The FIMMiniGP Japan Series has become the newest Cup to enter the FIM MiniGP World Series, with competition set to start This year. Japan joins Australia, Austria, Indonesia and Qatar as new additions for this season, adding to the 10 Series that began in 2021…
The FIM MiniGP offers a perfect stepping stone for young riders looking to start their racing career.
The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, designed to create an equal platform for young riders worldwide. Japan is already a vital presence in the motorcycle market and in motorcycle racing, and the FIM MiniGP Japan Series will ensure an economically viable and equal environment for young riders looking to begin their careers in racing.
“Japan is already a vital presence in the motorcycle market and in motorcycle racing, and the FIM MiniGP Japan Series will ensure an economically viable and equal environment for young riders looking to begin their careers in racing.”
As ever, the best riders will qualify for the FIM MiniGP World Final alongside the top riders from each Series, with the possibility of promotions up for grabs on the Road to MotoGP. You can stay up to date with all the MiniGP news here…
As preparations for the 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship campaign gear up, the provisional permanent entry list has been revealed with 24 riders confirmed for a full-time WorldSBK campaign with five manufacturers represented on the grid.
Four rookies plan to make their mark on the Championship while the #1 plate has a new home for 2022.
After winning the 2021 Riders’ Championship, Pata Yamaha’s Toprak Razgatlioglu switches from his traditional #54 to plate #1 for 2022, alongside team mate Andrea Locatelli. After six years at the top, Jonathan Rea switches back to #65 for the year ahead at Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK as he looks to reclaim the title in the chase for a seventh crown. Once again, Rea will be joined by Alex Lowes who will be hoping to bounce back from an injury-hit 2021 season.
The BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team will run another new line-up in 2022 as Scott Redding joins the team alongside Michael van der Mark. It means the team will be on their third different line-up in as many years to compete on the BMW M 1000 RR.
“After six years at the top, Jonathan Rea switches back to #65 for the year ahead at Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK as he looks to reclaim the title in the chase for a seventh crown.”
Both Honda and Ducati have undergone rider line-up changes throughout the winter as well. Alvaro Bautista sensational returns to the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati for 2022, alongside Michael Ruben Rinaldi, with the Spaniard hoping he can replicate the form he showed when he first joined WorldSBK with Ducati in 2019. Rinaldi will embark on his second campaign with the factory Ducati squad, hoping to add to his three wins from 2022.
Team HRC will have an all-rookie line-up in 2022 after bringing in Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge from MotoGP and Moto2 respectively to compete on the CBR1000RR-R machine, with Team HRC looking to add to their podium tally from 2021 and claim a first victory since their return as a full-factory outfit.
Team HRC will have an all-rookie line-up in 2022 after bringing in Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge from MotoGP and Moto2.
BMW have also expanded the number of BMW machines on the grid to four with the Bonovo Action BMW squad, with Eugene Laverty being joined by the returning Loris Baz. Like at BMW, there has been an expansion of the satellite team as MIE Racing Honda Team, with Leandro ‘Tati’ Mercado returning for a second season at the team and Hafizh Syahrin joining the squad.
There is a new team on the 2022 grid as Yamaha Motoxracing join the Championship having previously competed in WorldSSP and WorldSSP300. They will run Spanish rider Isaac Viñales in 2022, after he made the switch from Orelac Racing VerdNatura; his place will be taken by Czech rider Oliver König. As well as teams, two riders have made the switch from WorldSSP to WorldSBK. Philipp Oettl joins Team GoEleven for 2022 while Luca Bernardi will become the first rider to compete in WorldSSP300, WorldSSP and WorldSBK when he takes to the grid with Barni Spark Racing Team.
We are looking forward to another exciting season. Stay up to date with all the latest WSBK news through PitBoard!
GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team have retained the same line-up for 2022 with Garrett Gerloff returning for his third campaign alongside Kohta Nozane, who enters his sophomore campaign. After an incredible rookie campaign in 2021, Axel Bassani returns with Motocorsa Racing as he looks to build on his single podium finish while Lucas Mahias returns for a second season with Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, while there is one seat still to be announced at TPR Team Pedercini Racing, with the Italian team going down to one bike in 2022.
Fourteen nationalities have been confirmed for 2022, up from 12 on the entry list in 2021. San Marino will be represented for the first time since Alex De Angelis in 2017 when Bernardi takes his spot on the grid. For Malaysia, Syahrin will be the country’s first full-time representative on the grid and the first since Cletus Adi Haslam at Johor in 1993. The 23 riders on the grid will compete for five manufacturers: four will ride BMW bikes and another four on Honda machinery. Yamaha are the manufacturer with the most bikes on the grid in 2022, with six YZF R1 machines while there will be five Ducati Panigale V4 R bikes and five Kawasaki ZX-10RRs.
"I have every faith in the Ducati Panigale V4R, the team, personal and all the products they are choosing to use. I can’t wait for 2022 to begin" says Staring.
Multiple ASBK Champion Glenn Allerton has made the move to specialist Italian motorcycle boot makers Gaerne for the 2022 season. Ex-WSBK/MotoGP and Current ABSK rider, Bryan Staring, has also put some G’s on his feet in 2022…
Racing on the latest BMW M1 in the Australian Superbike Championship this season, Allerton is motivated to go one step higher following his second-place championship result in 2021.
His thoughts on getting some G’s on his feet: “For me Safety comes first with my racing equipment then comfort is also import so that I can move around on the bike and feel the pegs and gear lever precisely, and the Gaerne boots have all these points covered, safety Comfort and feel. That’s why I choose Gaerne GP1 EVO.” he said.
His main focus is on learning, developing and adapting so with his team he can win.
Glenn is the conduit to entertain, educate, create and connect. His passion to ride motorcycle started at the age of 4 but quickly moved into racing. At 8 yo he started to compete in Motocross and started to win multiple times State and Australian Junior MX championship. With over 30 years in motorcycling racing, wins in Motocross and Australian Superbikes with ASBK proves Glenn Allerton the results and is perfect match to the race developed GP 1 Evo boots form Gaerne.
Glenn Allerton Has a Reputation as a fighter to the checkered flag!
2008 Australian Superbike Championship – Honda – 1st
2009 Australian Superbike Championship – Honda – 2nd
2010 Australian Superbike Championship – Honda – 3rd
2011 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 1st
2013 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 2nd
2014 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 1st
2021 Australian Superbike Championship – BMW – 2nd
Bryan Staring has also made the move to specialist Italian motorcycle boot makers GAERNE for the 2022 season.
“I have every faith in the Ducati Panigale V4R, the team, personal and all the products they are choosing to use. I can’t wait for 2022 to begin” says Staring.
His thoughts on getting some G’s on his feet: “It will be a pleasure to be riding in Gaerne for 2022. An Italian company with 60 years of manufacturing and racing experience can only be a good thing. With all the components being made in Italy, I’m sure I have the support of a passionate and top-quality company. Shock absorbing heal cup, boa dial fitment adjustability and carbon composite bracing, I couldn’t be happier to be wearing Gaerne’s world class GP-1 racing boot.” he said.
Bryan Staring has made the move to Gaerne for 2022.
Bryan is no stranger to racing at the top level, seen here racing in the 2013 MotoGP season.
‘Winning ASBK races and fighting for podiums has been the highlight of the last 4 seasons of ASBK racing. I’m hoping in 2022 I can return to being a championship contender as well as a race winner. I have every faith in the Ducati Panigale V4R, the team, personal and all the products they are choosing to use. I can’t wait for 2022 to begin”
Bryan Staring – Career Highlights:
2004 125GP Australian Champion
2009 Australian Supersport Champion
2010 Australian Superbike Champion
World Superstock 1000 Race Winner – 2012
Former MotoGP Rider – 2013
Former WSBK Rider – 2014
Gaerne GP1 Evo Boots
Made from lightweight materials and a comfortable yet sturdy structure, the GP1 Evo boots are perfect for those who are looking to upgrade their racing boots.
You can pick the GP1 Evo’s up in two different colour schemes for an RRP of $599.95.
Gaerne say the GP1 Evo is the ultimate racing boot from their research centre, developed in cooperations with professional riders. The floating system allows the foot to move naturally and prevents ankle twisting while the rubber inserts on the inner calf and heel provide additional grip while protecting the leg from heat.
Made of carbon composite, the GP1 evo is lightweight and strong, the carbon composite also allows the foot to move without compromising flexibility and prevents hyper extension or compression. Along with the premium materials is a high-wear resistant magnesium toe slider to ensure that the boots will last you a long time.
There’s plenty of technology packed into these boots to keep you comfortable and safe while out on the track or on the road.
A non-deformable polyurethane heel cup has also been added, this is protected by that replaceable low-friction magnesium slider. The anti-shock heel feature an internal comfort enhancing decompression zone, located between the inside and sole.
If you’re interested in the GP1 Evo boots, you can head to the Gaerne website here. If you are interested in purchasing a pair, contact Cassons and they will find a store that stocks them near you or direct you to an online purchasing system.
SMSP Ride Days are a great opportunity to find out what you and your machine can do, unrestricted speeds through 18 turns on a full sized GP circuit. The organisers have released their calendar for the rest of their 2021 Ride Days, spots are filling up fast so be sure to book now!
Ride Days are a great chance to test your skills on a closed and safe course!
After many Ride Days were cancelled due to the NSW COVID-19 lockdowns, the organisers say they are happy to announce that they’re back! You’ll have to get in quick though as the remains dates for 2021 are filling up quickly. See the dates below.
During the lockdown, the organisers have been working flat out on some upgrades to make your experience at each and every SMSP Ride Day better! Part of this is going paperless for their Registration & Safety Briefings. When you book for your next SMSP Ride Day, you’ll now get an email confirmation which has a link to your Registration Form & Safety Briefing. These forms can now be completed online prior to the event, speeding up the process of getting you on track.
A new chapter begins for the biggest and most successful path on the Road to MotoGP in 2022. The FIM Moto3 Junior World Championship becomes the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, recognising its status and position as a globally vital proving ground for young riders.
“A new chapter begins for the biggest and most successful path on the Road to MotoGP in 2022.”
The former Moto3 Junior class will also share its new name and identity with the series as a whole. As per the FIM MotoGP World Championship, the FIM JuniorGP now takes its name from the most prominent competition (world level) within it, which is the Moto3 category in the case of JuniorGP. The Hawkers European Talent Cup and the Moto2 European Championship, including the Superstock category, retain their denominations under the umbrella of the FIM JuniorGP World Championship.
The series also gains a new identity as part of this new era, with a new logo for the Moto3 category – also shared with the Championship. The Hawkers European Talent Cup and the Moto2 European Championship also begin this new chapter with a fresh identity for each.
The Junior GP has seen plenty of big names pass through, including eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, 2020 MotoGP Champion Joan Mir and 2021 MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo.
Over nearly a quarter of a century, JuniorGP has played a key role in the recognition and development of riders who have gone on to set records, including eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez, 2020 MotoGP Champion Joan Mir and 2021 MotoGP Champion Fabio Quartararo.
More than 80% of Grand Prix riders have passed through the series on their Road to MotoGP, rising to over 90% for the Moto3 grid. With its new name and identity, the FIM JuniorGP World Championship will continue fostering talent as its 25th year begins.
DesmoSport Ducati have teamed up with Ducati to bring the Ducati Track Days Powered by DesmoSport on 4 March 2022 to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Offering a premium experience, complete with riding tips, suspension setup, Ducati Panigale V4 R race bike insights and more.
The DesmoSport team say they are excited to work with the passionate Ducatisti and bring new experiences to the track.
DesmoSport Ducati Co-Owner Ben Henry said, “We’ve had the pleasure of taking many Ducatisti through our pit box at previous rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship, and I’m excited to partner with Ducati to up the ante and take them to track with us. It’s a great opportunity for not only experienced riders, but new riders to come, benefit from our experience to improve their riding, discover the capabilities of their bikes and share the Ducati Passion.”
Ducati Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Sergi Canovas: “We are really excited to bring another Ducati experience to life in 2022.”
Ducati Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Sergi Canovas: “We are really excited to bring another Ducati experience to life in 2022. Our team was on the ground for the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship at The Bend Motorsport Park we thoroughly enjoyed being back amongst the Ducati family.”
“Working with the DesmoSport Ducati team we are able to bring our customers an exclusive experience to explore their Ducati motorcycle in an exciting and supportive environment with an experienced group of people to offer support. We can’t wait to get out on track and have some fun!”
“The Ducati Track Day powered by DesmoSport will take place on March 4, 2022 at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.”
The inaugural Ducati Track Day powered by DesmoSport will take place on March 4, 2022 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Click here to register and find out more.
The 2021 season was a successful one for Ducati Corse, with wins, podiums and placings in all the major international racing championships. To celebrate the achievements, Ducati has once again teamed up with Artioli Editore 1899 of Modena to present the latest edition of the official yearbook.
2021 was an amazingly successful season for Ducati all around the world. To celebrate, they’ve released a year book with all the best photos from the year.
The book, which features the most exciting and spectacular photographs of the races from the sport’s top photographers, is an unmissable opportunity to see inside the racing world of Ducati Corse and a great Xmas gift for all Ducatisti as well as bike racing fans all around the world.
The Ducati Lenovo Team, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, Francesco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Scott Redding, Michael Ruben Rinaldi, together with the other satellite teams and riders in MotoGP, World Superbike and the most important national championships – British Superbike, MotoAmerica, CIV, Endurance and Australian SBK – are all beautifully illustrated in the 208 pages of a large-format volume (30 x 30 cm.) with hardcover and dust jacket, text in Italian and English and over 250 images printed in full colour on glossy paper for a truly exceptional photographic yield.
Even the Aussies were given a spot in the Ducati year book. Make sure you grab yours now because they sell out!
The Ducati Corse 2021 Official Yearbook is available for purchase now in all good bookshops and online here.
OGK KABUTO, the leading Japanese helmet manufacturer has signed a sponsorship agreement with promising young MotoGP rider Remy Gardner. Australian, born in 1998 and Moto2 world champion, Gardner will debut in the premier class with Tech 3 KTM Factory Racing.
Remy has confirmed that he will be riding with a Kabuto lid in his debut MotoGP season!
Remy’s debut in MotoGP takes place exactly 30 years after the retirement of WayneGardner – Remy’s father and 1987 world champion in class 500cc – putting the young rider in the limelight and creating high hopes and expectations.
In 2014, at just 16, Remy began racing in the Moto3 class World Championship with KTM, going on, in 2016, to class Moto2 with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team. In 2021, having achieved 12 placings and five wins, he wound up an incredible season as the current Moto2 World Champion.
After winning the Moto2 championship last year. Remy will be out looking for wins in the premier class this year!
Now, in 2022, at just 24 years of age, he is taking the leap to face a new MotoGP challenge, a turning point for every rider’s career. After the first track tests, Remy Gardner is working on his physical fitness and technical preparation, and in selecting his inseparable companions puts the official seal on his important partnership with OGK KABUTO, the leading Japanese brand in the bike and motorcycle helmet trade.
Throughout the season Remy Gardner will race wearing the Japanese company’s Racing Flag ship F-17 helmet, a new integral racing model that adopts the latest aerodynamic technology, Kabuto say it’s a guarantee of safety and innovation at the service of motorcyclists. Read more about it here.
“Throughout the season Remy Gardner will race wearing the Japanese company’s Racing Flag ship F-17 helmet.”
We are looking forward to seeing what his helmet design will be!
“For me it is a dream to race in MotoGP! We have a lot to learn, and a long road ahead. But I can’t wait to start! The first test was like a teaser, and the real work will start in Malaysia! Hopefully we can fight for rookie of the year and have a good first season! Thank you to everyone for the support” said Remy.
Jesse Dobson will headline the Serco Yamaha outfit for the 2022 season and be partnered with Bailey Malkiewicz who makes his full-time return to Australia after racing abroad in 2020 and 2021. The pairing of Dobson and Malkiewicz makes for a formidable team in the MX2 (250cc) division with Serco Yamaha!
Yamaha Australia say Both riders ooze natural talent and ability, mixed with the desire to win championships.
Dobson had been a journeyman racer from the moment he turned pro in 2013 but found a home at Serco Yamaha in 2020 and has come on in leaps and bounds since joining the team. His speed, results and consistency has been on the upswing since day one and culminated with a strong second place finish in the 2021 Pro MX Championships MX2 class.
He has also matured off the track and is a dedicated professional racer who now prepares as well as anyone. Dobson takes his racing seriously and has put the right people around him to climb the ladder and for 2022, that means nothing short of championship success.
“Dobson had been a journeyman racer from the moment he turned pro in 2013 but found a home at Serco Yamaha in 2020 and has come on in leaps and bounds since joining the team.”
“Serco Yamaha has been the perfect fit for me, and my career has changed for the better since coming on board in 2020. Gavin, Ben, and Paul all work hard and put in the hard yards to ensure we have what we need to be successful, and we all are driven by winning,” Dobson explains.
“There is good chemistry in the team and with each season, our relationship gets stronger, and our results continue to get better. Last year, was good but this year is going to be better. We have started the pre-season earlier, the race bikes will be better, and I feel 2022 is my chance to really make it happen. I’m more motivated than ever and the team are right behind me so I can’t wait to get back behind the gates again and go racing,”
“After two seasons of racing in Europe, Bailey Malkiewicz returns to Australia for a full season of domestic racing and looking to re-establish himself as one of the worlds best up and coming racers.”
After two seasons of racing in Europe, Bailey Malkiewicz returns to Australia for a full season of domestic racing and looking to re-establish himself as one of the worlds best up and coming racers. At 19 years of age, with a junior world championship already to his name, Malkiewicz’s talent is undeniable, but injuries have slowed his progress for the past two seasons.
But a change of tack in 2022 will see Malkiewicz based not only in Australia but a move to Queensland is on the cards so he will be closer to his Brisbane based team. He is now injury free and able to complete a full pre-season of training, it will allow him to be primed for a long season!
Bailey Malkiewicz.
Malkiewicz’s MX2 machine.
“Since winning the world championship in 2018, I haven’t had the results I have wanted or expected so it’s time to take stock, make some smart decisions and get the right people around me to get things back on track. Serco Yamaha has a great track record and have proven championship results so the opportunity to work with such a successful team was one that I couldn’t pass up. Also being on a YZ250F gives me a lot of confidence as I know just how good that bike is and with the knowledge in the team, I know we will have the best package on the track. I’m ready to go to work and repay the faith Yamaha and Serco have in me,” Malkiewicz said.
Pre-season events get underway in February while the Pro MX championship roars to life in March at Wonthaggi in Victoria. Keep up to date with all the action here.
There are reasons that Six-Time WorldSBK Champion Jonathan Rea chooses Arai helmets, and has done for his whole career. In the short video that Arai have put together, they say you’ll learn why Johnathan believes it’s the best helmet to put on yours and their customers heads!
“Very very simply put I don’t compromise on safety at all and Arai is in my opinion without doubt the most advanced and safety conscious helmet producer in the market. When I first got involved with racing my father used an Arai; all the real road racers of the time, heroes like Joey Dunlop and Kevin Schwantz wore an Arai, so it was one of those helmets that I always wanted to wear.”
“When I first started in motocross I used Arai and when I came to road racing there was no question which brand I wanted to be involved with. Aside from one year where the team I rode with had a deal with another manufacturer, I have always worn Arai.”
“Cassons Australia are the supplier for Arai helmets nationwide, they have a massive catalogue full of the latest lids.”
Cassons Australia are the supplier for Arai helmets nationwide, they have a massive catalogue full of the latest lids, you can check out their latest stock here.
