Bradl ready for Sepang and aiming for top ten

Stefan Bradl is ready to start a new chapter of his MotoGP career with NGM Forward Racing.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Bradl+ready+for+Sepang+and+aiming+for+top+ten

Yamaha MotoGP team news

Yamaha launches their 2015 MotoGP motorcycle, and both Jorge Lorenzo, and Valentino Rossi, have things to say about the upcoming season.  Judging from these stories, we should be in for another epic MotoGP season, in 2015.

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP host 2015 team launch in Madrid

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Movistar+Yamaha+MotoGP+host+2015+team+launch+in+Madrid

Lorenzo on 2015 title: 'Marquez should be the favourite'
 http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Lorenzo+on+2015+title+Marquez+should+be+the+favourite

...and

Rossi on battle at the top: 'It's going to be a good fight'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rossi+on+battle+at+the+top+Its+going+to+be+a+good+fight

Aegerter tests with Akira at Jerez

Moto 2 rider Dominique Aegerter, could run in MotoGP in the not too distant future, judging from this story, where, he is testing a prototype MotoGP motorcycle from Akira, with a Kawasaki built motor in it.  Could this signal a sign that Kawasaki could return to MotoGP?  Will there be another manufacturer on the grid in the not too distant future?  We'll have to wait and find out.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Aegerter+tests+with+Akira+at+Jerez

Poncharal previews season ahead for Tech 3 team

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team manager Herve Poncharal explains what the Tech 3 team in MotoGP and Moto 2, is doing to prep for the upcoming 2015 season.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Poncharal+previews+season+ahead+for+Tech+3+team

MotoGP Legend Nieto inaugurates Jerez Walk of Fame

Legendary motorcycle racer Angel Nieto, as a part of celebrating Jerez, Spain as the World Motorcycling Capital, was the first rider to be inducted into a new Walk of Fame, located in Jerez, which is located in southern Spain.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/MotoGP+Legend+Nieto+inaugurates+Jerez+Walk+of+Fame

MotoGP in the media

Another short installment from MotoGP in the Media.  This is one, yours truly, missed!  Sorry this is so late in coming.  The story was posted a week ago, and is about KTM assessing the options for the teams they could work with in MotoGP, when they come to the series in 2017.

http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media

More MotoGP news

A few more noteworthy MotoGP stories.

Rainey: 'The best riders will always win'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rainey+The+best+riders+will+always+win

Hernandez to miss first MotoGP test of 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Hernandez+to+miss+first+MotoGP+test+of+2015

Corsi: "If I do well, I'll be in MotoGP next year"
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Corsi+on+2015+Moto2+season+and+his+future+in+MotoGP

Laverty enjoys Monte-Carlo rally action
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Laverty+enjoys+MonteCarlo+rally+action

German Superbike series restructures Moto 3 class

The International German Superbike Series, also has a Moto 3 class, and it is being completely restructured for the 2015 season.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/German+Superbike+series+restructure+Moto3+class

Melandri motivated by developing Aprilia machine in MotoGP

Veteran Italian motorcycle racer, Marco Melandri, returns to MotoGP this year, with the new factory Aprilia Gresini team.  Here is an interview, with Melandri.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Melandri+on+returning+to+MotoGP

more MotoGP news

Some more noteworthy MotoGP headlines.

Rainey on MotoAmerica progress and hopes for championship

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rainey+on+MotoAmerica+progress+and+hopes+for+championship

Aleix Espargaro looks forward to new season with Suzuki
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Aleix+Espargaro+on+Suzuki+progress

Pol Espargaro targets MotoGP top five in 2015
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pol+Espargaro+aims+for+MotoGP+top+five

Rabat ready to defend Moto 2 crown
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Rabat+on+Moto2+world+title+defence

Romagnoli happy to be working with Petrucci at Pramac Racing

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Interview+with+Daniele+Romagnoli+crewchief+of+Danilo+Petrucci

...And, some old Moto 3 news, from December.

Guevara: 'Mahindra have got behind us completely'
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Guevara+Mahindra+have+got+behind+us+completely

Quartararo meets young Promo RACC riders
http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Quartararo+and+the+PromoRACC+young+riders

Busy pre-season testing calendar for teams

After the testing ban concludes, riders in all three major MotoGP classes, will be set for a busy round of testing, preparing for the coming season.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Busy+preseason+testing+calendar+for+teams

Dall'Igna on winter development program and preparing for 2015 tests

Ducati Corse's Luigi Dall'Igna talks about developing the team's and the factory's new 2015 MotoGP motorcycle, and prepping for testing, before the new season starts.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/DallIgna+on+winter+development+progress+and+preparing+for+2015+tests

World Superbike news update

MCN, motorcyclenews.com, has several stories about the 2015 FIM World Superbike season, and what has gone on with testing, riders, teams, and sponsors.  Here are some being followed.

2015 WSB testing updates
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/2015-wsb-testing-updates/

Team EBR Hero start early testing

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/team-ebr-hero-start-early-testing/

Pata Honda nears first 2015 test dates

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/pata-honda-nears-first-2015-test-dates/

New Ducati title sponsor Aruba takes on team role

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/new-ducati-title-sponsor-aruba-takes-on-team-role/

Coghlan looks forward to strong Superstock season

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/coghlan-looks-forward-to-strong-superstock-season/

Suzuki using 2014 electronics for first two WSB rounds

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/suzuki-using-2014-electronics-for-first-two-wsb-rounds/

Tech guru Smart talks new WSB rules

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/tech-guru-smart-talks-new-wsb-rules/

KRT now sponsored by Monster

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/krt-now-sponsored-by-monster/

Official Phillip Island test schedule announced

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/official-phillip-island-test-schedule-announced/

Van der Mark laps Portimao in wet and dry

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/world-superbikes/2015/january/van-der-mark-laps-portimao-in-wet-and-dry/

MotoGP in the media

A couple noteworthy stories to follow from MotoGP in the media on MotoGP.com.  Speedweek.com states Moto 2 rider Dominique Aegerter is going to test a "prototype" Kawasaki motorcycle on Michelin tires.  Kawasaki left MotoGP in 2008, and has not stated they'll come back as of yet.

Also, the Vice President of Honda Racing Corporation is amazed by Alex Marquez's progress, as was documented here yesterday in a story also published on MotoGP's website.  Marquez moves to Moto 2 this year, and he'll race with Marc VDS Racing in the category.

http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media

Alex Marquez nominated for Laureus "Breakthrough of the Year" Award

Alex Marquez, after winning the Moto 3 World Championship, and moving up to Moto 2 for 2015, has been nominated for the Laureus "Breakthrough of the Year" Award.  This award, was bestowed upon Alex's brother, (two-time MotoGP Champion, Marc Marquez), last year.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Alex+Marquez+nominated+for+prestigious+Laureus+award

Pedrosa's ex-Crew Chief Mike Leitner joins KTM

Former, and longtime crew chief for Dani Pedrosa in MotoGP, Mike Leitner, has joined the factory KTM squad.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Pedrosas+exCrew+Chief+Mike+Leitner+joins+KTM

Giacomo Guidatti: "We expect a lot from Yonny Hernandez"

Testing will soon get underway for MotoGP teams including Pramac Ducati, and their rider, Yonny Hernandez.  Hernandez's crew chief, Giacomo Guidatti, talks about what he expects from rider, and team, in 2015.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Guidotti+on+Yonny+Hernandez

Aoyama discusses first contact with Michelin tyres

Hiroshi Aoyama discusses in an interview with MotoGP.com, his role as the factory Honda test rider, and also, how he feels about the new Michelin tires, when Michelin replaces Bridgestone as MotoGP tire supplier, next year.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Loris+Capirossi+on+2015+season+news+and+security+1

HRC renews relationship with Casey Stoner

Two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner's services have been retained by the factory Honda team, and in that capacity, Stoner will continue as a test rider for the team.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/HRC+renews+relationship+with+Casey+Stoner

Ducati to bring "GP14.3" to Sepang 1

Ducati will bring a third evolution of it's GP14 MotoGP motorcycle to the first Sepang MotoGP test, according to Ducati Corse general manager, Gigi Dall'Igna.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Ducati+to+bring+GP143+to+Sepang+1+1

Capirossi: "When a rider has talent you see it in any category"

Former MotoGP World Champion Loris Capirossi makes a great point and also talks about the upcoming 2015 season.  Capirossi is not only a former championship winning rider.  He is also a member of the of the MotoGP Safety Commission.

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2015/Capirossi+on+2015+new+faces+and+security

MotoGP Classics: 1991 French 500cc Grand Prix at Paul Ricard

Watch riders like Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, and Kevin Schwantz, race in the 1991 French 500cc Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard circuit.

In Memoriam: Derek Minter

A former Grand Prix motorcycle racer, who competed against such riders as Mike "The Bike" Hailwood, Derek Minter, passed away at age 82.  Here is his story.  Rest In Peace, Derek Minter.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/motogp/2015/january/derek-minter-passes-away-age-82/

MotoGP in the media

Former crew chief for the great MotoGP champion, Casey Stoner, (Christian Gabbarini), who retired from MotoGP, along with Stoner, was approached to become Jorge Lorenzo's crew chief at the factory Yamaha squad.  But, despite rumors of him leaving, it will be Ramon Forcada, (Lorenzo's current crew chief), staying with the Spanish rider this year at the factory Yamaha MotoGP team.  The story, is the first in the queue, at the link.

http://www.motogp.com/en/MotoGP+in+the+Media

2015 MotoGP riders

There has been a lull in the news department in motorcycle racing as of late.  So, for now, yours truly is publishing the rider's lists in all three classes of MotoGP for the 2015 season.  MotoGP, Moto 2, and Moto 3.  Here they are.

MotoGP riders
http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/MotoGP

Moto 2 riders
http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Moto2

Moto 3 riders
http://www.motogp.com/en/riders/Moto3

The Ducati Superbike Team forges new partnership with Aruba.it

Ducati's factory FIM World Superbike team, and Aruba, will partner in a sponsorship agreement for the next three years.

http://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2014/ducati+aruba+new+deal

MotoGP Classics: 2002 Dutch TT

Click over to YouTube to watch another battle between Alex Barros and Valentino Rossi, at the 2002 Dutch TT at Assen, in what was the first year for the current MotoGP formula in World Grand Prix motorcycle racing, after the monstrous 500cc Grand Prix machines ended their reign, the previous year in 2001.

KTM's over-the-counter, 250 horsepower MotoGP bike

Sure, KTM won't be entering the MotoGP ranks for a couple of years yet.  But, they are already building a monstrous, road legal MotoGP bike.  Check this out.

http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/ktms-over-counter-250-hp-motogp-bike/?src=SOC&dom=fb

2014 Suzuka 8 Hours

A video of the highlights of the 2014 FIM Endurance World Championship Suzuka 8 Hours.  Before Suzuka, also take a look at the highlights of one of the biggest races of the year.  The Bol D'Or (or Gold Cup), 24 hour race, at Magny Cours, in France.

British 500cc GP - Silverstone 1982

This was not the last race of the 1982 500cc motorcycle racing season.  But, it was one of the major ones.  Kenny Roberts has pole.  But, in qualifying, the late, great Barry Sheene had a huge crash, and broke both legs, which would put him out of action entirely.  Dutch rider Boet van Dulmen was supposed to race.  But, he had mechanical issues with the motorcycle, and had to stay on the sidelines in the pit lane, and watch.

1981 British 500cc Grand Prix

Let's revisit more old school MotoGP racing.  This is the 1981 500cc World Championship British Grand Prix, held at the Silverstone Circuit.  Legendary racing commentator Murray Walker narrates.  This was the last ever 500cc race won by a privateer rider, with no factory team backing.  Jack Middelburg, was that rider.

MotoGP Classics: Le Mans 2003

Check out this race on YouTube.  Twelve years ago, at Le Mans, France, at the Bugatti Circuit, there was an epic MotoGP World Championship race, with a battle between Sete Gibernau, Valentino Rossi, and Alex Barros.

Happy New Year! (the image, is from 2Wheeled Racing News and Views, on Facebook