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“It’s always good to finish the tests with the fastest time. The feeling is positive, and we also did some good things in the sprint simulation. We tried a lot and worked well, but it’s still just a test. The important thing was to finish these three days in good physical shape, and we managed to do that. Now we’ll have the Buriram tests to try other solutions and fine-tune everything ahead of the start of the Championship.”
DAY1 FP1 – 1’57.487 – 31 laps FP2 – 1’58.169 – 18 laps -- DAY2 FP3 – 1’57.664 – 22 laps FP4 – 1’58.094 – 5 laps -- DAY3 FP5 – 1’56.404 – 31 Laps FP6 – 1’57.295 – 14 Laps
Indian Motorcycle continues its momentum into 2026 with the appointment of Oakmere Motorcycles to the official dealer network as Indian Motorcycle Cheshire. Signing with Indian Motorcycle UK during MCL25, Oakmere will expand rider support into the North West of England as a full-service dealership offering new and used sales, test rides, servicing, maintenance, apparel, and accessories.
The new partnership enables Oakmere to offer Indian Motorcycle’s full line of cruisers, baggers and tourers to customers across the North West. With this addition, Indian Motorcycle continues to strengthen its presence in the UK market and reinforce its commitment to supporting customers with accessible, high-quality retail and aftersales services.
“We’ve been actively working towards expanding the network in the North and North West, and, with Jonathan and the Oakmere team, we’ve found a great partner to represent the brand and to work with us in supporting and building the Indian Motorcycle family and community in this important region,” said Jim Clarke, Regional Director – Central Europe for Indian Motorcycle.
Jonathan Jarratt, Managing Director of Oakmere MotorCycles, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Indian Motorcycle into the Oakmere Motorcycles family. This partnership is about more than adding a premium brand, it’s about embracing a legacy of adventure, craftsmanship, and community. Our goal is to create a space where riders can experience that Indian Motorcycle passion firsthand, whether it’s through demo rides, exploring accessories and apparel, or simply connecting with fellow riders. We can’t wait to be part of the Indian Motorcycle journey.”
Oakmere Motorcycles, situated in the heart of Cheshire, has long been established as one of the premier family-owned motor groups in the North West of England. Established in 1978 as a Lotus specialist, the group has expanded to other specialist and premium brands, making them an ideal partner for Indian Motorcycle.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CHESHIRE
Oakmere Motorcycles, Brook Garage, The Village, Prestbury, Macclesfield SK10 4AL
BMW MOTORRAD UK ANNOUNCES WORLD OF BMW ACTIVITY PROGRAMME FOR 2026
BMW Motorrad UK has announced its World of BMW activity programme for 2026, delivering an extensive calendar of riding experiences, training courses and guided tours designed for motorcyclists of all abilities. From skill-building and off-road exploration to international adventures, the 2026 programme continues to offer riders unique opportunities to learn, travel and experience motorcycling at its best across four distinct areas.
Scott Grimsdall, Head of Marketing & PR for BMW Motorrad UK, commented: “The World of BMW has been creating meaningful riding experiences for over 20 years, bringing together expert instruction, incredible destinations and a genuine passion for motorcycling. With more than 2,800 riders taking part in 2025, from skill development to global adventures, the programme is designed to help riders grow in confidence while creating experiences they’ll remember for years to come.”
BMW Rider Training is at the heart of the World of BMW programme, the first stop for those looking to begin their motorcycling journey. In 2025 the four UK training locations generated over 1,200 new licence holders – all proudly passing while riding confidence inspiring BMW machinery. BMW Rider Training offers structured and personalised courses for riders at every stage of their journey, with an impressive 83 per cent pass rate. The training focuses on essential road skills, safety awareness and advanced riding techniques, helping riders build confidence and progress at their own pace.
For riders keen to explore riding beyond the tarmac, BMW Off Road Skills offers immersive off-road training at the 4,000-acre Walters Arena in South Wales. During 2025, more than 1,200 customers took part, accounting for over 2,800 days of riding on a range of the latest BMW GS models. Led by Simon Pavey and his highly-experienced instructor team, which now boasts five Dakar Rally finishers among their ranks, the well-established curated courses focus on essential off-road techniques, including body positioning, braking control, hill climbs and descents, and navigating technical terrain.
Track-focused riders can refine their skills at the BMW Motorrad Performance Academy, where precision, speed and control is key. Coached by an all-star lineup of current and former British Superbike racers, the programme hosted five exclusive events last year, whose participants enjoyed the full capabilities of BMW products thanks to a safe and progressive curriculum of training. Based at Mallory Park, the BMW Motorrad Performance Academy uses track-prepared BMW motorcycles including the F 900 R, S 1000 R and S 1000 RR, providing a professional and highly-focused learning environment.
Completing the 2026 offering, BMW Motorrad Tours provides professionally organised motorcycle journeys to more than 40 destinations worldwide. In 2025, the programme delivered 33 tours, with over 350 riders creating incredible memories. From the scenic mountain passes of the Alps to the remote landscapes of Machu Picchu, each tour is fully supported with expert guides, carefully curated routes and comprehensive logistics.
With over 20 years of experience, the World of BMW continues to deliver expertly designed activities that enable riders to develop their skills, broaden their horizons and experience motorcycling in new ways.
Continue your journey and explore the full range of tours, courses, and adventures here:
Team BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP is pleased to announce a new agreement with Chocolatos, a leading Indonesian chocolate-based brand in wafer sticks, wafer cream and ready-to-serve categories, owned by Garudafood, one of Indonesia’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies.
The agreement is a multi-year partnership, with the Chocolatos brand featured on the bike liveries and on the chest area of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP riders’ leathers, as well as on pit-box panels, transportation vehicles and the hospitality structure.
This sponsorship, which marks the brand’s first entry into the MotoGP World Championship, is based on a dedicated communication strategy with clearly defined long-term objectives.
Chocolatos is a brand inspired by the Italian chocolate-making tradition, a concept also highlighted by the payoff integrated into its logo. This strong connection with Italian excellence makes the partnership with Team BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP a natural and strategic fit for the brand’s positioning.
The prestige and global popularity of MotoGP will strongly support the growth of Chocolatos’ brand awareness, while reinforcing the values that unite the brand with the sport: excellence, passion and international reach.
CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL & MARKETING DIRECTOR, GRESINI RACING “I’m excited to welcome Chocolatos and Garudafood as new official sponsors of Team BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP. This is a brand inspired by the ‘Italian Chocolate Taste’ that has chosen Gresini Racing, and our Italian identity in particular, to strengthen this positioning. With the arrival of Chocolatos, we add another important partner to our constantly growing pool of Indonesian sponsors, while confirming our strong presence in a key market for MotoGP. I’d like to thank Garudafood for the enthusiasm shown towards this project. We can’t wait to take this partnership to the track and to share with Chocolatos the emotions of a MotoGP season that promises to be full of adrenaline.”
HARDIANTO ATMADJA – PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF PT GARUDAFOOD PUTRA PUTRI JAYA TBK “Garudafood, through its Chocolatos brand, is proud to partner with Team BK8 Gresini Racing as part of the prestigious global sporting event, MotoGP. Gresini Racing’s success in MotoGP is rooted in technical excellence, relentless innovation, and seamless collaboration across the team. Chocolatos, distinguished by its signature Italian chocolate taste, mirrors these principles through its leadership in Indonesia’s food and beverage categories, continuously innovating while maintaining uncompromising quality standards. Together, Chocolatos and Team BK8 Gresini Racing are accelerating toward new heights of excellence on the track, in taste, and beyond.”
Welcoming Motorrad customers with immediate effect, the Motorrad product range sits within the existing Blackpool BMW Centre, where dedicated Lloyd BMW Motorrad staff will be on hand for new and approved-used bike sales, finance and insurance, parts and garment sales, and all servicing enquiries.
Paulo Alves, Head of BMW Motorrad UK commented: “We are very pleased to be welcoming Lloyd in Blackpool to the BMW Motorrad family. As a current BMW Centre, they are perfectly placed to provide a premium experience to both new and existing BMW Motorrad customers, and are vital to strengthening our presence in the North West of England, in what is a very exciting time to join BMW Motorrad.”
Lloyd Blackpool Head of Business, Mark Powell, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to officially open Lloyd BMW Motorrad Blackpool and bring the full BMW Motorrad experience to riders across Blackpool, the Fylde Coast and beyond. As an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer, our focus is on offering exceptional products, expert advice, and a customer experience that reflects our passion for the brand and the riding community. Whether you’re browsing the latest BMW motorcycles, looking at approved used options, or seeking top-tier servicing and support, our dedicated team is here to support riders at every stage of their journey. We look forward to welcoming both long-time BMW enthusiasts and new riders through our doors.”
Lloyd BMW Motorrad will operate from their existing Blackpool BMW Car Centre, while plans are underway to develop the site and open a separate BMW Motorrad showroom in the near future.
Located at Whitehills Business Park, Lytham St Annes Way, Blackpool, FY4 5PQ, customers can view opening hours and book an appointment at: