Silverstone Day of Champions auction raises ?77,090

On the eve of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the MotoGP paddock and fans came together to support Riders for Health in one of the most successful Day of Champions ever - the highlight of which was the famous MotoGP auction, which raised an incredible ?77,090 in just five hours.

Thousands of fans gathered in front of the stage to get up close to their favourite MotoGP stars and bid on the unique signed personal racing memorabilia, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and unique paintings.

In total, 108 items were sold to raise money for the lifesaving work of Riders for Health - the official charity of MotoGP - bringing the total amount raised at Day of Champions to ?216,249 [EUR253,562] which will help Riders for Health use reliable motorcycles and ambulances to reach 14 million people in Africa.

The auction was hosted by Riders for Health co-founder and racing legend Randy Mamola, Eurosport duo Julian Ryder and Toby Moody, MotoGP commentator Gavin Emmett and BBC MotoGP presenter Matt Roberts who all quizzed the riders on their thoughts and expectations ahead of Sunday's race before bidding began.

The item that raised the most during the auction was a Bridgestone racing tyre signed by all of the MotoGP riders who came up on stage, which raised an incredible ?4,600.

The nine-time World Champion, Valentino Rossi, raised an incredible ?13,250 while on stage, auctioning items including the cap from his head which raised ?1,000 and some knee-sliders he produced from his pocket which fetched ?1,650. Before Rossi left stage, Riders for Health announced that over the last 10 years, Valentino and his fans have raised an incredible ?254,509 to support Riders for Health's work in Africa.

The most popular item of signed memorabilia from a single rider was a set of framed elbow sliders donated by Moto2 World Champion and current MotoGP championship leader, Marc Marquez. The hardest working elbow sliders in MotoGP raised ?3,800 and, in total, Marc raised ?10,825.

The auction began with the popular American star, Colin Edwards, who was joined by teammate, Claudio Corti. Edwards raised ?600 by auctioning a pair of race boots and, along with knee-sliders and a signed Bridgestone cap, made a total of ?1,010. Corti brought the team total to ?1,360 by auctioning a pair of boots worn last weekend in Brno for ?350.

As well as items from riders, fans donated thousands of pounds for a series of MotoGP VIP experiences. Team hospitality packages, grid passes for Sunday, track days, F1 factory tours and the chance to shadow MotoGP photographer Andrew Northcott were all auctioned. With a pair of the hottest tickets in motorsport, MotoGP grid passes, raising an amazing ?3,900.

The British riders received a great reception from their home fans. Moto2 championship leader, Scott Redding, auctioned a helmet for ?800, a cast of his handprint for ?750 and the cap he wore to the stage for ?240. Michael Laverty raised ?425 by auctioning boots and gloves, while Danny Kent added ?570 by donating a pair of boots alongside a photo montage. Gino Rea raised ?820 with the sale of a range of memorabilia.

But it was the two leading British MotoGP stars, Bradley Smith and Cal Crutchlow who brought the show to a close. Smith auctioned a helmet for ?1,600 and a set of leathers for ?900. In total the young Oxfordshire rider made ?3,600. Crutchlow kept fans at the stage right until the last lot, as he raised a fantastic ?7,225. The nine items auctioned by Cal included a set of leathers worn during his podium ride in Mugello selling for ?2,600, and the bottle of Champagne from his podium at Le Mans raising ?500.

Jorge Lorenzo raised ?3,700 by helping to auction a set of MotoGP grid passes, as well as a team shirt and original signed artwork. Fellow championship contender, Dani Pedrosa auctioned a pair of boots for ?750 and raised ?1,650 in total.

Nicky Hayden was one of the most popular riders of the evening, as he helped raise ?8,550 while he was on stage. A limited edition Tissot watch fetched ?1,600, while a unique piece of factory Ducati MotoGP bike bodywork made ?1,800. Nicky also helped to auction the item that raised the most money during the evening, a signed Bridgestone tyre.
Nicky's Ducati teammate, Andrea Dovizioso also auctioned his own piece of Ducati bodywork for ?650, while an Italian flag signed by all the Italian riders added ?425 to his total.

German rider, Stefan Bradl donated a pair of gloves which sold for ?550, with the former Moto2 world champion raising ?1,100 in total. Stefan was joined on stage by LCR Honda MotoGP team boss, Lucio Cecchinello as they auctioned a pair of paddock passes and weekend hospitality with their team for ?2,000. Lucio thanked all of the bidders, saying 'What Riders are doing in Africa is very important, and it wouldn't be possible without your support'.

The ever popular French rider, Randy de Puniet, auctioned a pair of leathers for ?450 in a combined total of ?600. While Alvaro Bautista, who visited Riders for Health's work in 2011 with the organisation's Experience Africa ride in Zambia, was able to add ?1,210 by auctioning gloves, boots, and artwork.

Yonny Hernandez raised ?400, Hector Barbera raised ?180 and Bryan Staring added ?75 as they all auctioned off a collection of gloves, boots, knee sliders and signed flags. Leading CRT rider, Aleix Espargaro auctioned a pair of leathers for ?700 and a Spanish flag, signed by all the Spanish riders, for ?500.

Lukas Pesek raised ?400, including a unique piece of MotoGP bike bodywork for ?350, while teammate Danilo Petrucci raised ?340. Michele Pirro raised ?475 by auctioning a pair of boots and leathers, while Andrea Iannone raised ?175 by donated a pair of kneesliders.

Speaking at the end of the auction Riders for Health's co-founder and CEO, Andrea Coleman thanked all the teams, riders and hosts for giving their time during the auction, and gave a huge thank you to the crowd and to everyone who bid and bought items. She said "We are very, very happy. This money will do a lot of good in Africa. Thank you".

See below for more pictures from the auction...