MotoGP News
We’re first for the latest MotoGP news. Motorcycle racing’s elite competition is a fast paced, ever-evolving beast and here you’ll find all of the MotoGP news you could wish for. We cover everything from interviews with the major players, updates on machine reveals, team news and more. See brand new content from MotoE and insightful ‘first look’ features showing the forthcoming MotoGP season’s riders in their new colours.
First Chinese start taken-away.
The first Chinese rider to compete in a motorcycle grand prix made his debut at Suzuka, but was denied what would have been a historic race start..
Gresini to visit scene of Kato accident.
Team Telefonica Movistar Honda manager Fausto Gresini has declared that he will return to the Suzuka circuit on Sunday, to inspect the area where his star rider Daijiro Kato suffered his terrible accident during the Japanese Grand Prix.
Kato remains in a coma.
Daijiro Kato remains in a coma following his accident in the early stages of Sunday's season-opening Japanese Grand Prix.
de Gea takes second WCM seat?
Twenty-five year old Spaniard David de Gea is believed to have signed for the Harris WCM team to partner Chris Burns for the remainder of the season, starting at the Africas Grand Prix in three weeks time.
Concern for Kato.
As news of Daijiro Kato's serious condition filtered through to the MotoGP riders, the previous celebratory mood following the season opening Japanese Grand Prix has turned to one of deep concern.
Race Reactions - Japanese Grand Prix.
Race reactions from the MotoGP riders following today's season opening Japanese Grand Prix. Please note that some quotes were given before the seriousness of Daijiro Kato's condition was known by all riders...
Rossi wins at Suzuka, Ducati on podium.
Updated: Reigning World Champion Valentino Rossi won the Japanese Grand Prix, which lived up to all pre-season expectation and more as an all-Italian top three battled race long - spectacularly sliding their GP prototypes sideways all around the figure-of-eight circuit.
Rossi ready to race, but Suzuka 'too dangerous'.
Reigning MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi will start tomorrow's 21 lap battle - in what is looking increasing likely to be a dry race - from pole position for the second year in succession, after rain ruled out any threat to his Friday pace.
Hayden targets start 'when the bell rings'.
For AMA Superbike champion and MotoGP rookie Nicky Hayden, Saturday was a day of frustrations, as he was deprived of a second chance to break into the top echelons of the starting grid. Still upbeat about his MotoGP debut, the Repsol Honda rider explained his qualifying ups and downs.
Melandri injuries revealed after 200kph high-side.
Update: Fortuna Yamaha rider Marco Melandri suffered a huge crash in this morning's free practice at Suzuka, high-siding from his factory M1 on the exit of the fast right hander (turn 12), just after the hairpin, and being hit by his bike.
Abe, Yanagawa wild in Japan.
The wild-card riders for the 125, 250 and MotoGP classes at this Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix are the following:
Pons: Facing the fight with passion.
After a long winter break, the Camel Pramac Pons team are Suzuka eagerly awaiting the starting gun that signifies the beginning of the 2003 MotoGP World Championship.
Fortuna: Great expectations.
The Italian-based Fortuna Yamaha Team will once again lead the Yamaha charge in 2003, with the experienced Carlos Checa retained alongside MotoGP rookie Marco Melandri.
Camier: Dad's taken out a second mortgage.
Former British Champion Leon Camier can thank his Dad for the chance to start his grand prix career in 2003.
Capirossi ready for four-stroke revenge.
Three-time World Champion Loris Capirossi hits the big 'Three O' at Suzuka on Friday - the day he officially commences his first-ever four-stroke GP season.
Rossi, Hayden relish the challenge.
Repsol Honda team-mates Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden are looking forward to the 2003 MotoGP championship with great anticipation, as neither can wait to race after the long winter testing programme that has seen them put the updated five-cylinder, 990cc Honda RC211V through its paces.
Proton face four-strokes alone.
For Proton Team KR the start of the 2003 season has come a little bit too early. With their all-new V5 four-stroke still undergoing tests back at base in Britain, MotoGP's only truly independent manufacturer will race last year's 500cc KR3 this Sunday at Suzuka.
Melandri not daunted by Suzuka changes.
In unexpectedly sunny conditions the Fortuna Yamaha Team completed its first day of a two day test at the Suzuka circuit in Japan today.
Molenaar Honda gets Dark Dog boost.
250cc team owner Arie Molenaar and chief mechanic Hans Spaan, a nine times 125cc GP winner, officially unveiled their 2003 line-up in the Netherlands.
Globe Hopper: Hello from Japan.
Desiree Crossman, girlfriend of Suzuki star John 'Hopper' Hopkins, has arrived in Suzuka, Japan, venue of the first Grand Prix of the 2003 season on April 6... "Hello from Japan,
Henk upholds Dutch honour.
With Jurgen vd Goorbergh's departure to World Supersport, Henk van de Lagemaat will be the only Flying Dutchman in GPs this season, riding a Dark Dog Molenaar Honda.
Campetella launch 2003 campaign.
250cc Grand Prix outfit Campetella Racing officially launched their 2003 campaign in Italy at the weekend, when they presented their team - including riders Franco Battaini and Sylvain Guintoli, plus their multicoloured Aprilias - to the media [pictured].
'93 champ Schwantz to race Supermoto.
1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz has announced he that he will make his return to national competition in the newly formed AMA Red Bull Supermoto championship, on a self-prepared Suzuki DRZ400.
MS Aprilia launched in San Marino.
The MS Aprilia 250cc team officially launched their title defence at a ceremony in San Marino, home of their new for 2003 rider Manual Poggiali.