IAM RoadSmart (formerly The Institute of Advanced Motorists), the UK's leading road safety charity with a focus on improving driving and riding skills, has become an official supporter of TyreSafe, the UK’s not-for-profit tyre safety awareness organisation.

Formed in 1956, IAM RoadSmart has 60 years’ experience in making Britain’s roads safer by improving driver and rider skills through coaching and education. With more than 200 groups nationwide and 7000 drivers and riders actively participating in its acclaimed and widely-recognised courses, IAM RoadSmart is considered the leading advanced driver training provider in the UK. Having direct contact with thousands of motorists every day, a significant presence in the media and being a respected source of information for road safety policymakers and stakeholders, TyreSafe is delighted to welcome IAM RoadSmart to its ever-expanding network of supporters.

IAM RoadSmart CEO, Sarah Sillars, OBE and Hon FIMI, said: “IAM RoadSmart’s mission is to improve driving and riding skills to help reduce the number of accidents and incidents on Britain’s roads. Over the course of the charity’s illustrious 60-year history, our trainers and coaches have enhanced the skills of nearly half-a-million drivers, and with our recent relaunch, we have ambitions to increase the number of participants through a broader offering. Educating drivers and riders on all aspects of road safety will remain an essential part of that, and access to TyreSafe’s expertise and materials will be a considerable asset.”

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: “IAM RoadSmart is not only the pre-eminent provider of driver training in the UK, it’s also one of the most respected names in the automotive industry. Its official support for TyreSafe reflects the growing number of organisations acknowledging the need to raise the tyre safety awareness agenda among Britain’s motorists. Tyres are one of a vehicle’s primary safety features and need regular maintenance checks to ensure they are roadworthy - we welcome IAM RoadSmart’s support in spreading this message to Britain’s motorists. ”

In 2016, TyreSafe marks the tenth anniversary of its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of defective and illegal tyres. The not-for-profit organisation recommends drivers check their tyres’ pressure, condition and tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys, and offers advice and information relevant to all motorists. For more information, please visit www.tyresafe.org. 

• The permanent display in Borgo Panigale, Bologna is reopening with a new look and a new narrative
• Lots of changes at the new museum; above all a new section featuring the road bikes that have made the Ducati story so great
• Each bike on display is a work of art, as emphasised by the dedicated installations

The Ducati Museum in Bologna has undergone complete renovation to celebrate the company's 90th anniversary and is opening its doors for a preview visit for all those attending the 2016 World Ducati Week, Ducati's world-scale international gathering taking place from 1 to 3 July at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit. From 29 June to 5 July the Ducati Museum will be exclusively open to the thousands of fans on their way to WDW2016 or back from the great Ducati event.  

British Superbike star Peter Hickman has been confirmed as a special guest at the IAM RoadSmart 60th anniversary bike party on 2nd July at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

Peter, or Hicky as he is better known, races this year for the JG Speedfit Kawasaki Team and currently stands eighth in the series with one win so far. By coincidence his race number is 60 in 2016.

Peter also raced at the Northwest 200 and Isle of Man TT this year. He scored two podiums at the Northwest and became the fourth fastest rider ever at the TT this year with a 132.465mph lap in the Superbike race.

Peter will be on the ‘Stars on Stage’ discussion panel which will take place three times during the day, alongside seven times Isle of Man TT winner Mick Grant. MC for the discussion forum will be Steve Plater, 2009 British Supersport champion.

The event is a celebration of all things motorbike, while also marking the 60^th birthday of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, now renamed IAM RoadSmart.

Established in 1956, the Institute of Advanced Motorists introduced its advanced motorcycle test in 1976. By 1994 more than 250,000 had taken and passed the advanced test for drivers and riders. Today more than 400,000 have passed it.

Peter will be joined for the Stars on Stage sessions, which will allow visitors to put their questions to the guests, by Mick Grant. Mick won the fearsome Isle of Man TT race seven times in the 70’s and 80’s.

MC for Stars on Stage will be Steve Plater, 2009 British Supersport champion and twice Isle of Man TT winner.

During the funday there will be a slow riding skills contest, offering the chance to show just how good you are - but keeping the speed way down. This is being looked after by Birmingham Advanced Motorcycle Group.

There will also be a marketplace featuring a number of exhibitors including Intaride, National Association of Disabled Bikers and the National Association of Blood Bikes, and the chance to stock up on memorabilia and useful bike accessories during the day.

Tickets are just £10 each which includes a barbecue lunch and a tour of the National Motorcycle Museum.

Peter Hickman said: “I am really looking forward to coming along to help IAM RoadSmart celebrate its 60^th anniversary. Helping so many people become better riders is a real achievement. I know that being safe and precise was my way of becoming a winner – and using these skills on real roads is it’s just as big an achievement.”

“I applaud anyone who has become an advanced rider, and look forward to meeting so many enthusiasts this Saturday.”

Tickets are available online through our special event page or by calling 0300 303 1134.

Aleix Espargaró, Spanish rider born in Granollers on 30 July 1989, will ride an Aprilia RS-GP in the MotoGP World Championship. The agreement signed with Aprilia Racing is for two years, covering the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Bringing Espargaró on board is part of Aprilia's development plan - which aims for an increase in competitiveness, in line with the progress already demonstrated this year - and it reaffirms the Piaggio Group's commitment to an excellent technological and sport project aimed at making the Aprilia brand a protagonist on the track and on the road.

Aleix Espargaró was the Spanish champion in the 125 category in 2004. After a series of placements in the 125 and 250 categories, in 2009 he made his début in the top class where he drew attention during the 2012 season astride the ART (the CRT bike developed by Aprilia Racing), finishing the season as the best rider in the category. This excellent result was repeated the next season as well, again on the ART - Aprilia Racing bike. Overall, in MotoGP, he has taken two pole positions and a podium finish, as well as seventh place in the rider standings (his personal best) for the 2014 championship season.

Honda WorldSBK rider Nicky Hayden is one of the stars of this year’s ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’, which takes place this weekend in the grounds of Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. This will be the second time that the 34-year-old American rider has taken part in the iconic event that gathers together the best of four and two-wheel machines old and new, along with famous sportsmen, celebrities and an incredible crowd of motorsport enthusiasts.  

The ‘Kentucky Kid’ will take on the legendary Goodwood House hillclimb aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP he is currently racing in his rookie World Superbike season. He will do it four times during the weekend: the first two on Saturday the 25th of June at 9:55 and 13:50, with the other two being scheduled for Sunday at 10:45 and 14:30.

He will also take part in a series of media activities, including two Q&A sessions at the Honda stand, one on Saturday at 16:30 and the other at 10:00 the following day.