MotoGP Features

KTM initially thought its MotoGP test programme would be less important in 2019, when the factory will double its presence on the grid to four bikes with the addition of Tech3.

MotoGP riders have a choice of engine maps which they can switch between, via a handlebar buttons, during a race.

Bradley Smith's early summer announcement that he was contemplating retirement sent tongues wagging, but also set his mind in motion. Is this really what I want?

Former 250GP title runner-up Fonsi Nieto has joined the growing band of ex-racer now employed as rider coaches by MotoGP teams. In the Spaniard's case he provides trackside feedback for the Alma Pramac Ducati team of Danilo Petrucci and Jack Miller.

After a press conference to discuss Monster Energy's 2019 title sponsorship of the factory Yamaha MotoGP team at Brno on Thursday evening, Yamaha Racing managing director Lin Jarvis stayed to answer questions from a small group of journalists on the team's issues this season.

Aleix Espargaro doesn’t leave you second-guessing. Across a 35 minute interview he offers opinions on issues ranging from the length of the current racing calendar to the might of Piaggio, parent company of Aprilia. And there’s more than one take on his 2018 experience to date.

Safer run-off areas on the edges of race tracks has created the problem of how to punish riders that gain an advantage by riding outside of the circuit limits. This infringement is broken down into two separate areas.

On November 18, in Valencia, Tech3 will take part in its final MotoGP race with Yamaha machinery, ending a 20-year relationship between the French team and Japanese manufacturer.

Repsol Honda pulled off one of the biggest surprises in recent MotoGP history by signing Jorge Lorenzo to partner Marc Marquez next season. The Spanish stars have won seven premier-class titles, three for Lorenzo and four for Marquez, including every MotoGP championship since 2011.

A Repsol generated interview with Alex Barros, who won seven 500cc/MotoGP races during a mammoth 17-year premier-class career on Cagiva, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha and finally Ducati machinery. Barros is also among an elite group of riders to have won races in both 500cc/MotoGP and WorldSBK…

When the manager of an established MotoGP factory tells you a rider with less than two-and-a-half seasons’ worth of experience “deserves his own project,” your first thought may be mild disbelief.

Sunday's epic Dutch MotoGP featured an astonishing 175 overtakes, during the 26 laps. Marc Marquez broke clear for victory in the final stages, but 5 different riders were officially credited a leading a lap, while the race ended with the closest top 15 in history.

A Repsol generated interview with former 500cc/MotoGP rider and 2011 World Superbike champion Carlos Checa, who was back in the paddock at Catalunya… Q: What is the first memory that comes to mind when you think of the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit?

A Repsol generated interview with four-time 250cc world champion and MotoGP title contender Max Biaggi, who returned to the paddock at Mugello, where he also rode the MotoE demo lap… Q: How is your life now, are you missing competition?

When celebrating his first Ducati victory at Mugello on Sunday, Jorge Lorenzo spoke of the importance of self-belief and determination to power through the difficult times.

Mugello saw Casey Stoner's first appearance at a MotoGP since shoulder surgery, following February's Sepang test.

Hafizh Syahrin will remain in MotoGP in 2019, but not as part of a rumoured new Sepang Yamaha team.

A Repsol generated interview with five-time 250GP race winner and MotoGP podium finisher Randy de Puniet, now working in the paddock with French Eurosport… Q: How did you see the MotoGP race at Le Mans?

MotoGP will 'probably' keep downforce fairings for 2019, but wing attachments will be subject to stricter regulations and must be used in the same configuration at all times. This is likely to result in each rider having one 'wing' fairing and one normal fairing available.

Since MotoGP winter testing, Valentino Rossi has repeatedly emphasised the need for Yamaha to improve acceleration via the electronics. "All the Ducatis are better in acceleration, because they are more in front compared to us in the electronics," the Italian said in February.

Having looked longingly across the KTM garage as test rider Mika Kallio gave the '2019 prototype' it's grand prix debut at Jerez, Pol Espargaro was all smiles after getting back on the machine during the Monday test.

A Repsol generated interview with MotoGP race winner and former Moto2 champion Toni Elias, the reigning MotoAmerica Superbike champion.

A Repsol-generated interview with 2004 250cc title runner-up Sebas Porto, who was back in the MotoGP paddock to conduct media duties - and catch-up with friends and former rivals - at his home round in Argentina… Q: How is life as a former world championship rider?

  The 2018 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas takes place on April 20-22. Here are some memorable moments from the five previous events…