Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

Please note that the content within our News section (text and images), follows the same copyright laws/notice as all other content on the website - ie not to be reproduced (including slightly amending) without prior consent. 

 RSS Feed

Category: Moto GP

  1. Subaru partners with World Superbike Championship with Solterra as the first all-electric Official Safety Car

    Posted on

    • Subaru announce partnership with World Superbike Championship
    • All-electric Subaru Solterra selected as Official Safety Car
    • Solterra embodies innovation, performance, and reliability - an ideal match for the championship
    • Round 7 of the championship to be held July 11-13 at Donington Park, UK

    8th July 2025 - Subaru’s first all-electric SUV, the Subaru Solterra, will take the spotlight as the Official Safety Car of the popular motorsport series. This marks Subaru Europe's debut in an official motorsport programme and the first time WorldSBK has selected an all-electric vehicle as its Official Safety Car.

    As the Official Safety Car, the Solterra underscores Subaru’s commitment to crafting vehicles that offer a unique blend of enjoyment and peace of mind. From pre-session track assessments to rapid incident responses, Subaru’s all-electric SUV is built to perform where and when it matters most.

    Having performed expertly at all rounds of the season so far, the Subaru Solterra will be on-hand at round seven of the World SBK Championship, held in the UK at the infamous Donington Park, near Castle Donington in Leicestershire. There are three WorldSBK contests to look forward to, with two on the main Sunday race day, plus an international support race package featuring World SuperSport and the return of the Women’s World Championship. Further racing will come from a roster of leading national categories.

    "Subaru’s rich racing heritage makes the WorldSBK championship a perfect match for our brand," said David Dello Stritto, General Manager at Subaru Europe. "Partnering with this distinctive motorsport series aligns Subaru with performance and cutting-edge innovation. It reinforces our core values of driving fun, go-anywhere capability, durability and safety—values that resonate deeply with Subaru and WorldSBK fans alike.”

    He continued “This collaboration brings our 'Power On. Ready. Charge.' motto to life, showcasing the mindset behind our European efforts to introduce new electric models in the region. It reaffirms Subaru's dedication to shaping a sustainable and electrified future for the brand in Europe.”

    Francesco Valentino, Head of WorldSBK Commercial & Marketing Department expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to welcome Subaru as the Official Safety Car provider for WorldSBK. The Solterra embodies a perfect blend of innovation, performance, and reliability, making it an ideal match for our championship. Subaru’s focus on delivering high-quality vehicles aligns perfectly with WorldSBK’s pursuit of excellence. We’re excited to see the Solterra leading the pack and providing fans with unforgettable experiences in our paddock."

     

  2. Jorge Martin Approaches Return After Doctors Declare Him Fit for MotoGP Test

    Posted on

    Jorge Martin has been cleared by MotoGP’s medical director to get back on his Aprilia for a one-day test. The reigning champion, who has not raced since Qatar, won’t feature at the German Grand Prix. His first competitive appearance of the season might only come the week after.

    German GP Odds Placed Him Among the Favourites

    Before confirmation came that he’d miss Sachsenring, Martin’s odds to win there were sitting at 7/4 at various online bookmakers not on Gamstop that offer extensive betting markets, competitive odds, and enticing promotional offers. Only Francesco Bagnaia had shorter odds, while Pedro Acosta’s line floated just behind. It said a lot about how oddsmakers viewed Martin’s ability to rebound fast, and it underlined how close he’d come to making a proper return.

    For a rider recovering from cracked ribs and a healing scaphoid, 7/4 showed more than optimism, it signalled faith in what he could still do on a bike. Many expected a push for the title, or at least a string of strong performances starting in Germany. Now, the earliest he can do that is Brno.

    Martin’s Season So Far

    Martin’s 2025 has been disjointed and opened the podium for other contenders. In Qatar, the only race he has ridden so far, he crashed and was run over by Fabio di Giannantonio. He’d already been nursing an injured wrist before that. The crash left him hospitalised in Doha, with rib fractures and renewed damage to his scaphoid. It was only after weeks back in Europe that recovery began to take shape.

    A recent update from Dr Xavier Mir pointed to solid progress in the wrist. Movement was almost back to normal, but the bone itself hadn’t fully set. As for the ribs, MotoGP medical director Angel Charte confirmed that most fractures were healing well, though not yet fully fused.

    The clearance for Martin to ride again doesn’t mean a return to racing just yet. The current MotoGP rules, which changed earlier this season, allow a test session specifically for riders recovering from long-term injury. That’s what Martin’s been cleared for. Just a single day, on a limited tyre allocation, to see how much pain he’s in and how far he’s come.

    It’s worth remembering that the test is meant to be a stepping stone, not a comeback race. The number of tyres allowed is restricted to three sets. No full race simulation, no pushing to the limit. Just a controlled session to measure movement, comfort, and stability on the bike.

    Aprilia Holding Back, For Now

    The call now sits with Aprilia. Despite having the go-ahead from MotoGP’s top medical figure, the team has said they won’t confirm the Misano test until another round of medical checks is completed next week. They’ve not committed to anything yet, which lines up with the cautious stance they’ve taken since Qatar.

    Some of that caution may come from elsewhere. Martin’s current contract situation remains unresolved. His status with the team is still unclear heading into 2026, and it’s no secret that there have been complications behind the scenes. Aprilia backing the new injury test rule made sense when it was first proposed, but that doesn’t mean they’ll rush into using it now.

    Key points on the situation:

    • Martin has medical clearance for a one-day test, possibly at Misano.

    • Aprilia hasn’t confirmed it will go ahead with the session.

    • Another medical assessment is scheduled before any final decision.

    • Only three sets of tyres are permitted under the new regulation.

    The test rule itself is new. It wasn’t on the books before this year. Aprilia had pushed for it ahead of Martin’s attempted comeback in Qatar. At first, rival teams resisted it. Eventually, the rule was adopted in time for the French Grand Prix. Martin is now the first rider to be cleared under it.

    The irony is that Aprilia were the ones who lobbied hardest for the rule change, hoping it would help speed up Martin’s return. Now that he qualifies for it, they’re the ones holding back.

    His Title Defence Has Faded

    With five races already gone and at least one more to miss, the championship picture is no longer realistic for Martin. Even with perfect form from Brno onwards, it’s hard to see a way back into contention. The maximum he could have earned from those five events was 125 points. He currently has none.

    MotoGP’s 2025 calendar runs for 20 rounds. The title isn’t mathematically gone, but it’s as good as. Bagnaia has passed the 100-point mark already. Others like Acosta and Bastianini are stacking up consistent finishes. Martin can still win races, but the idea of a full title defence is out the window.

    That might actually work in his favour. Without pressure, he can focus on getting fit, riding freely, and proving to future employers that he’s still fast. Whether Aprilia wants to keep him or not, Martin’s next contract will depend on what he shows in the second half of the year.

    For now, there’s little point in chasing a championship that’s already slipping away. The priority is simply getting back on the bike and building rhythm again.

    Possible Brno Return, If Test Goes Well

    If Aprilia goes ahead with the Misano test and if Martin completes it without setbacks, the Czech Grand Prix becomes the likely target for a return. That event falls one week after Germany. It’s also a track where Martin has been strong in the past, and one that could suit his rhythm if his body holds up.

    A return there would give him half a season to build momentum, not for the championship, but for his next contract, his reputation, and whatever team he lines up with in 2026. All of that depends on Misano first, then on Aprilia saying yes.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Photo by Olav Tvedt on Unsplash

     

     

    article supplied

  3. ASSEN SPRINT: ALEX ONE STEP AWAY FROM THE WIN, FERMIN SEVENTH FROM Q1

    Posted on

    ALEX MARQUEZ #73
    “Today the pace at the front was very similar, but Marc was stronger in the last chicane and in the first corner, which didn’t allow me to get close enough to have a shot. The third sector, where I was stronger, wasn’t the ideal part of the track for overtaking so we must ‘settle’ with this podium. I’m 90% satisfied, tomorrow we’ll try again with a special focus on the start.”
     
    FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
    “Today was a long and intense day. I had a good feeling this morning and was fast with used tyres. We ended up in Q1 almost by mistake, as I got stuck in traffic during my time attack. The sprint went quite well, but we’re losing too much in the opening laps. We need to understand how to improve in this area, especially with regards to the sprint.”

     

  4. MotoGP, Superbikes, and Betting: A Beginner’s Guide for Bikers Who Love the Sport

    Posted on

    If you enjoy the excitement of motorbike racing or you ride a bike, you might be interested in learning how to bet on MotoGP and Superbike events. This beginners' guide will help you grasp the fundamentals of these fascinating sports and how to bet on them safely and smartly.

    Understanding MotoGP and Superbikes  MotoGP Season

    MotoGP is the top class of motorcycle road racing in the world. It features the fastest motorcycles and the most talented riders competing on circuits the world over. There are various classes, such as Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP, which is the highest division. Additionally, there is MotoE for electric motorcycles.

    Conversely, superbike racing calls for modified production motorcycles. Despite their specific tuning for racing, these bikes bear a closer resemblance to everyday motorcycles. The main series for this kind of racing is the World Superbike Championship. MotoGP and Superbikes attract millions of enthusiasts worldwide and offer exciting, fast competition.

    Betting Strategies for Motorcycle Competition

    Betting on motorcycle racing is wagering on the results of races or championships. During a race, you can wager on who will finish on the podium, who will win a race, or other particular events. Points in MotoGP go to the top 15 finishers in every race. The winner earns 25 points; second place earns 20, third place 16, and so on, down to one point for 15th place. Over the season, these points sum up to pick the overall champion.

    Selecting the Right MotoGP Betting Websites

    You have to find reliable and regulated MotoGP betting sites before beginning your betting. Among the several betting markets these sites provide are live betting during the race, podium finishes, and absolute winners. To improve your experience, they offer competitive odds, user-friendly interfaces, cashouts and live betting, among others.

    Choose a betting site based on license, security, and strong customer service. Check also whether they offer thorough statistics and professional analysis to guide your bets.

    Advice for Newcomers in Motorcycle Racing Betting

    • Discover the teams and riders: Understanding the strengths, shortcomings, and recent riding performance will help you make better winning bets.

    • Understand the race conditions: Weather, track design, and bike technologies can impact race results.

    • Start modest: Start with low stakes to experience how betting operates before risking more.

    • Use live betting: Many websites let you make strategic bets as the race runs on.

    • Track your bankroll. Consider establishing a betting budget and adhering to it to avoid incurring losses beyond your means.

    Last Notes: Motorcycle Racing Technology and How It Affects Bettors

    Thanks to new technologies like 3D printing, the realm of motorcycle racing is fast changing. Teams like Ducati Lenovo have partnered with businesses like Roboze to 3D print critical bike parts,

    including fairings and heat shields. Modern materials like PEEK and carbon fibre—which help to make the bikes lighter and stronger—are used in these components. Teams can produce parts faster and with more accuracy using this technology than with conventional approaches.

    These technical developments impact race results and betting decisions; thus, they are more than just interesting developments for bettors. Lighter and more efficient bikes can help a rider perform better, especially on some tracks or in particular weather. Knowing which teams employ innovative technologies like 3D printed components can give bettors an advantage in selecting whom to support.

    Thus, the emergence of 3D-printed electric motorcycles and advanced materials is not only determining the course of racing but also how spectators and bettors interact with the sport. Keeping current with these developments will enable you to enjoy the sport even more and make better betting decisions.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    article supplied

  5. ALEX SHINES IN THE ITALIAN SATURDAY, FERMIN IN THE POINTS

    Posted on

    ALEX MARQUEZ #73
    “We tried, especially at the beginning when I saw that it was possible. Marc was very smart, as he attacked when the tyre was not performing enough to respond. Good on him. Today is another great placement, I tried in every lap but when I saw I didn’t have more, I defended what was a great second place finish.”
     
    FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
    “It went well, I’m happy. Yesterday things didn’t come out the way we wanted, but I found something this morning. I made a mistake in Q2 otherwise we would have started much closer to the front. In the race I was able to unlock the front device only at turn ten… and despite that we finished in the points. We have the pace tomorrow to do really well.”