• Ben Ball 2025 to take place on 10th December at new location - London Hilton on Park Lane
• Tickets on sale now and new, exclusive sponsorship opportunities available
• Raising funds to support automotive people who are struggling or in crisis

Ben is officially inviting its automotive family to book now for Ben Ball 2025 (proudly supported by AutoTrader) which is taking place at the luxury five-star London Hilton Park Lane on 10th December.

The exclusive black-tie event is returning to the heart of Mayfair with a fresh, new look and feel reflecting the iconic new venue and Ben’s future vision. 

Set to be the automotive event of the year, Ben Ball will feature entertainment, dancing, a delicious three-course dinner, and endless opportunities for networking with over 600 automotive professionals.

Following the overwhelming success of Ben Ball 2024, which is always well-attended by hundreds of automotive industry leaders each year, Ben is encouraging the automotive community to act fast and secure their place on this not-to-be-missed evening.

Whether booking a table or securing an individual ticket, there are options to suit all budgets with prices starting at £399...

Book your place today! www.ben.org.uk/benball

Additionally, a range of table packages and new sponsorship opportunities are available, enabling companies to position their brand in front of influential automotive decision-makers.

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re very excited to open bookings for our exclusive automotive event of the year and we’re delighted to bring Ben Ball back to central London, in the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane. We have so much to share this year, so you won’t want to miss this! We expect spaces to sell out quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of celebration with your automotive family.

“We continue to support more people than ever who are struggling with money worries, which is affecting all areas of their lives. We rely on Ben Ball as it brings in vital donations to help change lives, and often save lives, in our automotive industry. The evening is also an opportunity to celebrate achievement and recognise those who have supported us during the year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ben Ball’s new home this December for a night you won’t forget!”

Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, said: "We're very proud to be sponsoring Ben Ball again for 2025. This is a unique event in our industry that raises essential funds for members of our automotive community who are struggling, as well as shining a spotlight on the incredible work Ben does every day. It’s inspiring to see our automotive family unite each year, contributing generously to support our dedicated charity. More people each year are turning to Ben for support, which means digging deeper to meet the rising demand. We’re looking forward to celebrating achievements and supporting our charity at Ben Ball 2025. We hope you’ll join us!"

To book your table or tickets now, or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

DEDICATED TO OUR PINNACLE X-804 RS ULTRA CARBON, THE TWO VERSIONS SHADES OF STYLE AND FURY OF PERFORMANCE ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH TIMELESS SPORT ELEGANCE.

There are helmets that protect and can tell a story.  

In the long tradition of Italian motorsport excellence, X-804 RS Ultra Carbon is the perfect synthesis of technology and style. Designed to dominate extreme speeds and stand out in every detail, this carbon fibre model comes from Nolan's racing heritage: a legacy-built race after race, victory after victory. A helmet that, thanks to its design, highlights a style with a decidedly Made in Italy character, redefining the paradigm of sports elegance.

With the new LESMO graphics, available in the Shades of Style and Fury of Performance variants, a new helmet idea takes shape: an object that blends absolute performance with refined aesthetics. A tribute to the sporty soul of those who live the motorbike as an extension of themselves, as well as to the pure beauty of speed.

Designed for the most demanding riders, born from the Italian passion for pure performance, X-804 RS Ultra Carbon LESMO represents the pinnacle of Nolan technology. A carbon fibre structure, distinguished by the X Series signature, that combines all the features required by those who are about to ride a sports bike on the track or on the road: lightness and strength, aerodynamics and comfort, protection and style. This helmet is the result of artisan knowledge carefully cultivated in the Brembate di Sopra factory, where every detail is shaped by hand by those who know the meaning of the word ‘excellence’.

The two new colours created for the LESMO graphics are an expression of aesthetics inspired by legendary circuits, by the memorable exploits that have chronicled the most beautiful sporting pages linked to the world of speed on two and four wheels, with an inimitable and timeless style.

Shades of Style (361) is the essence of style meets speed: Anthracite, Black, Gold and a Metal Silver visor that illuminates every trajectory with innate class. Fury of Performance (362), on the other hand, is the power of racing that takes shape: a symphony of Carbon, Red, Black, Grey and Gold, complemented by a Dark Smoke visor that reflects the determination of those who never stop. Both versions of LESMO are born from an exposed carbon shell base to give life to a design that ideally follows the trajectories of the wind, immediately conveying the emotion you feel once you open the throttle.

X-804 RS UC LESMO doesn't just protect the head: it amplifies the sensation of riding, enhancing every turn, every straight, every breath of the engine. The D-Ring retention system, the Ultra wide visor with anti-scratch treatment, the triple ventilation enhanced by Racing Air Flow (RAF), and the active carbon inner padding - now in the new sand color - define a habitat designed for maximum concentration and minimum compromise.

Every element speaks of care: from the compatibility with glasses (Eyewear Adaptive), to the anti-fog nose deflector, to the sculpted rear edge to improve freedom of movement in a racing position. Then there's the aerodynamics enhanced by the Racetrack Aerodynamic Spoiler (RAS), developed through CFD studies and wind tunnel testing, capable of ensuring impeccable stability even under the most decisive acceleration.

There is also the Camel Bag hydration system and the Tear Off kit, for riders who live the track without compromise. Also available is the set of additional padding for a ‘made-to-measure’ fit.

Four shells for X-804 RS Ultra Carbon, from 2XS to 3XL, for a fit that fits like a second skin.

The LESMO graphic is available at Nolan Dealers, with a suggested retail price of £599.99.

article supplied

• SMIDSY is no excuse
• The roads are becoming busier with weekend riders, and we can help them stay safe
• Check blind spots and mirrors, and pay extra attention at junctions, where more than 40% of fatal and serious collisions occur

ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to take extra care at junctions, in an attempt to reduce collisions with motorcyclists. More weekend riders are taking to the roads as the weather improves, and GEM wants everyone to get home safe every day.

There were 315 motorcycle fatalities in 20231 (the latest available statistics), with a further 5,481 seriously injured. Of these, 41% occurred at or within 20 metres of a junction, says GEM.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Failing to see a motorcyclist is an all-too-common reason for the so-called ‘SMIDSY’ collision (Sorry mate, I didn’t see you).

“As drivers, we tend not to be good at identifying motorcyclists because they occupy such a small part of our field of vision. Also, if we’re not expecting to see a rider, then the chance of spotting one reduces and the risk of a collision rises.

“Many roads are already becoming busier with weekend riders, so we’re encouraging drivers to look out for them, check blind spots and mirrors – and to be extra careful at junctions. Let’s make a point of looking out for them. In doing so, we will be greatly reducing this risk, and helping them to be less vulnerable on their journeys.”

GEM’s safety tips for drivers  

In an attempt to raise awareness and reduce risk, GEM has assembled some safety tips for drivers:

• Before pulling out of a junction, look carefully all around. Make a specific check for motorcyclists coming towards you. If you’re expecting bikes to be there, then you’re far more likely to see them in good time.
• Always check blind spots and mirrors before changing lanes or turning.
• Give motorcyclists ample space, especially when they’re filtering.
• Be extra cautious at junctions. Anticipate motorcyclists' movements and judge their speed carefully.
• Use your indicators consistently, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
• Avoid distractions and focus constantly and fully on the journey.

ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“It’s a shame for how this race went. I must apologise to Diggia because it was my mistake of calculation, and I believe the penalty was correct. I was forced to a comeback race and we must be happy with this sixth position: these are valuable points for the championship although there’s very little to celebrate. We’re heading to Jerez with a still solid weekend in our bag.”

FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
“I’m very happy with this race and for the whole weekend. We have been competitive, we wanted the top ten and we finished with a fourth and a fifth. I put a lot of energy at halfway point to catch Zarco and Morbidelli, and I had nothing left in the tank in the end to overtake them. In any case I’m happy with my race craft.”

Race - QatarGP ðŸŒ•
5^th - FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 
6^th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73

World Championship Standing

2^nd – ALEX MARQUEZ #73  (106 points)
14^th – FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 (20 points)