The FIM Gala returned for a very special edition in 2021, with Champions from both 2020 and 2021 attending the event after the Covid-19 pandemic obliged the cancellation of the 2020 edition. The Gala took centre stage in the Principality of Monaco on Saturday night.
“Gathering together Champions from all disciplines on two wheels, the Gala took centre stage in the Principality of Monaco on Saturday night.”
2021 FIM MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and 2020 Champion Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) were two key headliners at the event as they received their medals, celebrating the last two years of incredible MotoGP action and a first premier class title for each of them.
2020 Moto3™ World Champion Albert Arenas
2020 FIM MotoGP™ World Champion Joan Mir
Pedro Acosta stunned to take the Moto3™ Championship as a rookie in 2021
Bastianini, Mir and Arenas
They were joined by 2021 FIM Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo), 2020 Moto2 Champion Enea Bastianini (Avintia Esponsorama), 2021 FIM Moto3 World Champion Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo); the rookie history maker, and 2020 Moto3 Champion Albert Arenas (Aspar Team) – uniting quite a gallery of Champions from the MotoGP paddock.
The Champions of 2020 were finally given a proper ceremony: Enea Bastianini, Joan Mir and Albert Arenas.
Amongst the many others present were WorldSBK sensation Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, who took a stunning first WorldSBK crown in 2021, as well as 2020 and 2021 FIM Moto3 Junior World Champions Daniel Holgado and Izan Guevara. Holgado receives his medal ahead of his full-time debut in Moto3 on the world stage next season, where Guevara has already impressed to become a Grand Prix winner this year.
Acosta, Quartararo and Gardner
Remy Gardner took the 2021 Moto2™ crown…
…succeeding Enea Bastianini, who won it in 2020
2021 FIM MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo
That’s a wrap on the final event of the season for those toasted on stage, with winter break now truly underway as we wait for the roaring engines to return at Sepang International Circuit for the Shakedown Test. There, Gardner will be the first back out as he takes part as a MotoGP rookie, before a few days later the likes of Quartararo, Mir and Bastianini suit up to begin their campaigns. Acosta, Arenas, Holgado and Guevara won’t be far behind them either as they get ready for more… so who will return to the Gala stage in 2022? Join us for another spectacular season to find out!
Motorcycling Australia say they are pleased to release the 2022 National Championships Calendar of events across the disciplines of both Track and Dirt Track for Senior and Junior Championships, as well as Classic and Post Classic.
“Motorcycling Australia say they are pleased to release the 2022 National Championships Calendar of events across the disciplines of both Track and Dirt Track for Senior and Junior Championships”
Australian Senior Dirt Track Championship– hosted by North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club at Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD on April 30th – 1st of May.
Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship – hosted by North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club at Mick Doohan Raceway taking place in QLD on 2nd – 3rd of July.
Australian Junior Track Championship – hosted by Tamworth Motorcycle club will be held in Tamworth, NSW on the 20th – 21st of August.
Australian Senior Track Championship – set for in Gunnedah, NSW Hosted by Gunnedah Motorcycle Club on the 24th – 25th of September.
Australian Classic and Post Classic Dirt Track Championship – hosted by Temora Motorcycle Club will roll into Temora, NSW on 2nd – 3rd of October.
To stay up to date with the latest information and announcements visit the MA website www.ma.org.au. To see more 2021 racing calendar info, head here…
The series continues to grow more each year, not only as a cost effective option but as a fair option for all riders.
The 2022 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will have a full field of the brightest young male and female talent from Australia and New Zealand competing in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul.
In its fourth year, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Motorcycling Australia’s junior road race academy, has already catapulted riders into international competitions…
In its fourth year, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Motorcycling Australia’s junior road race academy, has already catapulted riders into international competitions such as the Asia Talent Cup, Red Bull Rookies Cup, European Talent Cup and the Moto3 Junior World Cup.
Officially supported by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), FIM Oceania and recognised by Dorna Sports sl, as part of the Road to MotoGP program, the OJC program is already proving to be the international springboard it was intended to be.
Apart of the FIM Road To MotoGP program, the OJC helps riders start their career early on.
The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup provides some of the most spectacular racing in the world. Next year, a full grid of 20 riders has been confirmed who will ride the new race prepped 2022 Yamaha R15 V3. The 2022 season will see nine new riders debut with the return of 11 riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup 2021 year.
The youngest rider joining the paddock is Hunter Corney from Gowrie Junction, Queensland, who will just scrape in on the 11-year-old cut off, with the eldest newcomer 15-year-old Cameron Rende from Could Creek, South Australia. New Zealander Nixon Frost, an 11-years-old from Lower Hutt, and 15-year-old Western Australian Abbie Cameron from Cardup, are some of the new talent that will be racing in the OJC in 2022.
Riders competing in the OJC are provided with a race-prepped Yamaha R15, leathers, helmets, boots and glove, transportation of bikes, pre-event service of bikes, technical support, spare parts budget, and OJC team uniform.
Riders competing in the 2022 Championship will receive full technical support from the OJC technicians and elite coaching to help develop their bike skills and technique, health and fitness, sportsmanship, and off-track activities such as fan and media engagement.
Alex had an unfortunate start to the 2021 season, now that his injury has healed he'll be out looking to take home the Championship in the 2022 season.
The Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team will continue to do what it does best, develop emerging motocross talent and the line up for 2022 has two of Australia’s best up and coming riders locked in and raring to go.
“Rhys Budd and Alex Larwood will shape the team in 2022 and mounted on the championship winning YZ250F machines.”
Rhys Budd and Alex Larwood will shape the team in 2022 and mounted on the championship winning YZ250F machines. For Budd it’s his second year with the Yamalube Yamaha Team while Larwood makes the transition to the Queensland based team as part of Yamaha’s step-up program.
Rhys Budd proved the surprise package of 2021, when after a last-minute call up to the Yamalube team, made every post a winner since coming on board. He finished the ProMX Championship in third place, beating plenty of more fancied rivals and established himself as a major player in the MX2 category.
Rhys finished in Third place last year after the ProMX championship was cut short due to COVID-19…
Budd is a hard working and dedicated athlete who puts his heart and soul into racing. The support of the Yamalube Yamaha Team at the start of the 2021 season was just the leg up Budd needed and he is excited to be back with the team again for 2022.
“As soon as I got the call from the team at the start of the 2021 season, I put my head down and got to work,” Budd explains. “Now that the pressure of preparing bikes and arranging things was taken from me, I was able to dedicate more time to my riding and training and it paid off with some good results and a new deal for this year, which I’m stoked about.”
Behind Webster, the Yamaha duo of Serco Yamaha’s Jesse Dobson would finish 2nd overall in the Championship with Yamalube Yamaha’s Rhys Budd in 3rd.
“The team have been amazing for me and its good to know you have a bunch of people who believe in you and want to help you achieve your goals. We already have a great base to start from as well as some additional plans that will only see me improve. I was pumped to stay with the Yamalube team again for 2022 and I really want to reward them for taking me on this year when they didn’t have to and no one else would,” Budd ends.
Partnering Budd and making for a very competitive environment within the team is Alex Larwood. The 18-year-old South Australian, is a product of the Yamaha Junior Racing program and stepped up to the professional ranks for the 2020 season. The 2020 season never got off the ground with Covid, but in just a handful of races contesting in 2021, Larwood showed he has what it takes at MX2 level.
“Partnering Budd and making for a very competitive environment within the team is Alex Larwood.”
He moves from the WBR Yamaha team to the Yamalube Yamaha Team, so his support continues to grow to match his results. Larwood charged to a podium finish at the opening round of the 2021 season, but injury slowed his progress at the remaining rounds. Back to full health and fitness, Larwood is ready to continue his meteoric rise up the ranks in 2022.
“I have been with Yamaha for a long time now and for them to continue to support me through the years is important to me. They picked me up back in 2014 as a junior, moved to the WBR Yamaha Team when I turned 16 and now the support increases in 2022 via Yamalube Yamaha. No other manufacturer can offer support like that over a long period of time. In just the short time I have had to deal with them, I can see the professionalism in the team and how they go about their jobs. The team have my back, racing is back to normal, and we are looking good for a full and exciting season next year. I can’t wait,” Larwood enthuses.
Alex had an unfortunate start to the 2021 season, now that his injury has healed he’ll be out looking to take home the Championship in the 2022 season.
National racing gets under way in March with the return of the eight round Pro MX Championship starting in Wonthaggi, Victoria before finishing on the Sunshine Coast in August. Standby for a further announcement regarding Jay Wilson in the coming weeks.
Cru Halliday has ended the 2021 Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) on a high note claiming a third place for the round and also third place in the championship after the final round was conducted at The Bend Motorsport Park, in South Australia.
“The Yamaha Racing Team rider entered the final round in fifth place after some consistent racing in the opening rounds but with the big break in racing due to Covid border restrictions…”
The Yamaha Racing Team rider entered the final round in fifth place after some consistent racing in the opening rounds but with the big break in racing due to Covid border restrictions, it was a chance to Halliday to review and refresh. With about 20 points separating second through sixth positions plus the return of several international riders, anything was a possibility for the championship podium.
Halliday finished the day with 3-4 results in the two races conducted to take third for the day and leapfrog his way to third in the championship. Race one saw Halliday in the top five and looking to move forward when the race was stopped after a rider fell heavily. Officials re-stacked the riders on the grid for a three lap, all out sprint to conclude the opening leg. Halliday was able to make a last lap pass and to secure third place.
After a big crash saw race one cut to just a three lap sprint, Halliday made the most out of it.
Race two and there was action all over the place on the opening lap, two multi rider pile ups in the opening half a lap saw competitors back on the grid and waiting for the track to be cleared. On the restart, Halliday was in fifth on the first lap before moving into fourth at the halfway stage. He made a late race charge on Miller but was unable to secure another podium for race two, forced to take fourth.
“The weekend has been positive all-round. Each session we were able to get faster and close the gap on the time sheets and I knew our strength would be the ability to maintain our speed during the race. In the races, I couldn’t quite run at the pace of the front couple and they were able to get a little gap, but from the half way stage on, the bike and tyres came into their own. Thanks to YRT and the Dunlop guys for giving me a good package all weekend. Thanks again to everyone at Yamaha and YRT who always work hard and its only two months before we are back on track at the first test for 2022, so there is no time to rest now,” Halliday ends.
“Aiden Wagner also had one of his best outings, only a crash in race one dampened an otherwise productive weekend.”
Team-mate Aiden Wagner also had one of his best outings, only a crash in race one dampened an otherwise productive weekend. Wagner finished the weekend outside the top ten, but his efforts were more than his results. The opening moto had Wagner in fourth and looking for a way around Jack Miller. After a lap of continuous pressure, Wagner made his move and slipped down the inside of the GP star before losing the front end and fell, taking both himself and Miller out of the race.
He regrouped for the final race of the year and moved into sixth place on lap five, where he stayed until the chequered flag. Like Halliday, Wagner improved his time in each and every session as the team worked hard to get the bike and suspension right for the tricky “The Bend” circuit. He even pulled out a top three lap in the warm-up on Sunday morning which is more indicative of what Wagner is capable of.
While Wagner may have been disappointed with his overall performance, he showed glimpses of brilliance this season.
“Fourteenth on paper doesn’t look good, but I felt I gave it everything I had and rode as well as I have in some time,” Wagner explains. “Maybe I was pushing a little too hard when I went down in race one and I will own that, but I just wanted to get up the front and get a podium for myself and the team. Thank you to YRT and my supporters. 2021 has been tough for everyone but we kept swinging all the way until the end,” said Wagner.
Yamaha also won the manufacturers championship with 167 points, well clear of BMW in second on 95 and Ducati in third with 85. This brings the 2021 ASBK season to a close. With the first official test of the new year usually at the end of January, it will be a quick two month reset for YRT, who aim to be a major contender in the 2022 championship.
The ASBK descended upon The Bend for an action-packed final round of the 2021 championship with Jack Miller joining Oli Bayliss aboard a DesmoSport Ducati prepared Panigale V4 R. Ultimately securing 5th in the championship, Oli now sets his focus on 2022 as he begins testing on the Ducati Panigale V2.
Oli has had an on and off year with the Ducati Desmosport team, finishing 5th in the championship.
Team co-owner, Ben Henry:“It’s strange actually. On paper, we didn’t have a great weekend with Oli. A mechanical issue caused the bike to essentially go into a safety mode in race one, making it impossible for him to continue and in race two he didn’t have the rear grip needed to move forward. It’s not that we didn’t have the speed, I mean Oli was only a tenth off Mike’s (Jones) lap record, but everyone was riding really well this weekend too. It was a lot of fun, and a bit of pressure to also have Jack (Miller) and his crew with us this weekend, and I honestly can’t thank him enough for doing what he’s done this weekend.”
“Having just five weekends of championship racing in two years is really tough, but Jack essentially coming to have some fun with his mates has given us all a much needed boost with huge crowds and record TV numbers. I’m really excited now to help in the final preparations of Oli’stransition to World Supersport, as well as begin our preparations for a full ASBK season in 2022. I finish the season really happy with what we’ve achieved as a team both on the track and off it, and both Troy and I really look forward to announcing some more initiatives in 2022 to keep progressing.”
Jack and Oli were both out flying the Ducati flag, with Miller on a slightly lower spec bike due to MotoGP regulations…
Oli Bayliss:“The weekend wasn’t exactly what I had pictured for my last race weekend before heading to Europe, but it was great to finally go racing again. Congratulations to Wayne for taking the championship and especially to Broc(Pearson) for taking the SuperSport Championship. We train together a lot, so I’m really happy for him. It was great to have Jack alongside us this weekend, it really lifted the event to have him on track and I picked up a few things from him along the way which was great. This year I’ve learnt so much and so I’m excited to take the next step in my career, but before I go, I really want to thank some people.”
“Obviously Mum and Dad, they’re always behind me and I couldn’t do what I’m doing without them and I really appreciate it. Bryan(Hands) and Byron (Draper), these guys have basically been there for every step of my career with advice, support and hard work. They make me more motivated every time I ride the bike. And Ben. He puts in so much time, effort work behind the scenes that no one ever see’s and I’m sure he sometimes thinks no one notices, but we all do Benny, thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Oli got some tips on racing in a World Championship from Jack Miller, who has had a great year in MotoGP.
Troy Bayliss:“It was a great weekend at The Bend, just not the results we wanted or expected really. I’m still impressed with the way Oli rides the bike and sometimes these things happen in racing. With such short seasons the last two years, it’s frustrating that it can cause such an impact on your championship results, but we made no secret of the fact that it was another year of learning and progression for Oli.”
“Next year is already looking really strong though with a great ASBK calendar being released and a little extra exposure thanks to Jack coming for a spin to showcase just how good the racing is here. I wouldn’t be surprised if timing works, that we see some other international riders find bikes and come for race or two. The whole team comes away from the season really upbeat to be honest, and excited for the season ahead.”
The WBR Yamaha Bulk Nutrients Team will head into 2022 with two fast and exciting young prospects to contest the ProMX and Australian Supercross Championships in MX2. Keeping their role of developing the up coming riders within the ranks, Levi Rogers and Ryder Kingsford will spearhead the team.
“Keeping with their role of developing the up coming riders within the Yamaha ranks, Levi Rogers and Ryder Kingsford will spearhead the team in 2022.”
Rogers moves across from the Yamalube Yamaha team and looks forward to the new surrounds and environment to continue progressing in his career. Rogers has proven to be fast, as fast as anyone on his day, with plenty of rides in his rookie MX2 season in 2021 showing he is capable of mixing it with the biggest names in the MX2 class.
Working with the Whitten family at WBR Yamaha, Rogers will be looking to cash in on his undoubted speed and turn that into results both at a state and national level. At just 18 years of age, Rogers has time on his side and is out to make his second year in MX2 memorable for all the right reasons.
Rodgers returns to the MX2 class after the 2021 seasons were cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“2021 was my first year in MX2 and while there was speed and some good results, there was some mistakes which I need to reduce to be a contender at each and every round,” Rogers begins. “I’m thankful Yamaha were keen to keep me on board and that Travis and Nathan from WBR Yamaha offered me a great opportunity for the new season. We already have a few plans in place and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into a new year with the team. Their bikes have been proven to be good, we have a great group of sponsors on board and hopefully we can get a full season completed. I’m excited for 2022 already,” Rogers said.
Joining Rogers will be young Yamaha sensational Ryder Kingsford. Like Rogers, Kingsford has been a long-term product of the Yamaha Junior Racing program and after a strong 2022 season where he finished in second place in the inaugural MX3 championship, he makes the move to not only the WBR Yamaha team, but also steps up to the MX2 division.
Ryder Kingsford has already won multiple Australia junior championships in motocross and supercross…
Kingsford is equally skilled at motocross and supercross, having both style of tracks at his disposal in his own back yard in Goulburn. He has already won multiple Australia junior championships in motocross and supercross and is eager to make the big leap into the professional ranks.
“I know stepping into the MX2 class is a big decision to make but Yamaha and WBR were happy for me to take it and I thank them for showing the faith in me when I could have stayed another year in MX3. Getting the support of the team at WBR Yamaha is awesome and we have already had a successful couple of days testing and I feel right at home on the bike and with the team. We plan on doing as many events as possible before the start of the Pro MX Championship in March so I’m well prepared for what’s to come.”
Ryder will be making a quick jump from the MX3 class into MX2 in 2022 with WBR Yamaha…
Travis Whitten, team manager of the WBR Yamaha Bulk Nutrients team, is enthusiastic about his team for 2022 and knows the importance of the development role within Yamaha.
“Since becoming part of the Yamaha Racing group in 2018, we have help guide and assist several riders onto bigger and better things within Yamaha. It’s a role we take seriously as we mould young riders as they leave the YJR program and move to the senior and professional ranks. With Levi and Ryder, we feel we have two fast and dedicated young riders who both want to forge ahead with their racing careers. Our aim is to get Levi into the top five in MX2 as we believe he has the speed to run there each weekend and expose Ryder to the top level of racing in Australia and fast track is improvement.” Said Whitten.
The FIM Enel MotoE Cup will return to the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Le Mans, the TT Circuit Assen, the Red Bull Ring and Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli next season, as well as visit two new tracks: the classic Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello and the KymiRing in Finland.
MotoE will return in 2022 with two new track on the calendar! You can see all the rounds below…
MotoE Offical Test Dates
07-08-09 March – Spain – Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto – 3 days
11-12-13 April – Spain – Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto – 3 days
Offical 2022 MotoE Calendar
30 April-01 May – Spain – Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto – 2 races
14-15 May – France – Le Mans – 2 races
28-29 May – Italy – Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello – 2 races
25-26 June – Netherlands TT Circuit Assen – 2 races
9-10 – July – Finland KymiRing – 2 races
20-21 August – Austria Red Bull Ring – 2 races
03-04 September – San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli – 2 races
It was an amazing weekend for Yamaha in the support divisions with the bLU cRU picking up all championship victories in the 2021 600cc Supersport, 300cc Supersport, R3 Cup and OJC on the Yamaha YZF-R15.
Yamaha Motor Australia in association with YRD, invest heavily in Australian road racing and results like this are a fitting reward for riders, teams and Yamaha who are the driving force at ASBK events around the country.
The 600cc Supersport division came down to a three man, all Yamaha race with Broc Pearson taking a narrow points gap in over rivals Tom Edwards and Max Stauffer. Things got even tighter after race one when Edwards got the race win and closed the gap to just one point between himself and Pearson. It was a one race, winner-take-all shootout, to determine the 2021 champion.
“The 600cc Supersport division came down to a three man, all Yamaha race with Broc Pearson taking a narrow points gap in over rivals Tom Edwards and Max Stauffer.”
Edwards was in the lead, Pearson snatched it from him, Edwards fought back, Pearson grabbed it again and then in the waning moments of the race, Edwards made another huge lunge, but was .05 of a second short at the finish, giving Pearson a hard fought and well-earned championship victory. Max Stauffer finished third in the championship.
The 300cc Supersport wasn’t anywhere near as intense with Ben Baker entering the final round with a very comfortable margin over his rivals. Baker had built his lead via race smarts and race victories when it mattered, and he needed nothing more than to grab a handful of points at the final round to take the 2021 championship.
Despite not finishing race two, he still won the championship by nearly 30 points. In second place was Reece Oughtred and third was Zac Johnson.
Ben Baker made it a real weekend to remember as he also topped the podium in the Yamaha R3 Cup. Like the 300cc Supersport, Baker had dominated the opening rounds to build up a sizeable lead and he kept the throttle on in the final round to score a third-place finish on the day and lock in another championship for 2021. Baker finished well clear of Glenn Nelson in second and Cameron Dunker in third.
Cameron Swain is the 2021 OJR-R15 champion. This class has proven to be real winner not just for the riders but Australian road racing that has been crying out for an entry level category to attract new, young riders to the sport. Yamaha and YRD have been the main players behind the scenes getting this class up and running and it now has shown itself to be a genuine breeding ground for talented riders to show case their skills.
Swain was a convincing winner in the series, finishing well clear of Ryan Larkin and Levi Russo.
“Congratulations to all our Yamaha competitors on a tough and challenging 2021 racing season. It was please to see that despite the Covid issues we all faced, Yamaha riders and teams continued to show up and race at ASBK events. These championship class wins, combined with our strong showing in the Superbike class and the Manufacturers Cup all points to a successful season for Yamaha.”
“A special congratulations are in order for Broc, Ben and Cameron who won their respective classes. Championships are never easy to win, and we hope the riders and teams enjoyed their success and will use it as a platform for a bigger and better 2022 season,” said YRD’s John Redding.
It was an exhilarating weekend for Aussie racing fans as the ASBK Descended upon The Bend Motorsport park for the 2021 Season Finale which saw Wayne Maxwell win the championship and Miller jump on the podium! Check out all the best shots from the Superbike class below…
The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 3 December, 2021.
Alpinestars are not only an important part of the safety sector, their continued support of racing helps the sport grow even further.
Jack Miller. Pic: Optikal
Jack Miller. Pic: Optikal
The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 3 December, 2021. Josh Hook
Oli Bayliss, The Bend
This is great news for racing fans and the sport as a whole. ASBK will continue to regain popularity as it becomes more accessible for fans.
Yanni Shaw hard ont he bbrakes.
Daniel Falzon
Daniel Falzon, Pic: Optikal
The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 3 December, 2021.
The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 3 December, 2021.
The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 3 December, 2021.
The Bend Motorsport Park, Adelaide, Australia. 3 December, 2021.
Jack Miller had problems getting off the line all weekend. Pic: Optikal
Alpinestars has announced their continuing support of the Superbike class for the 2022 season.
Jack Miller put on an awesome show for fans at the ASBK finale. Pic: Optikal
mi-bike Insurance has been an important part of the ASBK series for years now. They have signed to be the title sponsor again in 2022.
ASBK Talem Bend Maxwell and Miller. Pic: Optikal
Jack Miller. Pic: Optikal
Miller will be back again, giving Australia’s top riders a run for their money on an unfamiliar machine!
Jack Miller. Pic: Optikal
Jack Miller. Pic: Optikal
The 2022 season will run over eight rounds, with the opening round this weekend at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from February 25-27 proudly presented by Spokes.com.au
