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MotoGP: Marc Marquez Back On Pole After Three Years

Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez secured his first MotoGP pole since 2019 after clocking the fastest time in Q2 at The Japanese Grand Prix.

Marquez returns to pole position after three years at Motegi ahead of Johann Zarco and Brad Binder.
Quartararo will start at the third row of the grid in ninth place.

Marquez showcased spectacular form on Saturday despite a disastrous comeback last week at Aragon after he collided with Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami.

The Repsol Honda rider managed to hold off late charges from Johann Zarco and Brad Binder to claim his first pole position this season.

Marquez set impressive opening laps in tricky conditions before Fabio Quartararo, and Johann Zarco bettered his time.

However, the Spaniard regained the top spot with another flying lap to get clear of Zarco and Brad Binder.

Both Zarco and Binder tried to respond in the final minute but lost time compared to Marquez.

Meanwhile, current title contender Aleix Espargaro finished sixth, while the current championship leader, Quartararo, could only secure the ninth spot.

Nonetheless, it was a shocking Q2 for the on-form rider, Francesco Bagnaia, as he will start at P12.

India To Host MotoGP In The Future

MotoGP is heading to India in the next couple of years after the country’s race promoter has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dorna Sports.

India begins their first step toward hosting the MotoGP after signing an MoU with Dorna Sports.
The Buddh International Circuit was identified as the ideal location to host MotoGP in the country.

Dorna visited India this week in an effort to promote MotoGP in the country.

Rumours regarding an Indian Grand Prix have been making their round for the past week that suggest the world’s biggest two-wheel event could be on its way to India.

Standing as the second biggest population in the world with 1.38 billion people, Dorna has agreed with Fairstreet Sport to host the MotoGP under the name Grand Prix of Bharat.

According to MotoGP, the race will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, located outside New Delhi, which hosted Formula 1 between 2011 and 2013.

While it may come as a surprise, but considering that India is one of the largest motorcycle markets in the world, it’s only relevant for the biggest sporting event to make its way there.

“India is a huge country and market and a significant one for the two-wheeled industry and MotoGP as a sport,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

Apparently, India is hoping to be named among the host for 2023, which is why Dorna is yet to announce the provisional calendar for next season.

Nevertheless, it is only likely that India will only make it into the 2024 calendar. After all, Dorna and Fairstreet Sports only just signed an MoU.

2022 Yamaha MT-25 Gets New Visuals- RM22,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its MT-25 range with new exciting visuals for 2022.

Yamaha MT-25 now available in two new colour scheme.
The 2022 Yamaha MT-25 is priced slightly higher than before, at RM22,998.

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is two new colourway, Cyan Storm and Icon Blue.

While its full-fairing cousin, the YZF-R25 gets minor hardware upgrades, no changes is done to the MT-25.

That said, the motorcycle features the same 249 cc, in-line two-cylinders, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine capable of producing 35hp @ 12,000 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque @ 10,000 rpm.

Despite the minor update, the MT-25 is now available at a recommended selling price of RM22,998, a slight increased from the current model that is on sale for RM21,500.

In addition, buyers is entitled to received a Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100 with every purchased of the MT-25.

2022 Yamaha YZF-R25 Now In Malaysia – Features ABS, RM22,998

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) has updated its quarter-litre sportsbike, the Yamaha YZF-R25 for 2022.

Yamaha R25 updated with two new colourway and features ABS, LED turn indicator as standard.
Features the same 249cc in-line two-cylinder engine that makes 35hp and 22.6Nm.

Coming in new for the Malaysian market is two new colourway, Orange Lynx and Racing Blue.

However, the braking system received the most significant upgrade with the introduction of ABS. Also new for 2022 is LED turn signal lights replacing the halogen lights on the previous model.

As a result, the 2022 Yamaha R25 is now priced at RM22,998 – a slight increased than the 2021 model – and will be available nationwide starting today (22 September 2022).

Mechanically, the R25 continue to make 35hp @ 12,000rpm and 22.6Nm @ 10,000rpm from its 249cc in-line two-cylinder DOHC engine.

In addition, buyers is entitled to received a Yamaha safety disc lock worth RM100 with every purchased of the R25.

HJC RPHA 11 Meets Sonic The Hedgehog

Helmet manufacturer HJC has introduced another pop-culture-inspired character for the brand’s flagship RPHA 11 helmet.

HJC celebrates another iconic character with the RPHA 11 Sonic The Hedgehog.
Features Sonic The Hedgehog graphics and colourway.

After the Call of Duty series, Sega’s Sonic The Hedgehog is the latest graphic to join the RPHA 11 helmet range.

Underneath the striking Sonic The Hedgehog colourway, the RPHA 11 continue to offer world-class protection with the Advanced PIM (Premium Integrated Matrix) Plus fibreglass shell.

The aerodynamic shape of the helmet blends well with the Sonic graphics, including the six-stage top vet and Advanced Channeling Ventilation System for maximum airflow.

One feature we like on the HJC RPHA 11 is the anti-bacterial MuliCool Interior that helps to get rid of moisture and ensure the helmet dries quickly.

The cheek pads are also removable and washable.

Most importantly, the emergency cheek pad system allows first responders to act quickly in case of emergency.

The HJC RPHA 11 is also fitted with built-in speaker pockets, which allows riders to install motorcycle comms easily.

According to HJC, the RPHA 11 Sonic The Hedgehog meets both DOT and ECE standards and retails for EUR629.90, which translates to RM2.8k.

Kawasaki And Toyota Team Up To Develop Hydrogen Engines

Kawasaki has signed an agreement with the biggest carmaker, Toyota, to work on the development of hydrogen engines for motorcycles.

Kawasaki and Toyota penned a deal to develop hydrogen engines.
Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell car.

While Kawasaki is known to be active in developing sustainable alternatives to the ICE, the new alliance with Toyota just took the effort a step further.

Despite already being in advanced stages in terms of hydrogen technology, Kawasaki wants the new deal with Toyota to help speed up the process.

Furthermore, Toyota recently launched the Toyota Mirai, the world’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell car, for which more than 2,600 examples have already been sold globally.

According to reports, the two parties agreed on the deal earlier this month, with Toyota President Akio Toyoda driving a hydrogen-powered Kawasaki ATV at the Twin Ring Motegi.

Team Green already showcased its first electric and hybrid motorcycle recently at Suzuka 8 Hours. That said, the official unveiling will happen soon.