Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK riders Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Andrea Locatelli took their second team 1-2 qualifying result of 2023, followed by a thrilling performance in Race 1 at the seventh round of the 2023 FIM Superbike World Championship in Italy. 

After some confusion following Superpole this morning, where Locatelli initially had his fastest lap cancelled, the Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK squad lined up first and second on the grid for the first points-paying race at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in WorldSBK since 2019.It was “Loka” who got the hole-shot to lead the field into Turn 1, holding off attacks from Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Ducati) and his teammate Razgatlıoğlu until the Turkish ace hit the front on Lap 4. An opening set of laps that has audiences – and team management – equal parts thrilled and apprehensive!The dream of a team 1-2 was shortly dispatched as main championship rivals Alvaro Bautista (Ducati) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) made a charge for the podium as the race settled in. Razgatlıoğlu held off Bautista until Lap 12 this time out, taking a hard-fought second place podium position once again at the end of Lap 19. The silver lining was in the #54 rider achieving a special career milestone of 100 WorldSBK podiums with the result.

Locatelli also battled hard in the extreme Imola heat, crossing the line in fourth position with hopes of fine tuning his R1 WorldSBK set-up to battle for the podium for the full race distance.

The historic and popular Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the UK’s busiest gatherings of iconic motorsport machinery and heroes, will count on an enlarged MotoGP presence for the 30th edition of the show in mid-July and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will be adding some ‘orange’ to proceedings.

Established in 1993 by the Duke of Richmond at the Goodwood Estate in southern England, the Festival of Speed has developed into an immensely revered annual event where legends of motorsport past and present have lined up to meet fans and also make the famous hill climb run. The 2023 incarnation has almost sold-out across the four days from Thursday 13th July to Sunday 16th.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will join the festivities with Mika Kallio throwing his leg over the KTM RC16 on Thursday and Friday and then Brad Binder, currently 4th in the 2023 MotoGP world championship standings, appearing on the bike through Saturday and Sunday.

The appeal of the Festival of Speed means over 200,000 visitors are expected to walk through the doors of the site for the duration. The expanded focus on MotoGP serves as a tantalising appetiser for the British public only three weeks before the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on August 4-6th that will constitute round nine of the season.

The second and third rounds of the National Hard Enduro took the Husqvarna Racing riders to the chilly surroundings of the Drakensberg mountains for the IMPI Hard Enduro. It was a noteworthy weekend for the team as power duo Travis Teasdale and Heinrich Aust were firing on all cylinders throughout the race weekend.

Teasdale onboard his Husqvarna TE 300 described time trial as always being his favorite to get his eye in and to get used to the conditions for the weekend ahead. He stormed to victory on day one of the race weekend leaving no stone unturned. Unfortunately, due to mechanical issues caused by treacherous rocky conditions left Teasdale fighting for valuable championship points on the second day ending up in P8 overall for the IMPI event.

Teasdale commented on the race saying, “It was a cold and early start to the first day. There was a big train of us just trying to navigate our way through the new terrain. I broke away from the pack in the gold loop and onto bronze home I broke away from William and pulled a decent size gap on the way home to take the win.” 

He went on to say, “I pushed to break through the group on the second day, unfortunately, I heard a leak in my radiator which had the mechanics at DSP sorting it out super quick for me. Coming down the big pass I dropped off a step and the wall collapsed, bending my sprocket after losing about 2 hours it was a matter of bringing it home safe and steady to get some good points in the bag for the National Championship.” Young prodigy Heinrich Aust started the weekend off on a good note on his Husqvarna TE 250 and gave an impressive performance ending well in the top 5 gold classifications on the first day of the IMPI. Staying focused on the end goal and leaving it all out on the field, Aust went on to snatch up second place on day 2 giving him second place overall for the IMPI event

Aust said, “I started off fairly slow on day one but I managed to do what I needed to do in order to stay in contention and then I pushed hard on day 2 to bring home second overall which I am really happy about. I am now looking ahead to the next round of enduro which is back to the traditional series.”

Grant Frerichs, group manager commented on the teams performance saying, “It was a bittersweet weekend for the team with Travis winning day one and then having numerous issues on day 2 while Heinrich showed great progression confirming his abilities as a hard enduro rider.

MURRIETA, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing would like to thank Cooper Webb for his achievements, commitment and determination following a highly-successful five seasons together. At this time, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and the 27-year-old Webb have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.

Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Cooper for the years of successes we have had together. Over the past five years, we have been on the 450SX podium 52 times and of those, 21 were victories. We won the 450SX titles in 2019 and 2021, had a strong runner-up season in 2020 and finished third this year despite an unfortunate season-ending crash in Nashville.

Cooper had the option in his contract as to whether he wanted to race outdoors and he decided at Daytona that he would not compete in AMA Pro Motocross in 2023. However, following his SX season-ending crash in Nashville, Cooper reached out about racing MX and KTM agreed to support him for the summer. Both sides came into the series somewhat underprepared and a practice crash before RedBud sidelined Cooper once again.

Both Cooper and the team have decided to part ways, this will give him time to recover and then move on to the next chapter of his racing career. The team and myself wish him all the best. I will always be reminded of the success we have had together because Cooper’s championship bikes and trophies stand proudly in the KTM race shop lobby.”

Webb joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2019 and went on to clinch a first-career 450SX Championship in that inaugural campaign, before again claiming the premier class crown in 2021 onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Collectively, between 2019-2023, Webb and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing amassed a total of 21 Main Event wins together in the 450SX division of the AMA Supercross Championship, as well as a single AMA Pro Motocross Championship 450MX round victory in 2019. The entire team wishes Cooper well in his future endeavors.

The rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team sets ambitious goals for the second half of the season. Currently sixth in the standings, he is aiming for the maximum result and the Team title

Tavullia (Italy), July 6th 2023 – Luca Marini doesn't stop and already has his eyes fixed on the second half of the season. Eight races behind him and a more than positive balance for the rider of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, in his third year in MotoGP on the Ducati Desmosedici GP, and working to get back on the Top class podium.Second in America (first MotoGP podium of his career), third in Argentina in the Sprint and four times starting from the front row (Americas GP, French GP, German GP, Dutch GP), Luca is currently sixth in the general standings with 98 points and consistently in the Top5.

Solid and fast in all conditions, he sets a new goal for the end of the season: more podiums, together with Marco the Team title (P2, 256 points) and a victory.

Podium positions in two of the three categories and healthy support presence in the paddock of the 2023 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship meant that KTM emphasized their role and enthusiasm for the foundation stages of the sport and the first steps towards MXGP.

The latest edition of the one-day world championship meet took place across the hard-packed sand of the TCS Racing Park near Bucharest, Romania. The 65, 85 and 125 classes were home to a wide spread of KTM SX technology and raced by hopeful youngsters from across the globe. Riders from the USA, South Africa, Australia, Africa and Israel and from a wide spread of countries in Europe gathered for the practice, qualifying and racing program across the weekend.KTM offered ample support with a technical structure in Romania that provided guidance and assistance for the aspiring kids and teenagers as well as their families.

From the formative 65s, American Easton Graves walked the second step as overall runner-up with his KTM 65 SX. South Africa’s Evan Frost and Germany’s Jamiro Peters managed 6th and 7th. Jarne Bervoets – son of multiple Grand Prix winner Marnicq – was the first of four KTM 85 SX riders in the top five of the 85cc contest. The Belgian won the second moto. He placed ahead of Holland’s Dean Gregoire, Italy’s Riccardo Pini and Switzerland’s Ryan Oppliger. 19 of the 38 runners rode the same machinery.KTM had two riders in the final top ten of the 125cc division. Denmark’s Mads Fredsoe and Hungary’s Noel Zanocz rode their KTM 125 SX to 9th and 10th respectively.

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship has been the launchpad for some of the biggest names in the sport and is seen as a key springboard for the brightest and best talent to put their name into the reckoning of factory teams and official backing.

National Cross Country Championship - Round 3 & 4 – Ganyesa

The Brother Leader Tread KTM Racing Team went down to Ganyesa this past weekend where they triumphed all of their representing classes during the exhilarating weekend of racing leaving an orange cloud of dust behind. Kerim Fitz-Gerald and Matthew Wilson were the stars of the team, dominating both rounds and securing the top step of the podium.

In the OR1 class, Brad Cox showcased his exceptional riding abilities throughout the weekend. Cox emerged triumphant in the third round, securing the top spot in his class, and finished a commendable second in the fourth round. Reflecting on his performances, Cox said, "I had a solid weekend overall and really happy with my results. Despite some challenges and fatigue, I am stoked to have secured a spot on the podium and extend my lead in the OR1 class. I am excited for the upcoming final round in Bloem."Kerim Fitz-Gerald, competing in the seniors class, delivered an exceptional performance, clinching victory in both rounds. Fitz-Gerald described his experience, stating, "Day one was quite good, although the track was dusty. The time trial went well, and I managed to maintain my position throughout the race. I finished third overall but claimed the victory in the seniors class.”

He went on to say, “Day two proved to be challenging, as fatigue set in after the second lap. Despite the long and demanding day, I finished fourth overall and secured another win in the senior's class. Overall, it was a successful weekend, and I'm eagerly looking forward to the next round."Young gun, Matthew Wilson, soared to new heights as he dominated the OR3 class in both rounds. Wilson's exceptional riding skills were on full display as he secured victory with confidence. Reflecting on his remarkable performance, Wilson shared his excitement, saying, "The two days went super well. The first day presented rough and tight sections, but I enjoyed it immensely. My KTM 250 XCF performed exceptionally well, allowing me to clinch the win in the OR3 class. I couldn't have asked for a better day. The second day featured a fast track spanning 55 kilometers, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My bike and the team supported me so much, and I'm incredibly proud of my results.”Scott Heygate, competing in the OR2 class, faced adversity but demonstrated resilience and determination. Heygate secured an impressive second place in the third round. Unfortunately, due to a broken thumb sustained during a crash on the previous day, he was unable to compete in the fourth round. Heygate expressed his gratitude, stating, " Was still a good day overall and managed to snatch the second spot on the podium as well as 5th overall for the day. Unfortunate to have lost a bag of points for the fourth round but will look forward and hopefully be back for the final round and give it my all when I get there. So grateful to the team and everyone that has backed me, really blessed with everyone and the team in my corner."Group manager Grant Frerichs commented on the team's performance saying," The team put on a great display of race tactics and meritorious through the 2 days of dust in Ganyesa. There is 1 more round left in the championship with 3 class championships at our fingertips and we will do everything in our power to wrap them up!”

- ROUND 3 & 4 – GANYESA

The Husqvarna Racing Team showcased their exceptional skills and determination at the thrilling double header event in Ganyesa this past weekend. The team's OR2 class rider, Davin Cocker, emerged as the standout performer, securing victory in both rounds and clinching the prestigious OR2 championship title. Despite facing challenges, the team demonstrated resilience and a commendable fighting spirit throughout the weekend.Cocker illustrated his prowess as he dominated both rounds three and four. With remarkable skill and strategic riding, Cocker emerged victorious, leaving his competitors in his dust. Reflecting on his exhilarating race weekend, Cocker expressed his gratitude, stating, "It was an incredible race, and I'm thrilled to have secured the OR2 championship win. The team's dedication and support have been instrumental in my success, and I can't thank them enough."In the OR3 class, Ryan Pelser faced a challenging weekend. Despite the rough and tight track conditions in Round 3, Pelser demonstrated his unwavering passion for the sport, finding joy in the thrilling experience. The track conditions improved on the second day, allowing Pelser to push harder and make progress resulting in an impressive fourth-place finish in his class. Reflecting on the race, Pelser commented, "I had a good time overall, despite the challenges. Racing is all about overcoming obstacles, and I'm looking forward to pushing myself even further in the upcoming rounds."

The Husqvarna Racing Team welcomed two fill-in riders, Michael Docherty and Charan Moore, who exhibited their talent and dedication throughout the weekend. Docherty delivered an outstanding performance in the third round. However, his previous wrist injury gave him trouble after the demanding first day forcing him to make the difficult decision to sit out the fourth round.Docherty expressed his satisfaction being back at the racing: "It was a great weekend, and I enjoyed being back on the track after Dakar. I faced some challenges with the bike setup and my wrist, but overall, it was a positive experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to race."Charan Moore encountered a series of unfortunate events during the doubleheader event. In the third round, Moore's race was marred by a collision that damaged his radiator. With the help of supportive local farmers, he managed to make it back to the pits and go out for a few more laps after his radiator was fixed. In the fourth round, an unexpected fuel shortage forced him to retire from the race. Reflecting on the weekend, Moore stated, "It was a bit of an unlucky weekend, but I was so stoked to be back riding. My FX450 performed amazingly, and the team was fantastic. I look forward to building on this experience and coming back stronger for the final round."

Team manager Grant Frerichs commented, “Another up and down weekend for the team in Ganyesa but Davin Cocker managed to prove once again how dominant he is in the series.”

The riders of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team are in the slipstream of the podium finishing the race respectively in P4 and P5.

Chemnitz (Germany), June 18th 2023 - Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini close the German GP with two excellent placements respectively in P4 and P5 under the checkered flag. Both in the slip stream of the group of the very first guys, the riders of the Mooney VR46 Racing Team confirm the excellent feelings of the weekend.Starting from the second row, on the Ducati Desmosedici GP, Marco struggles at the start and is forced into P8 after the first corners. Thank to a really good pace in the central part of the race, he climbs up the standings to the 4th place. He is third in the general standings with 126 points (P2 in the Team classification with 215 points).

Solid race also for Luca, second at the start and third during the first laps. He hits the Top5 and confirms the P6 in the general classification (89 points) on the eve of the last race of this three races in a row, in one week, at TT Assen. 

The Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team produced an incredible performance at the 24H Spa EWC Motos to claim a stunning victory in Belgium and take the overall lead in the FIM Endurance World Championship standings.

The second edition of the 24H SPA EWC Motos showcased exactly why endurance racing returned to the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2022 after a 20-year hiatus. It contained everything, thrilling on-track battles, numerous safety cars, and even the threat of rain towards the end of the race. Despite all of this, nothing could stop the YART Yamaha team and riders Niccolò Canepa, Karel Hanika, and Marvin Fritz as they secured their first FIM EWC victory since the 12 Hours of Estoril in 2020 and their first 24-hour race win for 14 years.A dominant showing in Friday’s qualifying saw the team secure pole position by 0.959s, with all three YART riders lapping within 0.198s of each other. On top of their stunning one-lap pace, the Austrian squad had spent much of the week focusing on race setup with the Bridgestone-shod #7 R1, so confidence was flowing within the team heading into Saturday’s race.

Fritz took the first stint from pole following the traditional “Le Mans” running start, but a slight wheelie off the line meant he entered Turn 1 down in 10th. The German composed himself superbly before fighting his way back through the field and becoming involved in an epic three-way battle for the lead. After exchanging a few spectacular overtaking manoeuvres, he took over at the front and handed the YART R1 to Hanika for the second stint.Hanika hit the ground running, but almost immediately, out came the first of many safety cars. Once racing had resumed, the Czech rider took the lead and opened up an advantage of two seconds before heading into the pits and giving the bike to Canepa for his first stint. 

The Italian gave it full gas and opened up a 22s lead with a string of low to mid 2:22 laps, but just before the two-hour mark, another safety car, this time for oil on the track, would mean that his rivals would be able to close up. After a delay of over 35 minutes, the race was back on, and Canepa again broke away to establish a 12.5s gap at the front before handing the bike back to Fritz.The next few stints became frustrating for the team, as they repeatedly fought hard to open up an advantage, only to see it effectively wiped out again by a series of safety cars. Due to this, none of the front three teams could break away, with the close racing continuing to the 8-hour mark, when YART collected nine EWC points for being in second. 

As the night went on, each YART rider showed astonishing pace and consistency, highlighted by Canepa setting the team’s fastest lap at 3 am local time, a 2:21.015. Their efforts were rewarded with the lead after 15 hours of racing, and as dawn broke in Spa, they started to extend their advantage at the front.At the 16-hour mark, YART’s lead was up to 14s, ensuring they secured 10 more vital championship points. The team continued to be faultless, maintaining their pace as their rivals lost time due to technical issues, and an hour later, they had opened a two-lap gap at the front, although there was drama on the way.

Approaching 19 hours into the race, Fritz had only completed a few laps of his stint when he suffered damage to his rear tyre that caused a puncture. Somehow, he managed to bring the R1 back to the box, with the team doing a brilliant job of turning around a quick pit stop and getting Fritz back out on track while still leading by a lap.

From here on in, the whole YART Yamaha team pulled together to ensure there were no mistakes, with all three riders remaining focused and controlling the gap at the front, although there was still a surprise in store as rain flags appeared with just over one hour to go. Despite spots of rain on his visor, Hanika used his experience and took no unnecessary risks to ensure he handed over to Canepa for the final stint with the team’s one-lap advantage over the bike in second place intact.

The Italian showed nerves of steel. Unfazed by the weather, his pace was unrelenting, and he extended the lead even more during the last hour before stopping for a quick splash and dash with 15 minutes to go. 

As the race clock hit 24 hours, Canepa brought the YART R1 across the line for the last time to secure first position and the team’s first 24-hour race victory since Le Mans in 2009 after completing 572 laps, one more than their nearest rival.YART’s victory saw them collect another 40 points, which, when added to the five they secured for pole and the 19 they received for their positions at the eight and 16-hour marks, respectively, meant they amassed 64 of the 65 points on offer in Belgium, and now lead the overall FIM EWC standings with 118 points.

The Belgian-based KM Motos team of Lucas Mahias, Florian Marino, and Bastian Mackels made it two R1s in the top six after they put in a strong showing at their home race to complete 561 laps, while Maco Racing Team’s Balint Kovacs, Enzo Boulom, and Martin Vugrinec finished in 19th (504 laps).The Moto Ain Yamaha EWC Supported Team of Corentin Perolari, Roberto Tamburini, and Alessandro Polita completed 472 laps to secure 21st, while unfortunately, Wojcik Racing Team EWC 77’s Sheridan Morais, Isaac Vinales, and Mathieu Gines were forced to withdraw from the race after 149 laps.

Next up on the FIM EWC calendar is Round 3, the legendary Suzuka 8 Hours in Japan, on the 4th-6th of August, before the season's final race, the Bol d’Or in France, on the 14th-17th of September.