After the exhilarating start to the season with the win in Qatar and the adventurous challenge under the rain at Mandalika, the MotoGP paddock moves to two circuits which are almost new to Team Gresini MotoGP. In a matter of seven days, the Italian team will tackle the #ArgentinaGP and the #AmericasGP.

Gresini Racing never raced as an independent team at Termas de Rio Honda, even though the Faenza-based squad logo did get a taste of the podium under the ‘Sol de Mayo’ (May sun): we have to go all the way back to October 23rd 1998 to relive Alex Barros’s third place finish in the Argentine Grand Prix at the Juan and Oscar Galvez circuit.
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The team only did one appearance at the “Circuit of the Americas” in 2013, with Alvaro Bautista crossing the line in 8th place. There are fond memories of racing in the United States of America for the team, however, as Marco Melandri clinched a third-place finish in 2006 and 2007 at Laguna Seca, while Alex De Angelis was second at Indy in 2009.

Enea Bastianini has a fourth place as best result in Argentina (2018, Moto3 class), while in Texas he finished second in the same year and above all he was sixth last year in his MotoGP debut season. Fabio Di Giannantonio also holds good memories of both tracks: he was on the podium at Termas in 2018 and at Austin the year before (both in Moto3).

ENEA BASTIANINI #23
“I like the Argentine track a lot and due to Covid it’s been a while since we last went there, so it will be great to return. We come from a strange race in Indonesia: conditions were not the best, but we still improved a lot in the wet and that’s not a small thing, so I’m happy. CoTA is quite a particular circuit, and it won’t be easy to get up to speed there. I think it will surely be simpler with the Ducati 2021 compared to last year… I can’t wait to get back on the road.”

FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49
“Finally we go back to Argentina… We did not go there in the last two years and I think it’s a really nice track. It’ll surely be dirty, a little bit like Mandalika, so I don’t exclude that the dry set-up we found in Indonesia may work as a solid basis for that circuit as well. What about America… one of my favourite stops of the year: it’s a very demanding track, but I’ve always done quite well and been quick, so honestly I cannot wait to racing there with the MotoGP. Surely the speed will be incredible, with very hard braking, I’m so looking forward to it".

Sunra UK has today announced the launch of its new ROBO-S UTILITY model; a specially equipped electric scooter aimed at offering businesses a cost effective and zero emission solution for delivery and utility needs.    

●  Zero emission and significant reductions in running costs    

●  Fully removable and fast charging batteries

●  Flexible and practical carry and storage solutions

●  More than 200 litres of combined weatherproof carrying capacity

●  Heightened rider comfort and protection from the elements

Based on the proven ROBO-S model, that has received critical acclaim, most recently from Motorcycle News, who after a week-long test, declared “Petrol wouldn’t get a look in now”, the new UTILITY model offers the same ease of use and budget saving efficiencies with additional functionality and carrying capacity too.

Logan Black of Sunra UK explains, “We wanted to bring a cost effective EV solution to small business and fleet operators alike. While the ROBO-S is already being used for this application in standard form, our goal was to offer a machine off-the-shelf that fits the needs of this ever increasing segment of users.

“With the UTILITY model, we’ve developed and tested key accessories that can allow business users to deploy the ROBO-S for a variety of uses and jobs . The large rear rack can be used in isolation or with an array of different sized top-box options, while the addition of a large, full-size windshield and phone holder keep staff much better protected and connected too. We also plan to offer communication solutions, location trackers and extra weather protection from tried and tested partners.”

Offering a range of over 60 miles and a maximum speed of 50mph, the ROBO-S UTILITY offers business users a swift, yet efficient solution. And thanks to fast charging batteries that can be swapped in less than 60 seconds, the UTILITY can be used in any location, effectively keeping businesses moving for longer without the need to use fixed charging points.

With considerably reduced service requirements and costs, along with handy user-friendly features such as an additional 24 litres of underseat storage, finger-print recognition and its own alarm and immobiliser system, the ROBO-S UTILITY is a practical and dependable delivery solution. Add in HP and lease options, as well as bespoke service and maintenance packages, and the ROBO-S UTILITY offers one of the most complete cost effective solutions for fleet users and small businesses.

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EVEN IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS ALEIX TAKES HOME ANOTHER SOLID TOP-TEN FINISH

MAVERICK, PENALISED BY HIS START, MOVES UP THROUGH THE POSITIONS AND FINISHES WITH THE SEVENTH BEST RACE LAP TIME BUT JUST OUTSIDE THE POINTS

The tropical storm that hit a half hour before the start of the first MotoGP race on the new Indonesian circuit threw a spanner in the works, reducing it to seven laps. Aleix Espargaró, consistently among the fastest in dry conditions, showed his skill by reacting well to the new conditions as well. After a less than perfect start, he got caught up in a battle during the opening lap, losing quite a few positions, but from there he began to turn fast and consistent laps with a great deal of confidence on his RS-GP. In his group, he managed to get the better of Darryn Binder, Bastianini, his brother Pol, Álex Márquez and Bagnaia, thereby finishing in a solid ninth place. With more than a few regrets about not managing to avoid contact on that first lap, which cost him the best positions straight away.

Maverick Viñales achieved a great result in the warm-up session on dry asphalt when, after a few significant changes to his bike’s setup, he found new confidence on the RS-GP, so much that he finished second. After a bad start, he found himself at the back of the group, but he was able to find his rhythm and lapped at the same times as the best. Unfortunately, his comeback ride stopped just behind 15th place, so outside of the points zone. However, he’ll be leaving Mandalika after taking a major step forward in his growth on the Aprilia.

Aleix Espargaró
"It was a very difficult race because of the weather conditions and because during the first lap, I found myself twentieth due to contact with Álex Márquez. Staying in the group was hard and visibility was also extremely poor. But the bike worked well. Grip wasn’t bad and from there I began to come back. In the last seven laps I overtook quite a few riders, making up positions. Taking home another top-ten finish on such a difficult Sunday was a good result."

Maverick Viñales
"Even though the result is certainly not the one we wanted, it was a positive weekend. Today was perhaps the most important day of growth for me since joining Aprilia because we found a really good setting that I was able to go fast with in the warm-up session and that I was comfortable with even in wet conditions. I'm happy with the work we did here. We are taking a step closer to the best with every round. I can’t wait to get to Argentina to continue this positive trend."

• MV Agusta London will showcase Superveloce S alongside AMO electric bicycle
• Award-winning Harley-Davidson LiveWire will be on display
• Bespoke builder Thornton Hundred will present its ‘Bobber Black’
• Krazy Horse to celebrate Indian Motorcycles

Salon Privé London will not only be welcoming some of the greatest cars ever built to Royal Hospital Chelsea for its inaugural event on 21-23 April, it will also be hosting the most prestigious names from the motorcycle world, with heritage and innovation coming together to create what is sure to be a memorable line-up.
 
MV Agusta London will be making the short journey to Salon Privé London from its nearby showroom in Sloane Avenue, and the famous marque will be represented by two of its latest models. Like all MV Agustas, they are hand-built in the historic factory on the shores of Lake Varese in northern Italy, using the finest materials and the most advanced technologies.
 
The Superveloce S is a serious performance machine ready to tear up the track that just happens to have extremely charming neo-classic looks - it is a real head turner. Cruise the streets or hit the track with the available Racing Kit. 147hp and SuperSport race DNA assures this bike gives you everything you ask for.
 
The Superveloce S will be joined at Salon Privé London by the AMO. Representing MV Agusta’s much-anticipated entry into the world of electric bicycles, it features that unmistakable Italian flair and elegance, and is built with the same passion as the brand’s legendary motorbikes.
 
Warr’s was founded on Chelsea’s Kings Road in 1924 by Captain Frederick James Warr and became an official Harley-Davidson dealer that same year. Since then, it has become synonymous with the brand – which started life in 1903 in a small shed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – and is now Europe’s oldest and biggest-selling Harley-Davidson dealership group.  
 
The marque continues to define motorcycle culture and lifestyle, and at Salon Privé London Warr’s will be presenting the award-winning all-electric LiveWire. With instant power and no clutch to release or gears to run through, the LiveWire will accelerate from 0-60mph in three seconds, while still offering a city range of 146 miles. Seven selectable Ride Modes electronically control its performance characteristics, and there are two charging options to choose from. 

It will be on display at Salon Privé London alongside other Harley-Davidson models including the PanAmerican, FatBob, Sportster and Street Glide.
 
British company Thornton Hundred specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke motorcycles, and thanks to the efforts of founder Jody Millhouse, it’s one of the world’s fastest-growing custom motorcycle brands. With an ethos of ‘anything is possible’, it has built bikes for the likes of Joe Wicks, rugby stars Jack Nowell and Josh Navidi, and Gymshark founder Ben Francis, using the latest technology and engineering expertise in order to provide reliability as well as style.
 
Each of its machines is hand-built in its facility near London, with all the initial design work, manufacturing and assembly being carried out in-house. Thornton Hundred will be at Salon Privé London with its striking Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black, which is fitted with everything from the signature Thornton Hundred wide-wheel kit and a bespoke painted tank to a custom handmade twin side exhaust.
 
Indian Motorcycle and Krazy Horse proudly opened the UK’s first dedicated Indian Motorcycle Brand Experience Centre on Kensington High Street in February 2022 – and now they will be bringing it to Salon Privé London. Previously the iconic home of the Bristol Car Company, the showroom has been fully refurbished over two floors and allows a complete range of Indian motorcycles, accessories, clothing and heritage to be displayed, and all of it will be centre-stage at Royal Hospital Chelsea.

 
Salon Privé London promises to be London’s most exclusive automotive event, with plenty to see and do in addition to the motoring attractions. The shopping village will host luxury fashion brands including renowned British jewellery designer Boodles. Everything from Patek Philippe watches to Riva motor boats and Bell helicopters will be on offer, as will the first-class hospitality for which Salon Privé has long been renowned. Pommery Champagne will flow and London Essence cocktail bars will offer exciting cocktails from NoMad, Louie and the Donovan Bar mixologists. 
 
To complement this, Salon Privé has partnered with renowned and innovative hospitality group JKS Restaurants to provide guests with a unique dining offering. This will include dishes from the Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Indian BBQ classics by Brigadiers, and cult Taiwanese specialists BAO. In addition, there will be plates from Fitzrovia’s The George and Chelsea’s The Cadogan Arms, providing pub fare that celebrates the best of British produce, making Salon Privé London a real foodie’s delight.
 
There’s also the option to enjoy a sumptuous three-course seated luncheon in The Sloane – the event’s exclusive VIP Hospitality Pavilion – while DJs will keep guests entertained into the evening. On the Thursday and Friday, Salon Privé London will be open until 9pm, allowing everyone to soak up the party atmosphere as dusk falls.
 
Salon Privé London is donating 20% of all Entry Ticket revenue to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) via Work for Good. #StandWithUkraine

The British Motor Museum’s 'Gaydon Gathering' events return for 2022 on Tuesday 12 April from 5pm – 8pm. Informal, fun evenings aimed at motoring enthusiasts, these events are completely free to attend, taking place outdoors on the Museum's arenas on the second Tuesday every month.  Up to 500 vehicles attended each of the 2021 Gatherings with a truly eclectic mix of vehicle types, makes and models.  All vehicles are welcome, no matter how many wheels they have or where and when they were made.

Whilst free to attend, pre-booking is essential and tickets will be released online a few weeks before each event and will be announced on social media. Tickets for the April Gaydon Gathering are available from 22 March and when they are gone, they’re gone!  

In addition to providing an opportunity for likeminded motoring enthusiasts to display their vehicles, each Gathering will also feature the 'Gaydon Garage' when the workshop doors open to reveal one of the many fantastic vehicles from the Museum’s unique collection before it’s driven around the site for everyone to enjoy.  Hints as to which car will emerge from the garage will be posted on the Museum’s social media channels in the run up to the events.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum stated “Last years ‘Gaydon Gatherings’ proved hugely popular and we are looking forward to bringing them back for 2022.  It’s an opportunity for petrol heads to indulge their passion, whilst enjoying a burger and drink, hopefully in the spring sunshine! It doesn’t matter if you have a vehicle or not, or if your vehicle is British or not, if it’s a car, commercial, military, bus, motorbike, scooter, tractor or any other interesting vehicle, just bring it along!”

Display vehicles will be parked in front of the Museum whilst there will be separate free parking for those visitors who aren’t displaying. Visitors can enjoy refreshments including burgers as well as hot and soft drinks. Wriggly Monkey Brewing from Bicester will also be on-site selling their range of lagers and ales.

The dates for 2022 Gatherings are; 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 13 September, and 11 October. Dogs are welcome on leads. Please note that the Museum itself will not be open for the evening gatherings. 

For more information and to book your FREE tickets for April’s Gaydon Gathering visit https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/gaydon-gathering-april