Category: Superbikes

1. Suzuki confirms withdrawal from the British Superbike Championship

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 15th Feb 2023

   Suzuki has confirmed its withdrawal from the British Superbike Championship, ahead of the 2023 season.

   Aligning with its global racing strategy – which saw the termination of its MotoGP project as well as a scaling back of factory support in the Endurance World Championship – and following the departure of the current GSX-R1000R model from European markets, Suzuki has suspended its official involvement in the premier domestic superbike series.

   Over the past six seasons – in partnership with Hawk Racing – the Suzuki GSX-R1000R has won superbike and superstock races with the likes of Bradley Ray, Richard Cooper, Sylvain Guintoli, Kyle Ryde, Gino Rea, Tim Neave, Billy McConnell, and Charlie Nesbitt behind the ‘bars. And in 2019 Cooper also helped steer Suzuki and Hawk Racing to the National Superstock 1000 Championship title.

   There has also been success on the roads, with Cooper taking podium finishes at the North West 200, while Michael Dunlop raced the GSX-R to victory in the 2017 Senior TT, the bike’s first appearance at the prestigious Isle of Man TT races.

   Suzuki would like to thank the riders and fans for their support, and especially Steve and Stuart Hicken and everyone at Hawk Racing for their hard work and dedication over the last six years, without which none of those historic results would have been possible. Everyone at Suzuki wishes the team well for the future.

   Suzuki will continue to support racers campaigning GSX-R machinery at all levels via its Race Parts Programme.

   

2. APRILIA DOES WELL STRAIGHT AWAY IN SEPANG

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 13th Feb 2023

   FIRST TESTS FOR ALEIX, MAVERICK, AND THE NEW RS-GP: APRILIA’S WORK OVER THE WINTER BREAK PASSES WITH FLYING COLOURS

   One of the most highly anticipated events of the year came to a close today with the chequered flag over the first of the 2023 MotoGP tests. Three days that riders and techs exploited to test and analyse the new technical solutions developed over the winter break.

   All exams were passed in the Aprilia camp. Both Aleix and Maverick approved the new RS-GP, considering it a positive step in all the major areas. From the most visible aerodynamics – the feather in the Italian racing department’s cap – to equally fundamental details such as the engine, the chassis and the electronics package.

   The information gathered during the six days of testing (if we also consider the three shakedown sessions done by tester Lorenzo Savadori), will be analysed and assessed ahead of the Portimão tests. Four weeks of intense work to introduce more new features and to confirm the technical package for the season start.

   Aleix Espargaró
   "I can consider myself satisfied with this first test, despite the weather costing us time yesterday. The new RS-GP is definitely faster than the previous version. It has improved a bit in every area and if we add up many small improvements, the end result is good. This doesn’t change the fact that it’s still too early to form a definitive opinion. The engineers will have a month before the next test in Portimão and much can still change."

   Maverick Viñales
   "I’m pleased. Aprilia did a lot of work over the winter and I already feel much more comfortable on the RS-GP. There are clearly still things to improve, also because in these first tests we tried a lot of different components without going in depth into the setting details. But overall, I think we have higher technical potential than we did at the end of last season and that is an outstanding sensation to have for the first test."

3. UNIBAT AND GRESINI FOR A CONTINUING WINNING PARTNERSHIP

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 10th Feb 2023

   Unibat, a leading company worldwide specialised in automotive batteries, and Gresini Racing, one of the most prestigious teams in the MotoGP World Championship, are pleased to announce the continuation of their winning partnership.
    
   Unibat will therefore accompany the journey of Alex Marquéz and Fabio Di Giannantonio by gaining visibility on their leathers, on the front fairings of the #73 and #49 Desmosedici machines and on the Team Gresini Racing MotoGP uniforms. 

   ALESSANDRO ANNOSCIA - CEO Samauto SpA  
   "We’re proud to continue our partnership with Gresini Racing. The Team represents the highest expression of excellence and competence within the world of motorcycle racing, and we’re honoured to be at their side as sponsors.”
    
   CARLO MERLINI – GRESINI RACING MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
   “Values and results tie together two great institutions such as Unibat and Gresini Racing. We are starting again with what is a new project on many levels, but we’re the certainty of having a great ally such as Alessandro and his company. We’re ready for a great 2023.”

4. FIRST OFFICIAL TEST OF 2023 DRAWS TO A CLOSE FOR TEAM GRESINI MOTOGP

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 7th Feb 2023

   The three-day test at the Sepang International Circuit, the first of 2023, was a successful one for Team Gresini MotoGP. Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio were able to continue – but more likely begin – the on-track work aboard the Desmosedici GP22 machines they first tried for a few laps more than three months ago at Valencia. 
    
   Despite a not-too-productive day two due to adverse weather, in which the riders #49 and #73 were still able to try their Ducati motorcycles in wet conditions, the final day allowed both riders to work on set-up and electronics, with an eye on engine braking.
    
   With the crates ready for the return to Europe, the following test will take place at Portimao on March 10-11 with the final test of the 2023 preseason. 

    

   7^th - FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (Best lap overall - 1’58.344s) 
   “The step forward compared to last year is there and it is quite noticeable. The bike is less on the limit compared to the previous version and there is bigger margin for improvement, especially on corner exit where you can work to perfect the traction side of things. We worked well with the team and we focused on the race pace: not only to prepare for the race itself but also to understand how the bike behaves and how I behave with used tyres. We’re still haven’t hit our full potential, but it was a good start nonetheless.”
    
   9^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73 (Best lap overall - 1’58.385s) 
   “We working quite a lot on the bike and the set-up and we also did a time attack. It was important to understand which direction to take set-up wise especially considering my riding style: we’re still missing something, but generally speaking it was a very productive and constructive day. We understood a lot in these three days and at Portimao we’ll try to fine-tune some details in order to be ready for the first race.”

    

5. DEA SYSTEM A NEW ALLY OF TEAM GRESINI MOTOGP

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 1st Feb 2023

   The journey towards the 2023 continues unabated and Team Gresini MotoGP embraces a new, important partnership. Starting from this year, DEA SYSTEM, a leading company in the creation of products and systems for building and public spaces automation, will be among the new official sponsors of the team led by Nadia Padovani.
    
   A truly Italian, albeit of international flavour (with 14 branches around the world), DEA SYSTEM will be visible on the front fairings of both 2022 Desmosedici machines, on the leathers of Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio as well as on pit-box panels and team trucks.   

    

   MAURIZIO ODOARDI – DEA SYSTEM Spa MANAGING DIRECTOR
   “From the first meeting with Nadia and Carlo, we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, passion and team spirit that characterises the Gresini Racing world. These are the same values that define our institution and that we share with all our partners around the world. We’re ready to start this new journey with team Gresini, for an exchange that will reinforce our brand and the values we spread.”
    
   TIZIANO LIEVORE – DEA SYSTEM Spa FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
   “I’m happy to start this stimulating partnership that ties together Italianity and internationality, two key traits I founded my company upon. Team Gresini Racing Team Gresini Racing represents the best ally to face this journey with, in full synergy, also due to the fantastic work Nadia has been carrying forward with passion and commitment.”
    
   CARLO MERLINI – COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR GRESINI RACING
   “It is always nice and stimulating to announce the beginning of a new collaboration… an new journey to share with DEA SYSTEM; the shared points between the two have been so many that made this partnership an absolutely natural one. We are getting ready to face a season filled with new challenges with the new arrival Alex Marquez but also with Diggia, who is going to tackle his second season in the premier class: expectations are clearly high. I would like to welcome Tiziano and Maurizio and thank them for putting their trust into the Gresini Racing projects… it will likely be a partnership filled with success and excitement!”