Hornby launches Scalextric MotoGP range.

Hornby, the models and collectibles group, has announced the launch of a full range of Scalextric motorbike slot racing products, based on the MotoGP World Championship.

The range was previewed to the Scalextric International Distributors' conference in Valencia, Spain, coinciding with the final MotoGP race of the 2003 season.

Scalextric has acquired the worldwide exclusive license to produce Scalextric sets and individual bikes in the liveries of all the MotoGP teams and all of the riders from Dorna Sports, the series' commercial and TV rights holders. The initiative will be the first authentic slot-based motorbike product designed and produced by Scalextric. Hornby expects that the products will be well received in countries across the world. First deliveries are expected during the late spring of 2004, to coincide with the early rounds of next year's MotoGP World Championship.

The Scalextric MotoGP bikes will be powered by a small electric motor that will drive the rear wheel. Electricity will be delivered via a discrete guide blade mounted between the wheels. The front wheel will be free spinning and in contact with the track surface. The bikes have been designed to emulate the appearance and performance of the real MotoGP bikes.