| Biker News - Regularly updated
Category: Moto GP
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Following the success of Michelin track days with Terry Rymer Racing in 2016, the team are back and offering you the chance to ride 5 legendary UK circuits at an unbeatable price of just £49 when you purchase a set of Michelin Power Cup Evo, Michelin Power Slick Evo, Michelin Power Rain or the NEW Power RS in 2017 from participating dealers.
Riders are invited to attend a track day hosted by racing hero and twice World Endurance Champion, Terry Rymer. Special guests are also due to attend with the likes of Steve Parrish, Chris Walker and Gary Mason on track at last year’s events. The day will include 120 minutes of track time along with tyre technical workshops and track day tuition from Terry himself. Refreshments are included and riders will also take home a photo and limited edition t-shirt and mug.
Michelin Power Days 2017 will begin on 26th June heading back to the ever popular Brands Hatch GP circuit and on to the historic Cadwell Park on the 17th July followed by demanding Oulton Park on 26th July and back by popular demand Knockhill Circuit in Scotland on 18th August. New for this year, Michelin Power Days will also visit Bishopscourt Circuit in Northern Ireland on 22nd August.
Following the success of Michelin’s return to MotoGP, the French tyre-giant’s sports tyre expertise has been proven at the top level, resulting in the launch of the new Power RS hypersport tyre. Developed using the new ACT+ technology in casing design, coupled with new race bred compounds derived directly from Moto GP, this tyre optimises steering force and feedback. Whether on the road, or on the occasional track day, the Power RS is extremely agile, with exceptional directional stability and impeccable handling in cornering. In recent BMW Motorad tests, the Power RS set the benchmark against all its nearest rivals.
Places are subject to availability and are certain to sell out quickly. To find your nearest participating Michelin Power Days dealer and book your place visit www.powerdays.co.uk
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Aprilia was the nicest surprise on the second day of tests in Qatar, the last ones before the Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing championship opening round, also scheduled to be held in Qatar on 26 March.
Confirming the good sensations he had yesterday when, slowed by a crash, he had shown the potential to move up in the standings, Aleix Espargarò rode his 2017 Aprilia RS-GP to fifth place in the rankings for the day with a time of 1’55.121, just 66 one hundredths behind the leader, Viñales.
This is the best result yet that the 2017 Aprilia RS-GP has achieved in testing, only on its third outing of the season. Beyond the excellent time achieved, the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini Spaniard put 34 laps on the sheets, continuing development of the new bike and obtaining positive feedback throughout the long day of tests.
Sam Lowes, who tested the 2017 bike for the first time yesterday, also continued progressing, shaving more than 8 tenths off of his time from Friday and stopping the clock at 1’56.276, a performance that earned him twentieth place at the end of the day.
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Two new riders, Aleix Espargarò and Sam Lowes, and the new 2017 RS-GP, more powerful and technologically advanced.
The new red, white and green livery designed by Aldo Drudi celebrates a fiercely proud, all-Italian project.
ROBERTO COLANINNO: "Staff, technology and a lot of passion. We have everything we need to continue growing. Aprilia's history of success demands that we be protagonists."
ROMANO ALBESIANO: "We grew a lot in the pre-season tests; we intend to do the same throughout the Championship." Last year the RS-GP made its début in the Doha tests, the first MotoGP bike developed entirely by Aprilia Racing to compete in the premier class of Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. Just twelve months later, the all-Italian project must now face an important final exam: the constant progress demonstrated in the first season, with 16 Top-10 finishes, was reconfirmed during the tests in Valencia, Jerez, Sepang and Phillip Island.
Aleix Espargarò, a welcome returnee to the Aprilia camp, immediately found the right feeling with his RS-GP, especially in terms of braking stability. The Spanish rider was also able to test the 2017 evolution of the Italian MotoGP bike, approving of the progress made compared with the 2016 version and demonstrating encouraging competitiveness during the official tests.
Sam Lowes, on the other hand, could not help but have a different task than his teammate's. The talented English rider must first of all become familiar with a prototype that is very different from the Moto2 bike he has ridden in the past, both strictly in terms of performance and in terms of the riding style it requires. The progress demonstrated during the tests led to reducing the gap behind the best in the category and, much more importantly, improving his sensations in the saddle. ROBERTO COLANINNO - PIAGGIO GROUP CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR “Aprilia Racing represents one of the Piaggio Group's points of technological excellence. In fact, racing is the highest point of experimentation and the development of technological solutions from which all the products and brands in the group then benefit. Last year, we introduced our RS-GP, the first MotoGP bike designed and built entirely here in Noale. In the second half of the season, the new bike showed clear progress, consistently finishing in the Top-Ten. This year, we want to continue our growth trend and be a threat to manufacturers who have been in this class for decades and we have everything it takes to achieve this goal: staff, technology, experience and a lot of passion. Aprilia's sport history boasts 54 World Titles, most of which, no less than 28, have been earned since Aprilia has been part of the Piaggio Group. A history with such great success demands that we work hard to always be protagonists with the goal of continuing to entertain and attract the young people who have always been Aprilia's greatest asset.” The 2017 Aprilia RS-GP comes to the beginning of this season dressed in a new red, white and green livery to celebrate a fiercely proud all-Italian project. The fairing was designed by Aldo Drudi, certainly the most famous designer in the racing world, just one more Italian value that Aprilia will hold high in 2017 on tracks all over the world.
Important partnerships have been renewed this year that go beyond a simple sponsorship relationship, like SAP with whom the Piaggio Group is developing important future projects for connectivity between vehicle and rider and NOW TV, Sky's Internet TV, with a wealth of content such as Cinema, TV Series and Sports, with whom Aprilia Racing will be pioneering innovative content and entertainment formulas. ROMANO ALBESIANO - APRILIA RACING MANAGER "For us, 2017 begins with a different situation compared with last year. We already know that we have a bike, the RS-GP, which has reached a good competitive level. The evolutions that we studied and applied in view of the new season concern every aspect of the bike, from its weight, which has been optimised, to overall balance, not to mention engine performance and the electronics package. An all-around operation but without any drastic changes, given the good starting base, with which we want to take another step toward the goals set for the Aprilia MotoGP project. The initial feedback has been encouraging. Aleix likes the new bike and has some rather clear ideas on which characteristics have the most room for improvement, so we will be working in those areas throughout the season. The racing department put in a lot of effort during the winter break. Everyone understands the importance of the challenge we are facing and our front fairing is just the most visible example of Aprilia's dedication to innovation. During the tests we stayed in a group of very competitive bikes and riders, where just a few tenths of a second can make a big difference. Our goal, after showing that we can consistently battle for the Top-10, is to improve further." ALEIX ESPARGARO' "I am happy to unveil the new livery that we will use this year. It is always nice to officially launch a new project, especially because I have great confidence in Aprilia Racing and the team's work. It will definitely be a good season. We still have a lot to improve, but we have undoubtedly gotten off on the right foot. We are keen to grow. We have specific goals and in order to achieve them, both the team and I will put all of our energy onto the track. All that's left now is to take on the first race in Qatar and see where we stand against our rivals." SAM LOWES "First of all, I am happy to be part of this big family with such a strong bond to racing, with a prestigious history of success like Aprilia Racing. I can't wait to get back on the track in Qatar. I think that I was able to express about 85% of our potential in the winter tests and from the first race I would like to identify a good base to build on, improving step by step all the way to Valencia. We are setting our sights on the points zone straight away and then aiming for the Top-Ten and to battle for some important MotoGP placements. I believe in myself and I fully believe in the potential of my bike and my team." FAUSTO GRESINI - TEAM MANAGER "We are approaching the 2017 season well aware that we can count on a good starting base: in the tests at Sepang and Phillip Island, the team and riders worked very well. On one side, a determined Aleix got straight to work astride the new RS-GP, finding excellent sensations and providing important indications to steer technical development, which is obviously nonstop and concerns all areas of the bike. On the other side, Lowes has made significant progress, getting much closer to his teammate in terms of times. Sam is tackling this new adventure with the right spirit, aiming at building up the necessary experience. The new RS-GP is very nice and none of us can wait to see it in action in the new colours: we are ready for a new and exciting challenge together with Aprilia Racing.” With 104 World Championships in its collection (54 Aprilia, 15 Moto Guzzi, 21 Derbi, 14 Gilera) the Piaggio Group is the most victorious motorcycle group of all times, and Aprilia, born into racing, is the true sports banner for the Piaggio Group.
With 294 Grand Prix races won in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, Aprilia holds the record for the most wins of any European manufacturer in the history of top motorcycle competition. These race wins are joined by 54 world titles: 38 in the World Motorcycle Championship (20 in the 125 class and 18 in the 250 class), 7 in Superbike (double Rider/Manufacturer title in 2010, 2012 and 2014, Manufacturer in 2013) and 9 in the Off Road disciplines (7 in Supermoto and 2 in Trial). The Aprilia trophy case also includes the 2005 Superstock 1000 FIM Cup, won with the RSV4 RF ridden by Lorenzo Savadori, currently riding an Aprilia in World Superbike alongside Eugene Laverty.
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Joint statement from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), the Amateur Motor Cycle Association (AMCA) and the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU)
British motorsport could end due to EU ruling
The outcome of a government consultation on a piece of EU insurance legislation could end motorsport in the UK.
Yesterday, the Government issued a document for public consultation, which gives an option of implementing the European Court decision known as the ‘Vnuk judgment’. The ruling makes it compulsory for anyone using any form of motorised transport to have third party damage and injury insurance. This will affect all participants in all forms of motorsport.
The insurance industry has made it clear to government that third party risks for motorsport activities are uninsurable, not least because of the sheer number of potential vehicle damage claims that would arise. Therefore, if implemented, the Vnuk judgment would wipe out all legal motor and motorcycle sport activity.
In the UK, the motorsport industry employs over 50,000 people, generates a total of £11 billion of sales each year and is backed up by a world-leading high performance engineering industry.
Motorcycle competition is a popular UK Sport and generates much needed income in rural areas, with over 1.9 million spectators watching around 58,000 riders attend an average of over 4000 off-road and track events each year. These range from junior motocross to the British Superbikes, which would all end without the required insurance under the ECJ ruling.*
MCIA, ACU and AMCA call on the government to exempt motor and motorcycle sport from any changes to insurance law which arise from the ECJ judgement. While the UK remains in the EU, even a temporary implementation of the ruling, as suggested by the Department for Transport in its consultation document, would be fatally damaging to what is an important industry and net contributor to the UK economy.
Speaking for the ACU, AMCA and MCIA, Steve Kenward, CEO of MCIA says: “At a stroke, this would wipe out a successful industry and all the jobs that go with it, as well as eliminating a popular leisure pursuit for 1.9 million people, along with the boost that this gives to both local and national economies.
“If the government implements the Vnuk judgment un-amended, British motorcycle sport would end in the UK. Given that we are coming out of the EU, we are astonished that the government is even considering an option to implement Vnuk. We call on ministers to end uncertainty and put a stop to Vnuk in the UK.”
Background
The Vnuk judgment imposes compulsory third party injury and damage insurance to all vehicles of any kind when used on any type of land. As well as affecting all motorsport vehicles, it could affect electric bicycles, sit-on lawnmowers, golf buggies, mobility scooters and even uninsured vehicles parked on private property under the Statutory Off-Road Notification scheme. The ruling stems from a case involving a Slovenian farm worker, who was hurt falling from a ladder, which was hit by a reversing tractor.
For additional information please contact Steve Muir on 07989 378597 or email [email protected]
Grass roots events like the Skegness beach race (pictured) would end if Vnuk is implemented
Information
- You can read the consultation document here
- The original judgement arises from Damijan Vnuk v Zavarovalnica Triglav C-162/13. See here
- *Figures come from MCIA industry commissioned report
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The 13th edition of the Official MotoGP Season Review, published by award-winning Evro Publishing, records one of the most remarkable seasons of recent years.
MotoGP in 2016 produced a record nine winners, starting and ending with Jorge Lorenzo, and going via Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi, Jack Miller, Andrea Iannone, Cal Crutchlow, Maverick Viñales, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso.
One man emerged from the confusion to win five races and take his third MotoGP title. Marquez, who was crowned champion with three races to go, tamed his Honda and, most impressively, reined in his natural instinct to win every corner of every race. He rode for the points, he made impossible saves, and now and then he cut loose and shattered lap records just to remind everyone he was a winner.
The year brought plenty of fascinating sub-plots. There was Cal Crutchlow winning for Britain for the first time in the premier class in 35 years, not once but twice. Ducati’s search for their first win since 2010 was frustrated by self-inflicted crashes and bad luck until after the season’s halfway mark. There was the first win by a non-factory independent team in nearly ten years thanks to Jack Miller, who introduced the ‘shoey’ to a startled paddock and set off an epidemic of winners drinking podium champers from their boots.
In the Official MotoGP Season Review each race receives eight pages written by Julian Ryder, detailing what happened to every rider as well as tracing the story of each race weekend. MotoGP’s top technical journalist, Neil Spalding, analyses all the bikes as well as providing expert assessment of how Michelin approached the task of taking over as MotoGP’s tyre supplier. Mat Oxley provides a typically insightful summary of the season as a whole. The unique ‘Rider’s Rider of the Year’ poll, in which all the riders vote for their top six men of the year, throws up some surprises as usual.
The Official MotoGP Season Review also covers Moto2 and Moto3 as well as the Red Bull Rookies championship. Johann Zarco successfully defended his Moto2 title and Brad Binder fulfilled his promise and dominated a Moto3 year notable for a stunningly fast quartet of rookies. The Red Bull Rookies brought a new rising son from Japan in the form of Ayumu Sasaki.
The Official MotoGP Season Review follows every twist and turn of a fascinating and unpredictable season, illustrated with the best motorsport photography on the planet.
JULIAN RYDER is on BT Sport’s MotoGP commentary team and has been editor of the Official MotoGP Season Review since its inception in 2004. From 1993 to 2000 he was a member of the team that brought the golden era of World Superbike and Carl Fogarty’s championships to British TV screens before moving on in 2001 to cover the last year of 500cc Grand Prix racing and then 15 seasons of MotoGP. Julian transferred to the top class of racing at the same time as Valentino Rossi burst on to the scene and he has commentated on all of Rossi’s races since then.
NEIL SPALDING writes about technical aspects of MotoGP for motorcycle magazines and newspapers throughout the world as well as for the Official MotoGP Season Review. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed book MotoGP Technology.
MAT OXLEY is an Isle of Man TT winner and lap record holder. He has been writing about motorcycle racing for magazines and newspapers since the late 1980s, and his books include acclaimed biographies of Valentino Rossi and Mick Doohan, plus the Cold War motorsport spy story Stealing Speed.
ANDREW NORTHCOTT is one of the top MotoGP photographers working today. As well as providing images for the Official MotoGP Season Review, his photos are used by many news publications worldwide.
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