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In conjunction with the Malaysian MotoGP happening in October, Ducati Malaysia has a special treat for all Ducatisti in the country.

  • Meet and greet Ducati Lenovo Team riders at Ducati Showroom.
  • Take part in a special convoy with Bagnaia and Miller to Putrajaya. 

Ducati Malaysia is organising a meet and greet session with Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia and Jack Miller on October 20 at Ducati Showroom, Petaling Jaya.

That’s not even the best bit yet, as you will also get the chance to ride with Bagnaia and Miller from the showroom to the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya.

The meet and greet session including the special convoy is strictly for Ducati owners only.

*Jack Miller

Fellow Ducatisti can join in the once-in-a-lifetime experience by scanning the QR code. 

Bagnaia is currently just two points away from claiming his championship lead from Fabio Quartararo after securing a third place finished at Buriram Circuit on Sunday.

*Francesco Bagnaia

MotoGP is set to return to action at Philip Island on October 17 before making its way to Malaysia. 

India and Kazakhstan will make their debut on the MotoGP calendar in 2023. 

  • India and Kazakhstan announced as host for the 2023 MotoGP season.
  • Buddh International Circuit and Sokol International Racetrack selected as the 2023 host. 

India to host the world’s biggest two-wheel event at the Buddh International Circuit while Kazakhstan to begin their new five-year deal at the stunning Sokol International Racetrack.

Located just outside Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, Sokol is a brand new motorsport complex constructed in the heart of Central Asia.

Meanwhile, with over 200 million motorcycles on its roads, India is the perfect venue to host MotoGP as the Grand Prix of Bharat.

The new circuit is located in Uttar Pradesh to the south of New Delhi. The location is strategic as it allows for more access for the fans in the country. 

“We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar. 

“We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them. 

“India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world. 

“We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person,” said Dorna CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta.

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.

 

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. 

We knew that CFMoto 450SR is coming to Malaysia awhile back but we just received confirmation from CFMoto Malaysia that the motorcycle is set for launch on October 22. 

  • The highly anticipated CFMoto 450SR is set to debut in Malaysia.
  • Features a peppy 449cc parallel-twin with 270-degree crankshaft, good for 50HP and 39Nm.

According to latest confirmation by CFMoto Malaysia, the CFMoto 450SR will make its debut ahead of the 2022 Malaysia MotoGP. 

CFMoto gains worldwide attention especially in Asia and Europe with their impressive range of motorcycles including the CL700, NK650, and the 650GT.

The brand is known for bringing bike bike to the budget-conscious market including the quarter litre sportbike, the 250SR.

However, CFMoto is about to expand the SR range with the all-new 450SR.

First caught our attention as a concept at EICMA 2021, the upcoming 450cc sportbike is CFMoto latest attempt to attract the small capacity motorcycle segment. 

Despite lacking some premium features from the SR-C21 concept bike, the CFMOTO 450SR still looks sharp and beautifully built, with an aesthetics reminiscent of a race bikes. 

Powering the 450SR is a 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine with 270-degree crank capable of pumping 50hp @ 9,500rpm and 39Nm @ 7,600rpm with a compression ratio of 11.1:5.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a final chain drive mated to a six-speed transmission.

Other notable features include a 5-inch TFT curved instrument display with smartphone connectivity and USB charging port.

Japan will host the first of four MotoGP flyaway races at the Twin Ring Motegi from 23rd-25th September.

  • Japan to host the MotoGP since 2019.
  • Typhoon Nanmadol is expected to hit southernmost part of Japan. 

However, the race could be cancelled just days before the event as the country is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Nanmadol. 

Although the typhoon is due to sweep through Kyushu – the southernmost part of Japan – which far from Motegi but weather forecast suggest it could still affect the country logistics.

Currently, more than four million people have already been evacuated, signalling the level of damages it could do to the area.

Also, Japan has already cancelled the Shinkansen bullet train services.

Nevertheless, Dorna and IRTA is keeping a close eye at the ongoing situation in Japan and any decision will be likely be taken before departures take place.

It was a disastrous comeback for the 8-time world champion, Marc Marquez, as the rider was involved in two separate incidents which saw Fabio Quartararo and Takaaki Nakagami ousted in the early stage of the race in Aragon.

  • Bastianini claimed his third win of the season after overcoming Bagnaia. 
  • Quartararo ousted in the early stage after colliding with Marc Marquez.

Marquez started the race with brilliant speed as the Honda rider moved up from 13th to sixth, coming out of Turn 1.

However, chaos ensues on the exit of Turn 4 with Quartararo riding straight into Marquez’s RC213V, and due to the intense collision, the reigning world champion crashes out.

Due to the substantial damage to the rear of Marquez’s RC213V, the Spaniard unintentionally ran into Takaaki Nakagami’s side, leading to a hair-raising incident for the LCR Honda rider. 

Thankfully, Nakagami escaped from being hit by other riders.

Meanwhile, Gresini Racing Ducati, Enea Bastianini finally got the better of factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to take his third win of the season.

Bastianini overtook Bagnaia in the final lap, something he failed to do in Misano just two weeks ago.

However, unlike Misano, Bastianini has better braking speed coming out of the corner and easily claimed his win in Aragon. 

Nevertheless, Bagnaia should feel happy with his result as the Italian is now just 10 points behind Quartararo with five rounds to go. 

On the other, Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro also made a brilliant move on KTM’s Brand Binder to claim third despite remaining behind the South African during the majority of the race. 

Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider, Augusto Fernandez has signed with GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2023 MotoGP season.

  • Augusto Fernandez to promoted to premier class with GASGAS Factory Racing.
  • Fernandez to form new partnership with Pol Espargaro. 

The 25-year-old from Mallorca will teamed up with fellow Spaniard, Pol Espargaro at the newly formed MotoGP team next season.

The announcement will definitely boost the riders effort in Moto2 this season as he currently leads the championship standing with 198 points. 

“Wow, this is amazing: to be able to make the jump to MotoGP with GASGAS. 

“I want to thank everyone in the racing structure for all their support since I signed with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team last year. 

“I’m really happy. It’s a dream. We still have work to do in Moto2 and I want to go for the title and go to the MotoGP class – and this next challenge – in the best possible way,” he said. 

Meanwhile, GASGAS Factory Racing Team principal, Herve Poncharal admitted that he’s a fan of the rider for two years now.

“I have been following Augusto for a few seasons now and we already discussed moving up to the higher class two years ago but he was not ready yet for the big jump. 

“When we met again recently, it appeared very clear that he was prepared to come to MotoGP. 

I am excited about next season because our garage will have a mix of experience and youth through Pol and Augusto. 

“They are both Spanish and will work in a positive and constructive way and this is what we have been looking for. 

“Welcome to MotoGP Augusto, keep calm and focus on your Moto2 championship. We will be waiting for you in our garage on Tuesday following the Valencia GP for your first MotoGP test,” he said. 

Six-time MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez will return to racing this weekend, it has been confirmed.

  • Marc Marquez will return to racing at MotorLand Aragon this weekend.
  • Takaaki Nakagami to remain with LCR Honda after agreeing a 12-month deal.

The Spaniard will be back on board the RC213V at this weekend’s MotorLand Aragon for the first time since June following the Italian Grand Prix.

Marquez rode a Honda CBR600RR at the Aragon kart track before completing the full two day testing at the Misano Test last week.

“After numerous check-ups, consultations and tests, all involved are satisfied with the recovery made and the #93 will now take the next step in his rehabilitation – returning to competition,” said Honda in a statement. 

Despite missing 110 days from the world championship, expectations for the rider is still high upon his return this weekend. The 29-year-old has a fantastic record at Aragon, winning every year between 2016 and 2019. The circuit even named Turn 10 after the rider.

Nevertheless, this weekend race is all about getting back to full race fitness as confirmed by his team. 

“The objective for the weekend will be to continue improving Marquez’s bike fitness and assessing his performance during the intensity of a Grand Prix weekend and race,” said Honda. 

Meanwhile, Takaaki Nakagami will feature at next season’s MotoGP after agreeing a 12-month deal with HRC.

The 30-year-old will remain with LCR Honda IDEMITSU until the end of the 2023 season. 

That said, the confirmation ends all rumours regarding his future at the team. 

New CFMoto 450SR middleweight sport will reportedly launch in Malaysia during MotoGP this October.

  • Radical and sporty CFMoto 450SR will be launched locally in Malaysia later this year.

  • It packs a peppy 449cc parallel-twin with 270-degree crankshaft, good for 50HP and 39Nm.

The CFMoto 450SR is an exciting prospect. The Chinese brand unveiled what appears to be the road-going version of its SR-C21 concept last month, and it seems local fans need not wait too long to see this bike hit our shores.

According to reports, local distributors CFMoto Malaysia are set to introduce the CFMoto 450SR locally later this year. While there is now official word from CFMoto Malaysia, but there is a strong indicator that the 450SR could make an appearance in October during the Malaysian MotoGP weekend at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Surely, this move aligns with the brand as it is present in the World Moto3 Championship through the CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP team.

Aptly, the CFMoto 450SR slots above the brand’s smaller 250SR quarter-litre model. It reportedly packs a liquid-cooled 449cc parallel-twin brimmed with a 270-degree crankshaft. The mill promises 50HP and 39NM – figures that see it rival against the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and KTM RC390.

Notably, the CFMoto 450SR will feature MotoGP-inspired winglets that CFMoto claims are capable of generating nearly 2KG (4.4 pounds) of front downforce at 120KM/H. It will also feature Brembo braking and ABS, though it won’t be the same race-spec unit seen in the SR-C21 concept.

Though CFMoto have yet to reveal full specifications for the 450SR model, the brand has already begun taking orders in its home market (China) right now where it commands a price of RMB31,980 – approx. RM21,368.72. More details in terms of specification are expected to arise in the coming months.

In conjunction with Aprilia’s 30th anniversary of its maiden Grand Prix title, the Noale factory has introduced a specially built RSV4 Xtrenta.

  • The Aprilia RSV4 XTrenta is the first production bike to feature a MotoGP-derived under-wing (aka The Spoon).
  • The XTrenta makes a 230hp with 165kg. 

The timing couldn’t be better as Aprilia is currently having its best season so far in MotoGP, with the likes of Aleix Espargaro winning the Argentinian GP followed by Maverick Vinales seizing his second podium of the season at Misano. 

Jumping on Aprilia’s Grand Prix racing pedigree, the RSV4 Xtrenta features all the goodies from the firm’s RS-GP machine. 

Firstly, the RSV4 Xtrenta utilized the same PAN Compositi process used by MotoGP teams. As such, the bike track-only motorcycle gets the same aerodynamic appendages and rear winglets similar to the RS-GP.

The XTrenta is also the first production bike to feature the swingarm-mounted MotoGP under-wing (The Spoon) that helps to regulate tire temperature. 

Aprilia also revised the 1,099cc V4 engine on the RSV4 Xtrenta by increasing the compression ratio. Also, thanks to the newly-developed SC-Project titanium carbon exhaust system, the Xtrenta makes a whopping 230 peak horsepower. 

Ensuring the engine runs at optimal temperature, the XTrenta features superbike-derived Taleo Tecnoracing water and oil radiators.

Other unique features available on the RSV4 Xtrenta include a specially-calibrated Magneti Marelli control unit, JetPrime racing panels, refined Ohlins suspensions and forged magnesium Marchesini M7R Genesi wheels.

Also, thanks to its lightweight construction, stopping is easier with Brembo GP4-MS billet monoblock callipers paired with a 330mm T-drive disc. 

Limited to just 100 units, the Aprilia RSV4 Xtrenta will go on sale on 6 September for EUR50,000, which easily translates to RM222,400.

 

RNF Aprilia has officially announced Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez as the team riders for the 2023 season ahead of the the Gran Premio Gryfyn di San Marino e della Rivieria di Rimini. 

  • Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira joins Aprilia’s newest satelite team next season.
  • Both riders will ride onboard the Aprilia RS-GP.

The former KTM riders will join the newly formed team headed by Razlan Razali after agreeing a two-year deal.

According to the team official statement, both riders will ride on board the Aprilia RS-GP machine for the next season. 

That said, the announcement completes team RNF Aprilia line-up for the 2023 and 2024 season.

Meanwhile, Razlan Razali expressed his excitement over the new recruitment while also looking forward to the new season.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Miguel Oliveira and Raúl Fernandez to the WithU RNF MotoGP Team from 2023. 

“It has not been a simple process, but together with Aprilia we are very clear on the riders that we wanted. 

“They are both young riders with a good combination of experience coming from Miguel and Raúl who I’m personally a fan of since he shocked the Moto2 category last year to become Vice Champion. 

“To finally secure him, is fantastic. Both, Aprilia and we believe in the talent of both riders, so we can’t wait for them to ride for us next season!,” he said.

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