The Andalusian trip draws to a close with an excellent Monday for Team Gresini MotoGP with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez hard at work for the whole day of official testing at Jerez de la Frontera. 
 
The Italian #49 has done some evaluations in terms of ergonomics and front-end feeling and managed to find some important solutions for the continuation of the season; Alex Marquez kept working on finding the best feeling with his Desmosedici machine #73, while trying some modifications to the setting as well.
 
Both riders completed plenty of laps with very similar lap times: Diggia was the quicker of the two with the fourth-fastest lap-time of the day, 0.2secs ahead of his teammate who rounded out the top ten. The next event will take place at Le Mans in less than two weeks. 

With the zumo XT2, Garmin has now launched the successor model of the premium motorcycle navigator. Even more motorcycle-specific functions enable simplified route planning and provide an even wider range of useful extras when on the road. And, of course, Touratech already has a robust mount for this brand-new device that can cope with tough offroad use.

Large and brilliant display

The Garmin zumo XT2 is the logical further development of the already very powerful XT predecessor model. The 6-inch touchscreen is 15 per cent larger and another five per cent brighter than the XT. This results in the screen being perfectly readable in all lighting conditions, while operation with gloves is even easier than before, due to the larger size.

Planning tools specially for riders

Specially developed for riders, the zumo XT2 offers numerous features for planning inspiring tours. Garmin has pre-installed popular motorcycle routes on the device, and Michelin Scenic Roads are also colour-coded on the map.

The new "Adventurous Routing" function allows you to create winding, relaxed or scenic routes simply by using the slider. Attractive content such as the Michelin Green Guide, Trendy Places and Local Spots round off the range of planning tools.

The newly developed visual route planner enables you to conveniently create and edit routes directly in the map view.

Even more functions with the Tread App

Additional functions can be accessed by linking the zumo XT2 with a smartphone on which the Garmin Tread app is installed. This provides real-time services for traffic, weather or fuel prices. The XT2 can, of course, also output messages and phone calls to the headset.

In addition, the Tread app allows the use of all road navigation maps, topographic maps and satellite images in the route planner, and synchronises routes, tracks and waypoints via the cloud. The Track Recorder allows the recording of numerous vehicle and route data, and last but not least, the Group Ride Mobile function can be used to track the locations of group members.

Equipped for inReach satellite communication

The zumo XT2 is equipped for Garmin inReach, making it exemplary in terms of safety. With this satellite-based two-way communication, holders of a corresponding subscription can send and receive messages as well as share position data and make emergency calls. And that with no mobile reception required.

Touratech handlebar mount for optimum protection

This handlebar mount in legendary Touratech quality encloses the Garmin zumo XT2, giving it a secure hold even in rough terrain. The laser-cut and CNC-bent aluminium and stainless steel parts offer maximum strength and precision, making accidental opening of the lockable mount impossible.

The zumo XT2 is also reliably supplied with power in the Touratech handlebar mount via the on-board network, through the integration of the Garmin motorcycle cradle.

The handlebar mount comes with clamps for 12-millimetre tubes as standard. The possible combination with optional mounting adapters or the RAM ball joint system results in countless variants for individual positioning.

AFTER A FANTASTIC POLE POSITION, ALEIX IS UNABLE TO REAP WHAT HE HAD HOPED IN THE SPRINT RACE

THE MIXED CONDITIONS COMPROMISE MAVERICK’S QUALIFIERS, SEVENTH IN THE RACE

After their show of strength yesterday, with two Aprilias in the lead, Saturday in Jerez de La Frontera also had the Italian bikes confirming their extremely competitive status. In qualifying, a few drops of rain added to the already high tension, forcing teams and riders to make vastly different strategic choices.

Aleix, opting to stay out on the track with slicks for the entire session, did a perfect lap right in the finale, earning a well-deserved pole position. It was a different story for Maverick, who boxed to put on new tyres  but was then unable to find a lap consistent with the pace he had demonstrated during practice. 

Starting from the tenth spot on the grid, Maverick recovered ground all the way to seventh place, also doing the fourth fastest lap time – proof that he did have the speed that would have earned him a better result.

For pole man Aleix, on the other hand, Saturday ended on a bitter note. After a good start, he stayed in the leading group for quite a while as he prepared his attack, despite the significant difficulty overtaking on the Spanish track. However, a crash during the fifth lap put an end to the Aprilia rider’s hopes. 

Aleix
“A shame to have finished Saturday that way after taking pole position. To be honest, I started well in both starts but the KTMs have something more than us in that area. Then the riders who had started with the soft rear had a bit more grip, although the pace wasn’t high at all. But we know that here in Jerez, if you’re up front you are able to defend your position. I was thinking about an attack when I was behind Martin, but I struggled with the front and in the end I crashed. With this new format, we have a chance at redemption tomorrow, where there are important points up for grabs.”

Maverick
“I can’t help but to be pleased. The truth is that in the conditions this morning during qualifying, I did not have a good feeling at all and I was unable to achieve one hundred percent. Then, in the race, starting from the rear you have to battle, overtake, you’re under attack – sometimes rather aggressively – and everything is more complicated. The fact of the matter is that when I had open track ahead, I was able to maintain the same pace as the leaders and that’s what is frustrating because I don’t think this position is a proper reflection of our potential.”

Indian Motorcycle is celebrating International Female Ride Day (IFRD) around the world with group rides, dealer events, and demo rides to further empower, recognise and welcome the participation of women in motorcycling and invites female Indian Motorcycle riders to “Just Ride” on Saturday May 6, whether solo, with friends or on an organised ride

The IFRD has put the spotlight on women riders and the female motorsports arena for 17 years aiming to keep women at the forefront of riding and encourage new women to join, while promoting the diversity of women already engaged in all aspects of the powersports industry.

A focal point for events in Europe will be a group ride in France from Toulouse to Nice, May 2-6. With participants from the U.S., Canada and across Europe, riders will cover some of the best roads in France with a celebratory party, also open to the public, waiting for them at Indian Motorcycle Nice.

May 2 – Toulouse to Montpellier
May 3 – Montpellier to Marseille
May 4 – Marseille to Nice
May 5 – Rest Day
May 6 – IFRD Party at Indian Motorcycle Nice

Women riders in France are invited to join influential names from across the online motorcycle community in Jess Wise, Caroline Cora, Jasmine Rose, Courtney Boyd, Deimante Meilune and Sophie Molesti on their ride, even if just for a few kilometres, to elevate the voice of the women rider and celebrate their passion for riding.

Social links:

Carolina Cora

Courtney Boyd

Deimante Meilune –  YouTube

Jasmine Rose – The Litas Los Angeles

Jess Wise – The Litas

Sophie Molesti

Participation in IFRD is free and easy and takes place Saturday, May 6, in over 120 countries and everyone is encouraged to join in the conversation by sharing photos of their rides and what riding means to them on social media using the hashtags #IFRD2023, #FocusFemaleForward and #internationalfemalerideday.

For more information on the International Female Ride Day please visit the WEBSITE.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Already a title sponsor of selected MotoGP events in 2022 and this year of the upcoming round at Jerez de la Frontera (and later Phillip Island), MotoGP Guru powered by Gryfyn will be alongside Gresini Racing MotoGP for the whole 2023 season, with an ambitious and important project.
 
With the creation of the first official MotoGP “prediction game”, Guru has entered the World Championship paddock from the main door and not only: its presence on the fairings of the Desmosedici machines #49 and #73 has been highlighted a couple of times at the parc fermé already this year, courtesy of Alex Marquez. 
 
For the #SpanishGP, MotoGP Guru powered by Gryfyn has unveiled the 2023 challenge, with a selection of journalists from the World Championship that will take on the official photographers. It will be a “Fantasy League” open to everybody, in which the prize for the winner will be a Gresini Racing-liveried Ducati machine. 

GRAEME WARRING – MOTOGP GURU powered by GRYFYN CEO
“We decided to augment our title sponsorships and circuit activation with a race team partnership. In 2022 at Phillip Island and Valencia we spoke to a few teams and Gresini Racing responded with a very focused plan to compliment what we were committed to doing with Dorna. It was clear that they really embraced the project, and we really embraced the team, especially the legacy of Fausto and the family atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming."
 
CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL & MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING
“Extremely delighted to announce MotoGP Guru powered by Gryfyn as new Gresini Racing MotoGP Team sponsor. Last year Gryfyn strongly bursted into MotoGP environment as title sponsor of a few races and I’m happy that for 2023 they chose Gresini Racing MotoGP as partner to develop and implement the activation program for Guru, the new (and exciting!) official result prediction game of the MotoGP World Championship. Besides the massive branding, GryFyn will benefit of a large range of services and experience to offer as prize to the lucky Guru winners. Welcome MotoGP Guru powered by GryFyn in the #gresinifamily”.