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    RiderBOT
    Circuit-ready weapon ditches road gear for MotoGP-inspired aero, slicks, WP APEX suspenders and a tuned LC8c twin 
    KTM has taken the road-derived performance of the 990 RC R and pushed it fully into circuit territory with the new KTM 990 RC R TRACK, a non-homologated supersport built specifically for track days and racing. The idea is simple: remove street compromises, sharpen the package, and deliver a bike that’s ready to run hard with strong dealer backup and straightforward maintenance.

    With no need to meet street-legal requirements, the 990 RC R TRACK deletes the usual road equipment including lights, mirrors and the side-stand, while keeping a wet-weather taillight and supplying a paddock stand as standard. KTM has also simplified the cockpit and controls for circuit use and set the bike up as a race-ready platform that’s easy to repair.
    Bodywork is designed for track practicality, including injected-plastic fairings intended to make fitting sponsor decals and replacement panels simpler. KTM has also fitted a higher windscreen to suit a full tuck position and reduce fatigue over a session.

    MotoGP-inspired aero
    KTM points directly to its RC16 MotoGP machine as the influence behind the TRACK’s aerodynamic profile, shaping wings and edges to improve downforce and stability under braking and on acceleration. Ergonomics centre around a 15.7-litre tank and a reworked seat at 857mm, aiming to make it easy for the rider to move around the bike while staying locked into an aggressive riding position.

    Suspension, slicks and brakes
    The 990 RC R TRACK comes on Michelin Power Slick tyres in 120/70-R17 front and 190/55-R17 rear. Suspension is fully adjustable WP APEX, with KTM saying the baseline settings were developed through extensive testing at major European circuits.

    Braking is handled by Brembo HyPure hardware with 320mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc. KTM also highlights improvements in lever feel and modulation, and positions the system as a more performance-focused setup than the ABS-modulated arrangement on the road-going 990 RC R.

    947cc LC8c twin boosted to 135hp
    Power is delivered by KTM’s 947cc parallel-twin DOHC LC8c engine, tuned here to 135 PS (99.3 kW) and 105 Nm at 7000 rpm. An Akrapovič Evolution Line exhaust system in stainless steel is part of the TRACK package and weighs just 3kg, while the gearbox features track-oriented ratios, including a longer first and shorter sixth.

    Stripped-back electronics with Track Modes
    Electronics have been made more compact, cutting two kilos, and focusing on track essentials. The bike runs three easily customised Track Modes with options for throttle response, traction control and slip adjustment, anti-wheelie, launch control and engine braking, plus a pit limiter and Quickshifter+. Rider information and lap data are shown on a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT.

    Road vs track RC R
    Compared to the road-going version, the track-only RC R is built around the same core concept but deletes road equipment and refocuses the package for circuit work. Key changes include a dedicated track electronics package, a smaller dashboard showing only essential data, and more power and torque than the street bike. It also swaps to a dedicated colour-injection moulded fairing kit, adds more adjustability for ergonomics (including the steering damper and footpegs), and comes fitted with Michelin Power Slick 2 race tyres. Alongside the removal of street items like mirrors and a side-stand, KTM also drops features such as the Connectivity Unit and ABS, and replaces the larger TFT with the more compact 4.2-inch display.

    KTM 990 RC R Cup also announced
    The 990 RC R TRACK was revealed at the same event as KTM’s announcement of the KTM 990 RC R CUP, described as a cost-controlled, professionally run six-round European series for non-professional riders. KTM says competitors also get priority delivery of their 990 RC R TRACK machines.

    KTM Head of Global Marketing Riaan Neveling said the TRACK concept came together quickly from the base model. “The beauty of the KTM 990 RC R was the ease with which we could make only a few adjustments and have the KTM 990 RC R TRACK ready to go,” he said. He also pointed to KTM’s racing background as a key input into the final product. “Our history and achievements on the asphalt informed a lot of the KTM 990 RC R TRACK and the KTM 990 RC R range. We took on this project knowing that we wanted to send our customers heartrates’ racing as well! That was the goal, and the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is our best definition of a sportsbike yet. We hope to see as many of them as possible through apexes of the KTM 990 RC R CUP!”

    SPECIFICATIONS
    ENGINE
    Type: Liquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel twin
    Capacity: 947cc
    Bore x stroke: 92.5 x 70.4mm
    Max power: 99.3kW (135PS) @ 10,000rpm
    Max torque: 105Nm @ 7,000rpm
    Compression ratio: 13.5:1
    Fuel system: DKK Dellorto EFI (46mm throttle body)
    Valve train: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
    Engine management: Bosch EMS with RBW
    Cooling: Liquid-cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
    Clutch: Cable-operated PASC slipper clutch
    Transmission: 6-speed
    Primary drive: 42:76
    Final drive: 16:42
    CHASSIS
    Frame: Chromium-molybdenum steel, engine as stressed member, powder coated
    Subframe: Aluminium, powder coated
    Handlebar: Aluminium tapered bar, 28/22mm
    SUSPENSION
    Front: WP APEX 48 open cartridge, comp/rebound (30 clicks), preload (3 clicks)
    Rear: WP APEX, high-speed comp (3 turns), low-speed comp (30 clicks), rebound (30 clicks), preload (10 turns)
    Travel (front/rear): 147/134mm
    BRAKES
    Front: Dual 320mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers
    Rear: Single 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper
    WHEELS & TYRES
    Wheels: Cast aluminium 3.50 x 17in (front), 5.50 x 17in (rear)
    Tyres: 120/70 ZR17 (front), 190/55 ZR17 (rear)
    DIMENSIONS
    Wheelbase: 1481mm
    Ground clearance: 163mm
    Seat height: 857mm
    Fuel capacity: approx. 15.7L (3.0L reserve)
    Weight (ready to race): approx. 181kg
    The post KTM unleashes Track-only 990 RC R appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    KTM has pulled the wraps off the 990 RC R Track, a non-street-legal, circuit-ready variant of its acclaimed 990 RC R supersport that ditches the road gear and focusses on lap time performance. 
    Where the standard 990 RC R walks the line between road and track, the Track version has no such ambiguity. Lights, mirrors, and the side stand are gone, replaced by a race-ready configuration that KTM says is low maintenance, easy to repair, and backed by detailed dealer support.
    1 of 4 The fairing is injected plastic and ready for personal decals and graphics, while the windscreen sits a little higher for a full tuck, and a wet weather taillight and paddock stand are supplied as standard.
    Power comes from the same 947cc parallel twin DOHC LC8c engine, but KTM has wrung more out of it here, making 99kW and 105Nm.

    An Akrapovic Evolution line exhaust in stainless steel weighs just three kilograms. There’s also a revised gearbox with a longer first gear and shorter sixth.
    Aerodynamics have been shaped with KTM’s RC16 MotoGP machine in mind, with wings and bodywork sculpted to optimise downforce, corner entry grip, and stability under acceleration. The 15.7-litre fuel tank and reworked seat sit at 857mm, with six rider contact points designed to let the pilot move freely but purposefully around the machine.

    The electronics package has been trimmed by two kilograms compared to the road bike, with a simplified layout featuring three fully customisable Track Modes. Riders can dial in throttle response, traction control, slip adjustment, anti wheelie, launch control, and engine braking settings, alongside a pit limiter and quickshifter. All the details displayed on a 4.2-inch full colour TFT.
    Stopping power comes via a 320mm Brembo HyPure front disc with next-generation four-piston calipers. A 240mm rear disc rounds out the system. Michelin Power Slick tyres on 17-inch wheels handle grip duties, while fully adjustable WP APEX suspension carries settings developed across extensive testing at major European circuits.

    KTM head of global marketing Riaan Neveling says the 990 RC R’s architecture made the Track version a natural evolution. “The beauty of the KTM 990 RC R was the ease with which we could make only a few adjustments and have the KTM 990 RC R Track ready to go,” he said.
    “Our history and achievements on the asphalt informed a lot of the KTM 990 RC R Track and we took on this project knowing that we wanted to send our customers’ heart rates racing as well.”

    The 990 RC R Track is also the basis for the KTM 990 RC R CUP, a cost-controlled six-round European race series aimed at everyday riders rather than professionals. Series participants will receive their Track bikes ahead of general availability.
    The KTM 990 RC R Track will be available in extremely limited numbers from authorised KTM dealers in Australia and New Zealand from May 2026.

    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post KTM 990 RC R Track revealed as stripped-back circuit weapon appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    After a run of near-misses the Aussie finally turned speed into a hard-earned victory at Arlington and strengthened his hold on the 450SX red plate despite late race drama
    Hunter Lawrence has taken his first-ever 450SX main-event win, breaking through in Arlington, Texas after a night that mixed raw speed, racecraft and a late twist involving red-cross procedures.

    Lawrence started the day ninth in 450SX overall qualifying, then ramped things up in the night program. He dominated his 450SX heat race with a holeshot and wire-to-wire victory, setting the tone before the main.

    In the final, Lawrence recovered from a so-so jump out of the gate, quickly putting himself third exiting turn one. He stayed in touch with the leaders and took advantage of a lap-eight mistake from Cooper Webb to move into second, then closed on Ken Roczen as a three-way fight for the lead developed. The key move came at the five-minute mark, when Lawrence passed Roczen to hit the front and begin building a gap.

    That advantage was cut when riders behind him jumped while a red-cross flag was displayed, shrinking the margin and increasing the pressure late. Lawrence held on to the chequered flag to seal the maiden premier-class win of his career. On the way to his way to his first win, Lawrence set the fastest time in the 450SX main event – a first for the Australian. It also came at the same venue where he scored his first 250SX win back in 2022. The result keeps Lawrence atop the 450SX standings, extending his advantage over Eli Tomac from one point to four heading to Daytona.

    After the event, the Honda team vigorously disputed the lack of penalties around the red-flag incidents in both classes. On Monday, the AMA released an official statement indicating it “has no plan to apply penalties,” and the team says it intends to escalate the issue and is reviewing all viable avenues.

    Hunter Lawrence
    “Tonight I got around the first turn, and that’s really important with how good the class is, because it’s hard to get a bad start and expect to battle your way through for a win. It’s tough to replicate racing, but we’ve been working hard on the bike and myself. My first half of the races have been getting better, for sure. Ken [Roczen] would make a little mistake, and I’d try to get him, but then he would have the inside for the next corner; I think the racing was really cool to watch and to be a part of, when the battle goes on for multiple laps. I was playing defense but still playing offense—it’s such a tricky spot to be in, but I really enjoy that and it feels good when you pull it off. On the last lap, I was just thinking, ‘Hit your marks, don’t do anything stupid, and get across the finish line.’ I feel like I’ve been doing the same thing every round this year and it’s been going well, so I keep the same approach. I don’t need to change a lot of stuff—I’ve been getting good starts and riding well in the main events, so just keep doing that.”

    Round 7 Arlington 450SX Results 
    Hunter Lawrence (Hon)  Eli Tomac (KTM)  Cooper Webb (Yam)  Ken Roczen (Suz) Justin Cooper (Yam) Chase Sexton (Kaw) Joey Savatgy (Hon) Aaron Plessinger (KTM) Christian Craig (Hon) Dylan Ferrandis (Duc) 450SX Championship Points (after 7 of 17 rounds) 
    Hunter Lawrence: 149  Eli Tomac: 145  Cooper Webb: 133  Ken Roczen: 131  Chase Sexton: 122  Justin Cooper: 112  Joey Savatgy: 95 Dylan Ferrandis: 87 Jason Anderson: 84 Aaron Plessinger: 79 The post Hunter Lawrence breaks through for first 450SX win appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Jorge Viegas slams lack of development at the iconic venue
    FIM President Jorge Viegas has explained that MotoGP’s move away from Phillip Island and to South Australia was driven less by the quality of the circuit and more by the commercial and logistical realities of staging a modern Grand Prix event.

    Speaking to MCNEWS, Viegas said that while Phillip Island remains one of the most highly regarded tracks in the world championship, long-discussed improvements around the venue and surrounding infrastructure did not arrive, and that ultimately left the door open for a stronger bid elsewhere.
    “This was asked 10 years ago, that they should improve the facilities here, and every year they said, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah, we will do it’,” Viegas said. “But it never happened, so now it’s gone, because Adelaide made a good proposal…”
    Viegas also pointed to the broader challenge of accommodating and servicing the scale of a MotoGP weekend at Phillip Island, suggesting the limitations aren’t on-track, but off it—particularly when it comes to attracting and hosting bigger crowds.
    “As to Phillip Island, everybody loves this track. I love to come here, but if you want to invite people, if you want to make something different, there are no hotels, there’s nothing. It’s really difficult,” he said.

    Despite the shift, Viegas suggested Phillip Island’s MotoGP story may not be over if the required upgrades are delivered, describing the current situation as not necessarily permanent.
    “It’s not a goodbye forever,” he said.
    As for what could replace MotoGP at the venue, Viegas flagged the FIM’s interest in bringing alternative top-level events to Phillip Island, including the 2028 FIM Intercontinental Games. The multi-discipline concept is intended to include motocross as well as circuit-based competition, and would position Phillip Island as a host for a major international motorcycling event even without MotoGP on the calendar.
     
    The post FIM President details why Phillip Island Lost MotoGP appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    Marco Bezzecchi closed out 2026 MotoGP pre-season testing with a bang at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, setting an all-time lap record of 1:28.668 on the final day to head the combined test standings ahead of the Thai Grand Prix next weekend.
    The Italian Aprilia Racing rider’s benchmark came in the closing 15 minutes of Sunday’s session, capping a strong two-day test that has placed the Noale factory firmly in the conversation heading into the season opener on 27 February.

    Trackhouse MotoGP Team‘s Ai Ogura was just 0.097 seconds back with Ducati’s Marc Marquez rounding out the top three despite a third crash in two days. The reigning champion was hampered by illness across both test days and ended his Sunday session early after losing the front at Turn 3, though he walked away unscathed.
    Aprilia in strong shape
    All four Aprilia-powered bikes finished in the top eleven on the combined timesheet, painting a compelling picture for the manufacturer’s 2026 prospects. Bezzecchi’s 20-lap average of 1:30.454 adds further weight to the outright pace, while 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin returning from injury ended the test in eighth, reporting positive feedback on his comeback. Trackhouse pair Ogura and Raul Fernandez both tested rear aero variations, mirroring work done by the factory duo.

    Ducati: Aero debate settled
    At Ducati, the pre-season discussion centred on aerodynamic package selection (2024 spec versus 2025) and by the end of testing all factory-aligned riders had converged on the same direction. Marquez (P3, 1:28.836) and Bagnaia (P4, 1:28.883) were separated by just 0.047 seconds in the combined standings despite Marquez completing fewer laps than planned.
    Bagnaia was the more productive of the two across the two days, completing a race simulation and declaring himself “very positive” heading into race week. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), who was on the same 2024 aero package as the factory team, finished fifth overall.

    KTM cautiously optimistic
    Pedro Acosta delivered one of the bigger day-two improvements for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, finishing sixth overall after a strong final session that included a Grand Prix simulation. Brad Binder ended in twelfth after a stronger final flying lap. On the Tech3 side, Maverick Vinales (15th) appeared to favour the older 2025 package while Enea Bastianini improved slightly on his day one time.

    Honda building confidence
    Honda HRC Castrol concluded the test with Joan Mir in tenth and Luca Marini in thirteenth, both within 0.8 seconds of Bezzecchi’s benchmark. Mir acknowledged grip issues at Buriram but said the team has a clear direction to chase before the lights go out. Marini was characteristically measured, targeting the top seven at minimum once racing begins. LCR pair Johann Zarco (14th) and Diogo Moreira (19th) also ticked off their respective testing programs.

    Yamaha: Learning curve continues
    The all-new V4-powered Yamaha YZR-M1 remains a work in progress, but both factory and satellite riders showed improvement across the two Buriram days. Aussie Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha) was the standout Yamaha performer, completing two 20-lap race simulations before firing in a 1:29.672 to end 16th overall.
    Rookie teammate Toprak Razgatlioglu (21st) found more confidence as the test progressed, with the Turkish former World Superbike champion noting he needs to trust the front tyre more.

    Factory duo Fabio Quartararo (17th, 1’29.701) and Alex Rins (20th) both improved across the two days, with the team beginning proper set-up work for the first time after Sepang was focused on component evaluation.
    Pre-season is done. The PT Grand Prix of Thailand gets underway at the Chang International Circuit on 27 February.

    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Bezzecchi breaks Buriram lap record as Aprilia looms large ahead of Thai GP appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Ducati has bolstered its dealer network across Australia and New Zealand with the addition of three new authorised dealerships, as the Italian brand continues its push into new market segments.
    Announced today, Brisan Motorcycles in Newcastle, TeamMoto Blacktown in Western Sydney, and Royale Motorcycles in Hamilton, New Zealand, have all been welcomed into the Ducati family.
    The expansion comes as Ducati broadens its model range beyond its traditional sportsbike stronghold, most recently entering the motocross segment, and looks to ensure existing and new customers across both countries have access to sales, service, and genuine parts support.

    Sergi Canovas, managing director of Ducati Australia & New Zealand, said the appointments represent a meaningful step forward for the network.
    “As Ducati continues to expand into new segments, most recently with motocross, ensuring our clients receive the best service and support becomes increasingly important,” Canovas said.
    “The addition of Brisan Motorcycles, TeamMoto Blacktown and Royale Motorcycles is a significant step forward in strengthening our network and providing Ducati clients across Australia and New Zealand with the elevated experience they expect from our brand.”
    For Newcastle and the Hunter region, Brisan Motorcycles takes on the Ducati franchise. Dealer Principal Clint Davis said the appointment reflects a long-term commitment to delivering a world-class ownership experience.
    “Ducati is one of the most iconic performance motorcycle brands in the world, and this opportunity reflects the trust Ducati Australia and New Zealand has placed in our business, our team, and our long-term vision,” Davis said.

    In Western Sydney, TeamMoto Blacktown marks the first major metropolitan Ducati appointment for Motorcycle Holdings. CEO Matthew Wiesner said the dealership is ready to bring the full Ducati experience to Greater Western Sydney. “We look forward to supporting the local Ducati community. Forza Ducati,” Wiesner added.
    Across the Tasman, Hamilton-based Royale Motorcycles becomes the authorised Ducati dealer for the Waikato region. Dealer Principal Chris Gibbs said the focus will be on giving local riders a genuine brand experience beyond simply browsing online.
    “We want riders to come in and truly experience the Ducati soul, to feel the ergonomics, touch the premium finishes and hear that unmistakable engine note in person,” Gibbs said, adding that Royale is fully equipped with factory-trained technicians and genuine parts to support existing owners in the region.
    With the three additions now in place, Ducati says its network is well-positioned to support sustained growth across both countries as its model lineup continues to diversify.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Ducati expands dealer network in Australia and New Zealand with three new appointments appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    South Australia locks in Australian MotoGP with November date on revived Adelaide GP layout
    South Australia has officially secured the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix from 2027, confirming the world championship will move from Phillip Island to an Adelaide street circuit after nearly 30 years of continuous running on the Island.
    In a press release issued today, the Malinauskas Labor Government confirmed the global event will be held at the Adelaide Street Circuit from 2027, bringing top-level international motorcycle racing back to the original Adelaide Grand Prix Street Circuit.
    The state says the event “will mark the first time a MotoGP-era event has ever been held in a downtown street circuit with uncompromised modern day safety measures,” with the full-length Formula 1-era layout set to return in modified form to meet the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme’s (FIM) requirements.
    The first Australian MotoGP in Adelaide will be staged across three days in November 2027, timed “in the period before the bp Adelaide Grand Final to maximise utilisation of the circuit and minimise disruptions.”
    A longer, faster Adelaide street track for MotoGP
    The circuit is planned to be approximately 4.195km long with 18 turns, and South Australia is forecasting top speeds of more than 340km/h. That compares to the current Supercars version of the Adelaide Street Circuit, which is 3.22km with 14 turns.
    The government said the Adelaide MotoGP will deliver significant economic benefits, pointing to MotoGP’s broader commercial impact worldwide. “In 2025, global exposure combined with tourism and hospitality of Grand Prix events delivered an average of €130m ($217m) in economic impact to local economies,” the release stated, adding: “Adelaide will benefit from that same powerful uplift.”

    Adelaide last hosted Formula 1 in 1995 on a street circuit layout
    The state also positioned the deal as an extension of its major events strategy, saying the arrival of MotoGP in 2027 “cements South Australia’s reputation as the nation’s premier destination for major events, building on the success of events such as LIV Golf and AFL Gather Round.”
    MotoGP’s current global growth was also highlighted, with the release stating the category has a fanbase of more than 630 million people, drew a record 3.6 million attendees at races in 2025, and that TV audiences are up nine per cent over the past year.
    ‘A major coup for South Australia’
    Premier Peter Malinauskas described the deal as a win not just for the sport, but for the state’s economy and international profile.
    “This is a major coup for South Australia and yet more evidence our state has real momentum,” Malinauskas said.
    “We are now competing with the rest of the nation for the world’s best events – and winning.”
    South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas He said Adelaide’s point of difference would be central to the event’s appeal. “Hosting the world’s first MotoGP race on a street circuit will give Adelaide a truly unique offering that is sure to attract visitors from interstate and overseas,” he said.
    Malinauskas also framed the deal in economic terms. “This is about so much more than a world-class motorsport event – it’s about generating economic activity for our state, supporting jobs, and putting South Australia on the global stage,” he said.
    “We back major events that deliver a strong economic return and MotoGP does exactly that.”
    “MotoGP is growing globally at record pace – and Adelaide will now be a key part of that growth story.”
    Dorna: ‘Safety remained uncompromised’
    MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta said moving the Australian round to Adelaide represents a significant moment for the championship, and stressed the circuit has been engineered around modern MotoGP safety requirements.
    “Bringing MotoGP to Adelaide marks a major milestone in the evolution of our championship. This city has a world-class reputation for hosting major events, and the opportunity to design a purpose-built circuit in the heart of the city is something truly unique in our sport,” Ezpeleta said.
    “From the very beginning, we made sure that safety remained uncompromised – every element of the Adelaide City Circuit has been engineered to meet the highest standards of modern MotoGP, ensuring our riders can race at full intensity with complete confidence,” he said.

    MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta
    Ezpeleta also pointed to the fan experience and the event’s broader positioning. “Adelaide’s passion, culture, and commitment to major events make it the perfect home for MotoGP’s next chapter in Australia. We’re incredibly excited to showcase a new style of Grand Prix racing here and to create a festival experience that brings fans even closer to the action,” he said.
    “This partnership represents bold ambition from both MotoGP and Australia – and we couldn’t be prouder to begin this journey together.”
    The announcement follows reporting that Victoria was poised to lose the event after failing to secure a new contract to keep MotoGP at Phillip Island, ending a modern era that has run annually at the Bass Coast circuit since 1997.
    The post Confirmed: Adelaide street circuit to replace Phillip Island MotoGP in 2027 appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
    RiderBOT
    The Ducati Panigale V4 has secured its third major international design accolade of the year, claiming the 2025 Good Design Award to complete a clean sweep alongside the iF Design Award and Red Dot Award.
    Sponsored by the Chicago Athenaeum, Museum of Architecture and Design, and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies, the Good Design Award is one of the longest-running and most respected honours in the design world. Founded in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, the award annually recognises excellence in global design.
    1 of 4 The win rounds out a hat-trick for Ducati’s flagship superbike. The iF Design Award and Red Dot Award, which are both founded in Germany and considered two of the most prestigious design honours on the planet, had already been claimed by the Panigale V4 this year, making the Good Design Award the final piece of the puzzle.
    Now in its seventh generation, the current Panigale V4 represents Ducati’s most refined expression of its racing DNA to date, according to the Italian bikemaker. Its design philosophy centres on integrating aerodynamics and aesthetics into a cohesive whole, drawing inspiration from the iconic 916 while incorporating lessons learned at the sharp end of the Superbike World Championship.

    Ducati Strategy and Centro Stile Director Andrea Ferraresi said the recognition reflects the brand’s core approach to motorcycle design. “This recognition validates what it means to design a Ducati: creating motorcycles capable of generating emotions at first sight and delivering on that promise once in motion, thanks to the integration of beauty and technology.”
    The triple design award result cements the Panigale V4’s status as one of the most visually celebrated motorcycles in production today.

    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Ducati Panigale V4 completes design award hat-trick with 2025 Good Design Award appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    South Australia is expected to become Australia’s new home of MotoGP, after Victoria refused to meet the demands of the sport’s newly rebranded rights holder and lost the race it has hosted since 1997.
    Government officials confirmed on Tuesday that the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will not return to Phillip Island beyond this year’s October event, bringing the curtain down on one of the most celebrated venues on the world championship calendar.

    The decision follows months of tense contract negotiations between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and what is now known as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, the organisation formerly known as Dorna Sports, which rebranded just days ago to reflect its shift from traditional motorsport rights holder to a global entertainment platform under Liberty Media ownership.
    That strategic pivot is at the heart of why Phillip Island lost the race. MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group had demanded the event relocate to Melbourne’s Albert Park street circuit as a condition of any new deal, which is a push consistent with its stated ambition to pursue street venues, immersive fan experiences and broader mainstream appeal. The Victorian government countered with an increased financial offer, but only on the condition the race stayed at Phillip Island. MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group declined, and South Australia, which had been quietly courting the championship for months , moved to fill the void.

    The fallout for the Phillip Island region is severe, with the loss expected to ripple across hospitality, retail and local employment, while also stripping the region of the international exposure that comes with hosting a round of the premier motorcycle world championship.
    Albert Park was never a realistic alternative. Motorcycle racing requires generous run-off areas that the inner-Melbourne street circuit simply cannot accommodate without significant tree removal and track expansion.

    Phillip Island has had a profound impact on MotoGP. The circuit has hosted the Australian round continuously since 1997, producing some of the sport’s defining moments like Mick Doohan’s dominance and Casey Stoner’s brilliance on home soil. A 10-year hosting deal struck in 2016 was intended to underwrite long-term investment in the facility, but the upgrades never fully materialised, leaving the circuit’s infrastructure increasingly out of step with MotoGP’s evolving standards and ambitions.
    The final Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island is scheduled for October 23–25, 2026. What comes after that in South Australia has yet to be confirmed at time of writing.
    Spencer LeechSpencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his Aprilia Tuareg 660, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
    The post Adelaide poised to steal Australian MotoGP as Phillip Island era draws to a close appeared first on INFO MOTO.
    RiderBOT
    Australia’s MotoGP round will shift interstate in 2027 after nearly 30 years of continuous running at Phillip Island
    Victoria has reportedly lost the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix after almost three decades of hosting the race at Phillip Island, with the event expected to move interstate from next year following the state government’s failure to secure a new contract.
    According to a report by the Herald Sun, government sources have confirmed this year’s race will be the last held at Phillip Island, where the MotoGP has run annually since 1997. The event has long been a major drawcard for the Bass Coast region, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Phillip Island each year.
    Attendance has remained strong. Last year’s Australian MotoGP attracted 93,000 fans, the highest crowd since 2012 and a 10,000 increase on 2024. The economic value has also been substantial. A 2023 Ernst & Young economic impact study found the MotoGP generated $54.6 million in economic benefit for Victoria, including $29.4 million in direct local spend within Bass Coast, and supported 284 full-time equivalent jobs.
    The news follows a Victorian government press release issued just a day earlier promoting the event’s value and its link to the region. “The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is synonymous with Phillip Island, and Victoria is proud to support it,” the government said. The same statement noted: “Today, the Allan Labor government ruled out a request from Dorna Sports to move the event from Phillip Island to Albert Park.”
    The government also framed the race as a key regional asset, stating: “As regional Australia’s biggest international sporting event, the Motorcycle GP brings tens of thousands of visitors to Phillip Island every year. “It’s good for tourism, good for local businesses, and good for jobs.”
    Opposition Leader Jess Wilson criticised the loss, arguing it would shift visitors and spending out of Victoria. “Another state has snatched the chequered flag and will take the crowds, visitors and economic activity with them,” she said. “The loss of this event is emblematic of Victoria’s decline under Labor and a huge blow to the local businesses of Phillip Island. “With at least $15bn lost to corruption, is it any wonder why we can’t afford to keep major events in Victoria?”
    While the new location hasn’t been confirmed, the realistic shortlist is narrow because MotoGP requires a circuit with modern safety infrastructure, pit and paddock capacity, and the ability to host an international-scale crowd and broadcast operation. In practical terms, the alternatives most often raised are The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia and Sydney Motorsport Park in NSW. The Bend is a modern, purpose-built facility near Tailem Bend, about an hour from Adelaide, with a long main straight, multiple configuration options and contemporary garages and paddock facilities designed for major events, making it the most “ready-made” circuit option on paper.
    Sydney Motorsport Park, meanwhile, has precedent in top-tier motorcycle racing and has hosted 500GP-era events in the past, and its location in Australia’s largest city offers obvious advantages in transport links, accommodation stock and event logistics – though any return to the modern MotoGP era would still hinge on meeting today’s safety and infrastructure requirements and the commercial appetite to stage a round at that scale.
    The post Phillip Island reportedly set to lose MotoGP appeared first on Australian Motorcycle News.
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