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Pengawal FIM telah memutuskan bahawa pertembungan antara Marc Marquez dan Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia di MotoGP Portugal adalah insiden perlumbaan. Oleh itu, tiada penalti akan dijatuhkan.

Insiden itu menyaksikan Bagnaia terbabas dan kegelinciran tayar hadapan motosikalnya ketika memintas Marquez, sekaligus menyingkirkan kedua-dua pelumba, dengan tinggal hanya 3 lap lagi.

Walaupun dia menerima keputusan FIM Stewards, Marquez juga merasakan ia berada pada ‘had’ kerana baginya Pecco telah melakukan ‘kesilapan’ dalam percubaan memintas semula yang terlalu ‘optimistik’.

Insiden itu berlaku sejurus selepas Marquez mengatasi penunggang Ducati yang semakin perlahan untuk menduduki tempat kelima selekoh ke-5 di Litar Algarve di Portimao. Apabila pelumba Sepanyol itu kemudiannya tersasar sedikit dari garisan di puncak selekoh, Bagnaia bertindak balas dengan memasukki ruang yang terbuka sedikit itu, dan menyebabkan pasangan itu segera bertembung dan terjatuh.

Pendapat Marquez:

“Hanya impak pada bahu, tetapi tidak ada yang tercedera,” kata Marquez, yang bangkit untuk menamatkan saingan di tempat ke-16 dan tersingkir daripada pungutan mata.

“Tetapi ia adalah satu kesilapan kerana kami berjuang untuk kedudukan ke-5, ke-6. Hanya untuk perbezaan dua mata lagi, dua kurang. Dan dia (Pecco) sedang bergelut dengan tayar, terutamanya dengan tayar belakang. Jadi pada akhirnya, apabila 3 pusingan kekal, anda tahu bahawa anda akan kehilangan kedudukan, jadi tidak perlu untuk kembali dalam mod agresif itu. Tapi, dia buat keputusan macam ni. Akibat kepada Ducati ialah 0 mata.”

Pernah terfikir berapakah gaji Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia? Lagipun, dia adalah juara dunia MotoGP dua kali bertahan.

Sekiranya anda belum maklum, dia telah memperbaharui kontraknya di Ducati untuk dua tahun lagi sehingga akhir musim 2026. Anda mungkin akan menganggap jumlah yang besar tetapi ia tidak hampir dengan apa yang didapati oleh juara dunia tiga kali sebelum ini, Jorge Lorenzo.

Menurut majalah Motorsport, perjanjian terbaru Bagnaia memberinya gaji pokok €7 juta (RM35,892,918.75) setiap musim. Bagaimanapun, dia dijangka memperoleh lebih daripada €10 juta (RM51,275,598.22), bergantung kepada keputusannya.

Dia mula mendaftar sebagai pelumba kilang No. 1 Ducati pada awal musim 2022 yang kemudiannya dimenanginya pada tahun yang sama. Gajinya sama dengan Jorge Martin dan Enea Bastianini (sebelum dia berpindah ke pasukan kilang) pada masa itu.

Walau bagaimanapun, walaupun jumlah itu kelihatan sangat besar bagi kita sebagai insan biasa, ia tidak hampir dengan apa yang diperoleh Lorenzo apabila dia berpindah ke Ducati. Pelumba yang berasal dari Majorca itu telah dibayar sebanyak €25 juta untuk setiap dua musim dia berada di sana. Namun, Lorenzo dapat memenangi tiga perlumbaan dan tiada takhta juara dunia buat Ducati.

Oleh itu, Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaialah yang menghadiahkan kejuaraan MotoGP yang kedua buat Ducati, 15 tahun selepas Casey Stoner melakukannya pada 2007.

Perlu dikatakan akan ada 8 pelumba yang kontraknya akan tamat pada penghujung 2024, jadi Ducati terpaksa mendapatkan khidmat Bagnaia dengan cepat. Ia masih belum dapat dilihat apa yang Enea Bastianini boleh lakukan selepas musim pertama yang penuh bencana dan penuh kecederaan tahun lalu. Tidak perlu dikatakan bahawa akan ada ramai yang akan bersaing untuk tempat Ducati kilang itu untuk tahun depan termasuk Marc Marquez dan Jorge Martin.

Ever wondered how much is Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia’s salary? He is the twice-defending MotoGP world champion, after all.

In case you have not heard, he had just renewed his contract at Ducati for another two years until the end of the 2026 season. You would probably assume a hefty amount but nope, it is not even close to what previous the triple world champion, Jorge Lorenzo did.

According to Motorsport magazine, Bagnaia’s latest deal bags him a base salary €7 million (RM35,892,918.75) per season. However, he is set to earn more than €10 million (RM51,275,598.22), depending on his results.

He first signed on as Ducati’s No. 1 factory rider at the beginning of the 2022 season which he went on to win the same year. His salary was equal to Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini’s (before he moved to the factory team) during the time.

However, while the sum seems really princely for us mere mortals it is not even close to what Lorenzo earned when he moved to Ducati. The Majorcan was paid a king’s ransom of  €25 million for each of the two seasons he was there.

Hence it was Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia who gave Ducati their second MotoGP, 15 years after Casey Stoner did so in 2007.

It has to be said that there will be 8 riders whose contracts will be expiring at the end of 2024, so Ducati had to secure Bagnaia’s services quickly. It remains to be seen what Enea Bastianini could pull out of the bag after a disastrous and injury-riddled first season last year. It goes without saying that there will be many who will be vying for that factory Ducati spot for next year including Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin.

MotoGP dan MotoAmerica telah mengumumkan penambahan yang mendebarkan iaitu Kejuaraan Mission King of The Baggers dalam Grand Prix Red Bull Amerika pada tahun ini, yang dijadualkan dari 12 hingga 14 April.

Untuk pertama kalinya, Litar Amerika akan menjadi hos kepada jentera V-twin di tengah-tengah kemeriahan MotoGP™, dengan dua perlumbaan Baggers dalam musim 18 perlumbaan siri tersebut.

Minggu penuh aksi ini akan bermula dengan dua perlumbaan yang memberikan mata pada Sabtu. Tetapi itu tidaklah cukup – petang Jumaat akan menyaksikan Cabaran Misi yang menarik, menampilkan enam pemenang terpantas bersaing untuk kemenangan dan peluang untuk menuntut hadiah sebanyak US$5000.

Wayne Rainey, Presiden MotoAmerica, menyatakan kegembiraannya tentang peluang baharu ini, menyatakan, “Ini adalah peluang hebat untuk MotoAmerica dan siri King Of The Baggers kami. Mengizinkan pasukan dan penunggang kami bersaing dalam acara MotoGP adalah lompatan besar dan saya tahu peminat MotoGP akan terkejut dan teruja dengan apa yang mereka lihat di COTA.”

Rainey meluaskan rasa terima kasih kepada MotoGP atas kerjasama mereka, serta kepada penaja Mission Foods and Parts Unlimited, dan pengeluar yang terlibat. Dia dengan penuh harapan menantikan reaksi padang MotoGP dan peminat untuk menyaksikan Baggers beraksi sepenuhnya.

Ia akan menjadi satu pemandangan yang menakjubkan untuk menyaksikan jentera V-Twin besar dan berat berlumba pada hujung minggu yang sama dan di litar yang sama dengan jentera perlumbaan MotoGP yang canggih.

Anda boleh menonton perlumbaan Mission King of The Baggers yang disampaikan oleh Drag Specialties secara langsung di Saluran YouTube MotoGP™, MotoAmerica Live+, MAVTV, dan saluran YouTube MotoAmerica.

MotoGP and MotoAmerica have announced the thrilling inclusion of the Mission King of The Baggers Championship in this year’s Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, scheduled from April 12th to 14th.

For the first time ever, the Circuit of The Americas will host the powerful V-twin machines amidst the MotoGP™ extravaganza, featuring two Baggers races within the series’ 18-race season.

The action-packed weekend will kick off with two points-paying races on Saturday. But that’s not all – Friday afternoon will witness a gripping three-lap Mission Challenge, showcasing the six fastest qualifiers vying for victory and a chance to claim the US$5000 prize.

Wayne Rainey, President of MotoAmerica, expressed his excitement about this groundbreaking opportunity, stating, “This is a great opportunity for MotoAmerica and our King Of The Baggers series. Having our teams and riders compete at a MotoGP event is ground-breaking and I know the MotoGP fans are going to be surprised and excited about what they see at COTA.”

Rainey extended his gratitude to MotoGP for their collaboration, as well as to sponsors Mission Foods and Parts Unlimited, and the manufacturers involved. He eagerly anticipates the reactions of the MotoGP paddock and fans to witness the Baggers in full throttle.

It will be quite a spectacle to watch the big, heavy V-Twin machines racing on the same weekend and on the same track as the ultra-advanced MotoGP race machines.

You can catch the Mission King of The Baggers Presented By Drag Specialties races live on MotoGP™’s YouTube Channel, MotoAmerica Live+, MAVTV, and the MotoAmerica YouTube channels.

Ducati sedang meraikan pencapaian yang cemerlang pada tahun 2023 dengan melancarkan lima edisi terhad Panigale.

Panigale terhad ini meraikan kemenangan pelumba Bagnaia, Bautista, Bulega, Martin, dan Bezecchi dalam MotoGP, WorldSBK, dan WorldSSP.

Terdapat empat model Panigale V4 dan satu model Panigale V2 dalam rangkaian ini, semuanya dihasilkan dalam siri terhad dan bernombor, disertai dengan tandatangan asli setiap pelumba pada tangki dan sijil keaslian.

Panigale eksklusif ini diperkenalkan dalam acara “Campioni in Festa,” di mana Ducati meraikan musim luar biasanya dan memperkenalkan motosikal terhad tersebut. Setiap model mempamerkan tanda tangan asli pelumba pada tangki, dilindungi oleh lapisan vernis transparent.

Dalam kalangan Panigale V4, tiga daripadanya diubah menjadi edisi tribut kepada motosikal Desmosedici GP milik Francesco Bagnaia (63), Jorge Martin (89), dan Marco Bezzecchi (72) dalam MotoGP.

Model-model ini meraikan kemenangan berturut-turut Ducati di MotoGP pada tahun 2022 dan 2023. Satu lagi Panigale V4R dipersembahkan kepada kemenangan WSBK Alvaro Bautista (19), menandakan dua tahun berturut-turut Ducati berada di puncak WSBK.

Akhirnya, Panigale V2 menghormati motosikal perlumbaan WorldSSP Nicolò Bulega (11), sambutan kemenangan pasukan pada tahun 2023.

Panigale V4 menerima peningkatan yang ketara, termasuk klac kering STM-EVO SBK sembilan cakera, ekzos Akrapovič (2kg lebih ringan daripada standard), sistem brek Brembo yang diperkukuh dengan caliper Stylema R. Footpeg boleh laras aluminium Rizoma, dan plexiglass perlumbaan.

Edisi istimewa Bulega Panigale V2 dilengkapi dengan suspensi Öhlins, ekkos Akrapovič (mengurangkan berat motosikal sebanyak 5kg), footpeg boleh laras aluminium Rizoma, dan pelbagai komponen karbon, termasuk pelindung lumpur depan dan belakang, penutup rantai, pelindung klac, pelindung lengan ayun, dan pelindung penyerap hentak.

Selain itu, Panigale V2 yang didedikasikan untuk Bulega lebih unik dengan memasang kit pelekat nombor dan cermin, serta penutup tangki lumba aluminium yang boleh laras.

Bagi mereka yang berminat untuk mendapatkan edisi terhad ini, harganya adalah seperti berikut:

– Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica: $43,000 USD – RM210,000 (Terhad kepada 111 unit)
– Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica: $63,000 USD – RM295,000 (Terhad kepada 72 unit)
– Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Terhad kepada 189 unit)
– Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Terhad kepada 219 unit)
– Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica: $73,000 USD – RM342,000 (Terhad kepada 263 unit)

Penghantaran model-model Panigale Race Replicas 2023 ini dijadualkan bermula pada Julai 2024.

In a stunning display of skill and dominance, Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo Team secured yet another victory at the Austrian GP, held at the iconic Red Bull Ring.

  • Bagnaia’s recorded his fifth win of the season in the 2023 MotoGP World Championship and solidifies his position as a leading contender for the championship title.
  • The Italian now leads the championship with 62 points ahead of Jorge Martin. 

Bagnaia’s masterclass performance was a continuation of his previous day’s success, where he claimed victory in the Sprint race. Starting from pole position, the Italian rider wasted no time in asserting his control over the race, leading from start to finish across the 28-lap battle. Bagnaia’s consistent and impressive lap times, consistently lapping in the low 1’30s range, allowed him to gradually distance himself from his closest competitor, Brad Binder of KTM, ultimately securing a five-second lead at the checkered flag.

With this win, Bagnaia not only extended his points lead to 62 over Martin from Pramac Racing but also celebrated his 16th MotoGP victory. Ducati also rejoiced as this victory marked their 78th overall win in the premier class. Bagnaia’s flawless performance also earned him the prestigious title of achieving a ‘Grand Slam’ victory, having secured pole position, the win, the fastest lap, and leading every lap, which he had previously achieved at Algarve in ’21, Jerez in ’22, and Mugello in ’23.

The Austrian GP was a testament to Ducati’s prowess, with four of their riders placing in the top 5. VR46 Racing’s Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini claimed third and fourth positions respectively, followed by Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez in fifth.

Teammate Enea Bastianini, who started from 13th on the grid, showcased his determination as he battled with five other riders for a sixth-place finish. Despite facing challenges, Bastianini secured a commendable top-ten finish, closing in at 10th place.

Reflecting on his victory, Bagnaia shared his thoughts, “Sincerely, I’m very happy. We managed to do an incredible job all weekend, the engineers and my team gave me everything I asked for, and this was the result.” He also expressed his excitement for the upcoming challenges in the season and his dedication to maintaining this momentum.

As the championship continues, Bagnaia’s performance has set the stage for an exhilarating second half of the season. With his consistent victories and commanding lead, the racing world eagerly awaits the battles that lie ahead in the MotoGP World Championship.

Spanish aftermarket specialist Puig has introduced Brake Coolers inspired by racing technology, bringing a touch of track performance to street bikes.

  • These coolers, seen on MotoGP and WSBK race bikes and high-end sport motorcycles like the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory, now offer enthusiasts enhanced braking performance and a sleek aesthetic.
  • the brake cooler can significantly lower brake operating temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius, especially advantageous during spirited rides or track use on hot days.

The Brake Cooler boasts a universal design, easily attaching to caliper bolts and fork pinch bolts. It promises to reduce brake temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius, particularly beneficial during spirited rides on hot days or track sessions. Additionally, the accessory enhances aerodynamics by minimizing air turbulence at the front wheel, ultimately boosting stability at high speeds.

While similar to carbon brake coolers seen on race-spec machines, Puig’s version employs cost-effective ABS plastic. To ensure road legality, Puig provides a parts certificate, aligning with strict European guidelines for aerodynamic modifications.

Pricing, color options, and specific compatible models for Puig’s Brake Cooler are yet to be announced. Enthusiasts eagerly await the chance to upgrade their bikes with this racing-inspired innovation, combining both style and function for a thrilling ride.

Triumph’s 765cc triple engine, initially introduced with the 2017 Street Triple, has proven to be a game-changer in both the street and racing world.

  • Since the 2019 race season, Triumph’s 765cc triple has been the driving force behind all Moto2 racing machines, impressing with its reliability and power on the track.
  • Triumph will continue as Moto2 engine supplier until 2029. 

 

The success of this partnership led Dorna to extend Triumph’s contract as the sole engine supplier for the Moto2 series until 2029. Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, citing “great racing, record-breaking performances, and impressive reliability” as key factors in the decision.

Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, highlighted the introduction of a new racing gearbox, set to improve track performance. The engineering team is already working on enhancements for gear selection, with testing planned after this year’s Moto2 races.

Currently tuned to produce 145 horsepower, with a recent increase in RPM to 14,400, the Triumph Moto2 engines continue to set new standards for performance. 

For enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Moto2 experience, the Triumph Street Triple RS Moto2 Edition offers a glimpse, boasting the same powerful engine, along with Öhlins suspension and Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers for precision handling.

Triumph’s 765cc triple engine has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the racing world, and its continued presence in Moto2 promises more exciting races and record-breaking moments in the years to come.

We’ve all seen the usual MotoGP race weekend packages offered by travel companies that include flights, accommodation and a grandstand ticket. Now, thanks to Mechmoto Racing, MotoGP fans have the chance to feel what it’s like to be a team member with their Ultimate GP Racing Experience.

Say goodbye to the standard grandstand pass and say hello to the MotoGP pit wall, team garage and hospitality as you join a MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 team for a whole race weekend.

Indy Sam and Justin McLachlan from Mechmoto Racing in Australia have utilised their MotoGP contacts to offer race fans an ultimate GP experience that is unrivalled.

Mechmoto is a leading motorcycle servicing business based in Queensland Australia that brings MotoGP expertise to the roads. Co-Founder Indy Sam has had a long and illustrious two-wheel career having worked in MotoGP, World Superbike Championship, and the Australian Superbike Championship since the early 2000’s as a mechanic.

With Indy’s experience in these leading motorcycle racing series, not only has he been able to bring that mechanical experience to road bikes in the land down under, but he’s been able to work with MotoGP teams to offer race weekend experiences like no other. “We are race enthusiasts,” says Indy. “And we know what an awesome race weekend experience would be for enthusiasts like us. So with my contacts in MotoGP we can offer an experience that takes the fans right into the heart of the team to feel the excitement and drama up close and personal.”

Limited to only four guests per MotoGP round, the guests will be immersed in unparalleled access with their own personalised official MotoGP paddock pass and personally guided by Indy himself as they experience a race start from the pit wall, pit lane walks, team garage visits, meeting riders, dining in team hospitality, and even joining the team parties. A team may even allow guests to join a debrief.

Currently there are two teams who are part of the Race event package – LCR Honda MotoGP and Gas Gas Aspar Moto2 & Moto3 – discussions are underway to bring in more teams though guests will meet many other teams unofficially during the event.

As a special introduction to Asia based MotoGP fans, Mechmoto Racing is offering over 20% ($4,000) off the package price. More information can be found at http://www.mechmotoracing.com/the-ultimate-gp-racing-experience.

*Article contributed by Ben Potter

Speculation about the future of MotoGP superstar Marc Marquez continues to swirl, with rumors of retirement and a potential team switch causing a stir among fans.

  • KTM is likely to be the relevant destination for the 8-time World Champion. 
  • The Spaniard is rumoured to be unhappy at Honda. 

While details remain scarce, a recent social media post from tennis legend Rafael Nadal has added fuel to the fire and hinted at Marquez’s possible departure from Honda.

Nadal, a close friend of Marquez and a beloved personality in Spain, posted a photo of the two icons together, accompanied by a caption that raised eyebrows. He wrote, “Visits [views] that make you very excited. Thanks @marcmarquez93 for coming to meet the Rafa Nadal Academy By Movistar. We see each other soon and good luck on your new challenges.”

The phrase “new challenges” has sparked speculation about Marquez’s next move within MotoGP or potentially outside the premier class. While Marquez is currently contracted with the Repsol Honda MotoGP team for another year, his future beyond 2023 remains uncertain.

Alberto Puig, Honda’s team boss, has expressed a willingness to respect Marquez’s wishes, stating that he wouldn’t want to keep the rider against his will. Puig understands that an unhappy rider rarely performs at their best, as demonstrated by previous cases like Lorenzo and Rossi at Ducati, and Maverick Vinales at the end of his Yamaha contract. However, Honda is unlikely to release Marquez without significant compensation.

Should Marquez and Honda part ways before his contract expires, KTM emerges as a potential destination. KTM has been performing exceptionally well in MotoGP and is the only team capable of challenging the dominant Ducatis. Nevertheless, KTM would have to pay a hefty sum to secure Marquez’s services, considering the existing contracts of their current riders, Brad Binder and Jack Miller, which extend until the end of 2024.

Alpinestars, the renowned manufacturer of motorcycle gear and apparel, has recently unveiled its latest offering in racing helmets – the limited edition Supertech R10.

Designed and developed specifically for professional MotoGP athletes, this cutting-edge helmet combines speed, protection, and comfort to enhance the overall racing and sport riding experience.

The Supertech R10 features a range of innovative design elements aimed at maximizing performance. The helmet’s aerodynamic stability is achieved through a meticulous reduction of drag, ensuring optimal air management both inside and outside the helmet. The optimized chin bar design provides maximum protection for the collar bone, while also offering a lightweight and robust profile to safeguard the rider’s chin tip area.

Constructed with a multi-layer composite and advanced epoxy resin, the Supertech R10 achieves an ideal balance of strength, mechanical performance, and weight ratio. The external and internal materials are strategically designed to provide exceptional protection against both linear and oblique acceleration impacts. Furthermore, the shell’s lower profile is engineered to safeguard the rider’s collarbone in the event of a heavy impact.

Aerodynamic efficiency and stability are further enhanced by the race spoiler and winglets, which effectively reduce drag by 4.54%. The helmet boasts an impressive field of vision, with 220 degrees of lateral vision and 57 degrees of vertical vision. Additionally, the shield construction is equipped with pins for easy fixation of a Pinlock 120XLT – 100% Max Vision lens and tear-off films.

Safety remains a top priority, as the Supertech R10 is ECE22.06 homologated and features an Optical Class 1 shield. The shield mechanism incorporates metal lock levers to prevent unwanted detachment during impacts, while the tool-less quick release system allows for swift and effortless visor changes. The helmet’s chin vent, designed with laminated airflow, effectively prevents fogging and misting.

Inside the helmet, the EPS foam is intelligently distributed to provide precise impact absorption where needed most. The EPS is equipped with Alpinestars’ patented A-Head fitting height and angle adjustment system, allowing riders to customize the helmet’s fit to their exact preferences.

Alpinestars will release a limited launch edition of the Supertech R10 in a striking Carbon/Red Shadow colorway. Only 200 numbered helmets will be available for purchase on July 10th at alpinestars.com. With its exceptional performance and exclusive design, the Supertech R10 is set to become the pinnacle of Alpinestars racing helmets, capturing the hearts of professional riders and avid motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

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