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Aussies Racing Abroad | August 2025

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Aussies Racing Abroad | August 2025. With many Australians showcasing their skills abroad in a range of disciplines both on-track and off-road, our latest column focuses on how they’re faring battling it out with the best in their chosen classes…. Words: Ed Stratmann

On-Track
Jack Miller – MotoGP

After a tough 17th in the Austrian sprint, where he struggled with severe rear wheel spin, Jack Miller endured more of the same in the main race, limping home in 18th to cap off a weekend to forget.

“It’s quite clear on paper that this weekend our bike simply doesn‘t work with this rear tyre and its construction. There‘s just no way to make it work. I tried everything I know – from short-shifting to being super patient on the throttle – just trying to find a way to defend myself,” Miller reflected.

Heading to Hungary, the popular #43 secured a positive 12th in the Sprint on a track where overtaking was difficult. The main race was always going to be a challenge, with Miller forced to start 17th after receiving a three-place grid penalty for impeding Francesco Bagnaia during Friday’s practice. Despite a brilliant start, Jack Miller frustratingly crashed out of the race to end another challenging round.

“Definitely not the day I wanted or expected. I got off to a decent start, settled in behind Pol (Espargaro) and waited a bit before making a move, knowing I had the pace to get ahead. But then, at turn one, as soon as I touched the throttle, the front went away and that was it. Honestly, I hadn‘t done anything different from the lap before. I picked the bike up and tried to push, hoping to catch someone, even with a small clutch issue. But a few laps later I went down again at Turn 11. A real shame, because we had a decent pace this weekend and I feel it was a missed opportunity,” he lamented.

Senna Agius – Moto2

Kicking off his weekend with a strong P5 in FP2 and sixth in qualifying in Austria, things were looking promising for Senna Agius to deliver a fine race. But it wasn’t to be, as a brutal crash at turn two on the opening lap, involving Ivan Ortola and Alonso Lopez, saw Agius get run over, ending his race early. Fortunately, he escaped without serious injury. Though scans at the Red Bull Ring came back clear, he was transferred to Judenburg Hospital for precautionary checks and underwent further tests in Barcelona.

“Lucky to be walking away today, relatively okay after a scary crash on lap one. Time to recover to get back on it soon,”Agius recalled. While he had to sit out the Hungarian GP to rest and recuperate, he positively plans to return to action in Catalunya, pending medical clearance.

Joel Kelso – Moto3

Back from injury in Austria following the summer break, exciting talent Joel Kelso claimed 10th on the grid before producing a commendable 11th in the race. Leaving determined and motivated to build on this ahead of the subsequent round in Hungary, his words illustrated he wasn’t content.

“Not the result we wanted coming back from the summer break. Didn’t feel fully dialled in this weekend, but we’ll regroup and go again,” stated the #66. Although it wasn’t the weekend Joel Kelso had envisaged in Hungary on a track he enjoyed riding, the Australian dynamo showed plenty of grit to fight his way back from P14 to a respectable eighth.

“It wasn’t an ideal weekend, starting from P14, but we fought hard and managed to move forward. We’re still in a bit of a rut – no point sugar-coating it. The focus now is on finding solutions, and we won’t stop until we do,” asserted the Aussie.

Jacob Roulstone – Moto3

Having toiled earlier in the weekend, it was admirable how Jacob Roulstone made steady progress on the Saturday to qualify P12 at the Red Bull Ring. Sadly, grip issues hindered his race, thus ensuring he couldn’t get any higher than 14th.

“I’m taking some positives away from what was definitely a tricky round, at not one of my favourite tracks. In today’s race, I managed to get a decent start and maintain a decent pace throughout. I did struggle with grip toward the end of the race. It seems we’re making small steps in the right direction, even if the results aren’t quite reflecting that yet,”commented Roulstone.

After qualifying P7, Jacob Roulstone continued his admirable Moto3 momentum with a P10 in Sunday’s race in Hungary. While a reasonable result, the Aussie felt more was possible with better tyre management.

“Really good start, and I was able to stay near the front for a while. But I just didn’t manage the tyre well enough. Small steps forward again. Not the results I’m aiming for, but I’m giving my best day in and day out to get to where I know I can be. Just need to work things out on and off the bike a little earlier in the weekend. A week off now, but see you in Barcelona,” insisted the gifted prospect.

Off-Track
Jett Lawrence – AMA Pro Motocross

Jett Lawrence wrapped up his second 450 AMA Pro Motocross crown and his fifth title in the premier class after enjoying his latest masterful season. His achievement was made all the more remarkable given the fact he’d only just recovered in time from an ACL injury for the start of the Pro Motocross series. Winning nine of the 11 overalls on offer, there was no denying the 22-year-old phenom, who was a cut above his adversaries throughout. Combining superb technique, elite line selection, tremendous starts and outstanding racecraft, it was a joy to watch the #18 flex his muscles.

“I think the biggest moment in this championship was round one. Leading up to it, I was dealing with my knee injury. It was my first one, so mentally it felt horrible, and I was originally told I’d be out four months. I didn’t think I was going to make the opener at all. Just making it to the first round had me stoked, and to go there and win made it one of my best races ever. To wrap up the title one round early makes it even more rewarding,” Lawrence explained. The younger Lawrence sibling will now immediately shift his attention to the upcoming SMX Playoffs.

Hunter Lawrence – AMA Pro Motocross

Hunter Lawrence rounded out an excellent Pro Motocross season by finishing second in the standings behind his sensational brother, in a campaign which memorably included him banking his first-ever victory outdoors in the 450 category when he reigned supreme at Ironman.

“I haven’t got the energy to be emotional or happy. It’s hot and I’m finished. I’m just happy to get one [a win]. A lot of second-place finishes, but it’s good to get the monkey off my back,” he divulged. Launching out of the gate wonderfully throughout the crusade and riding in a disciplined and calculated manner, Hunter deserves huge credit for what was an accomplished body of work over 11 gruelling stops on the calendar. Expect him to come out swinging in SMX too, where he’ll aim to go one better after falling just short last time around.

Jake Cannon – EMX250

Consistency has been key for Jake Cannon in August in the fiercely competitive EMX250 division. Beginning with a solid P5 in Sweden despite a spill in race one and having an off-track excursion in the second race, there were many positives to extract from his Uddevalla. Feeling good on the bike, possessing podium speed and comfortable on the iconic venue, a podium was in reach if only he’d avoided those mishaps.

“I felt good on the bike and was enjoying the track, but the first moto just didn’t go my way. I rode strong to get back to ninth after crashing on the second lap, but I need to get better starts and minimise the errors. I’m frustrated with my first lap in the second moto, as I jumped off the side of the track after a good start. After ten minutes I started riding like myself again and came back to fifth for fifth overall. I just have to put it all together for a full moto. I know I have the speed to be at the front,” Cannon told the Bud Racing website.

The Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki hotshot then ventured to Arnhem ready for more, but unsatisfactory starts ensured he had to surge through the pack to eventually clinch a hard-earned sixth overall.

Liam Owens – EMX250

Liam Owens continues to make impressive strides in EMX250, with the Aussie flyer notching his maiden podium at Arnhem last weekend, which was a just reward for all his hard work. Riding superbly on the demanding sand circuit, his 4-2 moto scores saw him claim a deserved third overall and his spot on the box.

“Finally made it on the podium. If you had told me, when I first moved here from Australia, that my first EMX250 podium would come in the sand, I would’ve fallen off my chair. Big thanks to everyone involved in my first podium. Getting that feeling once just makes me want it even more,” said a delighted Owens.

In another piece of uplifting news, it was also confirmed that the Cat Moto Bauerschmidt Husqvarna ace will stay with the team for 2026, where his sights will be firmly set on the coveted EMX250 title.

 

ASBK Round Six 2025 Report | Waters extends lead as ecstatic West lands winning blow

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Round six of the 2025 ASBK Championship at Phillip Island delivered drama and history, with Anthony West claiming a maiden pole and breakthrough win, while Josh Waters extended his title lead in challenging conditions across a packed weekend of racing. Report: ASBK Media/Ed Stratmann

Saturday

Anthony West (#13) was the star of the show in qualifying for round six of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island on September 6.

Check out the ASBK Round Five report here...

The Queenslander was a cut above in the premier SW-Motech Superbike class, powering to his maiden pole position in the ASBK Championship on the Addicted to Track Yamaha. The 44-year-old has been knocking on the door of pole position for quite some time, but in brilliant Phillip Island weather he finally reached the summit with a searing lap of 1:30.462 – the second best ever in the Superbike class. West was joined on the front row for Sunday’s two 11-lap races by Josh Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati #1) and Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team #46), who both sit above him in the championship race after five of eight rounds.

Qualifying was also held across all the other ASBK classes on Saturday – Kawasaki Supersport, Race and Road Supersport 300 and the BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup – as well as the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship making its first visit to Phillip Island. The Oceania Junior Cup riders also enjoyed their first race to bookend Saturday’s on-track activities, ahead of a massive 11-race schedule on Sunday.

SW-Motech Superbike

West’s trajectory has been on the up for some time, and today the former Moto2 winner’s stocks rose yet again. “I’m just so happy, and hats off to the Addicted to Track team,” said West. “We’ve been working hard towards getting the best out of the bike: we have a plan and we know what to do. All that experience is coming together really well.”

West was the only rider to circulate in the 1:30 bracket in qualifying, with Waters, Jones, Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11), Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati #65) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha #27) all in the 1:31s.

The top 10 was completed by Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha #33), the returning Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team #17), Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #20) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha #85). Meanwhile, Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha #3) didn’t take part in qualifying after mechanical woes in practice, with his team then forced to race against the clock to get him on the grid.

It was also a hapless day for Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati #14), who didn’t go out because of a physical ailment.

Kawasaki Supersport

There’s breaking records and then there’s breaking records. Albury’s Archie McDonald (#69) was simply sensational in Kawasaki Supersport qualifying, setting a new best lap of 1:33.808 on his Stop and Seal Yamaha YZF-R6, nearly one second under the current lap record (1:34.682) and well over a second ahead of the previous qualifying marker. McDonald has now been in pole position in all four ASBK rounds he has competed in this season. Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha #49) and Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki #279) were second and third among the 17 Supersport riders, ahead of Tom Bramich (Yamaha #44), Mahaffy (#37) and Oli Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki #5). Mahaffy laboured in practice and qualifying with a bent frame, which was replaced overnight. Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati #7) was the fastest of the Supersport Next Gen riders despite a bingle at turn six in the second qualifying session.

Race and Road Supersport 300

Pressure Ghage! A stunning pole position for Ghage Plowman (Yamaha #27) in his Race and Road Supersport 300 ASBK debut, with Oliver Short (Kawasaki #7) and Jordy Simpson (Yamaha #33) second and third. Championship leader Scott Nicholson (#39) qualified in sixth, three spots ahead of his closest pursuer – fellow Kawasaki rider Tara Morrison (#95). The times were typically tight, though, which augers well for three crackerjack races on Sunday.

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

A race for the ages, with the top 20 OJC riders flashing across the finish line separated by just 1.648 seconds! Xavier Curmi (#82) came out of the rolling scrum first ahead of Chaz Williams (#18) and Rossi McAdam (#61).

Sunday

Veterans Josh Waters and Anthony West were the stars of a challenging round six of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Phillip Island on September 7. Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) and West (Addicted to Track Yamaha) shared victories in the two 11-lap races, the first one held on a wet circuit before conditions cleared in the afternoon as West broke through for his first win in the SW-Motech Superbike class – one day after also setting his maiden pole position.

Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati) was also mightily impressive at Phillip Island, with his 2-3 scorecard securing third overall. With Waters’ main championship rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) unable to produce his normal front-running deeds, Waters has now extended his lead in the championship to 69pts (306 to 237) with two rounds remaining. West (234pts) is circling in third position ahead of round seven at One Raceway in Goulburn in two weeks – October 3-5.

“That was a wild day, and in race two a lot of the other riders had nothing to lose, while I have a lot on my mind in terms of the championship,” said Waters. “I was getting carved up like a Sunday roast, but I was happy with the result, and I’d like to thank my team and all of our sponsors for their support.”

Meanwhile, it was all about pure adulation for West. “I don’t remember too much about race two, as there was just so much going on,” he said. “But some of the young guys were making me angry, which really fired me up to get the job done. This weekend has been awesome on so many levels.”

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

It was a just-in-time final salvo from Waters, who won his ninth SW-Motech Superbike race of an extraordinarily impressive season after passing long-time leader Pearson on the final blast down Gardner Straight. The final margin was 0.094 seconds after 11 laps on the sodden Phillip Island layout.

“I had so many moments in that race – I would have liked Broc to have slowed down!” said Waters. Glenn Allerton – grimacing with an injured back which saw him sit out qualifying – was a brilliant third on his Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati after starting from the back of the grid.

West was fourth from Jones, Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha), Oscar O’Donovan, (Scott’s Motorcycles Kawasaki #171) in a stunning ASBK debut, and Ryan Yanko (Addicted to Track Yamaha #82).

Troy Herfoss (Yamaha Racing Team) didn’t make the start after a crash on his out lap – suffering a minor injury, which was enough to end his day before it really got started – while others to get caught out in the slick conditions included Max Stauffer (Yamaha), Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), Cru Halliday (Stop and Seal Ducati) and Ty Lynch (Yamaha).

Race One Results

  1. Josh Waters
  2. Broc Pearson (+0.094)
  3. Glenn Allerton (29.703)
  4. Anthony West (36.870)
  5. Mike Jones (+41.620)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

Race two was held on a drying track, with all riders fitting slick tyres – which made for a cautious opening before the intensity was dialled up as more dry lines appeared. The race eventually boiled down to a five-rider arm wrestle between West, Waters, Pearson, Nahlous and Halliday, with Pearson spending most time at the front.

However, on the penultimate lap, West made a decisive move to hit the lead, and then pinned his ears back over the final 4.448 km to win his first Superbike race in his 61st start. Meanwhile, Waters roared past Pearson at the death knell for the second time in as many races, with the duo finishing second and third ahead of Halliday, Nahlous, Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha), Jones, Cameron Dunker (MotoGo Yamaha), Stauffer and Allerton. Allerton (190pts) remains fourth in the standings but now has the in-form Pearson (185pts) on his hammer. Dunker is on 175pts.

Race Two Results

  1. Anthony West
  2. Josh Waters (+0.262)
  3. Broc Pearson (+0.263)
  4. Cru Halliday (+1.141)
  5. Jonathan Nahlous (+1.213)

Championship Points

  1. Josh Waters – 306 Points
  2. Mike Jones – 237 Points
  3. Anthony West – 234 Points
  4. Glenn Allerton – 190 Points
  5. Broc Pearson – 185 Points

Kawasaki Supersport and Supersport Next Gen

There was a massive power shift in Kawasaki Supersport from Saturday to Sunday. After Archie McDonald’s sensational record-breaking performance in qualifying on the Stop and Seal Yamaha – and bike geometry woes for teammate and championship leader Jack Mahaffy – the prevailing view was “how far” for the Albury dasher in Sunday’s two 10-lap races.

But Mother Nature doesn’t always follow the script, with the first spots of rain appearing at the start of race one with riders on slicks.

Front row starter Jake Farnsworth (Yamaha) immediately sensed his opportunity, bolting from the start in an all-the-way triumph. It was his first victory in the category, and he was understandably elated: “I knew I had to get to the front and build into the race. It’s been so much hard work to get here, so this one’s special.”

Olly Simpson (BCperformance Kawasaki) was second ahead of Mahaffy and McDonald, who adopted a more cautious approach at the start before finding some late speed. Tom Bramich (Yamaha) and Hayden Nelson (BCperformance Kawasaki) were fifth and sixth, while Tom Toparis (Stop and Seal Ducati) was the first Supersport Next Gen rider ahead of Luca Durning (DesmoSport Ducati #21) – a feat he would replicate in race two.

The second outing saw riders on wet tyres on a drying track, making tyre management critical. Toparis and Simpson immediately settled into a nice rhythm, and were 1-2 across the finish line ahead of Nelson, Farnsworth, McDonald, Mahaffy and Mitch Simpson (Yamaha #66).

Simpson (199pts) is now second in the standings, moving past McDonald (195pts), while Mahaffy (220pts) still leads. Nelson (165pts), Bramich (155pts) and Farnsworth (147pts) fill positions 4-6.

Round Results

  1. Olly Simpson – 45 Points
  2. Jake Farnsworth – 43 Points
  3. Hayden Nelson – 35 Points
  4. Archie Mcdonald – 35 Points
  5. Jack Mahaffy – 34 Points

Championship Points

  1. Jack Mahaffy – 220 Points
  2. Olly Simpson – 199 Points
  3. Archie Mcdonald – 195 Points
  4. Hayden Nelson – 165 Points
  5. Tom Bramich – 155 Points

Race and Road Supersport 300

Three very different scenarios for the Race and Road Supersport 300 field, with race one held on a wet track, race two in drying conditions and race three on dry asphalt.

Through it all, championship leader Scott Nicholson (Kawasaki) showed the most composure with a 2-1-3 scorecard to claim the overall from Tyler King (Kawasaki, 1-15-2 #128), Jordy Simpson (Yamaha, 4-9-5), Tara Morrison (Kawasaki, 3-DNF-1) and Phoenix O’Brien (Yamaha, 5-2-14 #85).

Meanwhile, surprise polesitter Ghage Plowman (Yamaha) elected to sit out the races, instead focussing on his BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup commitments.

Attrition was its highest in race one, with 17 riders going down – including Morrison and three others on the sighting lap. The first attempt at the race was red-flagged after Riley Nauta (Kawasaki #42) crashed at turn six and required medical assistance. He was okay, and returned for the balance of the program.

With an imposing lead of 67pts over Morrison (292 to 225), it’s now Nicholson’s championship to lose. Simpson (208pts), Jake Paige (Kawasaki, 190pts #55), King (190pts) and Hudson Thompson (Yamaha, 186pts #41) are next, with Simpson making the biggest inroads at Phillip Island – up from fifth to third.

Championship Points

  1. Scott Nicholson – 292 Points
  2. Tara Morrison – 225 Points
  3. Jordy Simpson – 208 Points
  4. Jake Paige – 190 Points
  5. Tyler King – 190 Points

BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup

The 2025 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) redefined the meaning of close racing when round four was held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on September 6-7.

It was mesmerising from start to finish, kicked off in spectacular fashion when 20 riders and their striking Yamaha YZF-R15s flashed across the line separated by just 1.648 seconds in race one. Xavier Curmi came out of the Saturday rolling scrum with the biggest smile before New Zealand wildcard Lucas Hyslop (#31) and Callum Campbell (#26) won the two races on Sunday. With slipstreaming a key battlefront at Phillip Island, it was nigh on impossible for riders to break free, which placed an extra premium on racecraft and again emphasised why the class is the perfect launching pad to begin circuit racing.

Campbell (11-2-1) and Curmi (1-5-7) finished on equal top-scoring points at Phillip Island, with the former awarded the overall courtesy of a higher finishing position in race three.

Hunter Charlett (4-6-2 #73) was third overall, which helped him move up from fifth to fourth in the championship on 176pts. At the front, Connor Lewis (222pts #77) is the new leader in the official Australian Junior Road Race Championship class over Chaz Williams (213pts) and Curmi (179pts).

The weekend started well for Williams – who had led the OJC standings from race one at Sydney Motorsport Park – when he was second in race one after starting from the front row of the grid, before he went down within sight of the finish line in race two. That saw Lewis take over the championship lead, which he extended to 9pts in race three when he finished third and Williams was sixth. But with two rounds and six races still remaining, the 2025 OJC battle is still exceptionally wide open.

The penultimate round will be held at One Raceway from October 3-5, alongside the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul.

Championship Points

  1. Connor Lewis – 222 Points
  2. Chaz Williams – 213 Points
  3. Xavi Curmi – 179 Points
  4. Hunter Charlett – 176 Points
  5. Rossi McAdam – 169 Points

Meanwhile, expressions of interest are now open for riders aged between 11 and 16 to join the OJC grid in 2026. The OJC is officially part of the global Road to MotoGP program and supported by the FIM and FIM Oceania with dedicated coaching, rider training, media and PR development and a host of high-performance training programs.

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here…

 

MotoGP Round 14 2025 Report | Masterful Marquez extends unbeaten run

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MotoGP Round 14 2025 Report | Masterful Marquez extends unbeaten run | The #93 delivered another double as KTM and Aprilia tasted podium success in Hungary at the first ever MotoGP race at the tight and twisty Balaton Park International Circuit… Report: MotoGP/Ed Stratmann

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

0.006s was the gap splitting Friday pacesetter Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37) and Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team #93) after an intriguing opening day of action at Balaton Park, as Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) closed out the top three in Practice at the Michelin Grand Prix of Hungary.

Read our previous MotoGP articles here…

 

The first ever MotoGP qualifying session at Balaton Park threw up some drama and surprises, as the grid was set to stage two intriguing showdowns. Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) started from the front with a new lap record, while his closest challenger to that point, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory), crashed out.

Moto2

Day 1 was in the history books as the field hit Balaton in Hungary for the first hurdle of the weekend: getting into Q2 directly from Friday afternoon Practice. Heading the charge, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10) began his weekend off strongly and aimed to cut more points out of his deficit in the standings.

Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) then headed the grid in Hungary as the Brazilian’s impressive form rolled on, taking pole by just 0.050 ahead of Zonta van den Goorbergh (RW – Idrofoglia Racing GP #84). Points leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) completed the front row, pipping Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #96) by just 0.001.

Moto3

A 1:46.448 saw Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28) clinch Friday’s Moto3 honours at Balaton Park, and the rookie topped the standings by some margin too. 0.297s was the gap back to second place Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #73), while Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP #94) made it a rookie 1-2-3 in Hungary.

A tense tussle for pole position eventually saw Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) bank pole at Balaton Park, denying Austria polesitter Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) and last week’s winner Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36) as they joined him on the front row.

Full practice and qualifying results, click here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) continued his dominant 2025 Sprint form, taking his 13th win in 14 rounds with a commanding performance in Hungary. The #93 avoided Turn 1 chaos and never looked back, finishing two seconds ahead of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing), with teammate Franco Morbidelli completing the podium.

Starting from pole, Marquez launched cleanly into the lead. Behind him, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha #20) misjudged the Turn 1 braking zone and collided with Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #23). Quartararo crashed out, while Bastianini stayed upright but dropped to P18. The incident also compromised Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72), who slipped into the lower top 10.

Later on Lap 1, Bastianini attempted an ambitious move on Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR #5) at Turn 9, causing both to crash out. Post-race penalties followed: Quartararo received a Long Lap for his first offence and Bastianini was given a double Long Lap for his second.

Up front, Di Giannantonio held second, 1.1s off Marquez by Lap 5, with Morbidelli just over a second behind. Luca Marini (Honda HRC #10) was fourth, ahead of Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini #54) and Joan Mir (#36).

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM) crashed out on Lap 6 at Turn 11 while battling Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing #1) for P10, ending a tough Saturday for the Friday pacesetter.

In the end, Marquez remained unchallenged to extend his Sprint dominance, with the VR46 pair securing strong finishes behind him at Balaton Park.

“I heard somebody super-close in the first corner, but from that point I tried to find my rhythm, and the first lap I was riding already in a very good way,” Marc Marquez explained. “I tried to keep a constant pace, and I saw that was enough to open a gap.”

Tissot Sprint Race Results

  1. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo
  2. Fabio Di Giannantonio Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+2.095s)
  3. Franco Morbidelli Pertamina VR46 Ducati (+3.595s)
  4. Luca Marini Honda HRC Castrol (+4.890s)
  5. Fermin Aldeguer BK8 Gresini Ducati (+5.692s)

Sunday
MotoGP

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) kept up his flawless 2025 season with a seventh consecutive Grand Prix win at the Michelin Grand Prix of Hungary, extending his unbeaten run with a dominant 4.3s victory over Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) completed the podium after leading early on.

Drama unfolded before lights out as Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46) was forced to start from pit lane due to a technical issue. At Turn 2 on Lap 1, Marquez and Bezzecchi made contact after the #93 ran wide at Turn 1. Bezzecchi led from Franco Morbidelli (VR46), with Marquez settling into P3. Enea Bastianini and Alex Marquez both fell on Lap 1, while further incidents took out Raul Fernandez and Joan Mir shortly after.

By Lap 5, Marquez had passed Morbidelli and began reeling in Bezzecchi with consecutive fastest laps. Acosta also moved into P3, closing in. After two failed attempts, Marquez finally passed Bezzecchi at Turn 1 on Lap 11 and began pulling away.

A key moment came on Lap 16 when Bezzecchi ran wide at Turn 15, allowing Acosta to slip through for second. Marquez, now clear, delivered a 1:37.843 to shut the door on any late charge.

Behind the podium trio, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) stormed to P4 from P16 on the grid – his best Aprilia finish to date – passing Morbidelli late on.

Marquez’s win at Balaton Park marked his 22nd career victory at a different circuit and moved him 175 points clear in the standings, edging closer to a seventh MotoGP crown.

Acosta grabbed his second podium in three races, while Bezzecchi maintained his excellent run with a fourth podium in five Grands Prix.

“I was patient those first laps, but then when I saw that the soft rear tyre started to drop, with the medium [rear tyre] I started to attack, and then I had a super nice rhythm. I was flowing on the track,” insisted Marc Marquez.

MotoGP Race Results

  1. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo
  2. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+4.314s)
  3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing (+7.488s)
  4. Jorge Martin Aprilia Racing (+11.069s)
  5. Luca Marini Honda HRC Castrol (+11.904s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

  1. Marc Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati – 455
  2. Alex Marquez Ducati Lenovo – 280
  3. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 228
  4. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 197
  5. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM – 164

Moto2

David Alonso (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team #80) became the first Colombian to win a Moto2 race, storming to a sensational victory at the Michelin Grand Prix of Hungary. The rookie’s late-race charge saw him beat title rivals Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10) and Manuel Gonzalez (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP #18) in a dramatic final-lap shootout. Moreira’s P2 also marked the first-ever South American 1-2 finish in Moto2.

Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #96) led early after a bold move at Turn 2, as chaos behind saw Celestino Vietti (#13), Darryn Binder (#15), Yuki Kunii (#92) and Unai Orradre (#19) crash out. Moreira took the lead on Lap 4, with Gonzalez and Dixon close behind, while Alonso climbed from eighth, setting fastest laps as he hunted the leaders.

Gonzalez passed Dixon on Lap 6 to chase Moreira and, after shadowing the Brazilian, struck on Lap 15 at Turn 5. But Alonso, the reigning Moto3 Champion, was now the fastest rider on track, charging past Dixon and Veijer (Red Bull KTM Ajo #95) into the podium fight.

With three laps to go, Alonso was just 0.3s faster per lap than the leaders. He passed Moreira for P2 on the penultimate lap and lined up Gonzalez on the final tour. At Turn 9, he made the decisive move. Gonzalez, trying to respond, lost drive and was also passed by Moreira.

Despite running wide at Turn 15, Alonso defended into the final corner to seal his first Moto2 win. Moreira held onto second after a clash with Gonzalez at the flag. Dixon finished a close fourth, under a second off victory.

Alonso becomes the first rookie winner since Pedro Acosta, as the title fight heads to Barcelona.

Moto2 Race Results

  1. David Alonso CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team
  2. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team (+0.174s)
  3. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.305s)
  4. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing (+0.876s)
  5. Collin Veijer Red Bull KTM Ajo (+1.344s)

Moto2 Championship Points

  1. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 204
  2. Aron Canet Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 179
  3. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team – 173
  4. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 147
  5. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing – 132

Moto3

Moto3 delivered a classic at the Michelin Grand Prix of Hungary as Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28) edged out Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #73) by just 0.018s in a breathtaking last-lap battle. David Munoz (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP #64) claimed third after fending off Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36) and Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo #99).

Polesitter Quiles led early but was passed by Perrone on Lap 3 after a small mistake. The Spaniard quickly struck back at Turn 9, and their duel allowed Munoz to close in. The #64 took second on Lap 4 and briefly led the chase.

Further back, Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power #19) crashed on Lap 6 at Turn 15, forcing Ryusei Yamanaka (#6) and Marcos Uriarte (LEVELUP-MTA #89) off track. At halfway, Quiles led again, ahead of Piqueras, Perrone and Munoz, with Guido Pini (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP #93) in fifth. However, a mistake from Quiles at the end of Lap 10 dropped him to P4, and Perrone moved to the front.

With five laps to go, Munoz was second and Quiles had climbed to third. Rueda bridged the gap to join the lead group in P5, while Pini crashed out of sixth at Turn 11. Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia #72) also fell from P8 at Turn 1.

The final lap was a thriller. Quiles passed Perrone at Turn 5, but the Argentine came back strong in the final sector. They banged elbows in the final corner, but Quiles narrowly won. Perrone secured a career-best P2, and Munoz extended his podium streak to five. Piqueras took P4, closing slightly on title leader Rueda, who finished fifth.

Moto3 Race Results

  1. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team
  2. Valentin Perrone Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+0.018s)
  3. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.858s)
  4. Angel Piqueras FRINSA -MT Helmets – MSI (+0.952s)
  5. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo (+1.362s)

Moto3 Championship Points

  1. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo – 250
  2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA – MT Helmets – 181
  3. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 164
  4. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 155
  5. Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo – 146

MotoE

Pole position and a double victory signalled a perfect weekend at Balaton Park for Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team #40), and it means he now leads the championship ahead of a date with Barcelona. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Dynavolt Intact GP #7), Eric Granado (LCR E-Team #51), Nicholas Spinelli (Rivacold Snipers Team MotoE #29) and Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE #11) were able to stand on the podium.

MotoE Race 1 Results

  1. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team
  2. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.106s)
  3. Eric Granado LCR E-Team (+0.790s)
  4. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE (+1.543s)
  5. Alessandro Zaccone Aruba Cloud MotoE Team (+2.289s)

MotoE Race 2 Results

  1. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team
  2. Nicholas Spinelli Rivacold Snipers Team MotoE (+0.554s)
  3. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE (+1.443s)
  4. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP (+1.932s)
  5. Hector Garzo Dynavolt Intact GP (+2.151s)

MotoE Championship Points

  1. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team – 116
  2. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP – 102
  3. Andrea Mantovani KLINT Forward Factory Team – 101
  4. Alessandro Zaccone Aruba Cloud MotoE Team – 101
  5. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE – 94

How Did the Aussies Do?

After securing 12th in the Sprint on a track where overtaking was difficult, Jack Miller (#43) made a brilliant start but frustratingly crashed out of the race.

While it wasn’t the weekend Joel Kelso (#66) had hoped for in Hungary, the Australian rider showed plenty of fight to claw his way back from P14 on the grid to a respectable eighth.

Jacob Roulstone (#12) continued his solid progress in Moto3 with a P10 finish in Sunday’s race in Hungary, following a positive P7 in qualifying. Although this was an admirable outcome, the Aussie knows he could have done better if he’d managed his tyres better.

 

MotoGP Round 13 2025 report | Red Bull Ring redemption for Marquez

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At Red Bull Ring Marc Marquez doubled up for the sixth weekend in a row as Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #54) and Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing #72) claimed Austrian GP podiums. It was an exciting round yet again. Report: MotoGP/Ed Stratmann

Friday Practice and Saturday Qualifying
MotoGP

Practice honours post summer break went the way of title race leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) after the #93’s 1:28.117 was enough to finish 0.228s ahead of second-fastest Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing #37).

Read our previous MotoGP articles here…

Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) went from Q1 to pole position in qualifying, taking his first pole with Aprilia and first since the 2023 Indian GP.

Moto2

It was a championship standings 1-2 as Friday concluded for Moto2 in Austria. Points leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP #18) clinched top honours with a new lap record, but he was just 0.013s ahead of the opposition led by second in the standings Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego #44).

Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) set a scintillating pace in Moto2 Q2 to clinch pole position. However, after being handed a three-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race, it was second-place Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team #27) who would launch from P1, with Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team #10) and former Spielberg winner Celestino Vietti (Sync SpeedRS Team #13) alongside.

Moto3

It was a classy Friday at the office for Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI #36) after the Spaniard topped Moto3 Practice with a 1:39.918 – a new all-time lap record for the class at the Red Bull Ring.

Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3 #73) took pole position in Austria, making it the first for Argentina since 2021 and his first ever in Moto3. Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) had been staking his claim on the win throughout the weekend but was forced to settle for second, ahead of teammate Ryusei Yamanaka (#6).

Full practice and qualifying results, click here…

Saturday
Tissot Sprint

The unbeaten run continues. Championship leader Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) was made to work for it from the second row, but, in the end, the #93 beat Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP #73) to Tissot Sprint glory by just over a second. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) bagged a third straight top three after coming from Row 3 to P3 in KTM’s backyard, as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team #63) endured a torrid Saturday afternoon.

Off the line, it was an absolute disaster for both Bagnaia and Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) as both lit up the rear tyre big time, costing the riders in P3 and P6 a colossal chunk of time. Alex Marquez, meanwhile, grabbed the Sprint lead ahead of Marc Marquez, with Acosta passing Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) for P2 at the beginning of Lap 2 at the same place where, on the opening lap, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing #1) was forced to run wide. That saw the reigning Champion drop to P15, one place behind Pecco.

Then, a change at the front. The #93 got a great run out of Turn 2B and made a move stick at Turn 3 with five laps to go, so could the #73 do anything in response? The answer with three laps to go was a firm no. Marc Marquez grew his advantage to 0.7s, but the red corner did have a track limits warning.

But, as expected, no mistakes came from Marc Marquez as he extended his incredible winning run to 11 on the spin in 2025. Alex Marquez crossed the line in P2, 1.9s ahead of Acosta, who kept Bezzecchi at bay.

“I saw immediately that it was difficult to be close to Alex, but then I decided to wait a bit. When the tyres started to drop [grip], it’s when I felt better and I started to push.”

Tissot Sprint Race Results

  1. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo
  2. Alex Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati (+1.180s)
  3. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+3.126s)
  4. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing (+4.032s)
  5. Brad Binder Red Bull KTM (+4.782s)

Sunday
MotoGP

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) finally conquered the Red Bull Ring, clinching a vital win in MotoGP’s 1000th Grand Prix and extending his championship lead with a full 25-point haul.

After a poor Sprint start, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) launched well in the main race, briefly challenging Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) for the holeshot. However, it was Bezzecchi who led early, fending off a hard-charging Marquez. The reigning champion soon made a move stick on Bagnaia at Turn 3 to take P2.

Bezzecchi set a strong early pace, but Marquez steadily reeled him in. By Lap 8, the gap was down to just 0.2s. On Lap 18, the lead battle intensified as Marquez attacked at Turn 3 and took the lead on Lap 20 with a move at Turn 1. Bezzecchi briefly retook the lead but couldn’t hold off Marquez’s second strike.

Meanwhile, rookie sensation Fermin Aldeguer was flying. After muscling past Acosta and Bagnaia, he became Marquez’s closest challenger, slicing the gap with stunning pace – setting the fastest lap on Lap 22. By Lap 24, he was into P2 and just 0.9s behind.

Marquez, however, kept his composure. With two laps remaining, he controlled the gap and held firm to claim his first-ever win at the Red Bull Ring. Aldeguer impressed with P2, while Bezzecchi secured back-to-back podiums for the first time since 2023.

It was Marquez’s sixth win in as many races, another statement in his title charge, and a significant milestone victory in the sport’s history.

“Super happy to finally take the first victory here in Austria,” Marquez explained. “We found a good setup, especially with the used tyres as we saw with Bezzecchi – in the first part he was strong, but I just waited. I tried in the beginning, but it was too risky. I preferred to wait and then attack at the end.”

MotoGP Race Results

  1. Marc Marquez Ducati Lenovo
  2. Fermin Aldeguer BK8 Gresini Ducati (+1.118s)
  3. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing (+3.426s)
  4. Pedro Acosta Red Bull KTM (+6.864s)
  5. Enea Bastianini Red Bull KTM Tech3 (+8.731s)

Check out the full MotoGP race results here…

MotoGP Championship Points

  1. Marc Marquez BK8 Gresini Ducati – 418
  2. Alex Marquez Ducati Lenovo – 276
  3. Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Lenovo – 221
  4. Marco Bezzecchi Aprilia Racing – 178
  5. Franco Morbidelli Pertamina VR46 Ducati – 144

Moto2

After a tough run of form before the summer break, Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team) returned to winning ways with a flawless ride at the Red Bull Ring, collecting 25 crucial points in a dramatic Moto2 race. Championship leader Manuel Gonzalez (Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP) suffered a costly DNF due to a radiator issue, dealing a major blow to his title hopes.

Rookie Daniel Holgado (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) started from pole and led early, claiming his first Moto2 podium with a strong second place. Celestino Vietti (Sync SpeedRS Team) rounded out the podium in third, despite a Long Lap penalty for track limits.

Early chaos saw Jake Dixon (#96) and Joe Roberts (#16) run wide at Turn 2A, before Senna Agius (#81) crashed heavily at Turn 2B – thankfully walking away uninjured. Aron Canet had a scare on Lap 2, while Gonzalez’s race unravelled soon after. A suspected mechanical issue dropped him 10 positions before briefly recovering, only to retire two laps later. A post-race check revealed a stone had pierced his radiator – a brutal twist for the title contender.

At the front, Moreira controlled the race while Holgado and Vietti battled behind. David Alonso (#80) joined the fight and passed Vietti for third with nine laps to go, but Vietti hit back. Their scrap allowed Moreira and Holgado to pull away, and with seven laps remaining, Vietti was handed a Long Lap penalty.

That appeared to set up a three-way fight for the win, but more drama followed. Alonso crashed at Turn 9 with five laps to go, ending his podium hopes and promoting Vietti back into third.

Moreira’s composed ride earned him a vital victory, Holgado impressed with P2 and Vietti salvaged a hard-fought podium.

Moto2 Race Results

  1. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team
  2. Daniel Holgado CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team (+2.375s)
  3. Celestino Vietti Sync SpeedRS (+5.375s)
  4. Albert Arenas Italjet Gresini Moto2 (+5.817s)
  5. Tony Arbolino BLU CRU PramacYamaha Moto2 (+6.448s)

Moto2 Championship Points

  1. Manuel Gonzalez Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 188
  2. Aron Canet Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 169
  3. Diogo Moreira Italtrans Racing Team – 153
  4. Barry Baltus Fantic Racing LINO SONEGO – 143
  5. Jake Dixon Elf Marc VDS Racing – 119

Moto3

Angel Piqueras (FRINSA – MT Helmets – MSI) emerged victorious from a thrilling six-rider battle at the Red Bull Ring, banking his first win since Lusail and leading a 1-2 for his team with teammate Ryusei Yamanaka finishing second.

Piqueras grabbed the holeshot ahead of polesitter Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3), but it was Maximo Quiles (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team #28) who soon took over at the front. By a third race distance, a lead group of four – Yamanaka, Quiles, Piqueras and Perrone – broke clear from the chasing pack.

Yamanaka led briefly before Quiles reclaimed the top spot on Lap 10. Perrone, eyeing Argentina’s first Moto3 win in 20 years, climbed back into podium contention on Lap 13. Behind them, Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing #31) and Championship leader Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo #99) tried to close the gap.

With six laps to go, Fernandez closed to under a second but later dropped to seventh after an error. Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia #72) and David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports #64) then joined the leaders to set up a dramatic finale.

On the final lap, chaos unfolded. Muñoz charged from 14th to P2, barging past multiple riders. Quiles and Perrone were forced wide, dropping to fifth and sixth. At the front, Piqueras held firm under immense pressure. Yamanaka surged into second at Turn 9, with Muñoz grabbing third in the final corners.

It was a stunning finish: Piqueras took the win, Yamanaka made it a dream 1-2 for MT Helmets – MSI and Muñoz completed the podium. Quiles salvaged fourth, with Rueda rounding out the top five in a hard-fought battle that saw the championship leader maintain consistency in the title race.

Moto3 Race Results

  1. Angel Piqueras FRINSA -MT Helmets – MSI
  2. Ryusei Yamanaka FRINSA -MT Helmets – MSI (+0.096s)
  3. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.171s)
  4. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team (+0.250s)
  5. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo (+0.541s)

Moto3 Championship Points

  1. Jose Antonio Rueda Red Bull KTM Ajo – 239
  2. Angel Piqueras FRINSA – MT Helmets – 168
  3. David Munoz Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP – 139
  4. Maximo Quiles CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team – 139
  5. Alvaro Carpe Red Bull KTM Ajo – 139

MotoE

Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE #11) bagged a double victory at the Red Bull Ring to complete the perfect weekend following his Friday pole position, as reigning World Champion Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP #1) earned two podiums. Elsewhere, Eric Granado (LCR E-Team #51) and teammate Mattia Casadei (#40) pocketed one podium each as we look forward to more great racing in Hungary.

MotoE Race 1 Results

  1. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE
  2. Hector Garzo Dynavolt Intact GP (+1.184s)
  3. Eric Granado LCR E-Team (+1.235s)
  4. Oscar Gutierrez MSI Racing Team (+1.485s)
  5. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP (+1.969s)

MotoE Race 2 Results

  1. Matteo Ferrari Felo Gresini MotoE
  2. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team (+0.141s)
  3. Hector Garzo Dynavolt Intact GP (+0.506s)
  4. Tibor Erik Varga Rivacold Snipers Team MotoE (+0.574s)
  5. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP (+1.148s)

MotoE Championship Points

  1. Andrea Mantovani KLINT Forward Factory Team – 88
  2. Alessandro Zaccone Aruba Cloud MotoE Team – 80
  3. Lorenzo Baldassarri Dynavolt Intact GP – 67
  4. Jordi Torres Power Electronics Aspar Team – 69
  5. Mattia Casadei LCR E-Team – 66

How Did the Aussies Do?

After an underwhelming 17th in the sprint, where he battled severe spinning, Jack Miller (#43) suffered the same fate in the main race, limping home in 18th to round out a forgettable weekend.

Kicking off his weekend with a handy P5 in FP2 and a sixth in qualifying, things were looking good that Senna Agius would enjoy a quality race. But sadly it wasn’t to be, for a brutal crash, which even saw him get run over, at Turn 2 with Ivan Ortola (#4) and Alonso López (#21) ended his day. Fortunately, he escaped without serious injury. Although scans at the Red Bull Ring came back clear, he was transferred to Judenburg Hospital for precautionary checks and is scheduled for further tests in Barcelona on Monday.

Back from injury, Joel Kelso (#66) claimed 10th on the grid and delivered a commendable 12th in the race. He leaves determined to build on this ahead of the next round in Hungary.

Jacob Roulstone (#12) qualified a solid P12, but the race proved challenging, as grip issues held him back, thus meaning 14th was the best he could manage.

 

 

MotoGP Round 13 Red Bull Ring 2025 Gallery

Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM Pricing & Availability | Review Video

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Suzuki Australia has officially announced pricing for the all-new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM, with the first Australian shipment expected to land in December 2025. The DR-Z4S will be priced at $14,490 ride-away, while the DR-Z4SM comes in at $14,990 ride-away.

Demand has been huge, with Suzuki confirming more than 1,300 online expressions of interest already lodged since the models were first teased. To manage the rush, Suzuki is launching a priority pre-order process designed to reward early fans who registered their interest online.

Customers who completed the “Register Your Interest” form will receive an email from Suzuki on August 12 inviting them to contact their preferred dealer to arrange pre-order contracts. Dealers and customers have until August 29 to lock in as many confirmed pre-orders as possible. The initial December shipment will then be allocated in the order registrations were received.

From September 1, orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, matched to the earliest registration dates until stock is exhausted.

Both models will be offered in two colours:
DR-Z4S – Champion Yellow No.2 / Solid Special White No.2, or Solid Iron Grey.
DR-Z4SM – Solid Special White No.2, or Sky Grey.

Suzuki will also offer a range of Genuine Accessories for both bikes, including knuckle covers, brake disc covers, axle sliders, a rear carrier, aluminium skid plate, and a low seat.

Check out our video review from the World Launch… 

For more information, customers can contact their local Suzuki dealer or visit www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au.

Book Your Winter & Spring SMSP Ride Days ASAP!

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Get on Track at Sydney Motorsport Park – Final Winter & First Spring Ride Days Announced | Now’s the time to shake off the winter blues and gear up for some track time, with the final winter SMSP Ride Days coming up fast, followed by the first spring sessions just around the corner.

It was great to be back on track this year and the BMW M 1000 RR was a highlight.
It was great to be back on track this year for our Editor, Jeff, and the BMW M 1000 RR was a highlight for him at the MEGA 30th Birthday Celebrations day held at a SMSP Ride Days event recently…

We’ve been doing our track testing at Sydney Motorsport Park or SMSP Ride Days for decades. In fact, our Editor has been a regular at SMSP since the early 2000s – testing bikes back in the Rapid Bikes days, and even earlier as a young journo at Two Wheels and Streetbike magazines! These ride days are a well-run, safe and seriously fun way to get that speed fix – without breaking the law.

Jeff had loads of fun on the ZX-6R 636 KRT edition at a recent Sydney Motorsports Park Ride Day, comfortably lapping in the 1:43s on the Bridgestone S22 rubber and stock settings. A great little bike and comfy to ride home!

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, scrub in a fresh set of tyres, or just enjoy your bike in its natural environment – SMSP Ride Days are the perfect way to do it. With expert control riders, a familiar format, and the chance to ride one of Australia’s premier race circuits, it’s no surprise these events are so popular among street and track riders alike.

If you need a bike or gear, you can always hire one of the MEGA BMW track fleet bikes, and a full set of track gear, plus you can purchase tyres and have them fitted at the track on the day!

Check out our SMSP Ride Days features here… and 30 Years of MEGA BMW test here…

Final Winter Ride Days:
Thursday, 21st August 2025 – $305 (Weekday)
Friday, 22nd August 2025 – $305 (Weekday)
First Spring Ride Days/Nights:
Friday, 12th September 2025 – $305 (Weekday)
Friday, 19th September 2025 – $249 (Weeknight)

October Ride Days:
Saturday, 4th October 2025 – $355 (Weekend)
Sunday, 5th October 2025 – $355 (Weekend)
Monday, 6th October 2025 (Labour Day) – $355 (Public Holiday)
Friday, 31st October 2025 – $305 (Weekday)

To book your spot, simply click on the date of your choice at www.smsprd.com and you’ll be taken directly to the booking page. For more information, contact the Ride Days team on 0490 281 840 during business hours, or email info@ridedays.com.au.

ASBK 2025 Round Five Report | Waters and Jones Dominate

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ASBK 2025 Round Five Report | The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) delivered on every expectation as Josh Waters and Mike Jones went head-to-head at Queensland. Report: ASBK Media/Ed Stratmann Pics: RbMotoLens

Saturday

Josh Waters (#1) opened his day one account at round five of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) with a maiden pole position at Queensland Raceway. The reigning SW-Motech Superbike champion played qualifying to perfection on the McMartin Racing Ducati, laying down the gauntlet early with a searing lap of 1:07.267.

Despite a couple of valiant late attempts by championship rival Mike Jones (Yamaha Racing Team #46, 1:07.380) to dislodge him, and with Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati #14, 1:07.498) also circling, Waters did enough and started from top spot for the third time this season and the 17th in a stunning Superbike career. He also earned himself a bonus championship point for pole position.

Read our previous ASBK Series reports here…

“I’m just so happy to be on pole for the first time at Queensland Raceway,” said Waters. “I was fairly nervous in qualifying, but I managed to use the same set of tyres in both sessions, so I’m in a good position to attack over the weekend. The races won’t be easy, but I’ll be pushing hard as always. Thanks to my team for again preparing a great bike.”

Sunday
Josh Waters and Mike Jones lived up to their star billing at round five of the 2025 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) at Queensland Raceway on August 10, sharing the top spots in the two 15-lap races.

On the same program as the Repco Supercars for the first time in two years, Jones (Yamaha Racing Team) greeted the chequered flag in the opening SW-Motech Superbike race on Sunday – held at a spritely 8:55am – before polesitter Waters (McMartin Racing Ducati) found another gear in the afternoon to turn the tables on his great rival. Thanks to a bonus point for pole position, Waters claimed the overall round five spoils on 46pts, one ahead of Jones (45pts), with Glenn Allerton (Superbike Advocates Racing Ducati, 35pts) in third after his 4-3 scorecard.

“Thanks to my team for preparing a great motorcycle,” said Waters. “In race one I was quite tight, so more thanks goes to my cousin (and Supercars driver) Cam (Waters) for organising a physio in between races. The team also told me to believe in myself ahead of race two, but the pace in that one was so fast – Mike just wouldn’t give in!”

With three rounds remaining in the 2025 championship, Waters is now 54pts (261 to 207) in front of Jones – and, ominously, the next battle is at Phillip Island on September 6-7, where Waters rarely lowers his colours.

SW-Motech Superbike Race One

Jones is a master at Queensland Raceway, and he proved it again with a brilliant performance in race one to defeat Waters by just over half a second. And, to make his fifth Superbike victory at the circuit even sweeter, he did it the hard way after running wide on lap five and forfeiting second position to Allerton. Three laps later Jones was back in second and, thanks to a race-best 1:07.646 on lap nine, he was swiftly on the tail of Waters. Jones then made his move on lap 12, slicing underneath Waters at turn two.

“That was an awesome race, and I’m a little bit surprised to be up here to be honest,” said Jones. “Josh (Waters) had so much pace in qualifying, but the Yamaha Racing Team just hasn’t stopped trying, so a big thank you to them as well.”

Waters nailed the holeshot from pole position, and the early scramble for positions also saw Harrison Voight (McMartin Racing Ducati #29) as high as second before he retired with an electrical issue. The intense jockeying for real estate eased about half-distance as Jones set out in his ultimately successful pursuit of Waters and the impressive Broc Pearson (DesmoSport Ducati #11) moved into third position.

And that’s the way they would finish, with Allerton fourth from Anthony West (Addicted to Track Yamaha #13), Cameron Dunker (MotoGO Yamaha #3), Jonathan Nahlous (Omega Racing Team Yamaha #20) and Max Stauffer (Yamaha Racing Team #27).

Race One Results

  1. Mike Jones
  2. Josh Waters (+0.674)
  3. Broc Pearson (+1.663)
  4. Glenn Allerton (2.238)
  5. Anthony West (4.079)

SW-Motech Superbike race two

“He does what he does.” Those words were used in today’s Superbike television commentary to describe just how Waters goes about his business: in a consummate, no-fuss, methodical manner. That was the 38-year-old’s modus operandi in race two, as he led from start to finish to bring up his eighth victory in 2025 and the 41st in a glittering Superbike career. Meanwhile, Jones fell back to fourth in the early stages before moving into second on lap three – just before a collision between Voight and Pearson at turn six saw them both go down.

With the bit between his teeth, Jones set another best lap (1:07.299, just shy of the 1:07.265 circuit benchmark) in his pursuit of Waters. He would reduce the gap to about 0.4 seconds, but that was as combative as it got, with Watersholding firm. The final margin was just over one second, while the battle for third was much closer as Allerton was pushed all the way by West. The consistent Dunker was fifth from Nahlous, Stauffer and Jack Favelle (Addicted to Track Yamaha #33).

After another high-points outing, Allerton (161pts) has now bumped himself up to fourth in the standings, ahead of Dunker (150pts), Pearson (147pts), Stauffer (147pts) and Nahlous (142pts).

Supersport Next Gen
In the Supersport Next gen class at Queensland Raceway, Archie McDonald (Yamaha, 2-1 #69) and Tom Toparis(Ducati, 1-2 #7) dominated, with Jack Mahaffy (Yamaha #137) making it a clean sweep for the Stop and Seal team. Luca Durning (DesmoSport Ducati #21) was fourth.

Race Two Results

  1. Josh Waters
  2. Mike Jones (+1.023)
  3. Glenn Allerton (+9,467)
  4. Anthony West (+9.867)
  5. Cameron Dunker (+12.742)

Championship Points

  1. Josh Waters – 261 Points
  2. Mike Jones – 207 Points
  3. Anthony West – 191 Points
  4. Glenn Allerton – 161 Points
  5. Cameron Dunker – 150 Points

All detailed ASBK Championship class results are here…

 

WorldSBK Report Round 8 2025 | Hungarian hat-trick for Razgatlioglu

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WorldSBK Report Round 8 2025 | Hungarian hat-trick for Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team #1) rider claimed a third consecutive hat-trick as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship visited Hungary for the first time in 35 years. Report: WorldSBK/Ed Stratmann

Friday practice
WorldSBK

Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team #14) was the fastest rider on Friday at Balaton Park as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s first day at the new circuit concluded. The British star was one of only two riders to lap in the 1’39 bracket as he beat Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) by more than two tenths in the combined classification on the opening day of the Hungarian Round.

Read our previous WorldSBK reports here…

Fresh from inking a new two-year deal with Yamaha, Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team #87) finished as the fastest rider in blue as he took fifth overall with a 1’40.484s behind Andrea Iannone (#29) and Iker Lecuona (#7).

WorldSSP

For the first time in the Championship’s history, the FIM Supersport World Championship grid took to the Hungarian Round’s new Balaton Park Circuit for their Tissot Superpole session. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse #11) earned a much-needed pole position, as he was followed on the front row by Riders’ Championship second-place rider Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team #61) and Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing #32).

Saturday
WorldSBK

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) claimed his 22nd WorldSBK pole position and the first MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship pole at the Balaton Park Circuit by almost half a second during the Tissot Superpole session. ‘El Turco’ had been quick all weekend and logged an eye-catching 0.477s margin over Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) at the Hungarian Round, with Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha #55) on the front row for the first time in 664 days.

WorldSBK Race 1

MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s 999th race got off to a bumpy start with an early red flag restart. Once the race restarted, the defending Champion was off like a shot for his 13th win of the season. His victory marked his 31st win with BMW, tying Colin Edwards’ career win tally with Honda.

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11) stemmed the #1’s point gain with his sixth-consecutive P2 to clinch his 43rd WorldSBK podium. In P3, Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #19) earned his 119th career rostrum finish.

As the pack funnelled into Turn 2 on the opening lap, seven riders took a spill in a chain reaction of crashes that took place, involving Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven), Petrucci (#9), Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team #5), Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing #17), Iker Lecuona (Honda HRC), Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) and Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team #31).

Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) was handed a double Long Lap Penalty for irresponsible riding by the FIM WorldSBK Stewards for the restarted race. While he was seen back in his box, Vickers did not take part in the restarted race. Gardner and Lecuona were taken to the medical centre following the crash and declared unfit. Lecuona was diagnosed with a left wrist fracture, and Gardner was transported to hospital for further assessment with a back contusion and suspected concussion.

At the second lights out, Razgatlioglu took the holeshot into Turn 1 ahead of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) and Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). Pulling away lap after lap, ‘El Turco’ was already 3.166s ahead of the rest of the grid by Lap 6, steaming ahead for his 70th career win. After Sam Lowes crashed from second place on Lap 7, Bulega inherited P2 to mitigate Toprak’s point gain. After a clinical overtake on Locatelli on Lap 9 at Turn 9, passing the Yamaha rider under braking, Bautista earned his second consecutive podium after tasting the Prosecco in Race 2 at Donington.

Locatelli started the race well, but to his misfortune, Bulega and later Bautista shuffled him aside to relegate the #55 to P4. Petrucci was forced to start at the back of the grid for the restarted race. ‘Petrux’ was unable to exit the pit lane in the one-minute window when it opened ahead of the sighting lap, meaning he joined the rest of the field for the Warm Up lap but started from last. Undeterred, Petrucci cut his way up the timesheet, finishing the contest in P5 – his original starting position.

“For me, the race started out easy, but when I was trying to manage the race in the last laps, I could feel the tyre starting to drop. I could manage it because I had a big gap, and it was overall a good start before the two races tomorrow,”explained Razgatlioglu.

WorldSBK Race 1 Results

  1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
  2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +3.738s
  3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +6.002s
  4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +13.993s
  5. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +16.174s

WorldSSP Race 1

Closing out the opening day of racing action at Balaton Park Circuit’s Hungarian Round, the FIM Supersport World Championship grid took to the lakeside circuit for their first race of the weekend. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing #62) beat out Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) as the pair featured in P1 or P2 for the sixth race in a row. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) finished on the podium in P3 for his sixth podium of the year as he enjoyed a return to form.

Can Oncu was quick as usual at lights out, claiming the holeshot to start the race. Early on, he led the encounter ahead of Bo Bendsneyder, Filippo Farioli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse #77) and Stefano Manzi, who started back in P5. Manzi slowly reeled in the Turkish rider, until striking on Lap 10 to push Oncu down from P1, and quickly carved out a margin of more than a second between him and the #61. The Championship leader would go on to lock down the race win from there.

Oncu finished in P2, complicating his comeback hopes in the Championship picture. Fellow Yamaha and WorldSSP rookie Roberto Garcia (GMT94-YAMAHA #37) looked like he would earn his first WorldSSP podium for most of the encounter, battling well with factory MV Agusta teammates Bo Bendsneyder and Filippo Farioli. However, nearing the end of the race, Bendsneyder got out in front and didn’t let go of the podium position to finish P3.

Garcia was relegated off the podium for P4 by Bendsneyder and was later further demoted to P5 after being given an Irresponsible Riding penalty by FIM WorldSBK Stewards. Farioli finished in P5; however, after Garcia’s penalty, he was bumped up to P4. Simon Jespersen (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team #43) in P6 earned the best result of his 39-race WorldSSP career.

WorldSSP Race 1 Results

  1. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)
  2. Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) +3.834s
  3. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) +5.775s
  4. Filippo Farioli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 8.680s
  5. Roberto Garcia (GMT94-YAMAHA) 9.000s

Sunday
Superpole Race

The 1000th MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship race is in the books, closing out the first millennium of WorldSBK racing action.

The weather threw a spanner in the works, though, as morning rain left damp patches on the track. But Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) rode undeterred, winning his 14th race this season and eighth straight, leading Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) onto the podium. Bautista and Razgatlioglu have now shared the podium 83 times, just two rostrum finishes shy of Rea and Razgatlioglu, who hold the record. Sam Lowes’ P3 finish earned him his third podium for his second in two rounds.

Toprak landed the holeshot from pole position, looking poised to sail away from the rest of the grid, until Sam Lowes and Danilo Petrucci overtook him on Lap 3. As the race dragged into the latter laps, Petrucci sank down the order, falling out of the podium places to P7 with three laps to go.

Razgatlioglu laid down two 1’40s laps late in the contest to seal his second race win of the weekend, the defending Champion claiming the glory of having won Race 800, Race 900 and now Race 1000. Each milestone with a different manufacturer: first Kawasaki, then Yamaha and now BMW for Race 1000.

Sam Lowes’ (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) thunderous pace to start the race held on long enough to land him P2, but his first WorldSBK win continues to elude him. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) found a way through to P3 early in the running, earning him a solitary third-place rostrum finish as he was five seconds behind Lowes and three seconds ahead of Locatelli, who placed P4. Notably, tyre strategy seemed to play an important role in the mixed conditions, with the podium finishers all opting for slick tyres.

Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) followed ‘El Turco’ into the first corner in P2, but strong rides from Sam Lowes and Alvaro Bautista pushed him down to fourth for the 38th time in his career. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) took home P5, tying his best result of the season.

Superpole Race Results

  1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’40.649s
  2. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +2.810s
  3. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +7.251s
  4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) +10.216s
  5. Xavi Vierge (Honda HRC) +10.509s

WorldSBK Race 2

The final curtain was pulled on a historic return to Hungary for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. And Razgatlioglu came out on top, winning his ninth straight race. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took P2, landing Italy’s 499th WorldSBK podium. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) took home the last rostrum spot for his fourth podium in the Championship.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) took the holeshot, leading the race momentarily before Razgatlioglu wrestled the position from him by cutting down the inside of the Spaniard. By the start of the race’s fifth lap, ‘El Turco’ had already accrued a gap of 4.127s, cruising with tranquillity for his second-consecutive hat trick.

Behind him, Lowes and Bautista battled for P2 in the early running, until Bulega, who had worked his way up the grid from his P10 start, slipped past the pair to claim P2 for his own. Lowes and Bautista continued their duel – now fighting for P3 – until Bautista suffered a costly Turn 8 lowside to end his race early.

Finishing in P4, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) pushed hard to try to close the gap with the podium fight in front of him, having to make up time all by his lonesome as with nine laps to go, he had a three-second gap ahead of Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in P5.

“It was an amazing weekend. We started very strong because this is a new track for everyone. I adapted quickly. We did a good job with the team. I’m happy with this,” Razgatlioglu reflected.

WorldSBK Race 2 Results

  1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)
  2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +10.317s
  3. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +13.154s
  4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +18.297s
  5. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) 18.752s

Championship Points

  1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 407 points
  2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 386
  3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) 233
  4. Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) 218
  5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 217

WorldSSP Race 2

For the final race of the inaugural round at Balaton Park Circuit, the FIM Supersport World Championship riders took to the grid for their Race 2.

Oncu took the holeshot ahead of contact between teammates Roberto Garcia (GMT94-YAMAHA) and Lucas Mahias (#94), sending several riders wide. Simon Jespersen (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) overtook him a lap later, leading a race for the first time this season. While he was overtaken later by Oncu and Manzi, the Dane fought back to P2, riding with Manzi with a second behind the pair with six laps to go. Manzi increased his gap slightly lap after lap, finishing the race in first place by nearly two seconds.

Jespersen has much to be proud of, as the Danish rider will leave Hungary with not only his first results within the top 10 but his first WorldSSP podium in P2. Behind that pair, Oncu and Bayliss clashed for P3, with Oncu coming out on top, riding defensively to keep Bayliss off the podium and into P4.

FUN FACT: Jespersen landed Denmark’s first podium since Robbin Harms in 2008 at Philip Island. Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse #53) rode with a sizeable gap both in front and behind him, riding a meditative Race 2 to finish in a strong P5.

WorldSSP Race 2 Results

  1. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing)
  2. Simon Jespersen (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) +1.953s
  3. Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) +4.064s
  4. Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +4.481s
  5. Valentin Debise (Renzi Corse) +6.335s

Championship Points

  1. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 294 points
  2. Can Oncu (Yamaha BLU CRU Evan Bros Team) 235
  3. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) 191
  4. Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) 188
  5. Bo Bendsneyder (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) 172

WorldWCR
WorldWCR Race 1

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship kicked off its fourth round with race action in Hungary. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team #6) found her way around the brand-new Balaton Park Circuit the fastest for her fourth win of the season. Chloe Jones (GR Motorsport #15) landed her second podium in a row after her maiden rostrum finish at her home round last time out at Donington. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha #36) finished in third place for her seventh podium of the season after starting the contest from pole position.

Maria Herrera jumped ahead with the holeshot, leading Neila and Jones, who had a similarly rapid leap off the line from P6. That trio threw caution to the wind and traded overtakes to lead the race for stretches. Sarah Sanchez (#64) had caught up to the lead group by Lap 5, throwing her hat in the ring to make it a four-rider battle. Sanchez made an incisive move through the pack to P1, leading the group until the #6 reasserted herself at the front.

Herrera would go on to run away from the pack, though, winning her 10th race in the category. Chloe Jones benefitted from a final lap error from Neila, cutting past her in the final chicane for her first-ever WorldWCR P2. Neila shuffled down to the last spot on the podium, dropping a total of nine points to Herrera to increase the deficit to 18 points.

WorldWCR Race 1 Results

  1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team)
  2. Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) +1.395s
  3. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.536s
  4. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) +3.575s
  5. Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) +4.275s

WorldWCR Race 2

The Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship took to the track for their final race of the Hungarian Round at Balaton Park Circuit.

Herrera leapt forward from P3 for the holeshot, as Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team #46) and Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno #52) also gained positions. As the race continued, Jones and Neila floated back to the podium battle with Herrera, separated by a margin of around a second from the rest of the group for most of the race. Neila rounded the outside of Herrera to pass her, leaving a window behind her just big enough for Jones to sneak by to shuffle Herrera to P3.

Neila led the race into the final lap, the pair having separated themselves from Herrera, who was behind them. Jones pushed hard, but she lacked the track position to make a move on Neila, landing the #36 her third career WorldWCR Race win. Jones finished in P2, for her third podium in four races. Championship leader Herrera earned her eighth consecutive podium, but her P3 means her title lead was cut down to nine points.

WorldWCR Race 2 Results

  1. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha)
  2. Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) +0.220s
  3. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) +0.862s
  4. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) +4.615s
  5. Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) +4.997s

Championship Points

  1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Racing Team) 172 points
  2. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) 163
  3. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Forward Racing Team) 112
  4. Sara Sanchez (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team) 111
  5. Chloe Jones (GR Motosport) 93

How did the Aussies Do?

Despite qualifying in a solid 11th, Remy Gardner’s weekend sadly came to a premature end after he was caught in a multi-rider incident at Turn 2 in Race 1. The Australian was taken to the medical centre before being transferred to hospital with a back contusion and suspected concussion. While initial scans came back clear, Gardner remained under observation overnight on Saturday and was declared unfit for Sunday’s races.

The #87 was subsequently released from hospital on Sunday and has now flown back to Barcelona to begin his recovery. After qualifying fourth before getting bumped onto his first front-row start due to a penalty for Jaume Masia, Oli Bayliss rode a solid Race 1 to claim eighth.

Then in Race 2, the Aussie really kicked into gear, rapidly moving into P4 in the opening laps. Bayliss held his position until lap eleven before making a decisive move on Can Oncu to launch his pursuit of a maiden podium finish.

What followed was a gripping scrap, as Bayliss and Oncu traded places in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. In the end, though, the young Australian crossed the line in fourth, which was his best-ever result in the World Supersport category.

2026 WorldSBK Calendar Announced: Phillip Island Opens Season Once Again!

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PitBoard
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The provisional 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship calendar has been released, confirming a 12-round season kicking off at Australia’s iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from 20–22 February, always an exciting start to the superbike season for fans. Press: WorldSBK

Phillip Island will once again host the traditional season-opener for both WorldSBK and WorldSSP, with an Official Test scheduled for 16–17 February, just days before racing begins. The calendar sees several key changes in date allocations, with Balaton Park and MotorLand Aragon moving forward in the year, while Italy’s Cremona Circuit shifts to a later September slot.

Read our WorldSBK reports here…

After opening in Australia, the series returns to Europe for Round 2 at Portugal’s spectacular Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (Portimao) from 27–29 March. This round will also mark the racing debut of the all-new WorldSPB class. Next is a return to Assen in The Netherlands on 17–19 April, maintaining its traditional mid-spring slot.

Hungary’s Balaton Park, which joins the calendar for the first time in 2025, has been confirmed for 1–3 May in 2026 – a move forward from its original debut timing. Two weeks later, Czechia’s Autodrom Most takes its place on 15–17 May, followed by MotorLand Aragon on 29–31 May at the halfway mark of the season. Italy’s Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” plays host to Round 7 from 12–14 June, before the UK’s Donington Park welcomes the paddock on 10–12 July to close out the pre-summer break schedule.

Following the traditional summer pause, racing resumes in France at Magny-Cours on 4–6 September, a popular venue known for close racing and unpredictable weather. Two weeks later, WorldSBK makes its third visit to the Cremona Circuit from 25–27 September – a venue rapidly growing in significance on the calendar. The final two rounds return to Portugal and Spain. Estoril hosts the penultimate event from 9–11 October, and the 2026 season is currently set to conclude at the Circuit de Jerez – Angel Nieto on 16–18 October, pending final contract confirmation.

2026 WorldSBK Provisional Calendar:
20–22 February: Phillip Island GP Circuit, Australia
27–29 March: Portimao, Portugal
17–19 April: Assen, Netherlands
1–3 May: Balaton Park, Hungary
15–17 May: Autodrom Most, Czechia
29–31 May: MotorLand Aragon, Spain
12–14 June: Misano, Italy
10–12 July: Donington Park, UK
4–6 September: Magny-Cours, France
25–27 September: Cremona Circuit, Italy
9–11 October: Estoril, Portugal
16–18 October: Jerez*, Spain (subject to contract)

Stay tuned to PitBoard for full 2026 rider and team announcements as the new season approaches.

 

 

2025 GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary Edition | Info & Gallery

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PitBoard
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Suzuki is celebrating 40 years of GSX-R heritage with the release of a special edition 2025 GSX-R1000R, marking four decades of performance, technology and racing success. The video dropped globally at 5pm, and was followed by the release from Suzuki Australia. 

The new GSX-R features carbon-fibre MotoGP style winglets, a Euro5 motor and revised electronics, styling and chassis.
The new GSX-R1000R features carbon-fibre MotoGP style winglets, a Euro5 motor and revised electronics, styling and chassis, we will publish a full tech feature tomorrow.

First launched in 2001, the GSX-R1000 has built a global reputation for its relentless speed, reliability and handling, claiming 15 FIM Endurance World Championship titles and becoming a firm favourite among racers and road riders alike. Now, for 2025, Suzuki commemorates that legacy with a modernised model featuring updated emissions compliance, refined electronics, and three stunning anniversary liveries.

The three stunning liveries of the 40th Anniversary edition GSX-R1000R on show. We can’t go past blue and white.

Meeting Euro 5+ regulations without sacrificing performance, the updated GSX-R1000R is as capable on the street as it is on the racetrack. It retains the core GSX-R philosophy: “Designed to Perform, Built to Thrill.” Riders can expect the same aggressive character and razor-sharp handling that has defined the nameplate for four decades.

Being able to meet Euro5 without losing too much peak horsepower is a huge achievement by Suzuki.

Suzuki engineers faced the dual challenge of maintaining performance while meeting modern emissions and noise standards. Thanks to detailed internal revisions and advanced tuning, the 2025 GSX-R1000R remains true to its roots – a pure sportbike built for speed, precision and control.

The model is massive news in Europe, where some countries had banned the GSX-R1000 from the roads for a few years now due to emissions.

The new GSX-R1000R comes in three striking 40th Anniversary colour schemes, inspired by iconic liveries from the model’s rich racing past. Each special edition features exclusive 40th Anniversary graphics on the fuel tank, fairings, muffler, seat and even the key, giving fans a genuine collector’s piece with everyday usability.

Although it remains fundamentally built around the 2017 model, the new Gixer is very heavily updated.

Performance remains a top priority, with revised electronics enhancing control and rider confidence. Optimised for both the road and the racetrack, the GSX-R1000R delivers the perfect balance of power, braking and cornering performance – a combination that has seen the GSX-R remain a competitive force in world endurance and superbike racing for over 20 years.

With this anniversary model, Suzuki not only honours the legacy of the GSX-R family, but also looks to the future, keeping its crown as “The King of Sportbikes”. Stay tuned for local availability (Mid 2026) and pricing from Suzuki Motorcycles Australia.

DETAILS AT A GLANCE

Engine Features
High-performance 999.8cm³ four-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four engine.
Simple, compact SR-VVT (Suzuki Racing Variable Valve Timing) system enhances top-end performance.
Suzuki Racing Finger Follower valve train improves valve control and allows higher rpm.
Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) supports smooth shifting and lighter clutch operation.
REVISED Primary fuel injectors now have eight holes (reduced from ten), and fuel pump pressure increased for better atomisation.
REVISED Cylinder head design as well as both intake and exhaust ports modified for higher efficiency.

REVISED Head gasket redesigned to improve sealing and durability.
REVISED Piston crowns reshaped to raise compression ratio from 13.2:1 to 13.8:1 and accommodate larger valves. The rib shape beneath the pistons was modified to reduce weight and improve durability. Stronger piston circlips improve reliability under high load.
NEW Wider cam chain reduces friction power loss.
NEW Intermittent camshaft lubrication improves oil flow efficiency.
NEW Single-stage funnel design (#1 & #4 cylinders) enhances top-end performance.
NEW Thicker crankshaft journals and revised crankcase handle increased engine loads.
NEW Slimmer muffler design in updated exhaust system improves aesthetics and sound tuning.

Chassis Features
NEW (Optional Accessory) Winglets on the front cowling are available to generate aerodynamic downforce.
Front brake lever tip is slotted to reduce wind drag at high speed.
Compact, lightweight chassis offers agile handling and confident control.
Twin-spar aluminium frame delivers race-proven rigidity and performance.
Rigid, race-inspired aluminium swingarm improves high-speed cornering stability.
Bolt-on aluminium rear subframe ensures strength with minimal weight.
Lightweight 6-spoke cast aluminium wheels improve handling response.
Bridgestone BATTLAX Racing Street RS11 tyres provide superior grip and durability.
Brembo radial-mount mono-block front callipers with 320mm Brembo T-Drive discs and 220mm rear disc offer strong, stable braking.


Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.)
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) offers three throttle response modes for different riding conditions.
NEW Smart TLR Control integrates Traction Control and now includes Lift Limiter, and Roll Torque Control for added safety and precision.
UPDATED Launch control has also been updated to further improve its control scheme.
Ride-by-wire throttle enables refined control and response.
Racing-style bi-directional quick shifter allows clutch-less up/down gear changes. Reverse pattern setup compatible.
Motion Track Brake System helps maintain line stability during corner braking.
Slope Dependent Control adjusts ABS for downhill braking stability.
Suzuki Easy Start System enables engine start with a single button press (no clutch pull required in neutral).
Low RPM Assist improves smooth starts in stop-and-go riding.

Electric Equipment
NEW Lightweight lithium-ion battery (HYbattEliiy P-series) improves voltage stability and reduces overall weight. Developed and manufactured by Eliiy Power in Japan.
LCD multifunction display provides a clear, race-style information layout.
Compact LED headlight contributes to sleek front-end styling.
LED tail/brake light features a sharp vertical design.
Bright LED indicators complete the premium lighting package.

Styling
Aerodynamically efficient, narrow bodywork improves top-speed stability.
Sculpted fuel tank enables an easy rider tuck position for racing.
Central SRAD intakes maximise airflow to the engine.
REVISED Titanium muffler features a shot-blasted finish for a more refined appearance.
NEW 40th Anniversary Edition comes in three retro-inspired liveries.
NEW Anniversary logos appear on the tank.
NEW Anniversary logos appear on the fairing.
NEW Anniversary logos appear on the muffler.
NEW Anniversary logos appear on the seat.
NEW Anniversary logos appear on the key mascot.
NEW Heritage-style stripes and decals celebrate the GSX-R’s iconic racing lineage.

2026 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Specifications

suzukimotorcycles.com.au

Price: TBC
Colours: 40th Anniversary Blue, Yellow or Red
Claimed power: 143.5kW@13,200rpm
Claimed torque: 110Nm@11,000rpm
Wet weight: 203kg
Fuel capacity: 16L
Fuel Consumption (Claimed): 14.7km/L

Engine: Euro5, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC VVT, 999.8cc
Bore x Stroke: 76 x 55.1mm Compression Ratio: 13.8:1, Fuel Injected, RidebyWire throttle,
Gearbox: Six speed with bi-directional quick-shifter, Clutch: Wet multiplate slipper

Chassis: Twin-spar aluminium frame, braced alloy swingarm
Rake: 23 degrees, Trail: 95mm
Suspension: SHOWA SFF USD forks, SHOWA link-type rear suspension, 150mm travel each end.
Brakes: four-piston Brembo mono-block front brake calipers 310mm floating-mount dual rotors, single rear rotor Wheels & Tyres: 17in cast six-spoke aluminium wheels, 120/70-17 – 190/50-17 Bridgestone BATTLAX RACING STREET RS11 tyres.

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1470mm
Seat height: 845mm
Overall length: 2150mm
Height: 1350mm
Width: 925mm

Instruments & Electronics: LCD dash, LED Lights, two-way quick-shifter, Suzuki easy start system, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), SDMS, ABS.

 

2026 Suzuki GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary Gallery

 

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