MotoGP: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Unveils 2025 Livery

Michael Gougis

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January 25, 2025

MotoGP: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Unveils 2025 Livery

And it was all: fluo! Bright yellow continues to take centre stage for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025, with their new livery revealed on Saturday at the Nusah Inda Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia. There, Fabio Di Giannantonio and new teammate Franco Morbidelli took the covers off their new livery in front of more than 600 guests.

Fluo Stream – Act 2 sees the team’s machinery add some symbolic details this year. The fluo yellow and white combo, all designed by Aldo Drudi and Drudi Performance, has a sun and moon on each side – Team Owner Valentino Rossi’s symbols. In the middle, together with the 49 and 21 of the riders, is the iconic 46 of the ‘Doctor’.

Under the gaze of Rossi, the team, led by Team Director Alessio Salucci and Team Manager Pablo Nieto, is ready to gain an even more relevant role in the championship in its first year as a Ducati Factory Supported Team. The squad will have a Desmosedici GP25, the latest model of Borgo Panigale-based team, fielded by Diggia. That’s the only other GP25 on the grid outside of the factory team. On the other side of the VR46 garage, Morbidelli rides out on the title-winning GP24.

The 2025 season will be Diggia’s second with the team and he returns after working hard to recover from the left shoulder injury and surgery he had at the end of 2024. Morbidelli, meanwhile, is ready to “close the circle” with his debut with the Valentino Rossi squad.

Fabio Di Giannantonio – 49

“It’s good to be in Indonesia and to launch the team here. In this part of the world, people are so passionate about our sport. It’s amazing seeing so many people who cheer and it’s great to have many supporters from Indonesia. Our new livery is amazing, we made a huge step with these little details this year. About the shoulder, I’m recovering quite well from the operation, that was hard. I think I’m at my 85%, but during the winter we worked a lot, and I think I should arrive at the first race of the season at 100%. I have a new teammate, Franky! I can’t wait to work with him, I think I can learn a lot from him, he’s a rider who won many races, he was world champion and runner up in MotoGP.”

Franco Morbidelli – 21

“It’s great to start from here, launching the team and having the first trainings in Indonesia. This part of the world is becoming more and more important for motorsports, especially motorbikes. There’s a lot of passion, it’s amazing to keep in touch with the people from here and get to talk to them. It was great also seeing my 21 on the new bike, the colors are wonderful, and I love the shadow of the 46 behind the number. The livery is really beautiful! It’s a new team for me, but I already know everyone. Riding for Valentino Rossi’s team is amazing; he made motorcycling racing better. There is a fantastic atmosphere, and I think this is one of the strongest points of the team. For sure there are much more, and I will discover them during the season. In 2025 we aim to improve last year results, we have a very good package thanks to Ducati. I get along well with Fabio, we’ve known each other for a long time, he’s riding very fast, and it will be important to work together to get great results for the team.”

Alessio Salucci – Team Director

“It’s the first time we launch the team in Jakarta. In Indonesia there is a lot of support for MotoGP and for our team. We wanted to come here also to thank Pertamina for the great support during 2024 season. The hospitality they gave us was so special from the first minute. Last year we suffered a bit, but I have great expectation for this year, because we have a renewed package, with Fabio Di Giannantonio who proved to be very fast and Franco Morbidelli who has been a MotoGP runner up and a Moto2 World Champion. The goal of this year is to fight for the top six and we can’t wait to start. It’s our first year as Ducati Factory Supported Team, we will have more pressure, but we must be good at manage it. We are very happy for that. The new livery is similar to last year one, but with some special details. There is Valentino, with his iconic symbols.”

Pablo Nieto – Team Manager

“The launch in Jakarta is incredible! We’ve been welcomed in an amazing way, they make us feel at home every time we come here. This year, the relationship with Ducati is a step forward, for us being a Factory Supported Team is very important, it means we have more pressure, and we can do better because we have the best bike on the grid. The goal is to keep improving and we know we can reach the podium every weekend with both riders. Diggia has the opportunity to be in the top three in almost every race, and with Franky we will have many opportunities because he already knows the bike. Although, as a team, we will have to keep our feet on the ground.”

Video: First Ride On A 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Limited Edition

John Ulrich

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January 25, 2025

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Video: First Ride On A 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Limited Edition

Racer, coach, CVMA new racer school instructor, and Ducati collector Stuart ‘Stuman” Smith recently bought a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. Ducati sold them with tailsections signed by AMA Pro Superbike racers Ben Bostrom on one side and Neil Hodgson on the other side. After buying the bike in Las Vegas, Stuman drove directly to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, put it on the track, and recorded this video.

Stuman wrote to Roadracing World, “It is a ride and review of a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. It is a pretty rare bike, 1 of 150 made and signed by the racers who were on the Parts Unlimited AMA Superbike team that year.”

https://youtu.be/LLTrzqzd15U

World Superbike: Executive Director Lavilla Previews Tech Future

Michael Gougis

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January 25, 2025

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World Superbike: Executive Director Lavilla Previews Tech Future

Interview: World Superbike Executive Director Gregorio Lavilla:

“It’s Always Going To Be Cat-And-Dog …”

By Michael Gougis

Gregorio Lavilla’s job is a bit like juggling chainsaws. Overseeing the rules and class structure for the Superbike World Championship requires him to chase market changes, balance performance between wide varieties of machines, and create and eliminate classes. He has to find new ways to reduce performance in the face of an army of engineers whose sole purpose in life is to find a way to make racebikes go faster. He has to keep an ever-shifting cast of manufacturers happy enough that they keep racing. And he has to do so without appearing tone-deaf to a world outside of motorcycle racing that demands increasingly cleaner and more efficient machinery.

At the end of 2024, Lavilla, a former racer in MotoGP, 500cc GP and 250cc Grand Prix as well as in World Superbike, and a British Superbike Champion, sat down with Roadracing World to discuss what the future held for the World Superbike World Championship. He talked about upcoming changes to the entry-level race class; new tools to balance machine performance in Superbike; and even the possibility that Supersport could become the premier category in the series, second only to MotoGP in terms of worldwide status and prestige.

The existing Supersport300 class is going away at the end of 2025, to be replaced with bikes with double their power output, Lavilla says. The goal is to react to changes in the market and to make it easier for riders to make the jump from the entry-level class to Supersport, the next-faster category. Right now, the Supersport300 machines make about 45 horsepower and Supersport bikes about 140. The goal for the new class will be a power output of about 80 to 90 horsepower, according to Lavilla.

“Right now, in terms of power, we have quite a big gap from the Supersport300 to the following class, which is Supersport. We felt like the Supersport300 class worked for the purpose for which it was created, but now the market has evolved, and there are new products available for which we can see a good fit for having an affordable entry class but are for more performance machines,” Lavilla says.

“(We want) to give a little bit more punch to the teams and riders, to be able to enjoy World Championship tracks with a little more power and make it easier to make the transition to Supersport, so it would not be such a big jump in terms of power. Some riders can adapt very quickly, obviously. But others take more time. And unfortunately, this is a sport where there is not much time that the teams and sponsors give you. So if you are able to be a bit more prepared–the skills will be more in line with the class that follows, and that should help with the transition.

“It will not be such a big jump in the lap times. It will be more powerful, but it will be more heavy, and honestly, the Supersport300s are fast, very fast!”

The Supersport300 class will be replaced by a new category with twice the horsepower and a much wider variety of machinery. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Having managed to do a decent job of balancing performance among a wide variety of machines in the current Next Generation Supersport category, the series is hoping to do the same for the new entry-level class. While the V-Twin Ducati Panigale V2 clearly was the machine to be on in World Supersport for 2024, the Inline-4 Yamaha YZF-R6 still took six race wins and MV Agusta’s three-cylinder F3 800 RR was on the podium.

Right now, Lavilla says, eight manufacturers from around the world have expressed interest in the new class, with machines including Twins, Triples, and Fours. And the interest of Chinese manufacturers in racing is not to be overlooked. QJMotors raced its SRK 800 RR, a 778cc Inline-4, in Supersport in 2024, and World Superbike wants to be sure that Chinese manufacturers have a place on the grid.

“So now we have to analyze all the different models of the manufacturers who have said they are interested. We think it will be good for the sport to have more manufacturers,” Lavilla says. “We need to start to deploy the technical regulations and the balance and collect the machines and do dyno tests. They have a lot of work to do. It’s not an easy task.”

Lavilla says the series has a new tool for balancing and reducing performance in the 2025 Superbike class–fuel flow restrictions. With the mechanical and technical aspects of the system tested and proven in 2024, fuel flow restrictions can be used to keep the speeds down and push the development of leaner, less-polluting engines.

“We want to go in line with society, so we want to be more efficient in emissions, everything. But we have different concepts in manufacturers. In an ideal scenario, you put a rule and that’s it. The rule is the same for everyone. That will end up that all of the machines will have the same number of cylinders, the same capacity, the same characteristics for all machines that are track-oriented,” Lavilla says.

“But manufacturers now–there is a big diversity in the types of machines in the market. Every manufacturer has a model that is completely different. And you have to be fair! You need to be able to react, but to react in a way that you don’t interfere. It’s not to level things to where everyone can achieve that level. It’s a World Championship. It’s hard to be a World Champion. It must be a World Championship effort for a team, for a manufacturer. So how do you make that work? It’s very difficult.

“In the past, we have used rpm to balance. Now the manufacturers say we can try the fuel flow to balance. If someone overshoots, we need to re-balance. (With fuel flow regulation) you do it in a way that helps emissions, society. Technically it’s very challenging for a manufacturer. But if they do, they can say, ‘We are still winning, and we are doing so in a way with less emissions.’”

According to Lavilla, engine rpm and weight differences between bikes and individual riders will remain, but the current thinking is that fuel flow restrictions will be a better way to balance machine performance. There are no proposals to modify the weight balancing rules, even though, as Lavilla says, “You try things. Sometimes things work, sometimes they work less.

“Different engine configurations may affect (fuel needs) more for some than others. If they decide they prefer not to touch the fuel flow, because someone may say, ‘I cannot reduce my fuel flow any more because it becomes a safety issue, my engine needs lubrication and refrigeration from the fuel flow and this and that,’ then let’s find another way of balance. We may not lower the fuel, so then let’s look at rpm. But the preferred option currently is working on the fuel (flow).

“Right now, you have fast bikes with quite the high fuel consumption and fast bikes with very low fuel consumption. So it will be quite interesting! And even if we go that route, the engineers will try to make the bike just as fast using less fuel. That’s technology. That’s fine. Good. It’s always going to be cat-and-dog. That’s the game. That’s their job!”

(Editors note: The final version of the 2025 Superbike regulations, published four days ago, does away with rev limits.)

In the past, Lavilla has said that MotoGP is where manufacturers market their brands and Superbike is where they market the machines that they sell. Right now, literbike sales have fallen worldwide, while there is renewed interest in the performance category directly below. Yamaha’s new YZF-R9, which will be racing in Supersport this season, is an indicator of a mainstream, high-volume manufacturer introducing a high-profile model into that category. And Superbike displacements have changed throughout the years.

Valentine Debise (53) on a Yamaha YZF-R6 leads Adrian Huertas (99) on a Ducati Panigale V2 and Federico Caricasulo (64) on an MV Agusta F3 800 RR in Supersport at Jerez. Photo by Michael Gougis.

Currently, there is enough interest in literbike-class machines to keep the Superbike class at that level. Kawasaki has just introduced a new Bimota-branded machine for the class. Ducati, BMW, and Kawasaki will be racing new and updated 1000cc racebikes in 2025.

But market and safety considerations mean that the series must be open to do what is necessary to maintain manufacturer interest and to keep speeds safe. The tracks are not changing, so the machines must stay within performance parameters that maximize safety.

Lavilla paused after he was asked if Supersport could replace Superbike. Then he took a very deep breath before responding. “Honestly speaking, I have an idea, but it needs to be up to manufacturers, the national championships. But what I can tell you is that the Supersport platform … could be something different, something bigger. The tools are there to progress. It’s just a matter of what the manufacturers want to follow because we have to promote what manufacturers sell.

“Manufacturers sell what is best for their marketing strategies. But then we need to place that into the environment of a nice show for them to promote their machines. If these tendencies change in terms of marketing issues or safety issues, we have to be open-minded and clear about what will be next. I feel we are ready for whatever will come.”

World Superbike: No Rev Limits For 2025 Season!

Michael Gougis

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January 24, 2025

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World Superbike: No Rev Limits For 2025 Season!

The Superbike World Championship series has dropped its controversial performance balancing rev limits for the 2025 season and will instead rely on fuel flow restrictions, minimum combined rider/machine weights, concessions, and super-concessions to try to level performance.

The 2025 rulebook, just published by the FIM, replaces the 2024 rulebook’s table of rev limits for each motorcycle homologated for competition with the following language:

2.4.2.3 Rev limit

The Maximum rev limit is not limited

Different maximum rev limits for different machines were introduced for the 2018 season as a way of balancing the performance across different engine configurations. Kawasaki, which had dominated the series for several years, was extremely unhappy with the new rules but went along with them. On its website, WorldSBK stated that for 2018, “Aprilia, BMW, MV Agusta and Yamaha will start the season with 14700 rpm, Honda with 14300, Kawasaki with 14100 and Ducati with 12400 (due to their two-cylinder engine).”

The subsequent years have seen significant debate over the rule, as some brands were more restricted than others and were clearly slower in a straight line. Among the models competing in the series in 2024, the Kawasaki ZX-10RR was restricted to 15,100 rpm, while the Ducati Panigale V4 R was allowed to rev to 16,100.

Roadracing World has reached out to World Superbike officials for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available.

KTM’s Debts Rise, But Investors Show Interest

Michael Gougis

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January 24, 2025

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KTM’s Debts Rise, But Investors Show Interest

Stefan Pierer. Photo courtesy Pierer Mobility AG.

Financially troubled KTM’s debts rose to nearly 2.2 billion euros, while 23 investors have offered enough money to finance the company’s proposed plan for restructuring, the latest reports from the bankruptcy proceedings indicated.

Claims against KTM AG now total 2,185,344,613.84 Euros, or approximately $2.298 billion, according to a report released today by AKV EUROPA/Alpine Creditors Association, the agency monitoring the court proceedings.

That figure is expected to rise, the agency’s report said.

The company is expected to continue to operate, the agency said, as only an ongoing operation will attract the investment needed. There are sufficient funds to continue operations into the eighth week of 2025, the report stated. Potential investors include both financial and strategic investors, the report said. (Strategic investors bring industry-specific expertise, resources and connections to a company as well as money.) However, the report does not name any of the potential investors.

The money on the table from those investors would allow KTM to proceed with a restructing plan that involves paying off its outstanding debts at 30 percent of their face value, the Pierer Mobility Group said in a statement released yesterday. The 30 percent figure is the legal minimum repayment offer.

However, the overall debt figure is expected to rise, the AKV report said, and an analysis is ongoing into the financial relationships between the various entities under the broad KTM banner. A meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25 to determine whether sufficient investment has been reached, the report states.

Unlike the previous report by AKV, there is no mention of withdrawing from Grand Prix motorcycle road racing. Longtime KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has stepped down from his post, and production is at a standstill as the company works to reduce its inventory of unsold motorcycles. But KTM’s racing department says it is building racebikes for the 2025 MotoGP season and will participate in the 2025 series.

The full statement from AKV follows:

As is known, on November 29, 2024, restructuring proceedings with self-administration were opened for the assets of KTM AG and its two subsidiaries KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH and KTM Components GmbH.

Today the general examination hearings took place at the Regional Court of Ried im Innkreis.

Following the conclusion of the hearing in the KTM AG proceedings, the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) announces:

Generally:
The current status of the claims filed will be announced at the examination hearing. In addition, the insolvency administrator and the insolvent debtor must make a statement about all claims filed to date, which must either be acknowledged or disputed.

The individual procedures are as follows

KTM AG

claims filings

To date, 3,534 claims have been filed , namely 2,347 claims from employees and 1,187 claims from other insolvency creditors.

The registered claim volume is:

Claims filed by other insolvency creditors EUR 2,172,626,058.36
Claims filed by employees: EUR 12,718,555.48
Total: EUR 2,185,344,613.84

To date, claims amounting to EUR 1,665,985,681.24 have been recognised.

Numerous subsequent claims are to be expected. The claims do not yet include termination claims from employees who have been terminated or left the company, and claims are still being submitted to the court on an ongoing basis, which will be dealt with separately in another special hearing. It is therefore to be expected that the claims filed in the proceedings will increase.

For the time being, the “intercompany” claims are disputed under the aspects of equity replacement and possible challenges. These issues are being examined in detail with the assistance of experts, after there has been a considerable increase in intra-group receivables and offsetting since January 1, 2023 to finance the ongoing (loss-making) business and the high liquidity requirement. The restructuring administrator is therefore currently busy analyzing the intra-group financing.

In particular, claims for damages filed (conditionally) by creditors in the event of non-entry into current contracts are also provisionally disputed. Since the production plans are currently being revised, there are often no statements from the restructuring administrator or the debtor company regarding contract entry or contract withdrawal. In the event of contract withdrawal, the claims for damages filed would become effective.

The claims filed by creditors who have asserted rights of separation on the grounds of retention of title have also been provisionally disputed. The volume of claims in question is approximately EUR 200 million. In this regard, the restructuring administrator is examining whether these rights of separation or retention of title have been legally agreed.

employee

The number of employees has decreased since the insolvency proceedings began. Of the original 2,477 employees, 1,991 are currently still actively employed , following several waves of layoffs and resignations.

In addition, 100 temporary workers have been laid off since the insolvency proceedings began.

Furthermore, three management contracts were terminated with the consent of the restructuring administrator.

Continuation / Liquidity

As is well known, production is currently at a standstill. The “continuation”, especially the continued payment of wages to the largely laid-off workforce on short-time work, is therefore financed through existing assets. In order to secure liquidity, it was therefore necessary to reverse the real estate transaction of PIERER IMMOREAL GmbH. Further inflows will come via the sales subsidiaries. At the level of the sales subsidiaries in particular, efforts are being made to reach a final agreement with the institutions providing financing there in order to secure liquidity in the longer term.

According to a validated continuation financial plan, the insolvency estate should have sufficient liquid funds until week 08/2025. It is hoped that an agreement can be reached with potential investors by then, because according to the current status of the proceedings, financing the restructuring plan quotas only seems plausible through an investor.

investors

Despite the production stoppage, the company will continue to operate, as only a “living” KTM Group will allow investors to enter the business.

At the same time, KTM’s parent company PIERER Mobility AG commissioned Citygroup Global Markets Europe AG (“Citibank”) to find an investor solution. This process is underway and a total of 23 potential investors are participating. These are said to be both strategic investors and financial investors.

Further checks

Numerous reviews that have been initiated have not yet been completed due to the scale of the procedures.

This concerns the appropriateness assessment of a restructuring plan, the examination of the causes of insolvency and the decline in assets as well as possible liabilities or challenges. In addition, an estimate of the movable assets was commissioned.

The restructuring plan continues to provide for the statutory minimum offer of 30%, payable within 2 years.

The redevelopment plan meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and it remains to be seen whether a concrete offer can be negotiated by then.

KTM Components GmbH

So far, 739 claims have been filed in this procedure , 478 of which are from employees.

Insolvency claims amounting to EUR 80,971,072.08 were filed , of which claims amounting to EUR 48,886,627.97 were initially recognised.

The disputed claims amounting to approximately EUR 32 million are in the same situation as those of KTM AG. The disputes therefore concern the “intercompany” claims amounting to EUR 21.9 million, possible claims for damages as a result of non-entry into contracts and estimates by the tax office and the ÖGK.

In this procedure, too, numerous subsequent claims are to be expected; in particular, the claims for termination of employment by employees are still missing.

When the insolvency proceedings began, the company employed 478 people . During the ongoing proceedings, 97 employees were dismissed or resigned.

The majority of employees have been laid off as there is currently no production. The financial plan is being adhered to and liquidity and ” continuation ” are being coordinated with KTM AG, which is the main customer providing the liquidity.

In this procedure, too, the restructuring plan meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2025. The implementation of a restructuring plan will depend on an investor entering the KTM Group.

The above figures refer to documents made available to us yesterday and may change slightly in today’s session, as this does not take place until 1:00 p.m.

KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH

So far, 1,162 claims have been filed in this procedure , 772 of which are from employees.

Insolvency claims amounting to EUR 111,935,523.75 were filed , of which claims amounting to EUR 41,409,918.79 were initially recognised.

The disputed claims amounting to approximately EUR 70.5 million are in the same situation as those of KTM AG and KTM Components GmbH (“intercompany” claims, claims for damages, etc.).

Subsequent claims are also to be expected in this procedure.

The company currently employs 550 people . At the beginning of January 2025, there were a total of 146 layoffs.

In this procedure too, the continuation depends on the provision of liquidity via KTM AG.

The restructuring plan meeting is also scheduled for February 25, 2025 and the fulfillment of a restructuring plan is dependent on an investor entering the KTM Group.

MotoGP: Champions Take To Aspar Circuit In Valencia (Updated)

Michael Gougis

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January 23, 2025

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MotoGP: Champions Take To Aspar Circuit In Valencia (Updated)

The Aspar Circuit has been chosen by the best riders in the world to train and prepare for the new season

Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.

In the last two weeks, the Aspar Circuit has welcomed four of the five active Moto GP champions, Marc Márquez, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo and Joan Mir. The facilities located in Guadassuar (Valencia) have hosted two intense weeks of training in which the best riders in the world have been riding together to prepare for a season that starts soon.

These great champions have been riding alongside other riders such as Álex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer, David Alonso, Dani Holgado, Izan Guevara, Filip Salac, Diogo Moreira, Máximo Quiles and Ángel Piqueras, among others.

Alex Marquez (73) leads Marc Marquez (93) at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.

A unique facilities in the world

When the Aspar Circuit project began in May 2024, one of the objectives was to become a space where elite riders could train at the highest level. In the last two weeks, more than 20 riders have chosen these facilities to practice before the World Championship starts on 2 March in Thailand.

Julio García, Aspar Circuit Director: “It is a privilege to see the best riders in the world training at our facilities. The fact that they choose the Aspar Circuit to prepare for the season shows that the Aspar Circuit is a reference place in the motorcycling.”

Jorge Martin (89) leads Marc Marquez (93) at Aspar Circuit. Photo by Manu Tormo/Aspar Circuit.

What is Aspar Circuit? The history and facility from the company’s website:

A company born with the aim of closing a circle that began more than 40 years ago, when Jorge Martínez “Aspar” got on a motorcycle for the first time. The Aspar Circuit is the first global motorcycling academy in the world and seeks to push young talents to the top of the World Championship.

The Aspar Circuit is a unique space for the diversity of activities that can be carried out there. It is the perfect place to get started in motorsport or for professional drivers to train. Whether in karting, motor racing or motorcycling, the Aspar Circuit has everything you need to enjoy the two or four wheels in the Valencian Community, as well as all kinds of sporting, commercial or corporate events.

MotoGP Legend Jorge Martínez “Aspar” leads a motorcycle racing team that currently accumulates fifteen world titles, ten world championship runner-ups, more than 150 victories and more than 400 podiums, all of them being present in the Moto2, Moto3 and MotoE World Championship, as well as in the FIM JuniorGP with its pool of young talents in the JuniorGP and European Talent Cup classes. If you go to the Aspar Circuit, you are likely to meet the members of the Aspar Team, as the team’s headquarters are located at the circuit’s facilities. In addition, it will be an ideal scenario for the team’s pilots to train in different modalities.

Aspar KSB Sport, founded by Kike Bañuls, is a Valencian school of pilots that has been offering its training services since 2006. With its proven experience with young children, Aspar KSB Sport provides the opportunity for all young people to learn, effectively and safely, how to ride a motorcycle and enter the world of competition. In addition, Aspar KSB Sport offers courses to improve motorcycling skills.

The Aspar KSB Technical Academy is a school for racing mechanics. It offers a two-year cycle of specific training, with a dynamic method based on 80% practice and 20% theory. The contents are focused on the operation of a pit box during a Grand Prix, so the practices are in real competition situations, sometimes with World Championship drivers.

The Aspar Circuit is also home to the Aspar Museum, a space that contains a large part of the history of the Aspar Team and its founder, Jorge Martínez “Aspar”. With more than 40 years as a rider and team manager, in the Museum you can appreciate great jewels of the competition, from the Derbi with which “Aspar” was world champion, to the current Moto3 bikes, through the historic 125cc and 250cc bikes that gave so much joy to the team.

Main track

With a length of 2.2 kilometers, this track offers motorcycle and car drivers a perfect space to challenge their skills.

It also includes a 1,348-meter variant designed for karting and homologated by the FIA. homologated by the FIA.

It is suitable for cars, motorcycles and racing karts.

Karting track

On its 850 meters of track, amateurs will be able to compete in races and heats with rental karts to see who is the fastest, while professional drivers will be able to perfect their technique on a more compact track.

Suitable for rental karts, pit bikes and mini motorcycles.

Dirt track

Motor racing is not only about speed. The dirt track awaits all the enthusiasts of modalities such as car cross or supermotard, among others.

Open track – School circuit

For more than 15 years, Aspar KSB Sport has been training young drivers in a safe and fun environment. Our track has everything necessary for riders to develop their skills. With expert instructors and personalized attention, at Aspar KSB Sport you will find the perfect way to start your adventure in the world of motorcycling. Join the school and start riding towards your dreams!

ASPAR MUSEUM

Aspar Museum is also placed in the Aspar Circuit, a space that collects part of the history of the Aspar Team and its founder, Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’. With more than 40 years as a rider and team manager, the Museum displays great jewels of the competition, from the Derbi with which ‘Aspar’ was world champion, to the current Moto3 bikes, as well as the historical 125cc and 250cc bikes that gave so much joy to the team.

RESTAURANT AND TERRACE

In our restaurant you can have lunch and dinner overlooking the circuit, celebrate caterings, birthdays, events or business lunches.

MotoGP: Pierer Resigns As CEO Of KTM

Michael Gougis

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January 23, 2025

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Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG for many years, is handing over the management of the company to his Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister. With this step, one of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers is strategically positioning itself for the future. Pierer will continue to accompany the reorganization process as a member of the Executive Board with full commitment and will remain part of the KTM family.

Gottfried Neumeister. Photo courtesy KTM.

Since taking over KTM in 1992, Stefan Pierer has built the company from a regional motorcycle manufacturer into a global brand with legendary status in the motorcycle industry. Today, for millions of fans, KTM stands for innovation, performance and a spirit of adventure like no other brand – values that will remain in focus under the new management.

“For me, KTM was always more than just a company – it was and is a passion, a mission and a family. The decision to hand over the helm was not an easy one. I am deeply convinced that Gottfried Neumeister, with his strategic foresight and commitment, is the right choice to lead KTM into the future,” says Stefan Pierer.

Gottfried Neumeister brings extensive experience in corporate management, including many years as a board member of flyniki and DO &CO. He emphasizes: “Stefan Pierer has created a unique company that reflects the passion and pioneering spirit of all employees. I see it as my task to preserve this legacy and at the same time to break new ground. KTM stands for courage, innovation and passion – values that we will continue to live by and carry into the future. Together with our team, we will continue to strengthen KTM and set new standards to build the best motorcycles in the world.”

With the new management structure, KTM is ideally equipped to master the challenges of the future and continue its success story. The focus remains on innovation, performance and the continuous development of a motorcycle brand that inspires millions of fans worldwide. KTM remains focused on redefining the limits of what is possible on two wheels. The company will continue on its path with the same determination that has made it a global icon under the leadership of Stefan Pierer.

About Gottfried Neumeister

After completing his studies in international business administration at the University of Vienna, Gottfried Neumeister worked as a consultant at Siemens AG Austria. In 2003, he founded flyniki together with Niki Lauda and was responsible for the successful development of the aviation business (until its sale to Air Berlin). In 2012, Mr. Neumeister moved to DO &CO Aktiengesellschaft, where he held various positions on the Management Board, most recently (2021-2023) as Co-CEO. Gottfried Neumeister has been Co-CEO of PIERER Mobility AG and KTM AG since September 1, 2024. He has also been a member of the Executive Board of Pierer Industrie AG since January 1, 2025.

World Superbike: More From Testing At Jerez

Michael Gougis

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January 23, 2025

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World Superbike: More From Testing At Jerez

Guintoli Quickest BMW

Official test rider Sylvain Guintoli was the fastest BMW on the track on Thursday, finishing 1.910 seconds behind leader Jonathan Rea. BMW’s Technical Director Christian Gonschor said that each of the BMW bikes that would be tested in Jerez would be running different specs in order to collect the most data possible.

Yari Montella (5). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Montella Happy With Wet Times

Testing is a time for riders to get up to speed and it seems like rookie Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) did that despite tricky conditions in testing for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Overnight rain left the track wet and, with more rain falling in the morning, several riders opted not to head out on Day 2 at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. However, Montella was one of seven WorldSBK riders who ventured out and the #5 finished in P3.

The Italian rider completed 32 laps on Day 2 in the differing conditions, with the track drying up as the rain cleared although it was never fully dry. He did three stints across the day, with his first the longest at 12 laps long as he eased into riding the Panigale V4 R in the wet. His best time in this stint was a 1’54.998 which came on Lap 10, before he entered the pits for a few hours. He returned at around 14:30 Local Time (UTC+1) for a seven-lap stint before his final run at around 15:00.

This is the stint where he set his best lap time of the day, a 1’53.978s which came on his seventh lap in the nine-lap run. He showed more consistency in his final part of the test, completing five laps in the 1’54s bracket or faster between his fourth and final laps. That time gave him a third-place finish on Day 2, less than a second away from six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha). The #65 topped the times with a 1’53.058s.

Reflecting on his wet-weather running and finishing third on the timesheets, Montella said: “I’m quite happy for that. It’s nice but, in the end, we were just a few riders in strange conditions and the wet. We decided to ride because I need to ride in every condition because I need to keep the feeling with the bike, understand it in every condition. I’m happy for the test because it was complete: some dry, some wet.”

Xavi Vierge (97). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Honda Returns To Ohlins

Honda have changed suspension for the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with Ohlins coming onto the scene once again. Team Manager Jose Escamez spoke about Honda’s opening day at Jerez, with only Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) on track from the race team, with Iker Lecuona missing out as he recovers from a training injury, as well as the reason behind the switch to Ohlins suspension for this season.

Vierge was the fastest rider on the CBR1000RR-R machine as he finished in seventh place, setting a 1’39.916s and completing 81 laps as he got back up to speed and tested the new suspension. He was joined by test rider Tetsuta Nagashima with the Japanese star also racking up 81 laps as he added valuable mileage and data for Honda in Lecuona’s absence. Nagashima’s best time was a 1’41.498s.

Reviewing Day 1 from his perspective, Escamez was happy that Honda have started 2025 as they ended 2024: “The day has been good because the weather has respected the predictions from Tuesday. So far, we are good enough, we can say but not happy at all. It’s quite good. Xavi has been doing laps and everything looks as we expected. This means we’re in the same way that we finished last year, which is already a positive point. We’re still looking forward.”

Honda had previously used Ohlins suspension before a switch to Showa for 2022, but have now reverted back to Ohlins although it’ll be the first time Vierge and Lecuona have raced the CBR1000RR-R machine with the Ohlins products – in 2020 and 2021, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Leon Haslam were on the machines. After making big progress throughout the 2024 season, Honda will be aiming to keep that going in 2025 and hoping the change of suspension supplier helps.

Discussing the move to Ohlins, Escamez said: “It’s going to be a way of creating or establishing a base setup. It’s been quite good. We have found, quickly, the right way to keep going. We have been working to find a good base setup, and this will help the riders feel comfortable for lap times, of course, and there are some differences with the previous suspension we’ve been using. Just trying to understand but there’s not much difference, though. There’s a small improvement in performance and also feedback from riders. It’s a fair enough reason to let them ride with this one.”

Scott Redding (45). Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Redding Back On Ducati, Immediately Fast

British star Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) return to the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the first time since 2021 on Day 1 at the Jerez test for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and was immediately on the pace. He claimed third place and lapped just over half-a-second down on pacesetter Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he got back up to speed on the machinery, he claimed 12 WorldSBK wins on between 2020 and 2021.

REDDING’S DAY: fast and consistent

The English rider finished the day in P3 as in his last lap of the day he recorded a blistering 1’39.280 run on the SCQ tyre, pushing Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) to fourth place. This run was only topped by Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven), who beat it by less than a hundredth of a second, and Riders’ Champion runner-up Nicolo Bulega. Redding’s familiarity with the Panigale V4R was on clear display as while these pre-season tests are by no means just a test of who can set the fastest lap, Redding was among the top 10 throughout the day. Riding in stints between two and eight laps, Redding was working to gain confidence atop his Panigale V4 R after three years atop a BMW M 1000 RR. According to his team, their goal was to work on the bike’s balance and suspension ahead of Phillip Island and Round 1 of the WorldSBK season on February 21st.ç

Reviewing his day, Redding said: “My goal was try to go P1 on my first day… it’s a little bit ambitious, but you’ve got to aim high! I also had a yellow flag on my best lap so I lost a little bit of time. In general, to be top three on my first day and all of these guys have tested I think two times two days or three days since the end of the season; it was hard to get up to speed initially but when I found my rhythm and relaxed a little bit, I could build. My best lap was on the SCQ and then I did s 1’40 with the race tyre.”

World Superbike: Rea Quickest In Wet At Jerez

Michael Gougis

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January 23, 2025

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World Superbike: Rea Quickest In Wet At Jerez

Jonathan Rea was fastest in the wet on the second day of the Superbike World Championship test at Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. Rea’s best time on the factory Yamaha YZF-R1 was a 1:53.058, and only 13 riders took to the rain-slickened track. Xavi Vierge was second on the factory Honda CBR 1000 RR-R, and Superbike rookie Yari Montella on the Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4 R was third. Andrea Locatelli, Axel Bassani and American Garrett Gerloff crashed, uninjured, in the conditions.

Garrett Gerloff (31) after a small crash in the rain in Jerez. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.

Results from Day Two. Note that Rea set times on two machines:

MV Agusta Celebrates 80th Anniversary

John Ulrich

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January 23, 2025

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MV AGUSTA CELEBRATES ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY

Since January 19th 1945, MV Agusta has been creating masterpieces on two wheels, infused with innovation, beauty, and proudly handmade in Italy.

Logo OTTANTESIMO ANNIVERSARIO

MV Agusta celebrates its 80th anniversary, a remarkable milestone that tells a unique story of innovation, passion, and success in the world of motorcycling. Since 1945, MV Agusta has been synonymous with excellence in design, engineering, and motorcycle racing. Over eight decades, the Varese-based brand has set new standards for quality and performance, both on the racetrack, with its unmatched record of 75 world titles (38 riders and 37 manufacturers), and on the road, becoming an icon of Italian style and craftsmanship. Since its inception, MV Agusta has embodied the values of innovation, precision, and dedication, crafting models that have entered the mythology of motorcycling. Every motorcycle designed is the result of an enduring passion for performance, technical perfection, and aesthetic exploration — foundational principles of a philosophy that continues to inspire generations of riders and enthusiasts worldwide.
The Agusta family, a key player in the aviation industry, unable to produce airplanes immediately after World War II, decided to channel its passion for speed and technology into building motorcycles. On January 19th 1945, the Società Anonima Meccanica Verghera was officially founded in Cascina Costa di Samarate, near today’s Malpensa International Airport, in northern Italy.

The first MV Agusta-branded motorcycle was officially launched in the fall of 1945 and went down in history as the MV 98. The Agusta family’s love for aviation was clearly reflected in their motorcycles, giving them a true racing soul. With the MV 98, an extraordinary series of victories and successes began, dominating racetracks worldwide for decades. The aviation legacy is evident throughout MV Agusta’s 80-year history. A prime example is the iconic red and silver livery: while the red symbolizes Italy’s motorsport heritage, the silver pays homage to aviation, where wartime planes often left with their aluminum fuselages unpainted to save weight.

The mass production of automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s caused a significant decline in demand for motorcycles as a simple means of transportation. MV Agusta’s response was to develop increasingly innovative, high-performance models distinguished by constant aesthetic research. These bikes sparked desire as aspirational objects, overcoming the diminishing necessity of two-wheeled transportation. This strategy proved successful, thanks in part to the brand’s continued sporting triumphs.

Count Domenico Agusta had a knack for selecting the best riders, many of whom became motorcycling legends: Franco Bertoni, MV Agusta’s first rider, followed by Arcisio Artesiani, Carlo Ubbiali (“The Flying Chinaman”), Leslie Graham, Cecil Sandford, Fortunato Libanori, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Gianfranco Bonera, Giacomo Agostini, and Phil Read. During the 30 years of the Agusta era, their victories intertwined with the legacy of legendary MV Agusta production models. The partnership between MV Agusta and Giacomo Agostini remains the most famous in motorcycling history: during his career on Cascina Costa’s bikes, “Ago” won 13 world titles, 18 Italian championships, and 10 Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in motorcycling history.

MV Agusta’s 80 years are marked not only by countless sporting successes but also by the creation of true collector’s items, highly sought after by enthusiasts worldwide. Examples include the 175 CSS of 1954, nicknamed “Disco Volante”, the 1973 750 S “America”, the legendary F4 launched in 1997, whose variants have captivated generations of motorcyclists, and the iconic Brutale, still considered the epitome of naked bikes. In 2010, with the F3 — the world’s first motorcycle to feature a counter-rotating crankshaft — MV Agusta adopted a technical solution that revolutionized handling and stability in mid-sized sports bikes.

The 1954 MV Agusta 175 CSS, nicknamed “Disco Volante”

The 2018 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 Serie Oro

Recent history has been marked by models such as the Rush, Dragster, Turismo Veloce, and Superveloce, each embodying the brand’s DNA of innovation, performance, and beauty. In 2024, MV Agusta took another bold step forward with the Enduro Veloce, redefining the adventure bike segment with a project that combines performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated design.

MV Agusta’s creations are not only milestones in motorcycling but also recognized as true works of art. Some have earned places in the world’s most renowned design and art museums.

The Superveloce, unveiled in 2018, with its neo-retro aesthetic which stunned the world was chosen by American artist Daniel Arsham to create six of his “modern relics.” The artist selects icons of contemporary pop culture and reworks them using his erosion technique, transforming them into objects that merge classic aesthetics with a forward-looking perspective. In 2024, the Superveloce Arsham, the most exclusive motorcycle in history, was showcased in the Arsham 3024 exhibition during the Venice Biennale.
The name Superveloce evolved further in 2024 with the final version of the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro. Produced in just 500 units, this motorcycle was instantly hailed as “the world’s most beautiful bike.” Its beauty inspired Hollywood director Nicholas Winding Refn, who created a short film titled “Beauty Is Not A Sin,” selected for the Venice Film Festival’s official lineup — the first commercial project ever to achieve this honor.

“Motorcycle Art,” the slogan that accompanies MV Agusta, embodies the artistic and artisanal dimension of the brand, elevating it beyond mere motorcycle manufacturing to a true factory of dreams on two wheels, upholding authentic Made in Italy as a core value.

Today, MV Agusta looks to the future with the same pioneering spirit that has defined its legacy. With a focus on technological innovation, connectivity, and strengthening relationships with dealers and customers, the brand continues to create unique motorcycles that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.

As a tribute to this glorious history, MV Agusta has crafted the 2025 Collezione Ottantesimo, unveiled last November at EICMA. The Centro Stile MV Agusta redesigned the historic logo for this occasion, replacing the traditional emblem on all motorcycles in the collection.

The six celebratory models (800 Series 3-cylinder range: Brutale RR Ottantesimo, Dragster RR Ottantesimo, F3 RR Ottantesimo, and Superveloce S Ottantesimo – 1000 Series 4-cylinder range: Brutale 1000 Ottantesimo and Brutale 1000 RR Ottantesimo), all produced in a limited series of just 500 units, are identifiable by a laser engraving, “1 of 500,” located either on the steering plate or on the tank protection plate, depending on the model. Each motorcycle dedicated to the 80th Anniversary comes with its respective certificate of authenticity.

The 80th Anniversary Collection celebrates a glorious history of passion, success, and performance that, over 80 years, has brought true Made in Italy to the top of the world more times than anyone else. It has gifted works of art in the form of motorcycles and made generations of enthusiasts and lovers of design, mechanics, and beauty dream and fall in love, always staying true to its vision.

Luca Martin, CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., stated: “Being part of MV Agusta during such a significant year in its history is a unique emotion and a great responsibility. This milestone is not only a tribute to our legacy but also a commitment to the future: to continue innovating while maintaining the values that have made MV Agusta a global icon. We are proud to represent Italian excellence, recognized last December at Montecitorio with the ‘100 Italian Excellences’ award, a testament to our craftsmanship, exclusivity, and passion. Every MV Agusta motorcycle in the world comes entirely, and solely, from our beautiful factory on the shores of Lake Varese. The knowledge of working in the only place where these dreams take shape is a source of immense pride for all of us.”

MotoGP: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Unveils 2025 Livery

January 25, 2025

Team_PertaminaVR46_MotoGP_2025-4 — Franco Morbidelli (21) and Fabio Di Giannantonio (40) in their 2025 livery. Photo courtesy MotoGP.com.

And it was all: fluo! Bright yellow continues to take centre stage for Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025, with their new livery revealed on Saturday at the Nusah Inda Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia. There, Fabio Di Giannantonio and new teammate Franco Morbidelli took the covers off their new livery in front of more than 600 guests.

Fluo Stream – Act 2 sees the team’s machinery add some symbolic details this year. The fluo yellow and white combo, all designed by Aldo Drudi and Drudi Performance, has a sun and moon on each side – Team Owner Valentino Rossi’s symbols. In the middle, together with the 49 and 21 of the riders, is the iconic 46 of the ‘Doctor’.

Under the gaze of Rossi, the team, led by Team Director Alessio Salucci and Team Manager Pablo Nieto, is ready to gain an even more relevant role in the championship in its first year as a Ducati Factory Supported Team. The squad will have a Desmosedici GP25, the latest model of Borgo Panigale-based team, fielded by Diggia. That’s the only other GP25 on the grid outside of the factory team. On the other side of the VR46 garage, Morbidelli rides out on the title-winning GP24.

The 2025 season will be Diggia’s second with the team and he returns after working hard to recover from the left shoulder injury and surgery he had at the end of 2024. Morbidelli, meanwhile, is ready to “close the circle” with his debut with the Valentino Rossi squad.

Fabio Di Giannantonio – 49

“It’s good to be in Indonesia and to launch the team here. In this part of the world, people are so passionate about our sport. It’s amazing seeing so many people who cheer and it’s great to have many supporters from Indonesia. Our new livery is amazing, we made a huge step with these little details this year. About the shoulder, I’m recovering quite well from the operation, that was hard. I think I’m at my 85%, but during the winter we worked a lot, and I think I should arrive at the first race of the season at 100%. I have a new teammate, Franky! I can’t wait to work with him, I think I can learn a lot from him, he’s a rider who won many races, he was world champion and runner up in MotoGP.”

Franco Morbidelli – 21

“It’s great to start from here, launching the team and having the first trainings in Indonesia. This part of the world is becoming more and more important for motorsports, especially motorbikes. There’s a lot of passion, it’s amazing to keep in touch with the people from here and get to talk to them. It was great also seeing my 21 on the new bike, the colors are wonderful, and I love the shadow of the 46 behind the number. The livery is really beautiful! It’s a new team for me, but I already know everyone. Riding for Valentino Rossi’s team is amazing; he made motorcycling racing better. There is a fantastic atmosphere, and I think this is one of the strongest points of the team. For sure there are much more, and I will discover them during the season. In 2025 we aim to improve last year results, we have a very good package thanks to Ducati. I get along well with Fabio, we’ve known each other for a long time, he’s riding very fast, and it will be important to work together to get great results for the team.”

Alessio Salucci – Team Director

“It’s the first time we launch the team in Jakarta. In Indonesia there is a lot of support for MotoGP and for our team. We wanted to come here also to thank Pertamina for the great support during 2024 season. The hospitality they gave us was so special from the first minute. Last year we suffered a bit, but I have great expectation for this year, because we have a renewed package, with Fabio Di Giannantonio who proved to be very fast and Franco Morbidelli who has been a MotoGP runner up and a Moto2 World Champion. The goal of this year is to fight for the top six and we can’t wait to start. It’s our first year as Ducati Factory Supported Team, we will have more pressure, but we must be good at manage it. We are very happy for that. The new livery is similar to last year one, but with some special details. There is Valentino, with his iconic symbols.”

Pablo Nieto – Team Manager

“The launch in Jakarta is incredible! We’ve been welcomed in an amazing way, they make us feel at home every time we come here. This year, the relationship with Ducati is a step forward, for us being a Factory Supported Team is very important, it means we have more pressure, and we can do better because we have the best bike on the grid. The goal is to keep improving and we know we can reach the podium every weekend with both riders. Diggia has the opportunity to be in the top three in almost every race, and with Franky we will have many opportunities because he already knows the bike. Although, as a team, we will have to keep our feet on the ground.”

Video: First Ride On A 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Limited Edition

January 25, 2025

Side — Racer, coach, CVMA new racer school instructor, and Ducati collector Stuart 'Stuman" Smith made a first-ride video of his latest acquisition, a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition.

Racer, coach, CVMA new racer school instructor, and Ducati collector Stuart ‘Stuman” Smith recently bought a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. Ducati sold them with tailsections signed by AMA Pro Superbike racers Ben Bostrom on one side and Neil Hodgson on the other side. After buying the bike in Las Vegas, Stuman drove directly to Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, put it on the track, and recorded this video.

Stuman wrote to Roadracing World, “It is a ride and review of a 2007 Ducati 999s Team USA Edition. It is a pretty rare bike, 1 of 150 made and signed by the racers who were on the Parts Unlimited AMA Superbike team that year.”

https://youtu.be/LLTrzqzd15U

World Superbike: Executive Director Lavilla Previews Tech Future

January 25, 2025

SBK action 1 DSC_0415 — Superbike rules try to balance performance between a wide range of machine specifications. At Jerez, Andrea Locatelli (55) on a cross-plane Yamaha YZF-R1 leads Alex Lowes (22) on an Inline-4 Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Iker Lecuona (7) on a Honda CBR1000RR-R, Michael Ruben Rinaldi (21) on a Ducati Panigale V4 R, and Michael van der Mark (60) on a BMW M1000 RR. Photo by Michael Gougis.