GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 will continue to showcase some of the best and brightest Spanish talent in MotoGP as Augusto Fernandez and Pedro Acosta will surge into the 2024 championship with the GASGAS RC16s.

Reigning Moto2 World Champion and notable 2023 MotoGP rookie, Augusto Fernandez, will remain with the GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 squad for his second term at the highest level. The 26-year-old Majorcan caught the eye with points-scoring performances in all but two of the 14 Grands Prix so far this season and has posted a personal best 4th place at the French Grand Prix.

In Japan last weekend he notched his second-best classification with 7th place through tricky rainy conditions at Motegi. Augusto has shown potential and maturity while also progressing with his adaptation to the 2023 GASGAS RC16. He will be joined by the man who could be next in line for the Moto2 gold medal.

Pedro Acosta is in only his third full season of world championship competition but the prolific 19-year-old has won the Moto3 title (2021), Moto2 Grands Prix as a rookie (2022) and has snared 11 podiums from 14 rounds this year to head the standings by more than 50 points. Acosta has the ability, the racecraft and the sheer natural talent to join the MotoGP grid and complete a remarkable journey through the company’s talent structure from being Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Champion in 2020 to premier class racer in 2024.

GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3 rider, Pol Espargaro, will fill a crucial and very valued position for the Pierer Mobility Motorsport project next year. The likeable 32-year-old was part of this joint-decision for both the short and long-term future of the company’s MotoGP goals. Pol is greatly appreciated for his commitment and experience; right from the very first days of the Pierer Mobility Group’s MotoGP entry up until his dedicated quest to return to competitiveness after injury sustained earlier in 2023.

#44 is an important asset for supporting talented young athletes and maintaining the strength of the current racing set-up and his humility is evidenced by the willingness to assist the next generation hoping to follow in his footsteps. Pol’s character, energy and abilities mean he will still be a prominent member of the MotoGP program on both sides of the pit wall.

Pit Beirer, GASGAS Motorsports Director: “We had an important and difficult decision to make for our GASGAS team for 2024. Augusto has made impressive first steps in MotoGP and we are totally convinced he has the speed and the intelligence to keep on progressing. Pedro is a very special talent who has already won so much, so quickly and 2024 will be about him learning to take the next step with the big boys in MotoGP. I want to thank Pol for everything he has done and all he continues to do for us.

“This guy is super-tough and super-determined and that’s why we want to count on him as an important part of our structure. Pol’s openness and proactiveness deserves my deepest respect. It underlines his greatness as a person that he gave us a helping hand in this situation. It also shows his passion for the sport and his thoughts for the future. With these pieces in place and with Hervé, Nicolas, and all the team and their experience we have an exciting year ahead for the GASGAS brand.”

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada Acosta gets MotoGP ride at GASGAS for ’24 alongside Fernandez ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

With Twin Ring Motegi returning to the MotoGP calendar after a gap two years due to COVID-19, the weekend started on a little bad note for Marc VDS Racing Moto2 team. One of their bikes caught fire late on Thursday evening ahead of practice session.

The pit box of Marc VDS is situated between the MotoGP garages of Aprilia and Suzuki. There was fire after one of the bikes caught it but the reason behind it is unknown. There was quick intervention by the firefighters and it was under control immediately.

Despite the bikes catching fire, there was no damage reported while Marc VDS also clarified that none of its crew members were harmed. There was smoke all around, though, with several of the other team personnel rushing to help the Moto2 team.

“Fortunately all the team members are well and safe despite the fire in our garage. Thanks a lot to everybody who is caring and especially to those on site helping to control the situation,” wrote the team.

UPDATE: The team provided an update on the cause of the fire –

About today’s garage incident, here is Our official statement. pic.twitter.com/jKfW1DoaFg

— Elf Marc VDS Racing Team (@ElfMarcVDS) September 22, 2022

L'entrada Marc VDS Racing says everything fine after fire in garage at Motegi ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIM held an extraordinary meeting on March 5 to discuss the matter and what’s to be done with regards to the events which Russia and Belarus are to hold, its governing bodies and most importantly the riders and officials.

The meet resulted in the them taking three important decisions. Both the Motorcycle Federation of Russia and Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport have been suspended which includes the suspension of members chosen from the bodies to work for them.

Much like the stance of the FIA, there will be no FIM-sanctioned events in Russia or Belarus, whether it is racing events and or prize giving galas. Unlike the four-wheel counterparts, the two-wheel side has readily banned riders and teams to compete.

The FIA will allow to drivers to compete if they sign the ‘drive commitment’ form which has multiple sanctions for them. Should they not sign it, they will have to forgo their chance to race in the championships, but the FIM has no such option for riders.

“We stand in sympathy and solidarity with all those suffering, as a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and remain in close contact with our affiliate member in Ukraine (FMU),” said President Jorge Viegas. “I would like to thank the FIM Board of Directors members in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace.

“The FIM, together with its promoters and organisers, already acted on this matter and cancelled the FIM competitions scheduled in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. The decisions announced today are in line with the recommendations and statements made by the International Olympic Committee, adapted to suit our sport. The FIM family is watching the developments in Ukraine with great sadness and hope for a prompt and peaceful resolution.”

Here’s the full meeting decisions:

The FIM Board of Directors held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2022 in relation to the situation in Ukraine. After having carefully considered the International Olympic Committee recommendations and the specificity of our sport, the Board of Directors has unanimously condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Henceforth the following provisional urgent and protective decisions have been taken which are effective immediately and stay in force until further notice:

• To suspend, for the Motorcycle Federation of Russia (MFR) and the Belarusian Federation of Motorcycle Sport (BFMS), the issuance of FIM licences and the FIM licences already distributed. To suspend the functions of persons from MFR and BFMS acting as FIM Officials and as Commissions members/experts/agents of the FIM. As a result, no Russian and Belarusian riders, teams and officials can take part in any FIM Events and activities.
• To suspend the registration of and to cancel all FIM Events such as FIM International Meetings, FIM World Championships and FIM Prize Events taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine and, if applicable, to relocate these FIM Events to another country.
• To interrupt any other FIM activities including but not limited to seminars, commissions meetings, training camps taking place in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

The FIM Board of Directors unanimously recommends to all Affiliated Members and Continental Unions to apply these measures at the national and continental levels.

Here’s FIA detailing more on how Russian and Belarus drivers can compete

Here’s the full FIA WMSC decisions

L'entrada FIM shares its decisions regarding Russia and Belarus participation ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Amid issues with the previously named title sponsor Aramco, the Valentino Rossi-led VR46 outfit has announced Mooney as their new title sponsor of the MotoGP and Moto2 teams from 2022 onward where the team will run as ‘Mooney VR46 Racing Team’.

Further information on the partnership will be revealed on January 3 along with images of the team – which includes the bikes and rider suits. The MotoGP side will feature Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi, while Moto2 will have Celestino Vietti and  Niccolo Antonelli.

Here’s details on Mooney:

“Mooney is the first Proximity Banking & Payments company in Italy which has inherited the experience of two excellences in different, but complementary business sectors: SisalPay in the field of payments, and Banca 5 (Intesa Sanpaolo Group) in banking. Thanks to its extensive network of over 45.000 points of sale throughout Italy that are fully integrated with the digital ecosystem, Mooney plays an important social role in providing consumers with a simple, quick and easy access to a wide range of payment solutions, namely bills, prepaid cards, telephone recharge cards as well as facilities such as cash withdrawals, wire transfers and payment orders, formerly possible only through banks.”

Here’s VR46 on its 2022 line-up

Here’s news on VR46 partnering with Ducati

Here’s news about the Saudi investment in VR46

L'entrada VR46 names Mooney as its MotoGP and Moto2 teams title sponsor ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having graduated to MotoGP in 2018, the Petronas SRT outfit saw a meteoric rise over the seasons, especially with the arrival of Fabio Quartararo. Race wins and poles along with podiums were a regular affair, as it shone as an independent outfit.

However, with Petronas deciding to end its sponsorship and Sepang circuit withdrawing their support too, it forced SRT to end its Moto2 and Moto3 teams after 2021. But they have now confirmed the end of its MotoGP effort too along with the junior teams.

The 2022 season will see the team – under the same management – in a new avatar, the details of which will be announced at Misano. As mentioned above, Team Principal Razlan Razali and Team Director Johan Stigefelt, will continue in their role.

Until the British GP weekend, Petronas SRT team has notched up six wins in MotoGP, with 16 podiums and 12 pole positions. “We have experienced a remarkable voyage over the past years,” said Razali, upon the announcement. “From a small start in 2015 there was a great step for us in 2018 when we secured an entry to the premier class of MotoGP and built a MotoGP squad from scratch.

“In 2019 we were on the grid and just four races into our rookie season we were on the front row. By the seventh race we were on the podium. In 2020 we secured the first race win for a satellite Yamaha MotoGP team in over 20 years and finished second in the overall team and rider championships. In 2021 we raced with the Greatest Of All Time rider, Valentino Rossi. This is an incredible story.

“The team will race its final race in Valencia and we thank all our crew, riders, fans and partners for their support. In particular, we thank PETRONAS, with whom none of this would have been possible. Together we pushed the PETRONAS brand and Malaysian expertise to the forefront of the grid and captured unprecedented brand exposure and coverage, exponentially surpassing all expectations.

“We also thank Sepang International Circuit for their vision and support of upcoming Malaysian talent over a long period. Our collective dream was to have a Malaysian rider competing for podiums in the MotoGP World Championship. Sadly, we were not able to achieve this in the short life of our squad, but we can reflect upon tremendous success by every other measure.Our final season has not reached its conclusion yet and we continue to strive for the very best results possible across all three classes. Thank you all.”

At the same time, Stigefelt, added: “Thank you to PETRONAS for the opportunity given over the past three years and everything we have achieved together. I am sad we were not able to continue this project as we established a great team across all three categories of MotoGP in such a short time and our vision was for this to be a long term project.

“We have worked with incredible personnel, fantastic riders and enjoyed the support of great partners and wonderful fans and we offer our heartfelt gratitude to them all. Thank you also to Sepang International Circuit with whom the relationship goes back to 2015. Together we grew from a small two-rider Moto3 squad to one of the biggest teams to have ever existed in the MotoGP paddock.

“I am proud to have been part of this journey together and without Sepang International Circuit this would not have been possible. As a squad, we achieved our first win, in Moto3, at Le Mans with John McPhee in 2019 and we had already taken our first pole position in MotoGP at the Spanish GP with Fabio Quartararo in Jerez that same year. We enjoyed six MotoGP race wins between Fabio and Franco Morbidelli in 2020.

“We have fabulous memories of the last three years, but now we look to the rest of this season to end the year in the best way possible. In particular, I really want to thank everyone in the Moto2 and Moto3 squads who are not only colleagues but have become true friends over the past years. It is very hard for me to say goodbye to all these people especially as they have all been crucial contributors to our success and the structure we’ve built together over these years. I want to thank them all in particular.

“For the future we have a new and exciting project. We remain in the paddock in MotoGP with new shirts to wear. But more of that later; for now we have the remaining races of the 2021 season to race as hard as possible. Thank you all.”

Here’s news on Petronas pull out

L'entrada Petronas SRT will cease its MotoGP operation, new entity from 2022 ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having made his MotoGP debut in 2018 with Marc VDS outfit, riding a Honda machine, Luthi was forced to return to Moto2 the following season after a trouble run and lack of budget. His premier class move happened after two solid years in intermediate class.

He finished second in both 2016 and 2017 to Johann Zarco and Franco Morbidelli, respectively, and moved to MotoGP in 2018. However, he couldn’t score in any of the 18 races and returned to Moto2 in 2019 with Intact GP, riding a Kalex machine.

He finished third in a good show but in 2020, his results dipped, as he was only 11th. The current season hasn’t gone well either, where he sits 23rd in the standings. With days running out, Luthi made the decision to retire from active racing at the end of 2021.

As opposed to moving to a series like World Superbike, Luthi has taken up the Sporting Director role at Prustel GP, which competes in Moto3 class. He will also look after the junior outfit, with Florian Prustel finally getting hands to an expert rider for his outfit.

“My decision that I will end my active career as a professional rider is of course made a lot easier by this opportunity of my involvement as Sports Director at Prustel GP,” said Luthi. “I am very much looking forward to being able to contribute to sporting success in a new role.

“To be able to pass on my experience and to work together with young talents, but also with already very strong riders in the Moto3 World Championship is an exciting new challenge. I am sure that the PrustelGP team and I will complement each other perfectly – the whole project is a synergy that could hardly be better. I’m looking forward to our joint successes and development.”

At the same time, Florian added: “I have been looking for a long time for someone who, as an authentic, experienced expert, can take care of our riders, coordinate their training, accompany them and support them on their way to the top. Thanks to the collaboration with Tom, we have all of this perfectly covered.

“With his 19 years of world championship experience, he knows exactly what is important in racing – especially at the beginning of a career, when you first have to get used to the big, not always easy world of international racing.

“I’m also looking forward to being able to give our partners even more exciting insights into the fascinating world of racing and to having an expert at our side, who can provide such impressions from a completely different perspective. Together, we have thus created a base that gives us the know-how and skills it takes to get to the title.”

L'entrada Luthi to join Prustel GP in directorial role; retires from racing after 2021 ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

With Maverick Vinales out of Yamaha and Franco Morbidelli recovering from his knee surgery, Crutchlow will line-up alongside Fabio Quatararo abode the factory team’s M1 in his home event at Silverstone next week, for the British GP.

Crutchlow was due to ride the ‘A-spec’ M1 for Petronas SRT alongside Valentino Rossi at Silverstone after riding it in both the Austrian races, as a replacement to Morbidelli. But for the Silverstone weekend, he will move up to the factory Yamaha machine.

Morbidelli’s bike, therefore, will be ridden by Moto2’s Jake Dixon, as the British rider is handed his MotoGP debut by Petronas SRT in his home event. This makes it two native riders at Silverstone in the premier class for the 2021 edition of British GP.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of Yamaha and to do what originally was supposed to be three races for Petronas SRT, but the plans have changed,” said Crutchlow, who finished 17th in both the races. “I want to thank them and I look forward to riding with the Factory Team.”

Dixon, meanwhile, who is 19th in Moto2 standings, stated: “It’s been a lifelong goal to make it into the MotoGP class. So to get the opportunity to do it for one GP this year, on the bike that I always wanted to – the Yamaha YZR-M1 – and to do it at home is something really special. It is going to be very difficult but I’m looking forward to jumping on the big bike, even though it’s different, and it’s very exciting.

“I haven’t been able to sleep because I’ve just been thinking about it. It’s a dream come true. I’m going to give my all to do the best I can for the team and I want to say a massive thank you to them for this opportunity. Also to Yamaha for believing in me as well. I don’t have any targets, I’m just aiming to enjoy it and gather all the experience I can. I just want to wish Franco a speedy recovery and that we can see him back at the track soon.”

Team boss Razlan Razali, added: “This is a unique opportunity for Jake Dixon to show what he can do and explore his potential on a Yamaha YZR-M1. We are not setting any particular targets regarding results; it is an opportunity for experience at his home GP, while Franco Morbidelli continues his recovery.

“This is a one-off opportunity, and we wanted one of our family of riders to have this chance aboard the MotoGP bike. As it is his home Grand Prix, it is a circuit that Jake knows well and it will be great for the British fans to have another rider in the premier class. We also thank Cal Crutchlow for his contribution to the team during the past two GPs and we wish him all the best for next weekend.”

Here’s news on Yamaha and Maverick Vinales parting ways

L'entrada Crutchlow gets Yamaha ride for British GP; Dixon handed MotoGP debut ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

During the Austrian GP weekend, Sepang International Circuit announced the end of its partnership with Petronas at the end of the 2021 MotoGP season, which included the end of the deal for all of the three outfits competing in the world championship.

Petronas supported Sepang Racing Team’s Moto2 and Moto3 outfits already and joined its efforts in MotoGP in 2019. However, it will now end its partnership in the premier class, as well as, the two intermediate teams too. In fact, the Sepang circuit is to pull out too.

While it hasn’t officially announced it, but the MotoGP outfit could run as an independent team, away from the clutches of the Sepang circuit. The release talked about full disclosure of the way forward of the team during the Silverstone weekend.

It is being said that, SRT wishes to sustain its MotoGP team, which is why they have decided to end its Moto2 and Moto3 outfits. “That’s true, the Moto2 and Moto3 teams will be disbanded, we just have to wait for Datuk Razlan Razali to announce it. I think he will do it in the coming weeks ahead of Silverstone, along with an explanation of the team’s future,” Sepang CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif was quoted by TMCBlog.com.

“More-or-less we are already agreed with Razlan Razali that SRT will be independent from SIC next year.” Earlier, during the announcement of end of deal with Petronas, Hanif had stated: “SIC wishes to thank Petronas for the unwavering support during the partnership and remarkable journey together.

“We respected Pertonas’ decision, and mutually agreed that this partnership has accomplished its purpose and objectives. We have enjoyed a meaningful partnership, with great achievements and memorable moments with the team.

“I believe this is not the end of our collaboration in motorsport as we continue our quest in nurturing Malaysia’s motorsport talent. SIC is proud to have been involved in the formation and early development of the team that had surpassed expectations in its performances. We wish the team all the best in the next phase of its evolution under a new entity.”

Amid the changes in branding and name of the team, the rider situation in MotoGP looks dicey as well, after Valentino Rossi’s retirement. It is not just seat, but also Franco Morbidelli’s, who is set to replace Maverick Vinales in the Yamaha factory outfit.

SRT were eyeing for Raul Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi, but with the former staying with KTM and the latter likely to join VR46 team, it leaves the likes of Jake Dixon, Xavi Vierge, John McPhee and Darryn Binder, as potential riders to graduate.

For now, Dixon and Binder are the front-runners to take up the MotoGP seats, but more will be known in the time to come. It is unclear if the Silverstone announcement will reveal its rider line-up too, or just talk about the team on the whole.

L'entrada Petronas pull out from MotoGP team likely to end Moto2/Moto3 outfits ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having already confirmed Remy Gardner before the summer break, Tech 3 KTM has announced his teammate for the 2022 MotoGP season, as Fernandez will graduate from Moto2 to the premier class next year, to make it an all-rookie line-up.

Fernandez currently sits second in the 2021 Moto2 standings, where his teammate Gardner is leading as the second half of the season kick-starts in Austria. The Spaniard continues his relationship with Red Bull amid speculations of joining other manufacturers.

With Fernandez and Gardner joining in 2022, it is also to end the relationship of Danilo Petrucci and Iker Lecuona with Tech 3 KTM, with the former only having had the one year, while the latter got to complete two seasons with the outfit.

L'entrada Fernandez will graduate to MotoGP in 2022 with Tech 3 KTM ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Amid speculations of multiple choices, Valentino Rossi’s VR46 MotoGP team has finally opted for the services of Ducati in a three-year deal for its premier class debut from 2022 onward, while it also signed a five-year with Dorna to compete in the top class.

The step into MotoGP completes VR46’s role from Moto3 to Moto2 to the premier class, where it will compete as an independent outfit. For Ducati, it makes for eight Desmosedici GPs on the grid with Pramac and Gresini along with its own factory outfit.

VR46 also informed that Pablo Nieto – current Team Manager of SKY Racing Team in Moto2 and Moto3 – will be promoted to Team Manager of the MotoGP setup. The riders, though, are yet to be confirmed with Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi speculated to be the ones – but Rossi could make wildcard attempts as Prince noted later in the story.

L'entrada Aramco Racing Team VR46 opts for Ducati as their MotoGP partner ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

After the untimely death of Fausto, due to COVID-19, his wife Nadia and sons Lorenzo & Luca, have taken over the day-to-day working of Gresini racing team. The former is the new CEO of the Faenza-based company, becoming the Team Owner and Team Principal.

Lorenzo will be involved in the administrative part of Gresini, while Luca will have a sporting role, where he will be with the team on ground mostly – the latter is already at Jerez, getting ready for the MotoGP event alongside Moto2 and Moto3.

The big step, however, comes in 2022 as they prepare to run as an independent MotoGP outfit after ending ties with Aprilia in 2021. The details of the same will be revealed in due course along with the manufacturer they have tied-up with.

“I would like to think that Fausto’s two families – ours and the racing one – have joined their efforts to bring forward everything he was planning, and especially the MotoGP,” said Padovani. “To have an independent team in the premier class is surely something very demanding, with a team to be built from scratch, but I know everyone in the company is giving their 110% to make his dream come true.

“Personally, I see it as a real mission, a challenge we will face – also and above all – thanks to the strength of Fausto, who is following us from above. We’re currently speaking with several manufacturers and in a matter of few weeks we will reveal the details of our MotoGP project.”

L'entrada Gresini’s wife Nadia and sons take charge of the racing team ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The VR46 Academy team is already represented by Luca Marini this year in MotoGP, who rides for Avintia Ducati outfit. But from 2022 onward until at least 2026, the academy will have its own team in the premier class, having secured a backing from Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the 2021 season, VR46 Academy joined hands with Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media, which is a holding company of Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Suad. That partnership has now helped them to secure the backing of Aramco.

The Saudi giants, already sponsors F1, is now to step into MotoGP through Valentino Rossi’s VR46 academy, while they will continue running in the Moto2 category, as well. This undertaking is another feather in the cap under the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

The VR46 academy, though, is yet to make it public, as the manufacturer they will tie-up with, is yet to be ascertained. They have been linked with Yamaha, Ducati and Suzuki, thus far, with the team to take up the Avintia slot, who will leave MotoGP after 2021.

Ducati will lose two bikes on the grid from 2022, but they are expected to run six bikes still. If a partnership with VR46 doesn’t materialise, it could partner with Gresini Racing, who will part ways with Aprilia, at the end of the 2021 MotoGP season.

Suzuki has shown interest in having a satellite team, but they are taking it at a slow pace, especially having lost Davide Brivio, who was actively involved in the talks. Yamaha, meanwhile, will have to decide between continuing with SRT and or partner VR46.

The partnership is not limited to the MotoGP project, as they also are to develop and increment the production of road vehicles in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the MAIC Technologies is looking to produce the first prototype of a four-wheel drive off-road motorcycle with hybrid, thermal and electric propulsion.

L'entrada VR46 team secures Saudi backing to field MotoGP team ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

For exactly two months, Fausto Gresini had been admitted to the hospital after getting COVID-19 back in December 2020. There was some progress initially for the team boss – which also has a partnership with Aprilia – but his condition worsened in the last few days.

The last update from Gresini Racing about Fausto, had the team inform about his critical situation. He was in a medically induced coma, supported by a mechanical respirator, at the Carlo Alberto Pizzardoi hospital in Bologna in Italy.

His organ functionality got compromised which hurt in recovery progress. There was a death scare late on Monday night with multiple news stories proclaiming him dead, but the team quickly doused those speculations, stating he that Gresini is still with us.

“Despite the news currently circulating, Fausto is still with us, albeit in extremely critical conditions,” said a short statement from the team. Having started his racing career in 1978 which spanned for decades, Gresini moved to a team role in the 1990s.

In the 132 starts in 125cc category, Gresini scored 21 wins and 47 podiums to go with the 17 poles. The Italian also won the riders’ championships in 1985 and 1987, whereas as team boss he won the 250cc title in 2001 and Moto2 in 2010.

Here’s the last news on Fausto Gresini

L'entrada Gresini in critical condition but alive as team puts down death reports ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having started the 2020 Moto2 season strongly, Nagashima ended up only eighth in the end with one win and two podiums against his name, racing for Red Bull KTM Ajo. The Japanese rider scored points but it was not enough by the end of the year.

At the same time, his teammate Jorge Martin, ended up fifth despite missing the two rounds, so much so that the Spaniard is to move to MotoGP in 2021. His place is being taken up by Remy Gardener at Ajo, while Nagashima lost his Moto2 rider as well.

The team decided to take Raul Fernandez, leaving Nagashima with no seat for 2021 as of now. With things not looking bright, the 28-year-old wrote on his Instagram that he is unlikely to compete this year and is working towards 2022.

“2020 is ending soon,” started Nagashima in English. “Thank you for your big support in 2020. I will stop racing in 2021. But I will be back much more stronger and more confidence.” He continued in Japanese after this, which translated to:

“The end is approaching this year as well. Thank you for all your support this season as well. As for 2021, we will not participate in the race. I started racing at the age of 3 and was able to participate in the world championship that I had dreamed of, and I was able to experience the victory, pole, and podium, thanks to everyone’s support.

“I will do my best to make 2022 stronger, faster, better and come back, so I look forward to your continued support. We hope you all have a good year,” he summed up. It is unclear if Nagashima had chances at any other Moto2 teams and or even in World Superbike series.

In other news related to MotoGP, multiple videos emerged of the ongoing work at Mandalika, the new circuit being built in Indonesia. The track is one of the reserves for 2021 along with Russia and Portugal – one of which will replace Czech Republic.

Here’s couple of videos:

Here’s latest news on Fausto Gresini plus videos of VR46 & FQ20 in new colours

Here’s the last news on pre-season test and Fasuto Gresini

Here’s news on Gresini about parting Aprilia

Here’s video of Jorge Lorenzo singing in Spanish reality show

L'entrada Nagashima may not compete in 2021; videos of Indonesia track emerges ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The 2021 MotoGP line-up only awaits the final decision from Aprilia, as to who will ride alongside Aleix Espargaro. Names like Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo, Cal Crutchlow, Chaz Davies, Marco Bezzecchi and Joe Roberts has been widely linked already.

The other two in contention are already related to Aprilia with Bradley Smith and Savadori, both having ridden the RS-GP in 2020. Post the end of the season in Portugal, MotoGP has now released the provisional entry list for the upcoming 2021 season.

It features Savadori in the #32 Aprilia as the second rider alongside Espargaro – the release notes the Italian to be a provisional entrant and not a confirmed rider for 2021. Among other changes, it also revealed the rider numbers for the rookies.

At Avintia – which has been named as Esponsorama Racing – Lua Marini will carry over his #10 from Moto2 with the Sky VR46 livery. The 2020 champion, Enea Bastianini, though, will switch from #33 to #23, as KTM’s Brad Binder is using the former.

Likewise, Jorge Martin will use the #89 as opposed to #88, which is in use by to-be KTM rider Miguel Oliveira. The 2020 MotoGP champion, Suzuki’s Joan Mir, is provisionally listed to continue with #36 but he could decide otherwise if he wishes to carry #1.

The other numbers used in 2020 were #6 (Stefan Bradl), #31 (Garrett Gerloff), #38 (Smith), #51 Michele Pirro and #82 (Mika Kallio). Meanwhile, with the departure of Andrea Dovizioso, Cal Crutchlow and Tito Rabat, the numbers like #04, #35 and #53 will not be in use in MotoGP in 2021.

Here’s the full 2020 provisional MotoGP entry list:

Here’s the 2021 provisional Moto2 entry list:

Here’s the full 2021 provisional Moto3 entry list:

Here’s the 12 MotoGP riders bidding farewell to the sport/teams

L'entrada Savadori named as Aprilia rider in provisional 2021 MotoGP entry list ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Currently second in the Moto2 championship, Bastianini is in a good place to lead the standings after Misano’s first round as leader KTM’s Jorge Martin misses out due to COVID-19. But whether he wins the title or not, the Italtrans’ rider’s future is secured.

The confirmation came from Bastianini himself after Friday’s FP2 session at Misano, while speaking to MotoGP press team, when he was asked to react to the comments made by Avintia Racing’s head Ruben Xaus, who made it 99% clear of the Italian’s move.

“It’s clear that we were looking to upgrade the situation of the team,” said Xaus to MotoGP. “Things are happening very fast. I thought it was going to be in two years, but suddenly were moving correctly and we got a quicker situation, and in just one year we step up.

“It’s clear for next year that Johann is not going to be with us, I’m very happy for him because he deserves to be on a factory bike with Ducati and it’s clear that for us we have a good spot for the young generation to come up and show good things. We have proved we can really be fast on track, and I’m sure that a young Italian will come in.

“I am 99% [sure] that Bastianini will join us next year,” summed up Xaus. While he noted about Johann Zarco moving out of the satellite Avintia MotoGP outfit in 2021, with the Moto2 youngster in his team most likely, the rider, though, did not reveal the team yet.

“Yeah, I have signed for Ducati,” Bastianini said. “At the moment I don’t know the team, but I think in the next week – or I don’t know – it will be possible to confirm this. For me it’s really important to be the next year with Ducati, it’s a good family for me, it’s an Italian bike. I think it will be possible to be fast in MotoGP, but we will see.”

It could be an all-new line-up at Avintia if speculations are to be believed, as along with Bastianini, his Moto2 rival Luca Marini is also talked about to join the MotoGP outfit to replace Tito Rabat, with Zarco either getting a direct ticket to Ducati or a Pramac ride.

If Zarco moves to Pramac, he will likely replace Francesco Bagnaia, who will then graduate to the Ducati factory team alongside Jack Miller. But if the Frenchman gets a direct factory ride, then the Italian will stay back with another Moto2 graduate, Martin joining him.

While the Ducati merry-go-around looks like settled for 2021, outgoing Andrea Dovizioso was hotly reported to join Petronas SRT Yamaha as a replacement to Fabio Quartararo by media in recent times. A move, which was quickly quashed by Razlan Razali.

Rossi is still set to take the second Petronas seat alongside Franco Morbidelli, as the Italian legend denied the rumours of retirement as well. “No, it’s not true [about my retirement],” he said. “The situation is like two or three weeks ago. We take time with Yamaha because we are not in a hurry and we have something to fix.

“But we are very close to signing and I will race with Petronas [SRT] next year.  I want to say 99% because it’s not signed. But I think that maybe in Barcelona we can give the announcement. What I think is that anyway my retirement is big news, no?. So, if on internet you write  ‘Valentino Rossi retires’, I think a lot of people will click to see, to read, a lot of MotoGP fans.

“I think it is for this reason.  I don’t think it’s for any other reason because the situation doesn’t change and I tried to explain a lot of time that I will race also next year. But maybe it’s more interesting to say that I’ve retired. But I think this is the reason. I don’t know if they want me to retire. I don’t know this, maybe not,” summed up Rossi.

Here’s Antonio Giovinazzi on Valentino Rossi

L'entrada Bastianini confirms MotoGP step with Ducati, Rossi denies retirement talks ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

It is the third Virtual GP whereas the fifth Virtual Race for MotoGP as Yamaha is to field Lorenzo this time at Silverstone with no Maverick Vinales for the first time which is same for Honda as well with no Marc and Alex Marquez in the line-up.

The riders’ continuing from the last round are Petronas SRT’s Fabio Quartararo, Pramac Racing’s Francesco Bagnaia, Reale Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat, Ducati’s Joan Mir, Ducati’s Michele Pirro and Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori.

LCR Honda’s Takaaki Nakagami returns to action with only eight riders in all. The British Virtual GP will take place on May 31 at 15:00 local time, with the MotoGP race to run for 10 laps and Moto2 & Moto3 racers to run for six on the new 2020 Milestone game.

As usual, fans can watch on motogp.com and esport.motogp.com, on selected TV broadcasters, and across social media platforms including YouTube, MotoGP eSport Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Twitch.

The broadcast partners include Sky Italy, Canal+ in France, DAZN (in Spain, Italy and DACHS), BT Sport in the UK, ServusTV in Austria and Germany, Fox Asia, Fox Australia, Viasat in Sweden, NBC in the USA, Fox Brazil and ESPN in Latin America, Motorsport TV Russia, Eurosport India, TEN, and SuperSport across Africa.

L'entrada Lorenzo to make MotoGP Virtual Race debut at Silverstone ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

After much success of MotoGP with the two Virtual Race, they returned with the third round at Jerez on the 2020 game by Milestone, with Moto2 and Moto3 joining the fray as well. The premier class had a mixed grid with few returning from Round 1.

Honda duo of Alex and Marc Marquez continued on along with Petronas SRT’s Fabio Quartararo, Pramac Racing’s Francesco Bagnaia, Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales, Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci and Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat from Round 2 of MotoGP Virtual Race.

Among the riders returning were Tech 3 KTM’s Miguel Oliveira & Iker Leucona as Suzuki’s Alex Rins joined in, while Aprilia’s Lorenzo Savadori made his debut. The five-minutes qualifying had Quartararo on pole from A Marquez and Bagnaia.

It wasn’t a good start for Quartararo as he pegged down again, allowing A Marquez to take the lead from Bagnaia but a crash from the Spaniard allowed the Italian to take the lead with Leucona doing well in the Top 3 upon his return to Virtual Race.

But not for long as Leucona had a crash as multiple riders had theirs as well. Despite the crash, A Marquez recovered to be running second from Vinales, who steadied on along with M Marquez just behind. Quartararo, meanwhile, continued to have crashes.

Vinales shot into lead when A Marquez and Bagnaia crashed as M Marquez slowed down to fight against Petrucci. At the front though, the Yamaha rider had it under control to win third Virtual Race at Jerez with A Marquez in second and Bagnaia third.

M Marquez was fourth with Rins fifth after he cleared Petrucci towards the end. Oliveira was seventh from Quartararo with Leucona ninth as Savadori and Rabat rounded the Top 11 riders. Over in Moto2, Lorenzo Baldassarri had the win with Gabriel Rodrigo won Moto3.

Here’s where you can watch the races:

Here’s Carmelo Ezpeleta on latest decisions and future

L'entrada Vinales wins MotoGP Virtual Spanish GP after crash for Bagnaia, Marquez ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

While the races in Germany, Netherlands and Finland were put in danger due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dorna Sports has gone a step ahead to cancel the three events all-together for the 2020 MotoGP season, after earlier releases of postponements.

Only the Qatar GP so far was confirmed to be cancelled for the 2020 MotoGP season, while the remaining races were only postponed. Joining the Losail race in the cancelled list will be the German GP, Dutch GP and the to-be inaugural Finnish GP.

The German MotoGP race at Sachsenring was scheduled to take place on June 19-21 of the 2020 season, while the Dutch GP was to be staged at Assen on June 26-28, with the Finnish GP on July 10-12 at the new KymiRing circuit.

Here’s the full statement:

L'entrada Dorna cancels Germany, Netherlands and Finland MotoGP races for 2020 ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

After the success with the first two Virtual Race, MotoGP has announced its third #StayAtHomeGP under the name ‘Virtual Spanish GP, which is scheduled to take place on May 3 at 15:00. The ESports event will be held at the Jerez circuit.

It will be the first time that the 2020 edition of the MotoGP game will be used by the riders after it was launched on April 23. The Virtual Race will see the addition of Moto2 and Moto3 as well, to make it a full-round championship event for the fans to enjoy.

Looking at the grid for the Virtual Spanish GP, Honda will continue to field its two riders with Marc and Alex Marquez to represent them – they are the only team allowed to have both their riders as they are the reigning MotoGP champions.

Staying on from the last Virtual Race at Red Bull Ring are Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci, Yamaha’s Maverick Vinales, Petronas Yamaha SRT’s Fabio Quartararo, Pramac Racing’s Francesco Bagnaia and Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat.

Making his debut in the event will be Lorenzo Savadori representing Aprilia, while Suzuki’s Alex Rins makes a return after competing in Round 1 along with Tech 3 KTM’s Miguel Oliveira and Iker Lecuona – the duo will represent the Austrian manufacturer.

MotoGP will run for 13 laps, whereas Moto2 and Moto3 will be for eight laps each, with the latter starting the event, followed by the intermediate class and finally the premier category. Fans can watch on motogp.com and esport.motogp.com.

Aside that, selected TV broadcasters will also continue to televise it, while social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will continue to showcase the ESports races.

The grid for Moto2 has:

Red Bull KTM Ajo: Jorge Martin
Flexbox HP 40: Lorenzo Baldassarri
Italtrans Racing Team: Enea Bastianini
American Racing: Marcos Ramirez
Beta Tools Speed Up: Jorge Navarro
Liqui Moly Intact GP: Marcel Schrötter
Aspar Team: Aron Canet
Petronas Sprinta Racing: Jake Dixon
NTS RW Racing GP: Bo Bendsneyder
Sky Racing Team VR46: Luca Marini

The grid for Moto3 has:

Aspar Team Gaviota: Albert Arenas
Leopard Racing: Dennis Foggia
SIC58 Squadra Corse: Niccolo Antonelli
Kömmerling Gresini Moto3: Gabriel Rodrigo
Rivacold Snipers Team: Tony Arbolino
Red Bull KTM Ajo: Raul Fernandez
Estrella Galicia 0,0: Sergio Garcia
Red Bull KTM Tech 3: Deniz Oncu
Sterilgarda Max Racing Team: Alonso Lopez
BOE Skull Rider Facile Energy: Ricardo Rossi

Here’s where fans can donate towards COVID-19 relief: https://donate.twowheelsforlife.org/public/

Here’s latest from Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales

Here’s how freight from Qatar was moved to Europe

Here’s details of changed rule for 2021

Here’s how MotoGP Virtual Race 2 underwent

L'entrada MotoGP to have Virtual Spanish GP on 2020 game, Moto2/Moto3 join in ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.