Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) has won the 2017 Moto2 World Champion after Thomas Luthi was declared unfit due to a fractured ankle.
Red Bull KTM riders Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder celebrated yet another one-two finish with Morbidelli completing the final podium spot.
Morbidelli and Luthi will graduate to MotoGP next season in the same Marc VDS team.
The scene could not have been more dramatic during the Shell Malaysia MotoGP round at the Sepang International Circuit. All weekend, the Moto2 riders have gone through severe heat to sudden bursts of rain to keep them on their toes. None more so than the two riders who were fighting for the 2017 Moto2 championship, Franco Morbidelli (EG 0,0 Marc VDS) and Thomas Luthi (CarXpert Interwetten). (more…)
It has become a tradition for GIVI to be present at the Malaysian MotoGP.
They gave away plenty of great goodies to those who visited their pavilion.
Participants of the MotoGP convoy also received plenty of great stuff.
“It had become a tradition for GIVI to participate in MotoGP and organize this MotoGP convoy,” said Joseph Perucca, Overseas Operational Director of GIVI.
His words couldn’t be truer as GIVI has a large presence in MotoGP every year, from supporting the LCR Honda MotoGP Team and the factory Ducati Team, to the massive pavilion, and the convoy.
This year, GIVI Malaysia went about designing their pavilion with slight differences. But they weren’t insignificant, by and large.
Firstly, they’ve included as the backdrop. GIVI Malaysia’s tour bus is always on location during Cub Prix races and also special events.
Secondly, there are many more different motorcycles on display, all fitted to the gills with GIVI cases and accessories. They included the Honda RS150R, Kawasaki Versys-X 250, besides others.
Thirdly, the usual display case of GIVI’s cases, helmets and apparel were also present, but the helmets were the newer models.
But the most significant difference this year is the inclusion of the injection moulding machine, which they use to produces the ABS cases you and I have long used and loved. However, instead of producing large cases during MotoGP, the machine was configured to produce coin boxes, made from the same material as the cases and complete with GIVI’s red and silver logo.
The boxes were given away as complimentary gifts to those who have liked GIVI Malaysia’s Facebook page. The long queue snaked its way into the middle of the mall area.
The pavilion was also where MotoGP riders visited for autograph sessions. LCR Honda MotoGP Team’s rider, Cal Crutchlow and team boss, Lucio Cecchinello made their appearance on Saturday afternoon to sign postcards, posters, t-shirts, helmets and whatever GIVI paraphernalia fans presented to them. The fans had started queuing two hours prior to the autograph session, braving the scorching Saturday sun.
Participants for the MotoGP Convoy congregated from as early as 7am, at the KL Tower, on Sunday morning. GIVI has always tied in their MotoGP convoys to special promotions for certain top cases, and it was for the recently-launched B32 “Mule” top case this year.
The special guest this year was Anita Yusof, Malaysia’s own world traveller, in addition to Lucio Cecchinello.
Participants who registered for the convoy received many wonderful goodies, including the new RWB02 waterproof waist pouch, a cap, balaclava, a special edition 2017 GIVI MotoGP Convoy jersey, and a grandstand ticket; besides a voucher each for a bottle of Castrol engine oil and a can of Monster Energy drink. But that’s not all. Participants also received a parking sticker for the coveted PA1 motorcycle parking lot, which was situated directly opposite the main SIC entrance, saving both money and time.
The weekend’s event culminated with the MotoGP race, of course.
Don’t despair if you missed this year’s festivities set up by GIVI, just make sure you participate in 2018 for the full MotoGP experience.
As we head closer to the end of the 2017 MotoGP season, the penultimate round that is the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix is sure to bring in a lot of excitement for all those who attend. Having gained status as one of the most challenging circuits in the calendar, the Sepang International Circuit is always ready to throw one heck of a curve ball with the unpredictable weather.
The race is made even more exciting with the fact that more often than not, a champion emerges in the final flyaway race. Take last year for example when the current Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Johann Zarco won his second Moto2 championship before graduating to MotoGP for 2017.
From the moment you arrive at the track’s parking area, the activities have already begun. Shell Advance has amazingly organised a special ride-through service for motorcycle owners. Those who came with their beloved bikes can roll in, buy some Shell Advance engine oils and get a free service (plus oil filter), refreshments, dedicated parking space and even Hillstand tickets! Not a bad way to start the day off, right?
To make things more exciting, the Mall Area is filled up to the brim with so many booths and gigantic marquees that you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of what activities you want to participate, freebies to take home and the ever popular meet and greet sessions with your beloved riders.
During the special weekends, all sorts of offers are up for grabs. One of the best examples would be the HJC Helmet Malaysia booth where you can get premium helmets at slashed prices right before your very eyes.
Weather too hot to handle? There’s another way on how you can enjoy the races without missing any of the action. Head over to the Red Bull marquee where it is without a doubt one of the coolest (literally and figuratively) ways to watch the race in comfort. Get your drinks ready and watch the giant screens set up for you to support your favourite riders!
No motorcycle extravaganza can be complete without some premium bikes being displayed. There are so many motorcycle manufacturers taking part that they themselves are already their own shows! It’s already an experience to visit all the booths before entering the grandstands.
The brands that are taking part in the races proudly displayed their prized and rare bikes which you only get to see on the Internet or TV. Not at the Malaysian MotoGP round 2017, folks. Take KTM for example where the main attraction is a lovely KTM RC16 replica race machine.
Check out the highlights of the KTM Malaysia booth by clicking HERE.
Fancy something a bit more Japanese? Try going to the Boon Siew Honda booth and check out the amazing Honda RC213V being displayed together with their MotoGP replica bike which is placed amongst other race and road machines. So, to take a closer look and of course, lots and lots of photos.
To know more about the Boon Siew Honda MotoGP 2017 booth, CLICK HERE.
If you’re one of the lucky one to get the opportunity to visit any of the paddocks, you’ll get to see up close and personal on how the teams work and get things prepared at the highest level of racing. No one does it better than these folks.
We were fortunate enough to be able to visit the IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia and also Team SUZUKI ECSTAR to witness the behind-the-scenes action and harmony between riders and other team members.
Want to spend some money on special merchandises? The Petronas booth for example took it up another notch with a few great performances from famous artists such as Altimet. Fans were entertained with the best of the best while purchasing top of the line merchandises, getting signatures from our Moto2 star rider Hafizh Syahrin and even a very unique ‘multiple angle’ photo booth.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the races. While Moto3 has already found their champion for 2017 that is Joan Mir of Leopard Racing (CLICK HERE to read the story), the Moto2 and MotoGP crowns are still up for grabs. The battles are now left between Franco Morbidelli EG (0,0 Marc VDS) and Tom Luthi (CarXpert Interwetten) in Moto2 and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) and Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) in MotoGP.
Image source: MotoGP
Will there be a champion at the end of Sunday? Come early because things are about to blow up. Moto3 will start at 12pm followed by Moto2 at 1.20pm and MotoGP at 3pm (local times). Don’t feel too bad if your riders don’t make it to the podium because all the booths prepped at the Mall Area are always ready to cheer you right back up before heading back home.
And have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian
The thrilling 15-minute session saw championship leader Marc Marquez crashing.
1st to 10th spots covered by less than one second.
Dani Pedrosa captures pole position ahead of tomorrow’s Shell Malaysian MotoGP 2017 after an edge-of-the-seat qualifying session.
Run under the sweltering hot sun, the riders put the hammer down to post some blistering times, which saw the coveted position switch hands multiple times before it was settled at the very last moment.
There was plenty of drama too, when championship leader Marc Marquez crashed at the last turn on his very first flying lap, apparently after hitting the turn way too fast. He had just saved himself from crashing during FP4. Marquez frantically restarted his bike to ride back to his pits for his spare bike. He came back in again just minutes from the end of the Q2 session for his first bike, but the best he could do was seventh on the grid.
While everyone was hooked up on Marquez’s crash, Johann Zarco snuck in pole position. Zarco had won the Moto2 race in Malaysia for the past two years.
Behind the Frenchman, Maverick Vinalez, Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, and Andrea Dovizioso (who’s chasing his first world championship and 33 points behind Marquez), vied for the top spot.
Rossi was the first man to displace Zarco from the top to an immense cheer from the capacity crowd, only to be immediately outgunned by Dovizioso. But while the cameras focused on “Desmo” Dovi, Pedrosa posted his fastest time of 1’59.212.
Then Zarco improved on his time and relegated Dovizioso to third.
Positions 1st to 10th were covered by less than 1 second. But more telling was the third fastest time posted by Dovizioso in third, just 0.024 seconds from pole.
If there’s one thing about the Malaysian MotoGP, one could never know how it’s going to end, and if today’s qualifying session was an indication, we’re in for an amazing race tomorrow.
KTM Malaysia got off to a great start at the 2017 Malaysian MotoGP.
Moto2 and Moto3 riders visited for a meet-and-greet, and autograph session for the fans.
MotoGP riders will visit today for meet-and-greet plus autograph session.
27th October 2017, Sepang Circuit – As promised, KTM Malaysia rocked the show at the 2017 Malaysian MotoGP.
Although Day One (Friday) got off to a slower start due to incessant rain throughout most parts of the day, KTM’s pavilion was packed with racing fans who had queued patiently to meet Moto2 riders Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder, and Moto3 riders Bo Bendsneyder and Niccolo Antonelli.
Their patience was rewarded by first KTM Malaysia who carried out fun quiz sessions throughout the day. Participants walked away with some great KTM memorabilia.
Visitor also had the opportunity to view, touch and even smell the latest KTM motorcycles, including the GP16 MotoGP racebike replica, RC Cup racer, the just-launched 250 Duke and 390 Duke, 1290 Super Duke R, 1290 Super Adventure S, the still-rare and new 1290 Super Adventure R; and of course, off-road bikes for which KTM are synonymous with such as the new ISDE Six Day Enduro models, SX-F motocross models, EX/C-F four-stroke enduro models and more.
The new ISDE Six Day models are noteworthy as the bikes have different graphics now, as the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) event has moved to France. These bikes are collector’s items.
Another motorcycle to look out for is the 1050 Adventure Travel Pack. The 1050 Adventure has always been a fun, comfortable and reliable bike for adventure- and sport-touring, but it’s now even better with the Travel Pack.
For a limited time only, customers who opt for the Travel Pack together with the purchase of a new 1050 Adventure will receive ten (yes, 10!) PowerPart accessories such as semi-floating panniers, crash-protection bars for the engine, and others for just an extra RM 3,000. Be sure to check back in with us for the updates soon.
Day Two of the 2017 Malaysian MotoGP (Saturday, 28th October) will see MotoGP riders, Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith visiting the KTM pavilion for another meet-and-greet plus autograph session. So remember to bring your KTM gear and be there by 5pm.
1. Visit the Shell Advance Ride Thru Service booth
Are you riding to Sepang to watch the race? Then be sure to visit the Shell Advance booth at the PA1 parking lot ride opposite the main entrance (Welcome Centre). Buy any Shell Advance motorcycle lubricant and you will get a free engine service, free engine filter, free food and drinks, and you stand a chance to win other great goodies. Check out the video we created at last year’s Shell Ride Thru Service so you know what to expect!
2. Don’t have a ticket to watch the race? Then visit the Shell Advance Ride Thru booth – again!
Yes that’s right. Shell Advance Malaysia wants to give you free tickets to the Shell Hillstand to watch the race. All you have to do is buy a Shell Advance AX7 or Ultra and service your bike at the Ride Through Service! So if you do not have tickets, this is your chance.
3. Get ready to shop!
The Malaysian MotoGP is the best time to buy merchandise of your favourite team or racer. There will be plenty of Valentino Rossi merchandise on sale, and at great prices too. So bring your wallet, and make sure there is a load of cash in it.
4. Visit the HJC booth to check out a special helmet
Of course there are going to be other helmet brands there too, and you should visit them too, but HJC Helmets is known to make some amazing helmets and are among the most affordable in the market right now. The latest helmet models are a unique line that include a few Marvel superheroes. But the latest design is one that will grab the attention of cartoon lovers with a design from the Cars 3 cartoon series. Don’t miss out the intricate details of the new HJC helmet.
5. Get up close and personal with the amazing Kawasaki H2R
The Kawasaki H2R needs no introduction, it is alien in comparison to regular bikes. Made of carbon fibre, the supercharged motorcycle is capable of hitting 400km/h. But it looks like it going really fast even while standing still. Marvel at this engineering masterpiece at the Kawasaki booth. Read more about this amazing machine here!
6. Check out the vast array of KTM bikes
Don’t let this team photo fool you, KTM makes motorcycles for track riders, adventurers and daily commuters.
KTM Motorcycles are becoming more and more popular now, and they are among a few manufacturers that have a complete range of motorcycles from dirt bikes to everyday commuters. There is a KTM motorcycle for everybody. And if you are a fan of the marque, there is also plenty of official merchandise to buy.
7. Stay hydrated with Red Bull
Over the years, the Red Bull marquee has built a reputation as the most happening booth during MotoGP thanks to its party like atmosphere. It is also the only booth during MotoGP that allows alcohol. So visit the Red Bull marquee, watch the race live, cool down with the air-conditioned tent. And if alcohol is not your thing, then simply load up on the Red Bull energy drink.
8. Take lots of selfies with the models
Where ever there are fast bikes there are bound to be plenty of beautiful women, and that is the case during MotoGP as well. There will be a long line of guys waiting to get a selfie with the gorgeous models, and they oblige with a smile. Just make sure your wife or girlfriend is not with you though.
9. Check out the new BMW bikes
BMW Motorrad Malaysia has a prominent booth just at the entrance to the grand stand area. And just like KTM, they have a complete range of motorcycles the fits almost all budgets. From the extremely loveable G310R, to the outrageous BMW HP4 Race that costs an astonishing RM520,900. Read about both the bikes here!
10. Win various goodies
A number of booths will be giving away free merchandise in return for something. Givi for example was giving away a very cool coin box after you like their Facebook page. We also know other stands are also doing the same, so keep a look out for all the free stuff on offer.
11. Watch the race!
This is a no-brainer. We are at the second last race of the season, and Spaniard Marc Marquez is leading the championship again. In second place is Andrea Dovizioso who still has a good chance of winning the championship provided something happens to Marquez, which is unlikely. There is definitely going to be good action to watch at the race. Also, our local boys Adam Norrodin, Hafizh Syahrin, Khairul Idham Pawi as well as wildcard rider Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin will all have plenty to prove at their home race. So whatever you do, no matter how many hot models there are to take photos with, or how many free goodies there are – do not miss the race!
See you there!
By the way, have you heard that Petronas wants to give some lucky people a year’s worth of engine lubricants? You can be one of those lucky people too by taking part in a simple contest. For more information on the contest, you can visit www.mymesra.com.my/pengejarimpian
