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Le Mans preview. MotoGP make its return to French soil, for what has become through the years a classic in the series. Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio will be racing at the home track of current championship leader Quartararo with very different goals, albeit both with ambitious goals.
The rider #23 wants to return to the time of form shown in the extra-European races earlier this year, even though the main goal is to find back that feeling with his Ducati machine that he was never able to get at Jerez a fortnight ago. The post-race Spanish test gave him some fresh confidence, with the Italian star eager to fly again – hopefully with some favourable weather.
For Di Giannantonio it is time to raise the bar and score his first MotoGP points. The base set-up he found with the team at Jerez may be a good starting point to well-perform in France already.
Historical recurrences: Le Mans is among the most challenging tracks on the MotoGP calendar, but Gresini Racing was able to secure several podium finishes at this track throughout the years. Two wins and a second for Sete Gibernau (in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively) and a win and a second place for Marco Melandri in 2006 and 2007, but not only.
Both Enea Bastianini and Fabio Di Giannantonio have had their ‘podium taste’ with the Faenza-based team before: ‘Bestia’ managed to do so in 2015 as he finished second in the Moto3 class, while Diggia did the same two years later. This is their best career result in France, at least so far. ðŸ˜
ENEA BASTIANINI #23 (3º in the championship standings with 69 points)
“Le Mans is quite an unusual track, but a very good one nonetheless. Usually the track, and therefore track conditions, are a key variable, but let’s hope it will be different this time. I would like to find back that feeling with the bike that we kind of lost a bit at Jerez: let’s say being back to the one we had in Portimao, where only the result was unkind to us.”
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49
“Le Mans is a tough track, temperature and weather wise. We always had very unique conditions, but we’re coming from a positive test in which we found a good direction to follow in terms of set-up, so I’m curious to see if it’ll work at this track.”
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- Ducati UK announce new partnership with Silverstone bike track days
- Ducati supply a fleet of Panigale V4 motorcycles
- Partnership will include Ducati Riding Experience Racetrack Academy
Ducati UK are delighted to announce a new partnership with Silverstone bike track days. Ducati are joining forces with the home of British Motorsport to supply a fleet of Ducati Panigale V4 for the Silverstone Bike track days. For Ducati and Silverstone this is a natural partnership with Ducati UK based at Silverstone circuit and both brands sharing a similar goal of premium customer experiences.
There will be 20 Panigale V4’s made available to Silverstone and their experienced instructors. The instructors will use the bikes for sighting laps, track guidance and 1-1 tuition. Track day customers will be able to see the Panigale V4 demonstrating its capabilities at first hand in its natural environment on Britain’s only MotoGP circuit.
This partnership will culminate in the Ducati Riding Experience Racetrack Academy, training courses that give expert Ducati tuition for those that want to enjoy the thrill of the track. Details and date will be announced in due course.
The new Panigale V4 is the latest evolution of the Ducati sports bike, continuously improved from the experience gained on the racetrack in MotoGP and WorldSBK. The heart of the bike is the 1,103 cm3 MotoGP-derived engine delivering 215.5hp. Improvements to aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine chassis and electronics has produced a more intuitive, faster bike, less demanding, offering a rewarding experience for all levels of rider.
Fabrizio Cazzoli, Managing Director, Ducati UK
“Since 2003, more than 20,000 motorcyclists from all over the world have chosen the Ducati experience to improve their riding. Now this experience is elevating to another level thanks to the partnership between Ducati and Silverstone. We together are synonyms of motorsport, performance, excellence, passion and a long history of success.
We will develop riding experiences specifically tailored for the skills of the participants and we will culminate with the Ducati Riding Experience Racetrack Academy, a program for those who want to feel the thrill of the track under the guidance of the best instructors in the world”.
Stuart Pringle, Managing Director, Silverstone
“Our Bike Track Days are renowned for offering riders the ultimate track experience and with Ducati powering these days, riders will have the chance to have a close look at the Panigale V4 and see how it can perform on track in the hands of our expert instructors.
“We’re dedicated to delivering outstanding, thrilling, experiences and want to deliver the very best track days. We have a world class circuit for riders to enjoy on their own bikes and as the home of the MotoGP British Grand Prix we also have a unique positioning in the UK. Now, with our Bike Track days powered by Ducati, we’re taking our track days to another level and adding even more value for riders.”
For more information on Silverstone Bike Track Days powered by Ducati visit: www.silverstone.co.uk/track-days/bike-track-days
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With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations taking place during May half term (28 May – 5 June), the British Motor Museum is inviting visitors to celebrate the royal cars in their collection. A number of vehicles from the Royal household are on display including the first bespoke royal Land Rover state review car, one of the fleet of vehicles used for HM Queen Elizabeth II’s first Commonwealth Tour and a 1971 Rover P5B, the personal property of HM the Queen but on long term loan to the Museum.
Throughout the week, families can enjoy a range of right royal activities. There is a free Family Tour each day at 1.30pm where the children can help Jim & Claire, the ‘royal reporters’ find the next news scoop on their tour around the royal cars!
The ever-popular craft activities are back in the Learning Space between 10am – 2.30pm where children will be able to make a ‘royal’ car to take home. They can also enter their creation into a competition to win a family afternoon tea. Entries will be judged at the end of the holidays with the winner announced on social media.
There’s a ‘Road Map’ Family Trail enabling children to explore the rest of the cars in the collection that are linked by name to different destinations around the world.
Emma Rawlinson, Life Long Learning Officer at the British Motor Museum said “Families are in for a ‘right royal day out’ when they come along to join in our Jubilee jubilations this half-term! The Royal cars are the jewel in our crown, and the family tours and craft activities help bring them to life for the children!”
The half-term week is topped and tailed by the UK Slot Car Festival on 28/29 May and the National Metro & Mini Show on 5 June. The UK Slot Car Festival is a perfect family day out with plenty of hands-on activities on offer. Visitors can try out a variety of tracks from all the leading manufacturers such as Scalextric, Carrera, SCX and more and take part in the exciting range of slot racing competitions being held each day. There is a stunt show, incorporating the slot car wall of death, as well as club tracks and competitions, the opportunity to paint your own figures and even build and race a caravan! More details can be found at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/uk-slot-car-festival. The National Metro & Mini Show is another family friendly event with hundreds of these popular little cars on display outside the Museum, along with a crowd pleasing stunt show!
Museum entry is just £40 for a family in advance or £44 on the day, £14.50 for adults in advance or £16 on the day, £12.50 for concessions in advance or £14 on the day, £9 for children (5-16 years) in advance or £10 on the day and under 5s are FREE. There is also the option to Gift Aid or donate your entry fee and get an Annual Pass in return, at no extra cost. All family activities are included in Museum admission and run on a drop in basis, just visit the Family Activity station on arrival to find out what is going on when. All activities are suitable for 3+ years with adult supervision, unless otherwise specified.
To find out more information about May half activities please visit the website at https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/may-half-term
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MV AGUSTA WINNING BID BRINGS SALON PRIVÉ DEC UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL TOTAL TO OVER £120,000 #STANDWITHUKRAINE
- Winning bidder collects 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s
- Salon Privé London raises over £120,000 to help alleviate suffering
- Historic motorbike sells for £48,000 at auction to help drive final donation
- 20% of Salon Privé London event entry ticket revenue donated
- Online and live charity auction contribute to funds for Ukraine crisis
- Website for donations still open at www.spdec.org
The highest bidder on the 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s has collected his historic Italian sport bike, bringing the total raised by the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to £120,000, following the debut of the capital’s new must-attend automotive event.
Salon Privé London is thanking its event partners, exhibitors and guests for their generosity in helping alleviate the suffering of those effected by the devastating ongoing war. The sale of the 1970’s MV Agusta proved the star of the show, selling for £48,000 on the Friday night at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner.
Many parties had made their interest in the bike clear, but in the end Mr. Ian Smart was successful in placing the winning bid, with 100% of the hammer price going to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Ian Smart said: “I am delighted to have been successful in winning this beautiful MV Agusta motorbike, and to support Salon Privé in this important fundraising campaign to provide aid to those in need during the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. My sincere thanks goes to RM Sotheby’s for their generosity in donating this important part of MV Agusta's history and ensuring the success of the auction.”
As part of the charity endeavour of its first event in the capital, Salon Privé London committed 20% of entry ticket revenue and auctioned donated items on the Friday night. With remarkable generosity shown by the event partners and exhibitors of the Royal Hospital Chelsea event, the bike played a key role in driving awareness and visibility of the fundraising activity.
Peter Haynes, Marketing Director for RM Sotheby’s EMEA, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in raising as much money as possible for this urgent cause. We see it as a moral obligation to assist in the easing of the appalling humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.”
Director of Salon Privé Andrew Bagley said: “Special thanks must go to RM Sotheby’s for the incredibly generous donation of the 1974 MV Agusta motorbike, and Mr. Ian Smart for placing the winning bid, but there have been so many genuinely heartfelt pledges made. We want to thank everyone, as no donation is too small in this effort to help those in need.”
With an online silent auction of 25 items running up to and during up to the event, and the sale of star lots at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner, both exhibitors and visitors had the chance to support the people of Ukraine who are going through unimaginable hardship.
Attracting the attention of enthusiasts and aficionados in the lead up to the event, the 1974 MV Agusta GT (Sport Conversion) offered in the auction was the centrepiece of the sale. Supplied new to MV Agusta factory rider, Gianfranco Bonera, who owned it until 1978 it was originally manufactured to “GT” specification and subsequently uprated to Sport specification. With 69 horsepower available, the period superbike provides stunning looks and an exhilarating riding experience.
Last month Salon Privé London launched its appeal and engaged with the industry to develop the charitable effort leading up to, and during, the luxury car event. The sister event to Salon Privé Blenheim, it presented a fantastic and timely opportunity to galvanise all those involved with, and attending, and raise much needed funds to help the people of Ukraine.
Working with DEC and Work for Good, the funds raised will directly help the people forced to leave everything behind as they flee the fighting in Ukraine. With over 18 million expected to be affected by the conflict, and four million displaced, the resources will provide vital supplies of shelter, food and water.
Bringing together 15 leading aid charities, the DEC raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. People in life-and-death situations rely on its help as it works to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response.
It’s still possible to contribute to the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at www.spdec.org |
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- The Ben Ball will take place on 7th December in its new home of Old Billingsgate Market.
- Event raises significant funds to support those in the automotive family who are struggling or in crisis.
- Booking is now open for tickets and sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced that its annual flagship black tie event – Ben Ball – will be held this year on Wednesday 7th December, supported by AutoTrader.Following the stunning success of the 2021 event, Ben Ball 2022 will move across London to its new home at Old Billingsgate Market – a spectacular venue in the heart of the City on the north bank of the Thames.The 2021 Ben Ball took place after Covid restrictions were lifted and quickly sold out as the automotive community seized the chance to gather together in person and celebrate in spectacular style. Over 600 automotive industry figures attended the event, joining forces to raise over £96,500 – one of the highest totals ever achieved at a Ben Ball.Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “Together, once again, we did something extraordinary at the 2021 Ben Ball. The staggering amount of funds raised helps Ben continue to provide life-saving support to those in our automotive family who most need it, and it can’t be overstated how much those donations will help people who turn to us when they are struggling or in crisis.“Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen support requests double, and the cases that we are seeing are more complex and urgent than we’ve experienced before. Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us – not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.“Plans for the Ben Ball 2022 are well underway and the event looks set to be extraordinary. We would like to invite everyone in the industry to book tickets and join us for our celebrations but also to extend an invite to anyone who may wish to sponsor the event to get in touch.“We can’t wait to welcome you to our new venue – Old Billingsgate Market – this December for the automotive industry event of the year!”To book your tickets or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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