The second part of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship has started the best way possible for Team Gresini MotoGP, who scores the first win of the season with Alex Marquez in a sprint race characterised by a typically English weather. 

The Spanish rider had a slow start, but he immediately bounced back as he moved past Fernandez, Miller and Bezzecchi, before flying to 12 points that also mean maiden MotoGP win – the twelfth of his Grand Prix career. The #73 is now ninth in the standings with 75 points. 

It was a Saturday to forget for Fabio Di Giannantonio who crashed out of Q1 and lost a big chance in the wet as in FP3 he had showed a great pace with this type of conditions. He still had a good comeback in the race as he made up several places and even overtook Bagnaia, but twelfth comes with no points on Saturday. 

1^st - ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“I knew straight away that it could have been the good one. I started a bit ‘sleepy’ and lost a few places, but I then found pace and confidence. I rode well, even though I made a mistake on the last lap that could have made my life a lot worse. Aside from that I was in control and it was exciting to claim this maiden win, which I dedicate first to this great team.”

12^th - FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49
“Too bad for the mistake made this morning, I could have done really well and in the race we showed we had the numbers to stay with the best. Unfortunately, to be starting so far back made our race an uphill battle, and it’s been happening for the last three-four GPs. We gave it all and I still think it was a good result; tomorrow, with a few more laps, we will try to make an even bigger comeback.”

• Ben is there for our automotive family this summer during cost-of-living crisis
• Some automotive families unable to put food on the table for their children this summer
• Ben supports automotive families so they don’t face a summer of despair

Ben, the automotive industry charity, is providing support to individuals and families who are facing money worries, debt or urgent need this summer.

Ben is already providing vital support for many families who are struggling to make ends meet and unable to afford essentials such as food and utilities during the cost-of-living crisis. Over the last 12 months, Ben has supported 128 households who couldn’t afford to put food on the table, 66 households who couldn’t pay their rent or mortgage costs and 52 households who couldn’t afford their utility bills.

More and more people than ever before are contacting Ben’s Helpline for support - during April-June 2023 there was a 23% increase in enquiries (year on year) and a 20% increase in support cases (year on year). People aren’t only struggling to make ends meet, they are also struggling with their mental health. Ben considers managing money as a key area that impacts on wellbeing. Given the knock-on effect that financial problems can have, increasing levels of stress, anxiety, low mood and depression are made worse when people can’t afford basic living costs.

In addition to supporting basic living costs, Ben also wants to give families, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it, the opportunity to enjoy spending time together and create special memories during the holidays. This is as well as taking pressure off families who face impending back to school costs including school uniform, bags and PE kits.

Ben is encouraging people not to struggle alone and get in touch.

Here are some quotes from people who have been supported by Ben during tough times:

“I felt at the lowest of low points in my life. I’ve never applied for any sort of benefit or hand-out in my life. I felt ashamed and embarrassed to ask for financial support. Ben made me feel welcome and worthy of this support.”

“The food voucher came through yesterday. My mum cried her eyes out, it’s such a weight off our minds. We can’t thank you enough!”

“I was reluctant to call Ben - typical man, not asking for help… but I did and after the first few minutes, knew I had made the right decision.”

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “Times are getting increasingly tough for families and individuals, especially now the summer holidays are here. If you’re worried about making ends meet, buying food, paying the bills and school uniforms for September, you’re not alone, Ben is here for you. We want everyone in our industry to know that we’re here.

“Many individuals and families are being pushed to the edge with the current rising cost of living. It’s also impacting other areas of their health and wellbeing so if you work, or have worked, in the automotive industry please get in touch now if you’re struggling or feeling at breaking point. You can contact our free and confidential helpline.”

Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. Ben is already supporting many automotive families this Summer. Don't suffer in silence, contact our helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk. You can also access Ben’s out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 85258. 

“A five, six-week break, can’t remember…” or “Enough with these holidays!”, this was a perfectly summarised common thinking at Gresini, written with the words of the team standard bearers Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio. The last race was on June 26^th at Assen, and now Silverstone is around the corner with both the Spaniard and the Italian fresh and ready for action.”
 
Both managed to rest, train and ride (even though it was a Panigale) at Misano in two separate days. The few kms completed helped shake some rust off and find the speed back. Di Giannantonio’s test was delay for a few days due to the right arm pump surgery he had to undergo. 
 
The second part of the season is fast approaching and full of events, meaning a good start in England will be key for everyone and the track is a favourite one for both Alex and Diggia. The prerequisites are all there…

The best thing for motorcycle enthusiasts is to feel the adrenaline and the rush they get on the open road or when participating in rallies.
However, they also enjoy a good time when they can sit down and talk with people who share the same passion and love for two-wheel vehicles. If this sounds like you, and you want to combine the two experiences, you might want to consider attending a motorcycle event in the UK, as many of them will be coming this year, and you can find new opportunities for your hobby. Not to mention that these events are the perfect way to celebrate your love for the motorcycle culture, and you can also make a positive impact, as sometimes they are organised to raise donations for rallies or to support a meaningful cause.  

Let's get you familiar with motorcycle events, how to prepare for them and what you shouldn't miss in the UK this year.

How to prepare for a motorcycle event?

A motorcycle event can last a few days, so you must prepare before to be sure that you will have the best experience and that nothing will ruin it. You will need to check all the parts from your motorcycle and ensure you follow the required steps for an intensive trip.

Motorcycle checks before an event

Controls: Your motorcycle needs to function correctly, so you must ensure everything is as it should be and look at the checking connectors, cables, screws and hand and foot levers. The foot and hand levers are vital because they can influence your comfort, especially in long drives. But the good news is that they are mostly adjustable, so you can make them suit your needs before participating in an important event.

Tire pressure: It is vital to have the right tire pressure because they are one of the main elements that will assure good road performance. You will find the needed air pressure in your motorcycle's handbook, but you must also take into account whether you have luggage or another passenger.

Lighting: A proper check also includes the lighting because it is essential to have good functionality, especially when travelling at night, as it is an important measure for your safety. Look at all the lights, including high beams, brake, running and signal lights, and headlamps.

Motorcycle Gear: Safety is vital when you have a motorcycle, so you must take all the measures to avoid possible dangers. You need to ensure you wear your helmet and the perfect clothing to protect you from bad weather,

Decide on the other details for your trip

You need to consider several details when you want to participate in an event, including how you will arrive there and where you will stay. Yes, you probably think that the best way to arrive at your event is by driving your motorcycle, because exactly your love for them brought you there, but as the events can take place in a different part of the country, this might not be the best idea in all the cases. Alternatively, you can arrive at the destination by car and enjoy the time with your motorcycle after. As many events happen in London, you can leave your car at the parking Heathrow, so you will not worry about your vehicle's safety, and in this way, you can enjoy your time better at the events. 

The events you should not miss this year in the UK

Now that you know how to prepare for a motorcycle event, it is time to find out what events in the UK are perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts.

The National Road Rally

The National Road Rally is an event organised by the ACU, specially made for motorcycle lovers, who can drive on one of the best roads in England and check as many controls and checkpoints as possible. It will take place on the first weekend in July, more exactly on the 1st and 2nd, and each participant will receive a map containing all of the controls' locations, called the Matrix. This map also offers participants vital information to help them along the road, and you will surely use them as the map comprises locations from all across the country. So, booking a spot at the Manchester airport parking might be good to ensure your other beloved vehicle is safe while you enjoy the time of your life. 

Woman in Moto

Who says that motorcycles are just for men? Suppose you are a woman passionate about two-wheel vehicles. In that case, you need to know that on the 19th and 20th of August, the Woman in Moto will be organised, representing an event that celebrates all the women from the motorcycle world. This is an empowering event meant to bring the biking community together with the help of discussions with various inspirational speakers and workshops.

The Ace Café Reunion

Participating in a reunion that gathers motorcycle lovers from all across the country might be the best idea to try this year, especially if it takes place at the Ace Café, as it is one of the most famous pubs for motorcycle enthusiasts. You don't want to miss this year's edition, as it celebrates its 29th anniversary of annual reunions, and you will meet plenty of people with whom you can change thoughts, discover new information and find new future opportunities.

Final words

The motorcycle world is full of fantastic moments because of the strong community that the bikers have created, which is why they can enjoy so many events. If you're also a motorcycle lover, this year can be the time when you begin to participate in some of the most interesting events, so pack your bag and start your adventure.

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