year for Team HRC at Jerez
Team HRC was on track from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 December for a three-day test at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, the final sessions of the season for the team and an opportunity for Iker Lecuona to return to action.
Lecuona and teammate Xavi Vierge alternated their riding responsibilities, each on track during two of the three days. The entire test was unfortunately compromised by rain although the conditions were not cold, with temperatures of around 15°-18°C.
Despite the unfavourable conditions, both riders worked with their teams to build experience in the wet, considering that the duo had limited opportunity to ride in the rain during the 2022 season. The original plan had been to work on engine setup and bike geometry and test some electronic updates, as well as some brake and suspension updates from Nissin and Showa, but of course the weather conditions rather limited the possibility to complete the full work schedule. The team nevertheless deemed the sessions useful, with riders and technicians alike able to gain a better understanding of certain aspects of bike behaviour on the wet asphalt.
Now it is time for the team and riders to enjoy a well-deserved break, so that they can recharge their batteries before returning to the track for the first test sessions of the new year towards the end of January.
Xavi Vierge (97) heads out on track in the wet at Jerez. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“Unfortunately the weather conditions didn’t help us, as we weren’t able to make even one exit on a full dry track, but it’s been a good opportunity for us anyway, because we didn’t have much chance to ride in wet conditions during the season. The sessions were useful in that respect, as we made some small steps forward and got a better understanding of the direction to follow when it rains, which will be very important next year because sooner or later we’re bound to have to race in the wet. So I was happy with that, and also because we again saw just how hard Honda is working, bringing us some new items and settings to try, which pushes us to keep working and improve in January, when hopefully we’ll have some dry track time. Now it comes a time of the year I love, which I will spend with my family and friends, while also doing some motocross and training. Not that we’ll have so much time though, as we’ll be back in just a few weeks! I want to thank my whole team and all the guys working back at the factory for their commitment and hard work throughout year, and I wish everybody happy holidays.”
The test at Jerez was Iker Lecuona’s (7) first time back on his Honda since suffering a broken vertebra in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“In the end we weren’t really able to exploit this testing session, as the weather was simply crazy over the three days, with alternating wind, rain, storms and sun, which meant that we never had consistent track conditions, neither fully dry nor fully wet. This meant that we couldn’t ride properly or find a way to understand the new items and setups HRC had prepared for the session. The positive aspect is that I felt good back on my bike, the wet conditions making everything smoother and less demanding and therefore allowing me longer runs in the saddle. And it was also good to spend some time with my team and the HRC engineers, working all together again. I thank everyone on the team for their hard work, and now it’s time to rest and enjoy some time with family and friends before we get back to business, full throttle, in the new year.”
Two limited editions of Ducati Panigale V4 celebrate the world titles of Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista
The limited series Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2022 World Champion Replica and Panigale V4 Bautista 2022 World Champion Replica will be made in 260 units each and each bike will be made unique by the rider’s original signature on the tank
These special series feature the same liveries as the bikes on which Bagnaia and Bautista won the titles in MotoGP and WorldSBK, an authenticity certificate, dedicated technical equipment and packing case
Celebratory motorcycles on public display at “Campioni in Piazza2” party
Bologna, Italy, 15 December 2022 – Ducati celebrates the double victory of the MotoGP and WorldSBK titles by creating two special series of Panigale V4 bikes inspired by the Desmosedici GP and Panigale V4 R of World Champions Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista. The celebratory motorcycles were unveiled during the press conference anticipating “Campioni in Piazza2”, the event in which Ducati celebrates this historic double achievement with its fans.
2022 has been an incredible year for Ducati. The Bologna-based manufacturer is World Champion, for the first time in its history, in both MotoGP and WorldSBK in the same season. A dream result that came true thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams and riders. A double triumph that Ducati wanted to celebrate with two unique, collectible models.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Francesco Bagnaia’s 2022 MotoGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The two special series, made on the base of the Panigale V4 S, will feature the liveries of the bikes of Pecco Bagnaia #63 and Álvaro Bautista #19. Each motorcycle in the series will be made unique by the original autograph of the rider on the tank, which will then be protected with a layer of clear varnish. The two motorcycles, produced in a numbered and limited series, celebrate in their production numbers the year of Ducati’s birth. In fact, each series will consist of only 260 units, in honor of 1926, the year the company was founded.
Like the race bikes they are inspired by, the Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica bikes are offered in single-seat configuration only and are enhanced by the billet aluminum upper clamp with laser engraving of the model name and progressive number. The technical equipment boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Akrapovič street-legal silencer (2 kg lighter than the Panigale V4’s stock unit), Brembo braking system enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS master cylinder with remote adjuster, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs and racing plexiglass.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Alvaro Bautista’s 2022 Superbike World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Other technical details that characterize these special bikes are the rear exhaust manifold heat shield, alternator cover, front and rear fenders, and front brake ducts, all made of carbon fiber. Also made of carbon fiber, combined with titanium, is the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm. Finally, the series dedicated to Álvaro Bautista #19 features the brushed aluminum tank found on the more refined versions of the Panigale V4.
Each bike will be delivered in a packing case with dedicated graphics and will come with a certificate of authenticity, a custom bike cover and the Ducati Data Analyser+ data acquisition system. Those who want to take advantage of the performance of these two motorcycles on the circuit will be able to mount the additional accessories provided, such as the carbon fiber open clutch cover, license plate and mirror removal kits and the billet aluminum racing fuel cap.
MotoAmerica’s Director of Operations Niccole Cox has been appointed to the FIM Commission of Circuit Racing (CCR) from 2023 until 2026.
According to the FIM, the CCR “shall study and draw up all rules applicable to racing on closed circuits. It shall control the FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also deal with questions relating to sprint and drag racing. It shall compile and maintain an updated record of accident statistics in connection with FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also be responsible for all issues relating to world record attempts, competitions on closed circuits, as well as time-keeping in these disciplines.”
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the edge of the PDF viewer below to better see all pages of the press release issued by FIM.
AHRMA racer Peter Essaff and Ann McKinley were married October 7 at Barber Motorsports Park.
Essaff, together with passenger Eric Lenser, won both Modern Sidecar TT 2 races at the event, wrapping up their third straight National Championship in the class.
Pirelli Announces 2023 #PirelliNation Road Race Rider Program
Submit Your Application by February 28 for the Opportunity to Join Pirelli’s Road Racing Community
ATLANTA (December 15, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America is pleased to announce the return of its #PirelliNation road race rider program for the 2023 racing season. As the official tire of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, Pirelli and its DIABLO™ Superbike lineup are the go-to tires for racers around the world, which includes three consecutive victories at the world-renowned Daytona 200. Pirelli remains dedicated to the grassroots part of the sport, continuing with its motto, “we sell what we race, we race what we sell” and offering all riders the ability to purchase the same race compound tires found on the bikes of their favorite professional riders and World Champions like Alvaro Bautista, Jonathan Rea, and Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The road race community program ensures racers are the first to know about the latest Pirelli news, be notified of the newest Pirelli products, receive updates on national marketing opportunities, and be given access to technical advice and service at select races. Pirelli’s team will also identify and select several candidates who can purchase race compound tires at preferred pricing and be outfitted with Pirelli team-branded gear. Residents of the United States are eligible for the program.
Racers accepted to the program will be awarded with several brand benefits in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.
“It was a great introductory season for the #PirelliNation road race rider program, which saw our brand achieve tons of success,” said Oscar Solis, road race manager, Pirelli. “The Pirelli DIABLO Superbike range, and all race compound tires, are developed alongside our professional riders in the World and National Championships before eventually making their way into the hands of local racers and everyday consumers. This strategy allows Pirelli to continuously work on the development to ensure the latest technology is incorporated into the same tires available at local dealers. This road racing community program has allowed us to strengthen our relationship with racers across the nation and provide them with the education and knowledge necessary to choose the best tire for them to reach success.”
Pirelli’s high-performance DIABLO Superbike lineup offers several different compounds including, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the front and SCX, SC0, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the rear. View the complete range of DIABLO Superbike tires on the Pirelli website.
CLICK HERE to submit your application for the 2023 #PirelliNation program. All applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023.
Formula One driver Carlos Sainz (left) and six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez (right) at MEGA, the museum of Estrella Galicia 0,0. Photo courtesy Estrella Galicia 0,0.
Marc Marquez and Carlos Sainz one on one at MEGA
Estrella Galicia 0,0 ambassadors in MotoGP and Formula 1 racing talk about their aspirations for next season in a mutual interview at MEGA, the Galician brewery’s museum.
No interviewer can understand better his interviewee than an elite car racing driver talking to a rider at the same level in motorcycle racing. Despite both kinds of machinery may look different, the pulse of competition at the highest level, the insatiable need to chase success day and night, the satisfaction of beating the best riders in the world and, above all, the amazing feeling of control at speeds over 300 km/h, make both racing activities do actually have a lot in common.
Join Estrella Galicia 0,0 riders Marc Marquez and Carlos Sainz in an interesting conversation in the relaxed atmosphere of MEGA, the museum of Estrella Galicia 0,0 as personal sponsor of the two most prominent Spanish riders on the MotoGP and Formula 1 grids.
The #46 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 that will be driven by Valentino Rossi and his teammates. Photo courtesy Team WRT.
BMW M TEAM WRT MAKES FIRST DRIVER LINE-UPS ANNOUNCEMENTS
16 December, 2022
Team WRT, or more exactly, the entire WRT family is reunited tonight in Stavelot, near the Spa-Francorchamps track, for the yearly Christmas celebration, which joyfully gathers the entire WRT staff, most of its drivers, sponsors, partners, and friends for the end-of-season celebration, under the motto ‘We aRe a Team’. It will be also an opportunity to see and touch the BMW M4 GT3 that will be the new racer of the squad next year and to unveil another bit of the 2023 GT3 racing programme.
Fanatec GTWCE powered by AWS
Today, BMW M Team WRT announced the line-ups of two of its BMW M4 GT3 that will contest the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS in 2023.
In car #32, Team WRT’s home boys’ Dries Vanthoor and Charles Weerts, recently announced as BMW M Motorsport works drivers, will defend the Sprint Cup crown conquered for three years in a row. In the Endurance Cup, they will be joined by South African Sheldon van der Linde, a long-time BMW driver. While taking the helm from his brother Kelvin, Sheldon is not new to Team WRT, for which he raced in the then Blancpain GT Series in 2018.
In car #46, whose livery is sported by the BMW M4 GT3 on display at tonight’s event, after an excellent first season at the highest level, Valentino Rossi will continue his GT3 career and will be associated with Maxime Martin. A well-established star in GT racing, with wins at the 24 Hours of Spa and the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Belgian will be making his debut with Team WRT and a come-back to BMW M Motorsport. In the Endurance Cup, the duo will be joined by another great name, Brazilian Augusto Farfus Jr.
Dubai 24 Hours
Team WRT will race for the first time with the BMW M4 GT3 on 13-15 January at the Dubai 24 Hours, a race the Belgian squad has won twice, in 2016 and this year, where it signed a one-two. Car #7 will be entrusted to Mohammed Al Saud and Dries Vanthoor, already part of the winning crew in 2022, and Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer. The other two drivers will be announced in due course.
In car #46, Valentino Rossi will be accompanied by Maxime Martin, Sean Gelael, who races for Team WRT in LMP2, and recruit Tim Whale from Britain, who joins from the GT4 scene. A fifth driver will be named in due course.
Bathurst 12 Hours
The first outing of the BMW M4 GT3 of the Belgian squad under the BMW M Team WRT banner is scheduled on 4-5 February at the Bathurst 12 Hours, which will serve as the first round of the 2023 Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.
In Australia, where Team WRT won in 2018, two cars will be entered, #32 for Dries Vanthoor-Charles Weerts-Sheldon van der Linde and #46 for Valentino Rossi-Maxime Martin-Augusto Farfus Jr.
Team WRT Principal Vincent Vosse commented: “It’s a very busy and exciting period for us, as we advance in the new partnership with BMW and prepare for the 2023 season. The end-of-the-year break will be very short, but today is the time for our yearly party, a tradition we cherish and allows the entire WRT family to get together around a good dinner. It’s a perfect time to show our people the BMW M4 GT3 in full race gear and announce some more elements of our 2023 race programmes. We are extremely happy to retain and welcome heavy names such as the ones you have read above. Our first race in Dubai is basically around the corner, shortly followed by our debut as BMW M Team WRT at Bathurst. We are terribly excited at what is ahead of us and can’t wait to be hitting the track!”
The Dunlop Sportmax Q5 is designed to increase the depth of the Sportmax family lineup to accommodate track-day-level riding like no other Dunlop DOT street tire has before, with even greater overall performance and grip than the Q4.
ADDITIONAL TIRE FEATURES
Made in Dunlop’s Buffalo, New York, plant on the same proprietary equipment as Dunlop racing products.
Sharply defined new tread pattern with lower groove density puts more rubber on the ground at all lean angles.
New taller profile with improved corner entry and high-speed stability at full lean.
Both front and rear tires utilize Dunlop’s proprietary Racing Type Fine Carbon Technology in the tread compound.
Performs better in the wet, warms up quicker, does not require tire warmers, and is engineered to run on the track at close to street pressures.
Dunlop has also expanded the size range of the Q5 to include five additional sizes for increased bike fitments: 110/70ZR17, 140/70ZR17, 150/60ZR17, 160/60ZR17, and 200/60ZR17.
The Sportmax Q5 is DOT-approved for street-legal use.
Having enhanced constructions, profiles, compounds, and tread patterns, the Dunlop Q5S provides nimbler handling and improved dry and wet grip to make it even more user friendly all while maintaining class-leading durability.
ADDITIONAL TIRE FEATURES
The front tire profile and construction were changed to allow for a 7mm shorter tire. This shorter profile created a lighter steering feel and quicker turn-in rate to allow for a nimble handling tire.
Intuitive Response Profile™ (IRP) technology allows for a taller tire profile along with sides that taper in more aggressively for remarkable turn-in response and feel.
MT Multi-Tread™ technology in the Q5S rear tire uses a silica-infused, long-wearing compound in the center of the tread for longer tread life, and special lateral grip compounds on the left and right shoulders for outstanding grip.
Improved compound to enhance both the dry and wet grip by adjusting the polymer, changing to a softer shoulder compound, increased the amount of carbon black content by utilizing Carbon R technology and increased oil content.
Optimized tread pattern design to aid in quicker warm-up times and improved wear characteristics.
The Sportmax Q5S is DOT-approved for street-legal use.
Roadracing World MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley's new book WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS is now available. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
We highly recommend WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS, the third collection of Roadracing World MotoGP Editor Mat Oxley’s stories about motorcycle racing, following The Fast Stuff (2007) and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Racing (2017). The hardback book measures 240mm x 170mm (about 9.4 inches by 6.7 inches) and is full of Mat’s best magazine features, interviews, and blogs from the last half-dozen years.
There are 80 stories on 214 pages, plus 16 glossy color photo pages. It’s all there, from MotoGP to the Isle of Man TT, World Superbike and beyond, talking to riders and engineers about anything and everything to do with the greatest sport on this planet. And like always, Mat tries to dig deep into these people, to get to the heart and the soul of what they do, how they do it, and why.
WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS contains 80 stories involving the biggest names in motorcycle road racing. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
The list of riders whose hallowed words fill the book’s pages includes Ana Carrasco, Cal Crutchlow, Mick Doohan, Aleix Espargaró, Wayne Gardner, Peter Hickman, John McGuinness, Marc Márquez, Joan Mir, Franco Morbidelli, Miguel Oliveira, Danilo Petrucci, Alberto Puig, Fabio Quartararo, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Jonathan Rea, ‘King’ Kenny Roberts, Kevin Schwantz, Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner and more.
Then there are the engineers, including Fujio Yoshimura, Ducati’s Gigi Dall’Igna, plus Soichiro Irimajiri, who created Honda’s legendary six-cylinder 250cc GP racebike and CBX1000 road bike.
WINNERS SINNERS GRINNERS also features 16 glossy color pages of photos. Photo courtesy Mat Oxley.
Delivered to the U.S. via airmail, the book sells for £51 (British Pounds) (About $63 U.S.) or via economy delivery £39 (about $48 U.S.). Airmail delivery takes about 2-3 weeks and economy delivery takes about 6-7 weeks. Order from https://matoxley.bigcartel.com/.
Josh Herrin (2) on his Ducati Panigale V2 during the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Ducati North America.
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Rider Lineup of Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés to Compete in 2023 MotoAmerica Championship
Herrin, the reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion, reunites with the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team to campaign the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R in the top class of America’s premier road racing series
Forés will make his American racing debut, bringing world championship pedigree to the MotoAmerica paddock
Sunnyvale, Calif., December 15, 2022 — Ducati North America is pleased to announce that Josh Herrin and Xavi Forés will compete in the 2023 MotoAmerica Championship for the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team. Herrin, the reigning MotoAmerica Supersport champion, will contest the 2023 MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Championship aboard the Panigale V4 R superbike, and Forés will make his American racing debut, riding the Panigale V2 in MotoAmerica Supersport Championship.
Last season, Herrin dominated the MotoAmerica Supersport Championship aboard the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Panigale V2, earning 9 wins and 16 total podiums on the way to giving Ducati its first MotoAmerica Supersport title. Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paulo Ciabatti says that promoting from within the family and rewarding Herrin with a ride on the Panigale V4 R superbike is logical given his success and experience with Dunlop’s MotoAmerica spec tires.
Herrin brings a wealth of experience to the championship and his familiarity with the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York team will no doubt prove an asset as he seeks to capture the most coveted prize in American road racing. The 32-year-old Georgia native is the 2013 MotoAmerica Superbike champion, the 2016 MotoAmerica Superstock champion, and the winner of the 2010 Daytona 200. Herrin and the Panigale V4 R, a motorcycle that earned 16 podiums from 20 starts in 2022, could prove a formidable pairing.
Xavi Fores, circa 2021. Photo courtesy FHO Racing BMW.
Repeating Herrin’s success on the Panigale V2 is no mean feat, but there’s no doubt that Xavi Forés has the experience required to meet the challenge. A busy 2022 saw the 37-year-old Spaniard compete in several championships, including the FIM Enel MotoE World Championship for Pramac Racing. He also competed in the Endurance World Championship (EWC) for Team ERC Endurance Ducati, and in the final three rounds of the WorldSBK Championship with the Barni Spark Racing Team aboard a Panigale V4 R superbike. He previously raced with Barni Racing Team Ducati in WorldSBK from 2016–2018, achieving six podiums. Over his career, Forés has raced a wide variety of machinery in multiple classes, which should be an advantage as he gets acquainted with Dunlop rubber and the unique challenges of American road racing circuits.
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York – Ducati #2)
“I’m excited to return to the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship and be reunited with the team with whom I enjoyed so much success last year. The MotoAmerica Superbike class is really competitive, but I’m confident that my team can deliver a motorcycle capable of winning. I’m really looking forward to swinging a leg over the factory-prepped Panigale V4 R superbike and wearing Ducati red for another year.”
Xavi Forés (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York)
“Competing in MotoAmerica, especially as part of a strong team like Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York, has been a goal of mine for some time. At this point in my racing career, I’d like to score wins and podiums in the most competitive domestic championships. I’m also looking forward to continuing my long relationship with Ducati, a union that has given me many happy memories over the years. It will be a big challenge: everything—the tracks and the tires, especially—will be unfamiliar, but I think I’m equal to the task. The Panigale V2 won the title last year with Josh Herrin, so I’m excited to be in the same box with him and see if we can replicate some of his success.”
Bobby Shek (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team Principal)
“Once again, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York is proud to partner with Ducati Corse and Ducati North America to contest the 2023 MotoAmerica Mediallia Superbike and Supersport championships. We’re excited to have Josh Herrin back for another year and to welcome Xavi Forés to the team. After Josh’s incredible success in Supersport in 2022, we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do on the new Panigale V4 R superbike. We’re sure he’ll put on another show for us all this year! We’re also excited to welcome Xavi to the team. Xavi has been a fixture in world championship racing for many years and he’s ridden for some of the top teams. His desire to race here shows that the quality of competition in MotoAmerica hasn’t gone unnoticed. That also means we’ll have our work cut out, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Jason Chinnock (CEO, Ducati North America)
“We welcome the world-class rider Xavi Florés to the HSBK Racing Ducati New York team,“ said Chinnock. “Xavi’s experience will help him quickly adapt to the U.S. tracks and tires and we are confident that he will continue the momentum that Josh championed last season. Josh earned his seat for this year’s Superbike program after debuting the dominance of the Panigale V2 in MotoAmerica’s Supersport Championship. We are elated to have him aboard the 2023 Panigale V4 R challenging the most competitive field in U.S. national road racing and putting on a show for our Ducatisti and road racing fans alike,” said Chinnock. “We thank Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York and our colleagues at Ducati Corse as we anticipate another thrilling season.
2023 MotoAmerica Calendar
March 9-11 Daytona Beach International Speedway Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 21-23 Road Atlanta Braselton, GA
May 19-21 Barber Motorsports Park Birmingham, Ala.
June 2-4 Road America Elkhart Lake, Wis.
June 23-25 Ridge Motorsports Park Shelton, Wash.
July 7-9 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Monterey, Calif.
July 28-30 Brainerd International Raceway Brainerd, Minn.
August 18-20 Pittsburgh Intern ational Race Complex Wampum, Pa.
Sept. 8-10 Circuit of The Americas Austin, Texas
Sept. 22-24 New Jersey Motorsports Park Millville, N.J.
About Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York
Founded in 2011, HSBK Racing partnered with Pennsylvanian dealership North American Warhorse/Ducati New York in 2020 to bring Ducati back to the forefront of professional Superbike competition in North America.N
About MotoAmerica
For 2023, MotoAmerica enters its ninth season as North America’s premier road racing championship.
MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership between three-time 500cc Grand Prix World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer, Wayne Rainey; former Vice President of Motorsports Operations at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA), and former Managing Director of Team Roberts in MotoGP, Chuck Aksland; Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum, Terry Karges; and energy sector investor and businessman, Richard Varner.
Xavi Vierge (97) at speed on a damp surface at Jerez. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
A useful albeit wet last test of the year for Team HRC at Jerez
Team HRC was on track from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 December for a three-day test at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, the final sessions of the season for the team and an opportunity for Iker Lecuona to return to action.
Lecuona and teammate Xavi Vierge alternated their riding responsibilities, each on track during two of the three days. The entire test was unfortunately compromised by rain although the conditions were not cold, with temperatures of around 15°-18°C.
Despite the unfavourable conditions, both riders worked with their teams to build experience in the wet, considering that the duo had limited opportunity to ride in the rain during the 2022 season. The original plan had been to work on engine setup and bike geometry and test some electronic updates, as well as some brake and suspension updates from Nissin and Showa, but of course the weather conditions rather limited the possibility to complete the full work schedule. The team nevertheless deemed the sessions useful, with riders and technicians alike able to gain a better understanding of certain aspects of bike behaviour on the wet asphalt.
Now it is time for the team and riders to enjoy a well-deserved break, so that they can recharge their batteries before returning to the track for the first test sessions of the new year towards the end of January.
Xavi Vierge (97) heads out on track in the wet at Jerez. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Xavi Vierge 97
“Unfortunately the weather conditions didn’t help us, as we weren’t able to make even one exit on a full dry track, but it’s been a good opportunity for us anyway, because we didn’t have much chance to ride in wet conditions during the season. The sessions were useful in that respect, as we made some small steps forward and got a better understanding of the direction to follow when it rains, which will be very important next year because sooner or later we’re bound to have to race in the wet. So I was happy with that, and also because we again saw just how hard Honda is working, bringing us some new items and settings to try, which pushes us to keep working and improve in January, when hopefully we’ll have some dry track time. Now it comes a time of the year I love, which I will spend with my family and friends, while also doing some motocross and training. Not that we’ll have so much time though, as we’ll be back in just a few weeks! I want to thank my whole team and all the guys working back at the factory for their commitment and hard work throughout year, and I wish everybody happy holidays.”
The test at Jerez was Iker Lecuona’s (7) first time back on his Honda since suffering a broken vertebra in Indonesia. Photo courtesy Team HRC.
Iker Lecuona 7
“In the end we weren’t really able to exploit this testing session, as the weather was simply crazy over the three days, with alternating wind, rain, storms and sun, which meant that we never had consistent track conditions, neither fully dry nor fully wet. This meant that we couldn’t ride properly or find a way to understand the new items and setups HRC had prepared for the session. The positive aspect is that I felt good back on my bike, the wet conditions making everything smoother and less demanding and therefore allowing me longer runs in the saddle. And it was also good to spend some time with my team and the HRC engineers, working all together again. I thank everyone on the team for their hard work, and now it’s time to rest and enjoy some time with family and friends before we get back to business, full throttle, in the new year.”
2022 MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (left) with his World Champion Replica Panigale V4 S and 2022 Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (right) with his World Champion Replica Panigale V4 S. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Two limited editions of Ducati Panigale V4 celebrate the world titles of Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista
The limited series Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2022 World Champion Replica and Panigale V4 Bautista 2022 World Champion Replica will be made in 260 units each and each bike will be made unique by the rider’s original signature on the tank
These special series feature the same liveries as the bikes on which Bagnaia and Bautista won the titles in MotoGP and WorldSBK, an authenticity certificate, dedicated technical equipment and packing case
Celebratory motorcycles on public display at “Campioni in Piazza2” party
Bologna, Italy, 15 December 2022 – Ducati celebrates the double victory of the MotoGP and WorldSBK titles by creating two special series of Panigale V4 bikes inspired by the Desmosedici GP and Panigale V4 R of World Champions Francesco Bagnaia and Álvaro Bautista. The celebratory motorcycles were unveiled during the press conference anticipating “Campioni in Piazza2”, the event in which Ducati celebrates this historic double achievement with its fans.
2022 has been an incredible year for Ducati. The Bologna-based manufacturer is World Champion, for the first time in its history, in both MotoGP and WorldSBK in the same season. A dream result that came true thanks to the exceptional work of the engineers, teams and riders. A double triumph that Ducati wanted to celebrate with two unique, collectible models.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Francesco Bagnaia’s 2022 MotoGP World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
The two special series, made on the base of the Panigale V4 S, will feature the liveries of the bikes of Pecco Bagnaia #63 and Álvaro Bautista #19. Each motorcycle in the series will be made unique by the original autograph of the rider on the tank, which will then be protected with a layer of clear varnish. The two motorcycles, produced in a numbered and limited series, celebrate in their production numbers the year of Ducati’s birth. In fact, each series will consist of only 260 units, in honor of 1926, the year the company was founded.
Like the race bikes they are inspired by, the Panigale V4 2022 World Champion Replica bikes are offered in single-seat configuration only and are enhanced by the billet aluminum upper clamp with laser engraving of the model name and progressive number. The technical equipment boasts the adoption of the nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Akrapovič street-legal silencer (2 kg lighter than the Panigale V4’s stock unit), Brembo braking system enhanced by Stylema® R calipers and MCS master cylinder with remote adjuster, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs and racing plexiglass.
A Ducati Panigale V4 S World Champion Replica representing Alvaro Bautista’s 2022 Superbike World Championship. Photo courtesy Ducati.
Other technical details that characterize these special bikes are the rear exhaust manifold heat shield, alternator cover, front and rear fenders, and front brake ducts, all made of carbon fiber. Also made of carbon fiber, combined with titanium, is the cover protecting the single-sided swingarm. Finally, the series dedicated to Álvaro Bautista #19 features the brushed aluminum tank found on the more refined versions of the Panigale V4.
Each bike will be delivered in a packing case with dedicated graphics and will come with a certificate of authenticity, a custom bike cover and the Ducati Data Analyser+ data acquisition system. Those who want to take advantage of the performance of these two motorcycles on the circuit will be able to mount the additional accessories provided, such as the carbon fiber open clutch cover, license plate and mirror removal kits and the billet aluminum racing fuel cap.
MotoAmerica Director of Operations Niccole Cox (right) with Diane Shepard Tribou (left), a long-time race official who works with many different organizations. Photo courtesy Diane Shepard Tribou.
MotoAmerica’s Director of Operations Niccole Cox has been appointed to the FIM Commission of Circuit Racing (CCR) from 2023 until 2026.
According to the FIM, the CCR “shall study and draw up all rules applicable to racing on closed circuits. It shall control the FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also deal with questions relating to sprint and drag racing. It shall compile and maintain an updated record of accident statistics in connection with FIM Championships and Prize events in these disciplines. It shall also be responsible for all issues relating to world record attempts, competitions on closed circuits, as well as time-keeping in these disciplines.”
Use the scroll and zoom tools in the edge of the PDF viewer below to better see all pages of the press release issued by FIM.
Peter Essaff and Ann McKinley. Photo courtesy Peter Essaff.
AHRMA racer Peter Essaff and Ann McKinley were married October 7 at Barber Motorsports Park.
Essaff, together with passenger Eric Lenser, won both Modern Sidecar TT 2 races at the event, wrapping up their third straight National Championship in the class.
Brandon Paasch (96) will go for a third consecutive Daytona 200 victory on Pirelli tires. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.
Pirelli Announces 2023 #PirelliNation Road Race Rider Program
Submit Your Application by February 28 for the Opportunity to Join Pirelli’s Road Racing Community
ATLANTA (December 15, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America is pleased to announce the return of its #PirelliNation road race rider program for the 2023 racing season. As the official tire of the MOTUL FIM World Superbike Championship, Pirelli and its DIABLO™ Superbike lineup are the go-to tires for racers around the world, which includes three consecutive victories at the world-renowned Daytona 200. Pirelli remains dedicated to the grassroots part of the sport, continuing with its motto, “we sell what we race, we race what we sell” and offering all riders the ability to purchase the same race compound tires found on the bikes of their favorite professional riders and World Champions like Alvaro Bautista, Jonathan Rea, and Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The road race community program ensures racers are the first to know about the latest Pirelli news, be notified of the newest Pirelli products, receive updates on national marketing opportunities, and be given access to technical advice and service at select races. Pirelli’s team will also identify and select several candidates who can purchase race compound tires at preferred pricing and be outfitted with Pirelli team-branded gear. Residents of the United States are eligible for the program.
Racers accepted to the program will be awarded with several brand benefits in 2023. Photo by Brian J. Nelson, courtesy Pirelli.
“It was a great introductory season for the #PirelliNation road race rider program, which saw our brand achieve tons of success,” said Oscar Solis, road race manager, Pirelli. “The Pirelli DIABLO Superbike range, and all race compound tires, are developed alongside our professional riders in the World and National Championships before eventually making their way into the hands of local racers and everyday consumers. This strategy allows Pirelli to continuously work on the development to ensure the latest technology is incorporated into the same tires available at local dealers. This road racing community program has allowed us to strengthen our relationship with racers across the nation and provide them with the education and knowledge necessary to choose the best tire for them to reach success.”
Pirelli’s high-performance DIABLO Superbike lineup offers several different compounds including, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the front and SCX, SC0, SC1, SC2, and SC3 on the rear. View the complete range of DIABLO Superbike tires on the Pirelli website.
CLICK HERE to submit your application for the 2023 #PirelliNation program. All applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023.
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