AFTER A FANTASTIC POLE POSITION, ALEIX IS UNABLE TO REAP WHAT HE HAD HOPED IN THE SPRINT RACE

THE MIXED CONDITIONS COMPROMISE MAVERICK’S QUALIFIERS, SEVENTH IN THE RACE

After their show of strength yesterday, with two Aprilias in the lead, Saturday in Jerez de La Frontera also had the Italian bikes confirming their extremely competitive status. In qualifying, a few drops of rain added to the already high tension, forcing teams and riders to make vastly different strategic choices.

Aleix, opting to stay out on the track with slicks for the entire session, did a perfect lap right in the finale, earning a well-deserved pole position. It was a different story for Maverick, who boxed to put on new tyres  but was then unable to find a lap consistent with the pace he had demonstrated during practice. 

Starting from the tenth spot on the grid, Maverick recovered ground all the way to seventh place, also doing the fourth fastest lap time – proof that he did have the speed that would have earned him a better result.

For pole man Aleix, on the other hand, Saturday ended on a bitter note. After a good start, he stayed in the leading group for quite a while as he prepared his attack, despite the significant difficulty overtaking on the Spanish track. However, a crash during the fifth lap put an end to the Aprilia rider’s hopes. 

Aleix
“A shame to have finished Saturday that way after taking pole position. To be honest, I started well in both starts but the KTMs have something more than us in that area. Then the riders who had started with the soft rear had a bit more grip, although the pace wasn’t high at all. But we know that here in Jerez, if you’re up front you are able to defend your position. I was thinking about an attack when I was behind Martin, but I struggled with the front and in the end I crashed. With this new format, we have a chance at redemption tomorrow, where there are important points up for grabs.”

Maverick
“I can’t help but to be pleased. The truth is that in the conditions this morning during qualifying, I did not have a good feeling at all and I was unable to achieve one hundred percent. Then, in the race, starting from the rear you have to battle, overtake, you’re under attack – sometimes rather aggressively – and everything is more complicated. The fact of the matter is that when I had open track ahead, I was able to maintain the same pace as the leaders and that’s what is frustrating because I don’t think this position is a proper reflection of our potential.”

Indian Motorcycle is celebrating International Female Ride Day (IFRD) around the world with group rides, dealer events, and demo rides to further empower, recognise and welcome the participation of women in motorcycling and invites female Indian Motorcycle riders to “Just Ride” on Saturday May 6, whether solo, with friends or on an organised ride

The IFRD has put the spotlight on women riders and the female motorsports arena for 17 years aiming to keep women at the forefront of riding and encourage new women to join, while promoting the diversity of women already engaged in all aspects of the powersports industry.

A focal point for events in Europe will be a group ride in France from Toulouse to Nice, May 2-6. With participants from the U.S., Canada and across Europe, riders will cover some of the best roads in France with a celebratory party, also open to the public, waiting for them at Indian Motorcycle Nice.

May 2 – Toulouse to Montpellier
May 3 – Montpellier to Marseille
May 4 – Marseille to Nice
May 5 – Rest Day
May 6 – IFRD Party at Indian Motorcycle Nice

Women riders in France are invited to join influential names from across the online motorcycle community in Jess Wise, Caroline Cora, Jasmine Rose, Courtney Boyd, Deimante Meilune and Sophie Molesti on their ride, even if just for a few kilometres, to elevate the voice of the women rider and celebrate their passion for riding.

Social links:

Carolina Cora

Courtney Boyd

Deimante Meilune –  YouTube

Jasmine Rose – The Litas Los Angeles

Jess Wise – The Litas

Sophie Molesti

Participation in IFRD is free and easy and takes place Saturday, May 6, in over 120 countries and everyone is encouraged to join in the conversation by sharing photos of their rides and what riding means to them on social media using the hashtags #IFRD2023, #FocusFemaleForward and #internationalfemalerideday.

For more information on the International Female Ride Day please visit the WEBSITE.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Already a title sponsor of selected MotoGP events in 2022 and this year of the upcoming round at Jerez de la Frontera (and later Phillip Island), MotoGP Guru powered by Gryfyn will be alongside Gresini Racing MotoGP for the whole 2023 season, with an ambitious and important project.
 
With the creation of the first official MotoGP “prediction game”, Guru has entered the World Championship paddock from the main door and not only: its presence on the fairings of the Desmosedici machines #49 and #73 has been highlighted a couple of times at the parc fermé already this year, courtesy of Alex Marquez. 
 
For the #SpanishGP, MotoGP Guru powered by Gryfyn has unveiled the 2023 challenge, with a selection of journalists from the World Championship that will take on the official photographers. It will be a “Fantasy League” open to everybody, in which the prize for the winner will be a Gresini Racing-liveried Ducati machine. 

GRAEME WARRING – MOTOGP GURU powered by GRYFYN CEO
“We decided to augment our title sponsorships and circuit activation with a race team partnership. In 2022 at Phillip Island and Valencia we spoke to a few teams and Gresini Racing responded with a very focused plan to compliment what we were committed to doing with Dorna. It was clear that they really embraced the project, and we really embraced the team, especially the legacy of Fausto and the family atmosphere that feels warm and welcoming."
 
CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL & MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING
“Extremely delighted to announce MotoGP Guru powered by Gryfyn as new Gresini Racing MotoGP Team sponsor. Last year Gryfyn strongly bursted into MotoGP environment as title sponsor of a few races and I’m happy that for 2023 they chose Gresini Racing MotoGP as partner to develop and implement the activation program for Guru, the new (and exciting!) official result prediction game of the MotoGP World Championship. Besides the massive branding, GryFyn will benefit of a large range of services and experience to offer as prize to the lucky Guru winners. Welcome MotoGP Guru powered by GryFyn in the #gresinifamily”.

The British Motor Museum will celebrate the 100th birthday of the MG at a special event on Saturday 27 May. This event will appeal to anyone who loves MG cars, whether they have owned one in the past, know someone who has one or would simply like to see these iconic cars proudly displayed together. The MG Owners' Club, the Early MG Society, the MG Octagon Car Club, the MG 'T' Society, and the MG Car Club have all joined forces to organise this exciting centenary event.

There will be plenty for visitors to enjoy including a timeline of 100 MGs on display, plus the 1925 ‘Old Number One’, which was the inspiration for the MG sports car. There will also be a Spitfire flypast (subject to weather), MG Specialist traders, souvenir merchandise, MG archive films in the cinema, a Pride of Ownership competition, Sporting Bears charity rides and a series of road runs arriving throughout the day. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment from the Barn-Ettes, a popular vintage singing group. In the evening, there will be a Centenary Dinner with guest speaker, Dr Ian Pogson, which will be ticketed separately via https://www.mgcentenary.co.uk/.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “We’re delighted to be hosting this special event to celebrate the 100th birthday of the iconic MG with displays, a Spitfire flypast, competitions, charity rides, live music and a special dinner in the evening. A landmark anniversary like this doesn’t come along too often, so please do come along and make the most of a superb and memorable day out! 

Vehicle display is just £10, which includes entry to display a vehicle and admission. Tickets for the 3-course dinner cost £49.95 per person. Show tickets cost £14.50 per adult, £9 per child, £12.50 per concession and £40 for a family. All tickets must be pre-booked and include entry to the Museum and the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Collection.

For more information about the event, please call 01926 895300 or visit https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/mg-centenary

The British Motor Museum will enable visitors to celebrate two of Britain’s best-loved small cars when it hosts the ‘National Metro & Mini Show’ on Sunday 4 June. This popular show is regarded as the main event of the year for owners of Metros, classic Minis, and modern MINIs to unite to celebrate their cars. Hundreds of these iconic vehicles can be found on display outside the Museum for visitors to admire and reminisce over.

The Museum is delighted to announce that the Concours competition is returning this year, offering visitors the opportunity to see the judges assess the cars against their Concours criteria. The competition is free to enter for vehicle exhibitors, and entry forms are available from the British Motor Museum website. Metro classes include Austin Metros, MG Metros and Rover Metros/100s. Mini classes include 59 & 79, 80 & 2000 (including 2000 Mini classics, not BMW Minis), 2000 Onwards (BMWs) and Custom Minis. There will also be a single "Show and Shine" class that anyone can sign up for on the day.

Hot meals, sweet treats and refreshments are available at the Junction 12 Café, or ice creams and burgers are available outside.

Tickets for the show include entry to the Museum and Collections Centre, giving visitors the chance to see over 400 cars from the collection, including the last Rover 100 produced, which is signed by 1200 people involved in the Metro production, along with the very first Mini ‘621 AOK', the very last classic Mini produced at Longbridge ‘X411 JOP' and the Monte Carlo Rally winning Minis of 1964, 1965 and 1967.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “The show boasts hundreds of cars, from everyday classics to the weird and wonderful designs and special editions, no matter their age or condition! Popular with enthusiasts, this show is also a great hit with families with plenty of entertainment for our younger visitors!”

Camping is also available on Saturday 3 June for those that want to make a weekend of it. Advance show tickets cost £14.50 per adult, £9 per child, £12.50 per concession and £40 for a family. Anyone wishing to enter their Mini or Metro into the show can do so online for just £9. This includes entry to the show for the driver and one passenger. Additional tickets are available to purchase if extra passengers are required.

To find out more information about the show, please call 01926 895300, or visit the website at: https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/national-metro-and-mini-show