The Isle of Man TT Races is proud to announce a new 3-year partnership with BMW Motorrad, which sees the globally renowned manufacturer become the Official Vehicle Safety Partner of the TT.

This new agreement will see BMW Motorrad provide a range of high-performance vehicles to support all aspects of the event’s extensive safety and operational infrastructure, ensuring that TT Officials, Medics and Marshals are fully equipped to carry out their vital duties safely and effectively across the legendary 37.73-mile Mountain Course.

At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to safety and performance. The TT’s experienced team of Travelling Marshals - all experienced former competitors – will be onboard the BMW S 1000 RR, a machine renowned for its agility, speed and reliability. Marking 70 years of service to the event in 2025, the Travelling Marshals play an important role within the TT, providing crucial feedback on course conditions and acting as first responders on the roads.  

Two additional M 1000 RRs will also be supplied to the TT Rider Liaison Officers, who provide vital support to newcomers year-round as well carrying out essential inspections during the event.

Under the partnership, BMW will also support the TT’s world-class medical response capabilities by supplying a fleet of X5 and X3 vehicles, including an X5M as the Medical Fast Response Car. This high-performance SUV will enable the TT’s medical teams to reach any incident across the 37.73-mile course with maximum speed and efficiency.

The TT’s medical response is coordinated through its Official partner Manx Roadracing Medical Services (MRMS), a team of highly skilled professionals committed to continuous innovation. Driven by research and innovation, MRMS plays a central role in developing a best-in-class model for roadracing medical care - one that ensures the fastest, most effective treatment is delivered on scene.

Marshals, who are essential to the safe running of the races, will be supported by a fleet of BMW 530e saloons - delivering a balance of efficiency, performance and practicality. In addition, the TT’s safety car fleet will be enhanced with M3 and M5 saloons, ensuring high-visibility presence and rapid response capability throughout the event.

Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport, Isle of Man Department for Enterprise, commented: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at the TT, and having partners who can help us deliver on that commitment is crucial to the event's success. Our medical response team is continuously driving innovation to improve our safety standards, and having the best equipment available to them - and to all our officials and marshals -  is essential in allowing them to operate as effectively and safely as possible. We are looking forward to partnering with BMW, a brand that shares our values and vision for the future of the event.”

Scott Grimsdall, UK Head of Marketing and PR, BMW Motorrad, added: “The TT’s experienced officials, travelling marshals, and medical response teams are integral to putting on one of the greatest spectacles in motorsport. Deploying safely and efficiently is a crucial part of their roles, and we are delighted to partner with the Isle of Man TT Races and provide them with a range of BMW machinery packed with class-leading technology to ensure they are able to do so.”

This new partnership forms part of the delivery of the Isle of Man TT Races’ overarching strategy to enhance safety performance and medical provisions across all areas of the event. With BMW Motorrad on board as Official Vehicle Safety Partner, the TT continues to build on its reputation as the most challenging and expertly operated road race in the world.

The British Motor Museum’s MG ‘Old Number One’ will be making a guest appearance in Cornwall for the Motor Cycling Club (MCC) Land’s End Trial over the Easter weekend. The event marks 100 years since the car won a gold medal the trial. The collaboration is between the British Motor Museum, the MCC and the MG Car Club Devon & Cornwall Centre & Vintage Register.

In 1925 Cecil Kimber won a gold medal aboard his early Morris Garages special which exists as an important stepping stone in the evolution towards the MG marque. Whilst earlier Morris Garages specials had been built, ‘Old Number One’ was the first MG purpose built for motorsport, seeking to capitalise upon the publicity from trials activity in the 1920s and establish the sporting credentials of the emerging marque.

With the centenary of this significant motorcar from the MG story, comes the exciting chance to feature the return of this car to the modern-day location of Kimber’s successful foray into motorsport.  Complete with re-enactment on the now ‘metalled road’ of ‘Old Bluehills’, from which the iconic image of Kimber cornering hard originates, this is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at the significance of the car to the MG story and properly locate it in the gradual evolution of the MG marque.

Stephen Laing, Head of Collections & Engagement at the British Motor Museum said, "MG Old Number One is not only one of the most important cars in the collection at the British Motor Museum, it is the most iconic MG of all! When MG boss, Cecil Kimber drove the car in the Land's End Trial in 1925 to a the gold medal winning position, it certainly put the young sports car company on the map! We're delighted to be working with the MG Car Club and MCC to celebrate the centenary of Old Number's One competition success by returning the car to Cornwall this Easter. The win at the Land's End Trial was one of the most significant steps in MG's history, a company still going strong more than 100 years later.  And, in 2025, Old Number One still looks as magnificent as ever."

For more information about the event visit www.mgcc.co.uk/mcc-lands-end-trial-2025/

For more information about the British Motor Museum, visit the website

www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Touratech is world-famous for its indestructible aluminium pannier systems for more than three decades. Three pannier series with numerous size variants and different finishes are available, so that travellers can choose from a huge range of hard luggage.

Somewhere far out on the really tough tracks of this planet is where the Touratech aluminium pannier systems originated. Developed by adventure travellers for the adventure community, these luggage systems meet the highest standards of robustness, quality and practicality.

Rugged stainless steel rack
The base of all Touratech aluminium pannier systems is a carrier made of generously dimensioned 18x2 millimetre stainless steel tubing. This is manufactured specifically for each model so that a design close to the vehicle can be realised and the lowest possible leverage forces act on the fittings. Touratech stainless steel carriers are available either electropolished with a silky shimmering surface or with a black powder coating.

Aluminium pannier systems with numerous combination options
The Touratech aluminium pannier systems combine cases of different series and sizes with the respective model-specific carrier. There are currently three ZEGA pannier series and the special ZEGA Evo X system to choose from. The cases can be customised not only by series, but also by size or finish. With this huge selection, Touratech offers adventure riders the unique opportunity to configure an aluminium pannier system specially made to suit their needs. For the new BMW R 1300 GS alone, there are 36 different configurations to choose from!

• New Slavia B concept pays tribute to Škoda’s groundbreaking 1899 motorcycle
• Concept takes the form of a futuristic café racer in Modern Solid style 
• Design in-house at Škoda by exterior stylist Romain Bucaille
• Concept features electric power and unique lighting signature
• Slavia B is the first of a new series of reimagined Škoda classics

Milton Keynes, 14 May 2025. Škoda’s passion for design has been a driving force for 130 years – with iconic models from the brand’s history continuing to provide design teams with inspiration. To highlight Škoda’s remarkable ‘back catalogue’ of classics, the brand has developed a series of re-imagined icons with models such as the 200 RS, 1203 van and Voiturette getting a 21st century reboot.

Škoda’s latest concept is it’s boldest yet, and the first to incorporate the brand’s striking Modern Solid design language. The new concept takes its inspiration from one of the most important vehicles in Škoda’s history – the Slavia B motorcycle. Designed and built under the Laurin & Klement brand (the company that would eventually become Škoda Auto), the two-wheeler was incredibly advanced for its time and was responsible for cementing the brand’s reputation for innovation.

Škoda’s Modern Solid design language blends minimalism with strength, focusing on bold shapes, clean lines, and functional forms. It reflects a shift towards electric mobility, sustainability and digitalisation.

Given that the Škoda story began in 1895 with bicycles and later motorcycles, the brand’s decision to start its new series of classic concepts with a two-wheeler is fitting. Inspired by the 1899 Slavia B, the concept motorcycle retains the signature frame silhouette of the original, but strips it back for the electric age. The area once reserved for the combustion engine now sits open, with the Škoda logo seemingly suspended within the frame. A bold vertical line divides the front and rear sections, highlighting the sculptural balance between nostalgia and innovation.

The concept was led by French designer Romain Bucaille, who normally works on Škoda car exteriors. “I wanted to go back to the brand’s roots,” he explains. “As someone who also loves motorcycles, this was a refreshing change and a great creative challenge.”

The front of the concept nods to Václav Laurin’s pioneering work in motorcycle geometry and control, while a minimal, floating seat and integrated leather tool bag reference the bike’s sporting legacy. It’s a subtle homage to Narcis Podsedníček, the factory rider who famously finished the 1901 Paris–Berlin race aboard a Slavia B.

Bucaille describes the final concept as a “futuristic café racer in Modern Solid style”, complete with clean contours, crisp edges, and a distinctive lighting signature – elements now synonymous with Škoda’s evolving design identity. The blend of simple volumes and functional details stays true to the brand’s current philosophy, while adding a modern twist.

The design process was hands-on from the start. “I began with pencil sketches – it had been a while since I’d drawn a motorcycle,” Romain admits. “But the great thing about sketching on paper is that it’s instant. No need for a screen – just ideas flowing freely.” Those sketches eventually evolved into a trio of digital renders, each exploring different aspects of the concept’s form before the final design emerged.

This reinterpretation of the Slavia B isn’t destined for production, but it does serve as a compelling statement of intent. With more iconic reworks to follow, Škoda is showing that its future vision is firmly rooted in a rich and inventive past.

A full database of media assets relating to all Škoda production models is available at www.skodamedia.com.

article supplied

With innovative technology and well thought-out details, BMW Motorrad presents the R 1300 GS Adventure as the ultimate long-distance adventure bike. Touratech has developed a model-specific accessories portfolio to emphasise the different facets of this versatile machine.

Protection 
If you want to explore the off-road capabilities of the R 1300 GS Adventure, the Touratech programme offers a customised selection of protectors that prevent damage to the vehicle even during tough off-road use.
Headlights, tank and fairing or engine are protected by the practically tested hardware. The Touratech developers have also provided protectors for the shaft drive, the radiator and the ABS sensor.

Luggage
Touratech offers the world's widest range of robust and highly functional luggage transport solutions. With 36 aluminium pannier and 12 soft luggage combinations, there should be something to suit every taste. The ZEGA aluminium pannier systems with the rugged stainless steel tube rack are available in both the ZEGA Pro and ZEGA Evo versions. Purists can of course also opt for the ZEGA Mundo. Additional luggage can be stored in the ZEGA Topcase or on the luggage plate. Fans of soft luggage systems will find the Endurance, Travel and Extreme Edition bags to be indestructible travelling companions with plenty of storage space. The Touring and Travel tank bags complete the soft luggage range.

Ergonomics
The handlebar risers, which are available in different versions, and the extra-wide long-distance footrests allow fine-tuning in terms of individual ergonomics.

The complete Touratech product range for the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure can be found in the webshop at www.touratech.com