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WorldSBK: Hafizh Syahrin To Remain With MIE Racing For The 2023 Season

Malaysian racer, Hafizh Syahrin will get another chance at the WorldSBK after he was handed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season.

Hafizh Syahrin to remain at MIE Racing Honda Team for the 2023 season.
Hafizh will partner Brazilian rider, Eric Granado on board the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

Just five days after announcing the signing of Brazilian rider Eric Granado, MIE Racing Honda Team also officially extended its agreeement with Hafizh.

That said, MIE Racing Honda Team thus completes its line-up for the 2023 WorldSBK season with two riders who are more than ready for action when the season kicks off in Australia on February 24-26.

Meanwhile, team owner, Midori Moriwaki, is pleased to secure Hafizh signature for the upcoming season.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the contract extension with Hafizh who made his debut with us in the WorldSBK and has grown steadily throughout the season.

“I think he and Eric (Granado) will form a strong partnership and will help us to both develop our project with Honda whilst promoting the WorldSBK in South America and Asia,” she said.

WorldSBK: Danilo Petrucci Returns To Barni Racing Team Ducati

Danilo Petrucci is set to pilot the Ducati Panigale V4 R after inking a deal with Barni Racing Team for the 2023 WorldSBK season.

Petrucci to compete at the 2023 WorldSBK with Barni Racing Team.
The former MotoGP rider to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

What started as a rumour is now confirmed that the Italian will race at the 2023 WorldSBK with Barni Racing.

Previously, Petrucci was linked with a move to the Ducati factory team at the WorldSBK before the factory team decided to renew Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s contract for the new season.

However, it turns out the ex-MotoGP rider will shift to WorldSBK with the Barni Racing Team riding the same Panigale V4 R as the factory team.

Interestingly, Petrucci s all too familiar with Barni, having raced with the team in 2011, finishing second place in the Superstock 1000 class before his big jump to MotoGP the following year.

“I’m really pleased to be back with Barni. 2011 was one of my best ever seasons, but, more importantly, I couldn’t say no to the chance to race in World Superbike with such a competitive bike,” said the 32-year-old.

Seeing the former Ducati and KTM MotoGP rider back on the grid at the WorldSBK is undoubtedly the news that the fans are hoping for. After all, we need someone experienced to take the fight to Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea next season.

Watch Kenan Sofuoglu Teaches His 3-Year-Old Son To Ride A Gold Wing

Kenan Sofuoglu took the term ‘start them young’ to a whole different level as the ex-MotoGP and WorldSBK rider recently let his three-year-old son, Zayn Sofuoglu, take the Honda Gold Wing for a spin!

The Honda Gold Wing is a 1800cc motorcycle that weighs more than 300kg.
The Gold Wing featured in the video is equipped with Honda’s DCT transmission.

Before we show you the video, it’s probably wise to remind you not to let your kids take on a bike as massive and heavy as the Gold Wing, especially if he’s been around for only 1,095 days.

In the video posted on Sofuoglu’s son’s Instagram account, we can see his kid approaching the Gold Wing, which is evidently taller and way bigger than him.

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A post shared by Zayn Sofuoğlu🇹🇷🇳🇱 (@zaynsofuoglu)

Zayn continues to fire up the bike as if he is not bothered by the bike’s size before taking it for a spin under the watchful eyes of his dad.

A quick scan through Zayn’s social media accounts shows that he’s ridden several motorcycles, including the Yamaha TMAX, Italjet’s Dragster and a Honda Ruckus.

So for someone who was born in April 2019, it’s a surprise that a kid at that age can ride a full-size motorcycle.

However, perhaps the video somehow proves how easy it is to ride a Gold Wing, even for a kid who can’t even reach the footpegs to ride it.

But then again, we wouldn’t advise you to try this with your kids.

2023 BMW M 1000 RR Gets Revised Aerodynamics, Higher Max Speed

BMW has updated its flagship M 1000 RR homologation-special superbike for 2023.

2023 M 1000 RR gets new bodywork and aerodynamics.
The M 1000 RR now achieved better front and rear grip.

The WorldSBK machine gets extensive wind tunnel testing for 2023 which resulted to a higher max speed without increasing the 999cc inline-four power output that continue to pumps out 205hp and 112Nm.

As such, BMW is confident the M 1000 RR will be at the front of 2023 racing calendar.

“We have achieved an engineering masterpiece in the aerodynamic development of the M RR due to our unwavering ambition, total passion and technical finesse.

“Thanks to countless hours in the wind tunnel as well as in road tests, we were able to considerably increase the top speed with unchanged engine output and at the same time significantly increase the downforce, also when banking in corners.

“Our development work will be rewarded with racing success,” said Project Manager Christian Gonschor.

The 2023 M 1000 RR is able to achieved the new mark thanks to a taller windscreen and a redesigned carbon-fiber fairing that boost the aerodynamic aspect of the motorcycle.

BMW also completely revised the aero winglets to improved tire contact with close to 22.6kg of downforce created at 298km/h and 5.7kg at 150km/h.

Also new on the 2023 M 1000 RR is the introduction of MotoGP-derived carbon-fiber air cooling ducts that’s integrated into the front fender and fork guards.

BMW claimed that the air ducts is capable to reduce the temperature of the radially-mounted M brake callipers by 10-degrees celsius.

Meanwhile, the M Competition Package inclides GPS laptrigger, DLC-coated M Endurance chain, clear anodized swingarm and more carbon fibre components.

RASMI: Remy Gardner Angkat Kaki Ke WorldSBK Sertai Yamaha

Yamaha dengan rasminya mengumumkan juara dunia Moto2 musim lalu, Remy Gardner akan sertai projek Kejuaraan Superbike Dunia (WorldSBK) bagi musim 2023.

Menurut Yamaha, Gardner akan menggantikan tempat Garret Gerloff di pasukan GRT Yamaha WorldSBK.

Pengumuman tersebut turut menjelaskan bahawa Gardner telah menandatangani kontrak bersama Yamaha.

Bagaimanapun, ekoran masih terikat dengan KTM di MotoGP musim ini, kenyataan rasmi tersebut tidak disertakan dengan komen daripada pelumba Australia itu.

Namun, Pengurus Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing, Andrea Dosoli, berkongsi keterujaan atas kejayaan menambat bakat muda itu.

“Remy merupakan bakat muda yang mengujakan dan mempunyai karier cemerlang di perlumbaan GP.

“Kami sangat berbesar hati kerana dapat memiliki pelumba yang berpengalaman beraksi di pentas tertinggi.

“Kami percaya dia calon sesuai untuk program WorldSBK Yamaha dan kami tidak sabar untuk melihat kemampuannya menunggang jentera R1 kami,” jelasnya.

Gardner sebelum ini dicanang akan menjadi rakan pasukan Pol Espargaro di Tech3 GASGAS sebelum KTM membuat pusingan ‘U’ dan memilih calon lain.

KTM juga mendakwa Gardner sebagai tidak profesional meskipun belum sampai setahun pelumba itu bersama KTM di kelas premier.

Ekoran ketiadaan tempat di MotoGP musim depan, keputusan berhijrah ke WorldSBK merupakan satu-satunya peluang untuk dia terus beraksi di pentas tertinggi.

Ex-MotoGP Andrea Iannone Vows Return To Racing After Doping Ban

Andrea Iannone wants to return to two-wheel racing after his doping ban ends in 2024.

Andrea Iannone’s doping ban will end in 16 months.
Iannone wants to return to competitive racing after facing a four-year ban.

The former MotoGP rider was handed a lengthy ban after testing positive for a banned substance during a routine drug test at the Malaysian GP in 2019.

FIM gave Iannone an 18 month-ban before World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed that the sanction was too lenient and requested a four-year ban.

The Italian rider took the case to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) to fight the sanction. However, a successful countercase from WADA resulted in Iannone’s four-year ban.

As a result, Iannone refrained from racing or testing until 16 December 2023.

Despite being sidelined since 2020, Iannone is ready to put himself in the market and hopes to secure a top-level seat for 2024.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 33-year-old is adamant about returning to the track once his ban is lifted.

“I’ll be back. I don’t know where, how and when, if in MotoGP or Superbike, but I guarantee it: I still can’t fill my life with things [other] than the bike or the speed.

“Dancing with the Stars was like a diversion and I’m spoiled for choice for everything that’s offered to me. If I get offers from TV it means that people are interested in me, but I guarantee you that I am focused on one thing: to get back to [riding]. And I will do it,” he said.

While his effort to get back to competitive riding is commendable, it seems unlikely that the former Ducati, Suzuki and Aprilia rider to make the MotoGP list for 2024.

The championship has changed drastically since the rider’s ban, and with every team vying for MotoGP’s glory, Iannone’s – who will turn 34 by 2024 – chance is slim.

However, there is still a window of opportunity for Iannone at the WorldSBK, especially since more privateer options are available.

That said, Iannone still needs to prove that he can still compete at the highest level.

WorldSBK: Alvaro Bautista Pens New Ducati Deal

Alvaro Bautista will continue to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the 2023 WorldSBK Championship.

Bautista has signed a one year contract extension with Ducati.
the 37-year old will continue to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the 2023 season.

Ducati has announced that the Spanish rider will remain with the team next season after signing a new contract extension.

“I am very happy to be able to continue at least one more year with the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Team, which represents a family to me.

“I have always felt good with this team and since I have returned, the feelings have been even more positive than in the 2019 season.

“When something works so well, we can only keep working, looking ahead. I feel I am still at the top, I feel I can still give a lot.

“Physically and mentally I think this is the best time of my career. I am also delighted to continue working with Ducati, a very important factory, tech-oriented, always looking for development: to be part of this project, of this team is something incredible on a personal level,” said the 37-years-old.

During his debut season at the 2019 WorldSBK, Bautista finished second in the championship with 220 points after taking Ducati to 16 victories and 24 podiums in total.

WorldSBK: Hafizh Syahrin Selesai Ujian Sulung Bersama Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

Pelumba negara, Hafizh Syahrin, bakal membuka tirai 2022 dengan beraksi di pentas Kejuaraan Dunia Superbike (WorldSBK) selepas meninggalkan Kejuaraan Dunia Moto2 tahun lalu.

Hafizh telah pun menjalani ujian dua hari di Litar Catalunya di Barcelona bersama jentera Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP yang akan digunakan dalam musim ini.

Ini merupakan ujian sulung bagi Hafizh selepas disahkan sertai pasukan MIE Racing Honda Team pada November tahun lalu.

Meskipun hujan lebat turun pada Ahad dan mengganggu proses membiasakan diri dengan jentera baharu, Hafizh menyifatkan sesi tersebut sebagai positif.

“Segalanya adalah baru bukan sahaja jentera malah tayar, suspensi serta kru. Jadi kami masih cuba mengenali satu sama lain.

“Mengambil masa untuk memahami segalanya jadi selama satu hari setengah sewaktu litar kering, saya masuk ke litar dengan tetapan asas dan melakukan lap dengan tetapan sama tanpa melakukan sebarang perubahan,” jelasnya.

Hafizh akan ke Motorland Aragon pada 4 hingga 5 April ini bagi sesi ujian terakhir sebelum aksi pembukaan tirai berlangsung pada minggu seterusnya.

Ramai Yang Tanya Bila Nak Uji Jentera CBR1000RR-R – Hafizh Syahrin

Selepas diajukan soalan sama beberapa kali oleh peminat, akhirnya Hafizh Syahrin mendedahkan dia bakal menguji jentera Honda CBR1000RR-R pada bulan Mac ini sebagai persedian menghadapi musim sulung di Kejuaraan Dunia Superbike (WorldSBK).

Menurut Hafizh dia akan bingkas memulakan sesi ujian sebaik isterinya selamat melahirkan anak pertama.

“Ramai yang bertanya bila saya akan menguji secara rasmi. Saya akan menjalani ujian rasmi jentera berkenaan pada bulan Mac ini selepas isteri melahirkan anak,” jelas bekas pelumba Moto2 dan MotoGP itu.

Jelas Hafizh lagi, pasukan MIE Racing Honda Team ketika ini masih lagi dalam peringkat mempersiapkan jentera tersebut.

“Pasukan pun baru dapat motosikal dan mereka sedang mempersiapkan motosikal itu, jadi ia mengambil sedikit masa,” tambahnya.

Sementara itu, sebagai langkah persediaan, Hafizh turut sertai kejohanan MSF SuperMoto yang berlangsung di Litar Tangkak, semalam.

Berbekalkan pengalaman di pentas kejuaraan dunia, Hafizh muncul juara mengetepikan cabaran dari juara ASB1000 ARRC 2019, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, yang menduduki tempat kedua diikuti Danial Haiqal, ketiga. – BH

Yamaha Sahkan Toprak Razgatlioglu Uji Jentera M1 Tahun Ini, Ke MotoGP 2023

Yamaha akan menunaikan peluang buat juara dunia WorldSBK 2021, Toprak Razgatlioglu menguji jentera ‘factory’ M1 pada pertengahan tahun ini

Usaha itu adalah bagi memastikan pelumba Turki itu akan berhijrah ke Kejuaraan Dunia MotoGP bersama Yamaha lebih awal pada 2023.

“Rancangan awal adalah membenarkan dia (Razgatlioglu) menguji jentera M1 pada hujung musim lalu namun pertukaran tarikh pusingan akhir WorldSBK membantutkan idea itu,” kata pengurus pasukan Monster Energy Yamaha, Massimo Meregalli.

Bagaimanapun, Meregalli mengesahkan akan mencari kekosongna antara kalendar MotoGP dan WorldSBK agar pelumba itu dapat menguji jentera M1 seperti yang dirancang sebelum ini.

“Kami telah pun tetapkan jadual dan ada dua kemungkinan, satu sesi pada Jun dan satu pada Ogos.

“Sebaik sahaja semua pihak bersedia, kami akan membuat keputusan bersama,” tambahnya.

Pelumba berusia 25 tahun itu mencuri tumpuan apabila berjaya menamatkan dominasi enam kali juara dunia WorldSBK Jonathan Rea dengan muncul juara musim lalu.

Kejayaan Razgatlioglu juga menamatkan penantian 12 tahun Yamaha di pentas WorldSBK selepas kali terakhir dicapai Ben Spice pada 2009.

Sementara itu, perancangan Yamaha juga seakan menimbulkan pelbagai persoalan, kerusi siapa yang bakal diambil alih Razgatlioglu di pasukan factory Yamaha MotoGP musim 2023 nanti?

Ketika ini, Yamaha bakal membuka tirai musim 2022 dengan mempertaruhkan Fabio Quartararo dan Franco Morbidelli.

Quartararo sebelum ini dikaitkan dengan perpindahan ke pasukan Repsol Honda menggantikan Pol Espargaro sementara status Morbidelli hanya akan ditentukan berdasarkan prestasi musim ini.

Toprak Razgatlioglu Gets Green Light To Test Yamaha’s Factory M1 In The Summer

Yamaha has formally confirmed that the Turkish rider will get the opportunity in 2022 as a step to evaluate a potential move to MotoGP earlier-than-planned.

“At the end of the season and Jerez test, we planned a test for him and then Indonesia organised the last Superbike race and he had to fly over there.

“But this year, the [MotoGP-WorldSBK] calendars mean we have to find a day that would suit both calendars.

“We have a schedule already and there are two possibilities; one is in August and the other one maybe in June. As soon as we are ready, then we will decide the right moment together,” explained Yamaha Factory Team Manager, Massimo Meregalli.

Razgatlioglu helped deliver Yamaha its first WorldSBK title after 12 long years in an epic battle with 6-time WorldSBK champion, Jonathan Rea at Mandalika Circuit.

Yamaha had planned to allow Razgatlioglu to test out the M1 before the start of MotoGP official test however, the change of date for the final round at Indonesia scuppered those plans.

Now it looks like the 25-year-old will finally given the chance mid-2022 before proceeding to promote him a MotoGP seat in 2023.

RASMI: Hafizh Syahrin Beralih Ke KYT Bagi WorldSBK 2022

Bekas pelumba MotoGP negara, Hafizh Syahrin disahkan bakal memulakan saingan di Kejuaraan Dunia Superbike (WorldSBK) musim 2022 bersama tajaan helmet baharu, KYT.

Hafizh yang sekian lama menyarung helmet SHOEI sebelum ini, akan bertanding di pentas WorldSBK bersama KYT buat julung kalinya dalam karier pelumba itu.

Hafizh turut mengumumkan penajaan helmet KYT di akaun Instagram miliknya yang turut kelihatan bergambar bersama dua model helmet KYT, NFJ Tigra dan NFJ Falco.

Pelumba berusia 27 tahun itu bakal membuat penampilan pertamanya di WorldSBK musim 2022 bersama MIE Racing Honda Team setelah disahkan meninggalkan saingan Kejuaraan Dunia Moto2 bersama NTS RW Racing pada hujung musim lalu.

Sementara itu, Hafizh bakal digandingkan bersama Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado, yang turut diumumkan sebagai pelumba rasmi bagi musim 2022 selepas mempamerkan prestasi memberangsangkan tahun lalu.

MIE Racing Honda Team turut mengesahkan bahawa Hafizh dan Mercado bakal beraksi dengan jentera Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.

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worldsbk

Malaysian racer, Hafizh Syahrin will get another chance at the WorldSBK after he was handed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season.

Danilo Petrucci is set to pilot the Ducati Panigale V4 R after inking a deal with Barni Racing Team for the 2023 WorldSBK season.

Kenan Sofuoglu took the term ‘start them young’ to a whole different level as the ex-MotoGP and WorldSBK rider recently let his three-year-old son, Zayn Sofuoglu, take the Honda Gold Wing for a spin!

BMW has updated its flagship M 1000 RR homologation-special superbike for 2023.

Andrea Iannone wants to return to two-wheel racing after his doping ban ends in 2024.

Alvaro Bautista will continue to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the 2023 WorldSBK Championship.

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