Category: Moto GP

1. Why MotoGP Weekends Are the New Biker Meet-Up Musts

   Posted on 10:00am Wednesday 20th Aug 2025

   

   MotoGP weekends have always drawn attention from motorsport fans, but lately they’ve become more than just race days; they’re turning into full-on social events for the biking community. Across the UK and beyond, bikers are using MotoGP weekends as an excuse to meet up, ride out, cheer for their favourite riders, and soak in the shared passion for two wheels. Whether you’re heading to a local pub screening or riding out to Silverstone, MotoGP is becoming a reason to gather, not just to spectate.

   A Shared Passion That Fuels the Ride

   What makes MotoGP weekends such strong magnets for meet-ups is the shared love of bikes, speed, and skill. Riders from all over the country find common ground in the roar of the engines and the drama of the track. Watching a rider lean into a corner at 200mph isn’t just exciting, it’s inspiring. It sparks conversation, debate, and admiration that carries on well after the chequered flag. For many bikers, that energy is contagious, turning an ordinary weekend into something worth planning around.

   MotoGP also brings together people from different biking backgrounds, sports riders, cruisers, tourers, and café racers alike. The racing might be on slick machines built for the track, but the love of the ride unites everyone. That shared passion builds stronger friendships, makes meet-ups more meaningful, and keeps the biker community connected through every race on the calendar.

   With the next MotoGP race on the 2025 calendar set for the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park Circuit, plans are already in motion, ride-outs, pub viewings, campsite meet-ups, and for some, a bit of wagering to add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend. While official race odds haven’t been released yet, riders in top form like Marc Marquez are already drawing attention. He was recently priced at 1/250 to win the 2025 MotoGP World Championship by some of the best bookmakers not on GamStop in UK betting markets.  Many punters will be watching closely for updated odds on the Hungarian GP, especially on platforms known for offering competitive MotoGP markets, fast payouts, welcome rewards, free bets, odds boosts, and fewer restrictions than online sportsbooks tied to the UK’s self-exclusion scheme. For those who live for the thrill of the ride, combining the race with the right platform makes the entire weekend even more unforgettable.

   At the heart of it all, MotoGP weekends are about more than just the race, they’re about the people who show up for the same reason: the love of the ride. Whether it's the sound of the engines, the stories swapped over coffee, or the unspoken bond between bikers, that shared passion is what keeps the wheels turning long after the podium celebrations end.

   From Living Room Screens to Trackside Gatherings

   While some still prefer watching the action from their sofa, more and more bikers are hitting the road to experience MotoGP with others. Some ride to racetracks like Silverstone to catch the action in person, while others gather at biker-friendly pubs and campsites with big screens and barbecue smoke in the air. It’s not just about watching the race, it’s about being part of the atmosphere.

   Trackside weekends offer the full package. You get to watch qualifying and race day live, browse the paddocks, meet other fans, and maybe even spot a pro rider up close. It turns a race into a proper weekend out, often with camping, live music, and plenty of socialising around shared stories and classic bikes. These weekends have become mini-festivals for riders who want more than just a televised race.

   For those staying local, pubs and cafés known for being biker hangouts often host special MotoGP viewings. These spots become the go-to venues for groups of mates or riding clubs to link up, talk bikes, and enjoy the race together over a pint or Sunday roast.

   Planning Rides Around the MotoGP Calendar

   It’s not unusual now to see riders planning their road trips to match up with the MotoGP schedule. A summer route through the Peaks or down to the coast can easily end with a group stopover somewhere screening the race. B&Bs and campsites listed on biker-friendly platforms have picked up on the trend and often promote race weekend availability.

   Some riding clubs go even further, organising official ride-outs that lead to a MotoGP viewing. It gives the trip a shared purpose and builds that buzz leading up to the race. Whether it’s the season opener in Qatar or the high-stakes final in Valencia, these weekends become bookmarked highlights in the riding season.

   Even international MotoGP rounds are drawing UK bikers abroad. Trips to Misano or Assen turn into weeklong adventures, with ferry rides, group touring, and a few nights soaking up the European race scene.

   Conclusion

   MotoGP weekends have evolved into something more than just a race day on TV. They’ve become a reason to connect, ride, and celebrate everything that makes biking exciting. Whether you're watching at a pub with your riding crew, camping out at Silverstone, or planning a trip around the European rounds, these weekends are now a must on the biker calendar. They bring energy, community, and shared passion, making every throttle twist feel part of something bigger.

    

    

    

    

   Image - Free to use under the Unsplash License
   Taken from the recent MotoGP race at the Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia.
   
   

    article supplied

2. FIRST SATURDAY WITH NO GLORY FOR TEAM BK8 GRESINI

   Posted on 12:00pm Sunday 20th Jul 2025

   ALEX MARQUEZ #73
   “It’s unclear to me what happened at the start. I “battled” with a tearoff, and it was Marc’s. I pushed it away, but the rear still span. Then, few moments later, I had a coming together with Fermin (turn 3) and that’s when I decided to take it steady in this Sprint, because it was a lost battle. We got some valuable data ahead of tomorrow and we’re not too far behind on the grid, so we’ll work hard in order to be competitive.”
   
   FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
   “Let’s say that this was more of a test for the race than a Sprint. We know we are strong in some areas of the track, even though we have to work on the electronic sides of the engine brake and traction, and why not, take a look at the data – especially Marc’s.”

    

    Sprint - CzechGP  
   14^th - FERMIN ALDEGUER  #54
   17^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 

   World Championship Standings
   2^nd - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (261 points)
   10^th - FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 (92 points)

    

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

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 10th Jul 2025

   • 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."

    

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

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 2nd Jul 2025

   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

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

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 28th Jun 2025

   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.”