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  1. Honda HRC secures fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory as Honda claims its 32nd win

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    Honda-powered teams claim first and third in the Superstock category
     
    Honda HRC secures fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory as Honda claims its 32nd win

    The 47th edition of the FIM Endurance World Championship "Coca-Cola" Suzuka 8 Hours got underway on Sunday at the Suzuka Circuit for Round 3 of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship.

    The day began with a 45-minute warm-up session held in wet conditions after rain fell between 08:30 and 09:15, giving teams one final opportunity to check their wet-weather setup ahead of the race.

    The race got underway at 11:30 am local time under overcast skies, with an air temperature of 23°C and the track still wet from the morning rain and was heavily influenced by intermittent rain and several lengthy safety car periods. Honda HRC's race strategy gradually shifted towards completing the race with Takumi Takahashi and Jonathan Rea, both able to rely on extensive experience in similar conditions. Somkiat Chantra had shown very competitive pace throughout the dry sessions but had not had the opportunity to gain experience in these mixed and wet conditions. Making his Suzuka 8 Hours debut, the Thai rider nevertheless made an important contribution to the team's overall effort throughout the race week.

    Starting from pole position, Takumi Takahashi made a strong start aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #30 and established himself among the front runners from the opening laps.

    Honda HRC completed the first four hours with two pit stops, with Takahashi ending his first 33-lap stint in the lead before handing over to Jonathan Rea. Rea consolidated Honda HRC's lead until the end of lap 66, when he handed the bike back to Takahashi.

    At the end of the fourth hour, Takumi Takahashi pitted on lap 92 to hand the Honda #30 over to Jonathan Rea once again, with Honda HRC continuing to lead the Suzuka 8 Hours.

    With the rain easing but the track still wet and conditions remaining very tricky, Takahashi also put all his experience and speed to good use, continuing to control Honda HRC's advantage at the front.

    At the end of the race, heavy rain returned, while the fading daylight added a further challenge for the riders in the closing stages of the race. With 34 minutes remaining, the deployment of two safety cars on lap 179 effectively settled the race, preserving Takahashi's advantage. Honda HRC completed188 lap-race to secure its fifth consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours victory. The victory marks Takahashi's eighth Suzuka 8 Hours win, his fifth consecutive success in the event, and Rea's third victory at Suzuka.

    Honda also enjoyed a strong showing from its non-permanent EWC entries at Suzuka, with SDG Team HARC-PRO. Honda finishing eighth, Honda Asia-Dream Racing with Astemo securing ninth place, and Team ATJ with NTT docomo Business completing the top 10.

    F.C.C. TSR Honda France's final result of 26th place at the Suzuka 8 Hours did not reflect the team's true performance after a mechanical issue ended what had been a promising race. Before the setback, the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #5 had consistently run inside the top five, demonstrating the pace to fight at the front throughout the event.

    Corentin Perolari made an excellent start from sixth on the grid for F.C.C. TSR Honda France, climbing to fourth within the opening 30 minutes before the first safety car interrupted the race. Once the action resumed, the Frenchman remained firmly in contention at the front before making the team's first scheduled pit stop after 27 laps, handing the Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP #5 to John McPhee while running fifth.

    McPhee rejoined in 11th position and quickly fought his way back into the top 10 before a second safety car was deployed. After the restart, McPhee continued his strong pace before handing over to Alan Techer, who maintained the team's momentum by moving up to seventh place.

    Shortly after the fourth hour began, a mechanical issue forced Techer back to the pits, costing the team valuable time. Perolari rejoined in 36th place, leaving the Honda #5 with a lot of ground to make up.

    Despite the setback, the team worked their way back to 26th by the finish. Although the final result does not reflect the performance shown throughout the week, F.C.C. TSR Honda France demonstrated its true potential in every condition with all three riders consistently showed the pace to challenge for a top-five finish.

    Honda #5 now turns its full attention to the season finale at the Bol d'Or, determined to convert its potential into the result its efforts deserve.

    Tati Team AVA6 Racing's race came to an early end after Mike Di Meglio suffered a mechanical problem during the opening half hour. Despite returning to the pits, the team was ultimately forced to retire and abandon the Suzuka 8 Hours.

    Honda CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP-powered teams on the podium. NCXX RACING with RIDERS CLUB produced an outstanding performance, climbing from second in class to take the Superstock lead before half distance and eventually securing the category victory with an impressive 14th-place overall finish.

    Meanwhile, Wójcik Racing Team #77 SST enjoyed another competitive Suzuka 8 Hours, progressing from seventh to fourth in class during the opening stint before moving into podium contention. The Honda #77 ultimately finished third in the Superstock category, earning valuable championship points.

    The 2026 FIM EWC championship final will take place on September 19 at the Bol d'Or, on the Paul Ricard circuit (France).
     
     
     
    Alan Techer 5
    F.C.C. TSR Honda France
     
    ‘‘The first race is over, and unfortunately it wasn't the result we were hoping for. Despite that, we've shown good pace all week in every type of condition. Whether it was wet, mixed, or dry, the bike worked really well and we were competitive throughout.
    We put together a very strong weekend overall, including a solid qualifying performance. Unfortunately, we suffered a technical issue towards the end of the race, which prevented us from achieving the result we deserved.
    Now the priority is to understand exactly what happened, learn from it, and make sure we come back even stronger. We'll work hard to be fully prepared and fight for a good result at the Bol d'Or.’’
     
     
     
     
    Corentin Perolari 5
    F.C.C. TSR Honda France
     
    “I'm pleased with how the week went overall. We qualified well and showed strong pace from the start. The track was wet, but I got away well and really enjoyed battling with riders like Jack Miller and Michael van der Mark. Fighting with riders of that level confirms that both I and the team have the speed to be competitive. Once again, a top-five finish was within reach, but unfortunately a technical issue ended our chances. That's part of endurance racing and we have to accept it. Now our focus turns to the Bol d'Or. Alan and I know we have the pace, John will be experiencing the race for the first time, and we'll be working hard to finish the season with a strong result.”
     
     
     
     
    John McPhee 5
    F.C.C. TSR Honda France
     
    "It's a real shame for the whole team because we didn't get the result that all the hard work and effort throughout the week deserved. The positives are clear, though. All three riders showed strong pace, and we proved we had the speed to fight for a top-five finish.
    We were competitive in every condition—wet, dry and mixed—and the bike worked well throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, endurance racing doesn't always reward the effort you put in, and this time we were hit by a technical issue.
    We'll take the positives, keep building on the pace we've shown, and head to the Bol d'Or determined to finish the season with the result the team deserves."
     
     
     
     

  2. 😬 IS ORANGE THE NEW BLUE?

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    NADIA PADOVANI 

    “Alex, it’s truly hard to let you go. We’ve shared emotions, growth, and moments that I will carry in my heart forever. I’m proud of the man and the rider you are. But before we say goodbye, there’s still one more chapter to write together. Let’s do it with the determination that has always set us apart”. 

     

     É¢Ê€á´‡êœ±ÉªÉ´Éª ᴡɪʟʟ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ

     


    #GresiniX for #AlexMarquez

     

  3. BK8 GRESINI RACING MOTOGP, BETWEEN PRESENT AND FUTURE

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    Half a season still to go with our hearts on the line, but 2027 is just around the corner and the BK8 Gresini MotoGP Team is already working to be among the protagonists in the coming years as well.

     

    NEW LINE-UP
    Joan Mir and Dani Holgado will be the riders entrusted with defending the colours of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team on track. The record of number 36 speaks for itself: two world titles already won (MotoGP in 2020 and Moto3 in 2017), confirming his value at the highest level. Alongside him will be the very young number 96, Moto3 World Championship runner-up in 2024 and one of the main contenders in the Moto2 title fight this season.

    THE BIKE
    The collaboration with Ducati Corse has been confirmed, the result of a shared vision and a path already marked by success in both the past and present. A multi-year agreement that further strengthens a solid and well-structured relationship. The status of the BK8 Gresini Racing Team remains unchanged, with an official factory bike in the garage available to Joan Mir.


    #96 DANI HOLGADO – 2027 BK8 GRESINI RACING RIDER
    “I am very happy to join the MotoGP project of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team: it is literally the dream of my life to race in the premier class, and doing it with a team like this makes it even better. It is the result of a lot of effort and hard work over the years. I know it will be a huge challenge, but I am ready to grow both as a rider and as a person. A huge thank you to Nadia and the Team, my family, and everyone who has believed and continues to believe in me. I know it won’t be an easy journey, but I am fully ready for whatever comes next.”

     

     

     

    JOAN MIR will only make statements once his contract with Honda expires (31 December 2026).

     

    NADIA PADOVANI – GRESINI RACING TEAM OWNER
    “From next year a lot will change, but the essence of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team will remain the same. We continue to be a team that works to grow season after season, and in 2027 we will do so with two riders in whom we place great trust and whom we are ready to support fully. Dani is a profile we have been following for a long time and we are pleased that he can begin his rookie experience with us. Joan is a MotoGP World Champion: his record speaks for itself. One is at the beginning of his journey, the other aims to rediscover his best sensations and make the most of his potential. For both, we want to be a constant reference point. We will continue to race together with Ducati Corse, which over the years has proven to be a reliable and winning partner, and we are very happy about this. Last but not least, at the end of the season we will say goodbye to Alex and Fermin, two riders who have given a lot to our team, both in terms of results and human relationship. To them goes our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

    GIGI DALL’IGNA – GENERAL MANAGER DUCATI CORSE
    “We are pleased to confirm the continuation of the multi-year collaboration between Ducati Corse and the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team. A relationship built over time, based on shared values, technical expertise, and a common determination to pursue ambitious goals on track. This partnership has been enriched by important sporting results achieved by the team, a testament to the quality of the work done together. The BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP Team represents a key partner within our project and we will continue to work side by side with continuity, with the aim of furthering our shared growth journey.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  4. What Motorcycle Businesses Should Know About Importing Parts

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    Anyone who's run a dealership, a custom workshop, or a parts and accessories business knows the frustration of a delayed shipment. A customer's bike sits half-stripped on the ramp, a restoration project stalls waiting on one obscure bracket, or a busy season arrives and the stock that should be on the shelf is still somewhere in transit. For motorcycle businesses, importing parts isn't a side issue: it's central to keeping customers happy and workshops running.

    Whether you're sourcing OEM components from Japan, aftermarket exhausts from the US, or a complete project bike from Europe, getting parts and machines into the UK reliably takes more planning than most people expect.

    Why Importing Motorcycle Parts is More Complicated than it Looks

    Motorcycle parts cover a huge range of goods, from tiny gaskets and electrical components to engines, full fairing kits, and entire crated machines. That variety creates real complications:

    • Small, high-value parts (ECUs, carburettors, branded components) need secure handling and proper insurance
    • Engines and heavy components require correct freight classification and careful packing
    • Aftermarket and performance parts sourced from outside the UK and EU may attract import duty and VAT
    • Vintage or classic bike parts often come from niche overseas suppliers with limited shipping options of their own
    • Whole motorcycles being imported, whether project bikes, restorations, or new stock, need specialist crating and handling to avoid damage in transit

    Get any of this wrong and the costs add up fast: damaged stock, customs delays, unexpected charges, or a shipment held at the border while paperwork gets sorted out.

    Shipping a Whole Bike: Why Crating Matters

    For businesses bringing in complete motorcycles rather than just parts, the logistics shift up a gear. A bike isn't like a pallet of boxed parts; it's an irregular shape, often has fluids that need draining or securing, and frequently has a level of value that makes any knock or scrape an expensive problem.

    This is where crated bike shipping comes into its own, since proper crating protects the bike from the kind of handling damage that's all too easy during loading, transit, and customs inspections. For dealers importing classic or collector bikes, or workshops bringing in project machines for restoration, this isn't a luxury. It's the difference between a bike arriving ready to work on and one arriving with new problems to fix before the original job has even started.

    Choosing the Right Freight Method

    Most motorcycle businesses end up using a mix of freight options depending on what's being shipped and how urgently it's needed.

    • Air freight suits small, urgent, high-value parts, particularly when a workshop is waiting on a specific component to finish a job
    • Road freight works well for regular, planned restocking from European suppliers
    • Sea freight is usually the most cost-effective option for larger or heavier shipments, including crated bikes, where transit time matters less than overall cost

    For UK-based businesses, sea freight UK routes are well established and tend to offer the best value for bulkier imports, especially when shipping from further afield such as the US, Japan, or Australia. It's slower than air freight, but for stock that isn't needed overnight, the savings can be significant. 

    Customs, Duty, and Paperwork

    Importing into the UK means dealing with customs declarations, correct commodity codes, and potential import duty or VAT, depending on where the goods are coming from. For motorcycle parts specifically, this can get fiddly:

    • Engine components and complete bikes may be classified differently to standard parts
    • Country of origin affects whether preferential tariff rates apply
    • Incorrect documentation is one of the most common reasons shipments get held at the border
    • Businesses importing regularly benefit from working with a forwarder who understands motorcycle-specific classifications, rather than starting from scratch each time

    Getting this right the first time saves money and keeps stock moving, which matters most during peak riding season when demand for parts and finished bikes is at its highest.

    Building a Reliable Supply Chain

    For motorcycle dealers, workshops, and parts suppliers, the businesses that handle imports smoothly tend to share a few habits. They plan ahead rather than scrambling for urgent shipments, they use freight forwarders who understand the quirks of bike and parts shipping and they build in realistic timeframes rather than assuming everything will turn up exactly on schedule.

    Getting the logistics right behind the scenes means fewer headaches, fewer disappointed customers, and a workshop or showroom that keeps moving at the pace the UK's biking community expects.   Barrington Freight, crated Motorbike shipping,

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  5. 10 Years of Adventure Country Tracks – A Decade of Adventure Across Europe's Most Scenic Backroads

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    What began in 2016 with a single route in Portugal has grown into one of Europe's largest adventure motorcycle communities: Adventure Country Tracks (ACT) is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

    The idea was simple yet ambitious: to provide motorcycle riders with legal, carefully researched adventure and off-road routes through some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes. Ten years later, ACT routes span multiple countries and connect thousands of riders through a shared passion for exploration, adventure and responsible travel.

    From Portugal to the Pyrenees, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Romania, as well as a growing number of new destinations, ACT has continuously evolved over the past decade. Throughout this journey, the focus has never been solely on the routes themselves, but also on the people behind them: volunteer route developers, partners, supporters and a community that actively embraces and promotes the values of ACT.

    "Ten years of ACT means ten years of friendships, shared experiences and unforgettable adventures. We are proud of what has grown from a small idea and grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey," says Elvio Andrade of Adventure Country Tracks.

    A key element of the ACT philosophy has always been responsible riding and respect for nature, local residents and the communities through which the routes pass. The principles of #ride, #respect and #enjoy have guided ACT from the very beginning and continue to play a vital role in preserving existing routes and enabling future projects.

    As ACT celebrates its first decade, the organization is not only looking back on its achievements but also focusing firmly on the future. New routes, innovative concepts such as ACT Ride & Train, and international partnerships will help shape the next chapter of the ACT story.

    To mark the 10th anniversary of Adventure Country Tracks, ACT is celebrating the developments of the past decade with a special retrospective on the origins, growth and the people behind the movement. The highlight of the anniversary celebrations is the release of a film telling the story of ACT and its community.

    The YouTube premiere will take place on 5 July 2026 at 8.00 pm (CEST).

    You can find the link to the premiere here: Link to the YouTube premiere