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Author: David Bodapati
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Marc Marquez makes it six Sprint wins after battling Quartararo on Saturday
The Frenchman is overhauled by the #93, then the #73… and then Aldeguer as the rookie makes his first rostrum visit in France. Le Mans, 10 May 2025: Pure emotion, adrenaline and excitement, the 2025 Michelin® Grand Prix of France still has the Grand Prix race to entertain but Saturday’s stunning on-track action left plenty of goosebumps. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) vs Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), the fight we wanted to see, the fight we got. The #93 came out on top to become the first rider with six consecutive Sprint wins but the stat itself isn’t the entire story as BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP celebrate a double Saturday podium with Alex Marquez and rookie Fermin Aldeguer coming through to complete the rostrum.
OPENING STAGES: Quartararo pulls the pin for the home crowd
Grabbing the holeshot, Marc Marquez got to the fast Turn 2 first but ran wide, allowing home star and polesitter Quartararo to hit the front and launch away in the early stages. It was an early exit for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), as the rider P3 in the standings crashed at Turn 3 on Lap 2, despite a great start up from P6 to P4. Elsewhere, a miserable start for Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing), who ran off into the gravel; he was able to rejoin the action but way out of points contention.
As Lap 4 ended, there was another crasher, this time Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at Turn 9; he remounted but entered the pits. Meanwhile, at the start of Lap 6, it was Quartararo still ahead, but Marquez made his first attempt to try and lead the Sprint. He attacked at Turn 3 but ran wide, allowing ‘El Diablo’ to get back through on the cutback. However, he wasn’t as fortunate at Turn 8, with Marc able to squeeze down the inside and not allow any retaliation from the Frenchman.
MORE BATTLES: Alex Marquez and Aldeguer come to the fore
At the start of Lap 8 and now heading towards the final third, there was no way for Quartararo to resist the #73 of Alex Marquez, who blasted by on the way up to Turn 2. Now the #20’s attention was moving towards Alex Marquez’s teammate Aldeguer, once again having a sensational weekend in his rookie season. He found a way ahead for P3 at Turn 3 but not willing to relinquish a top three at home, Quartararo struck back at Turn 6 with contact between the two. Not backing down, the #54 responded with equal if not more brutal force, shoving Quartararo back to fourth at Turn 7.
THE FINAL MOMENTS: Acosta in late drama as Marc makes his mark
There was a last lap battle between the KTM duo of Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) over P5, with the #12 attacking ‘El Tiburon’ into Turn 3 but unable to make it work. Then, the unthinkable on the final lap at Turn 13, as Acosta fell all of his own accord, denying himself of a first top five in the Sprints this season.
Out front, it was dreamland for Marc, who became the first rider to win six consecutive Sprints, retaking the Championship lead from his brother by two points, with Alex taking second as the brothers once again locked out the top two places. In third, a mighty first Sprint rostrum for Aldeguer, who was one of the fastest riders in the closing stages, so keep an eye out for him in the Grand Prix. Quartararo was a determined fourth, whilst Viñales completed the top five courtesy of Acosta’s last fall.
Sixth place gave another reason for the home crowd to cheer as Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) came through from P11, pipping Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), who likewise climbed the order from P17 to P7. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) grabbed his first Sprint points since COTA in 2023. The last point went to Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), denying Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) who rounded out the top ten. Find full results HERE!
After a showdown to remember in the Tissot Sprint, the stage is set for another stunner at Le Mans. Will we get fireworks? And we will get rain? We’ll find out at 2pm local time (UTC+2). -
It’s Something Super Special, says Quartararo as MotoGP Roars into Le Mans
Le Mans, 8 May 2025: The 2025 MotoGP World Championship ignites once more at the legendary Le Mans circuit this weekend, as the Michelin Grand Prix of France hosts Round 6 of a season already brimming with drama, unpredictability, and sibling rivalry. With just a single point separating championship leader Álex Márquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) from his brother Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team), the stage is set for another unforgettable showdown.
Home Heroes and French Passion
Le Mans is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of French motorsport culture. Local favorite Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) returns buoyed by a podium in Jerez and the debut of Yamaha’s updated inline-four engine. While not yet the long-awaited V4, the new power unit offers improved performance in fifth and sixth gears, potentially giving Quartararo an edge on the Bugatti Circuit’s long straights.
“It’s something super special,” Quartararo said of racing at home, where the atmosphere is electric and the expectations sky-high. He’ll be joined by fellow Frenchman Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol), who’s eyeing a strong performance amid speculation about a potential factory seat in 2026.
Márquez vs. Márquez: A Family Feud at Full Throttle
Álex Márquez’s maiden MotoGP victory in Jerez has catapulted him to the top of the standings, but the younger Márquez remains grounded. “La victoria no tiene que volvernos locos,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for consistency over euphoria.
Marc Márquez, meanwhile, is determined to bounce back after a costly crash in Spain. Reflecting on his misstep, he acknowledged, “Hay que controlar el exceso de confianza,” recognising that overconfidence led to his fall. Despite the setback, Marc remains a formidable force, having won every race he’s finished this season.
Technical Tweaks and Tactical Turns
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) is also in the mix, aiming to rectify past mistakes at Le Mans. Recalling a pivotal moment from last year, he noted the need to “frenar más fuerte en la curva 9 de la última vuelta” to avoid a repeat of losing position in the final moments.
In the paddock, discussions extend beyond the track. The Grand Prix Commission has approved a new regulation allowing riders returning from injury to train with prototype bikes, a move prompted by Jorge Martín’s recent challenges. This change aims to ensure that returning riders can safely reacclimate to the demands of MotoGP machinery.
The Le Mans Experience
Beyond the racing, Le Mans offers a festival-like atmosphere with fairground attractions, live music, and stunt shows, making it a highlight of the MotoGP calendar. The circuit itself is renowned for its demanding layout, particularly the Chemin aux Boeuf chicane, which tests riders’ braking prowess.
As the championship battle intensifies, all eyes will be on Le Mans to see who can master the moment and emerge victorious in this high-stakes contest.
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La-Pino’z Pizza and FanToPark to sponsor Gujarat Trailblazers: Supercross League Season 2
Pune, 8 May 2025: Top brands La-Pino’z Pizza and FanToPark have announced sponsorship to the Gujarat Trailblazers in the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2.
As a founding franchise, making its debut in ISRL Season 1, Gujarat Trailblazers displayed competitive edge and a dynamic rider roster to dish out consistent top finishes. Led by Dhrumil Patel, Managing Director of DAAN Motorsports and Survi Group, the Gujarat team brings in regional pride and strategic brand alignment, to build on their momentum into Season 2.
“We’ve always believed that Supercross has the potential to become more than a sport, it can be a cultural force,” said Dhrumil Patel. “At Gujarat Trailblazers, we’re not just building a team, we are building an ecosystem that unites fans, brands, and communities through shared passion and high-octane experiences. We are excited to continue our collaboration with ISRL.”
ISRL is an exciting and commercially viable sporting platform where Bollywood superstar Salman Khan joined ISRL as the league’s Official Brand Ambassador.
Veer Patel, Co-founder, India Supercross Racing League, shares “From our expanded Fan Park zones to music acts, curated F&B experiences, and interactive engagements, ISRL Season 2 is poised to deliver a festival-like atmosphere. The partnerships with teams like Gujarat Trailblazers reflect the growing resonance with the brands.” The league running from October to December 2025 in different cities.
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Sherco TVS Rally team signs up Bradley Cox to join Harith Noah and Lorenzo Santolino: W2RC
Bengaluru, 7 May 2025: The Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team announced on Wednesday the signing of South African rider Bradley Cox, who will join the ranks alongside seasoned competitors Lorenzo Santolino and India’s trailblazing rally star, Harith Noah. This strategic addition aims to fortify the team’s presence in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) as they gear up for the upcoming Safari Rally in South Africa, scheduled from May 18 to 24, according to a press release received here from Sherco team.
Bradley Cox: Rising Star in Rally-Raid
At 27, Bradley Cox has rapidly ascended the rally-raid hierarchy. After clinching the Rally2 World Cup title in 2024, he now steps up to the premier RallyGP category. Cox is set to make his official debut with Sherco TVS at his home event, the Safari Rally.
“I am very excited to be joining the Sherco Factory Racing Team. It is a dream come true to ride for a Factory team, and I am looking forward to what is to come,” Cox shared enthusiastically.
Harith Noah: India’s Trailblazer in Rally-Raid
Harith Noah, hailing from Shoranur, Kerala, continues to make significant strides in the rally-raid arena. In the 2024 Dakar Rally, he etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to win the Rally2 class and securing an impressive 11th place overall, the highest finish by an Indian rider in the event’s history. Noah’s journey has been marked by resilience; after overcoming a serious, injury in 2022, he returned stronger, showcasing his determination and skill.
His accolades include multiple stage wins in the Dakar Rally, notably in Stages 8 and 10 of the 2024 edition. Beyond Dakar, Noah has demonstrated consistent performance in international rallies, including a class victory at the 2023 TransAnatolia Rally in Turkey.
Despite a setback in the 2025 Dakar Rally, where he had to withdraw due to a wrist injury sustained during the prologue, Noah remains a pivotal figure in the Sherco TVS lineup. His experience and tenacity continue to inspire and elevate the team’s competitive edge.
A Formidable Trio for Sherco TVS
With the addition of Bradley Cox, Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team now boasts a dynamic trio poised to make significant impacts in upcoming rally events. The combined experience of Santolino, the groundbreaking achievements of Noah, and the fresh vigour of Cox position the team as formidable contenders in the rally-raid circuit.
As the team prepares for the Safari Rally, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the performances of this strengthened lineup, confident in their potential to achieve remarkable results.
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Oscar Piastri wins Miami Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris; extends championship lead
Miami, 4 May 2025: Oscar Piastri went from fourth on the grid at the Miami Grand prix to first at the flag to take a third win in a row and to extend his championship lead over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, who recovered from a first-corner clash with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to second place ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell.
When the lights went out at the start, polesitter Verstappen Max got away well to take the lead, but as he went into Turn 1 the Dutchman locked up and went wide. That allowed front-row started Norris to pull alongside as they went into Turn 2. The two appeared to bang wheels as Verstappen’s car slithered around and Norris was forced to go off track. Verstappen continued at the front, but the McLaren driver dropped back to sixth behind Williams’ Alex Albon.
Further back, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson was hit by the Alpine of Jack Doohan and with the New Zealander spun around and the Alpine limping to an eventual halt, the Virtual Safety Car was deployed.
When the track went green again Verstappen controlled the resumption well and held the lead. Second-placed Kimi Antonelli, though, was passed by Piastri, while Norris powered past Williams’ Alex Albon to claw his way back into the top five and then, on lap seven, the McLaren driver powered past Mercedes’ George Russell to put himself back in contention.
At the front, Verstappen was coming under heavy pressure from Piastri and on lap 10 the Australian got into DRS range. Piastri pushed hard through each DRS zone, but Verstappen was initially solid in defence.
At the start of lap 14, however, Verstappen’s armour was pierced. The Dutchman forced Piastri to go wide on the approach to Turn1, but in doing so the Red Bull driver outbraked himself and when locked up, Piastri was able to cut back underneath to take the lead.
The tussle between the leading pair allowed Norris to come back into the fight and after Piastri took the lead, Verstappen soon found himself under pressure from the second McLaren. Once again, the Red Bull driver defended hard and for three crucial laps he kept Norris at bay as Piastri, in clean air, carved out a big lead ahead. On lap 18, though, Norris at last got the move done and chased after his team-mate.
Behind the top three, Antonelli held on to fourth place ahead of Mercedes team-mate Russell, while the Williams pair of Albon and Carlos Sainz held sixth and seventh.
Mercedes brought Antonelli in at the end of lap 25, attempting to undercut Verstappen, but the youngster’s pit stop was slowed when he had to wait in his box to let Sainz pass by and when Red Bull responded by bringing Verstappen in at the end of the following lap the delay meant the Dutchman emerged well clear of the Italian.
But while Verstappen was able to keep one Mercedes behind, he couldn’t keep Russell behind. On lap 29, Ollie Bearman slowed and as he pulled over at Turn 8 with a power unit issue, the VSC was deployed. Both McLarens took the opportunity to make their pit stops while the race was neutralised and so did Russell. With Verstappen slowed by the VSC the Mercedes driver was able to save time in his stop and he emerged in third, ahead of the Dutchman.
At the front, Norris closed in on Piastri in the closing stages, but the Australian was comfortably managing his pace, and he took his third win in a row with 4.6s in hand over his team-mate. Behind Verstappen, fifth place went to Albon, with Antonelli sixth ahead of the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Sainz was ninth and Yuki Tsunoda managed to eke out a 5.1s gap to Hadjar that kept him in 10th at the flag after the Japanese driver had been given a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
2025 FIA Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix – Race
1 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 57 1:28’51.587
2 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 57 1:28’56.217 4.630
3 George Russell Mercedes 57 1:29’29.231 37.644
4 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 57 1:29’31.543 39.956
5 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 57 1:29’39.654 48.067
6 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 57 1:29’47.089 55.502
7 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 57 1:29’48.623 57.036
8 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 57 1:29’51.773 1’00.186
9 Carlos Sainz Williams/Mercedes 57 1:29’52.164 1’00.577
10 22 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull/Honda RBPT 57 1:30’06.021 1’14.434
11 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT 57 1:30’06.189 1’14.602
12 Esteban Ocon Haas/Ferrari 57 1:30’13.593 1’22.006
13 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 57 1:30’22.032 1’30.445
14 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber/Ferrari 56 1:28’52.742 1 lap /1.155
15 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 56 1:29’12.566 1 lap /20.979
16 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 56 1:29’16.749 1 lap /25.162
Liam Lawson Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT 36 59’06.511 Retirement
Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber/Ferrari 30 49’03.459 Retirement
Oliver Bearman Haas/Ferrari 27 43’10.773 Power Unit
Jack Doohan Alpine/Renault 0 – Accident -
Vaibhav Marathe clocks the fastest time in INAC Round 1 qualifier
Chikkamagaluru, 4 May 2025: Vaibhav Marathe of Goa clocked the fastest time in the the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025 to claim the Overall honours and also clinched the premier class, the INAC 1 Unrestricted Open in the first South Zone qualifier round of the Octane Pits FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025 here on Sunday.
Marathe, former class winner and a regular in Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), clocked two minutes and 57.876 seconds for the 2.2km twin track.
Organized by the Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC) in association with JK Tyre Motorsport, the weekend event is a qualifying round, where the top five will be eligible for the grand finals. However, each driver is expected to drive in at least two qualifiers.
Syed Salman won three classes including the top INAC1 Upto 2000cc class and, later added two more victories in the INAC2 upto 1450cc and INAC2 upto 2000cc classes.
Defending Overall champion Ashad Pasha of Chikkamagaluru could win only INAC2 upto 1650cc class but was in contention in the other two INAC2 classes to keep his chances open for a grand finale shot.
Farooq Ahmed, left, fmsci vice-president presenting the Fastest Driver award to Vaibhav Marathe of Goa who clocked the best time in the INAC round 1 qualifier in Chikkamagaluru on Sunday. Photo courtesy MSCC 2019 INRC winner, Chetan Shivram of Bengaluru won the INAC2 Unrestricted class and is in line for qualification in two other classes. Zeeshan Mohammed won the INAC3 open and Shameena bagged the Ladies class ahead of reigning champ Pallavi Yadav.
The placings here does not count much as the top five have a chance to qualify and it is the finals that matter. Each driver has to take part in at least two of the seven qualifying rounds and the top five qualify for the grand finale, where INAC champions for 2025 are decided.
Provisional Results Round 1 qualifier:
Overall (Top 10 fastest times):
1. Vaibhav Marathe 02:57.876;
2. Syed Salman 02:59.687;
3. Syed Salman 02:59.457;
4. Ashad Pasha 02:59.627;
5. Syed Salman 02:59.687;
6. Ashad Pasha 03:00.554;
7. Aeman Ahmed 03:01.457;
8. Aeman Ahmed 03:01.788;
9. Chetan Shivram 03:02.472;
10. Aeman Ahmed 03:02.985.
Class 1. INAC 1 – Class A: Up to 2000cc
1. Syed Salman 2 minutes, 59.169 seconds;
2. Chetan Shivram 03:05.490;
3. Aeman Ahmed 03:06.986.
Class 2. INAC 1 – Class B: Unrestricted Open
1. Vaibhav Marathe 02:57.876;
2. Syed Salman 02:59.687;
3. Aeman Ahmed 03:01.788;
Class 3. INAC 2 – Class C: Up to 1450cc
1. Syed Salman 03:07.957;
2. Nameer Pasha 03:08.321;
3. Ashad Pasha 03:09.518;
Class 4. INAC 2 – Class D: Up to 1650cc
1. Ashad Pasha 03:00.554;
2. Aeman Ahmed 03:03.698;
3. Syed Salman 03:06.444;
Class 5. INAC 2 – Class E: Up to 2000cc
1. Syed Salman 02:59.457;
2. Ashad Pasha 02:59.627;
3. Aeman Ahmed 03:01.457;
Class 6. INAC 2 – Class F: Unrestricted
1. Chetan Shivram 03:02.472;
2. Aeman Ahmed 03:02.985;
3. Nameer Pasha 03:08.234;
Class 7. INAC 3 – Class G: Open
1. Zeeshan Mohammed 03:19.429;
2. Vaibhav Marathe 03:24.253;
3. Nameer Pasha 03:26.574;
Class 8. Ladies class
1. Shameena CP 03:41.004;
2. Pallavi Yadav 03:49.478;
Note: Each driver has to take part in at least two qualifiers and the top five in each class will make it to the grand finals, which has fmsci National championship status and the winners will be crowned as INAC National champions for year 2025. There are seven rounds of qualifiers in the calendar.
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Defending champ Rajendra begins 2025 season with a win; Aishwarya tops Ladies class
Indore, 4 May 2025: TVS Racing star and defending champion, Rajendra RE, began his 2025 campaign with a comfortable victory in the first round of the MRF Mogrip fmsci National Rally Championship for two-wheelers here on Sunday. He clocked the fastest times in two of the three Special Stages organised by AW events and promoted by Godspeed Racing headed by 7-time former National champion Shyam Kothari.
The 39-year-old from Shivamogga, Rajendra, overcame some hiccups in the second special stage and polished off the narrow gap of one second to emerge victorious by 10.518 seconds. Astride a TVS APACHE RTR 450, he clocked an time of 48 minutes, and 24.257 seconds for his Overall triumph over teammate and Udipi rider Samuel Jacob, who lost about 8 second in the final stage.
Meanwhile, Aishwarya Pissay, TVS Racing, won the Ladies class with ease and grace. Hailing from Bengaluru, she has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a world title in motorsports and after a hiatus of two years she is back in the ladies class. She dominated the Indian National Rally Championship, winning six consecutive titles from 2017 to 2022 and is a strong contender this year too. Somyya Chaudhary A of Jaipur came second followed by Ernakulam’s Misriya KS.
Abdul Waheed Tanveer, also from TVS Racing, completed a podium sweep for the Hosur factory team in the premier Superbike Pro-Expert Group A class, with former TVS rider Nataraj R in Overall fourth for the VM Sports Foundation. Mysore’s Nataraj, backed by Vamcy Merla, won the Superbike Expert Group A class followed by Bengaluru teammate, Naresh VS, the Indian Bruce Lee, also from VM Sports. Privateer Aman Pawde from Nagpur completed the podium in the Expert class.
Astride a Hero Impulse, Abdul Reheman of Shivamogga topped the Class 3 Supersport 165cc Group B, to get another Class victory for Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation, which swept all the podium places in this class. He clocked 55min, 56.6sec and was streets ahead of second placed teammate Bharat L from Bengaluru. Another Bengaluru rider, Varun Kumar A, also on a Hero Impulse took the final step on the podium for VM Sports.
Talented youngster from Meghalaya Banteilang Jyrwa of TVS Racing put paid to the hopes of Hero MotoSports, as he clinched the victory in Class 4, ahead of Hassan’s T Arun, who managed a lone podium for Hero MotoSports. Another TVS rider from Mysore, Imran Pasha took third place.
Rajesh Narajan Swami of Raigad Pen won Class 5 while Syed Asif Ali led a podium sweep of the Scooter class for TVS Racing. Karthik Naidu of Bengaluru and Shamim Khan of Nashik finished second and third.
Jagadeesh of Coimbatore won Class 8 while popular Devaraj Venkatesh of Tribal Cafe in Bengaluru clinched the victory in Class 9. Local star Shadab Karim Chisthi won the Star of Madhya Pradesh cup.
Provisional Final Results:
(#Bike number) (All privateers unless mentioned)
Overall: (top-10 riders)
1. #1 Rajendra RE (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48 minutes, 24.257 seconds);
2. #3 Samuel Jacob (Udupi, TVS Racing) (48:34.775);
3. #2 Abdul Waheed Tanveer (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48:38.729);
4. #28 Banteilang Jyrwa (Meghalaya, TVS) (50:15.448);
5. #24 Arun T (Hassan, Hero MotoSports) (50:35.159);
6. #23 Imran Pasha (Mysore, TVS) (50:53.694);
7. #4 Nataraj R (Mysore, VM Sports Foundation) (52:20.108);
8. #30 Karan Kumar (Bengaluru, Hero MotoSports) (52:57.952);
9. #6 Naresh VS (Bengaluru, VM Sports) (53:18.674);
10. #29 Yuva Kumar (Bengaluru, Hero MotoSports) (53:23.721).
Class 1: Superbike Pro-Expert upto 500cc Group A:
1. #1 Rajendra RE (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48 minutes, 24.257 seconds);
2. #3 Samuel Jacob (Udupi, TVS Racing) (48:34.775);
3. #2 Abdul Waheed Tanveer (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (48:38.729).
Class 2 Superbike Expert upto 500cc Group A:
1. #4 Nataraj R (Mysore) (52:20.108);
2. #6 Naresh VS (Bengaluru) (53:18.654);
3. #10 Aman Pawde (Nagpur) ( 53:57.413).
Class 3 Supersport 165cc Group B:
1. #14 Abdul Reheman (Shivamogga) (55:56.646);
2. #20 Bharat L (Bengaluru) (57:17.171);
3. #17 Varun Kumar A (Bengaluru) (57:18.295).
Classs 4: Supersport 165 to 260cc Group B:
1. #28 Banteiling Jyrwa (Meghalaya, TVS) (50:15.448);
2. #24 T Arun (Hassan, Hero MotoSports) (50:35.159);
3. #23 Imran Pasha (Mysore, TVS) (50:53.694);
Class 5: Supersport 261 to 400cc Group B:
1. #34 Rajesh Narajan Swami (Pen) (53:38.498);
2. #40 Syed Aquib (Mudigere, Karnataka) (57:33.846);
3. #39 Hemanth M (Bengaluru) (58:42.284).
Class 6: Scooters up to 210cc Group B:
1. #42 Syed Asif Ali (Bengaluru, TVS, NTorq) (59:37.706);
2. #43 Karthik Naidu (Bengaluru, TVS, NTorq) (01:00:16.041);
3. #44 Shamim Khan (Nashik, TVS, NTorq) (01:01:36.944).
Class 7: Women’s Class Group B:
1. #49 Aishwarya Pissay (Bengaluru, TVS Racing) (01:02:32.112);
2. #48 Somyya Chaudhary A (Jaipur) (01:04:46.807);
3. #51 Misriya KS (Ernakulam) (01:08:28.522).
Class 8: Super Stock above 165cc to 260cc Group D:
1. #55 Jagadeesh G (Coimbatore) (59:24.178);
2. #61 Navaneeth Kumar (Puducherry) (59:43.070);
3. #53 Nitish Chaudhari (Mumbai) (59:48.482).
Class 9: Super Stock above 260cc upto 460cc Group D
1. #67 Devaraj Venkatesh (Bengaluru) (01:02:14.777);
2. #69 Chetan B Hosatti (Hubli) (01:03:13.711);
3. #71 Durgesh J (Bengaluru) (01:03:41.373).
Class 10 Star of Madhya Pradesh:
1. #74 Shadab Karim Chisthi (Indore) (01:10:37.968);
2. #73 Ravi Patidar (Indore) (01:31:39.037);
2. #75 Harshith Chourasiya (Gurugaon) (01:48:52.170);Editor’s Note: All results are provisional and as per Live Timings and are NOT official until audited.
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Max Verstappen beats Lando Norris to Miami pole: F1
Miami (US), 3 May 2025: Max Verstappen took his third pole of 2025 with a superb final lap of Q3 that saw him beat pre-session favourites McLaren, with Lando Norris second and championship leader Oscar Piastri only fourth behind Mercedes’ teen sensation Kimi Antonelli.
At the start of Q1 Verstappen was one of the first on track and he posted an opening flyer of 1:27.573 to take P1. That time was soon beaten by Piastri who went 0.266s quicker, with Norris’s slotting into P3.
Antonelli then lowered the benchmark to 1:27.077. Verstappen, though, was powering through a purple first sector and after setting personal best times across the rest of the lap, the champion once again jumped to the top of the order with a time of 1:26.870, 0.136 clear of Piastri with Mercedes’ George Russell in third, 0.008s off the Australian. Verstappen headed back to the pits leaving Norris to edge ahead of team-mate Piastri to take P2.
Ruled out of the second session were Sauber’s Nico Hülkenberg in P16 followed by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, the second Aston of Lance Stroll and Haas’ Ollie Bearman exited in 20th place.
Verstappen was first out on track at the start of the second session and the Dutchman posted an opener of 1:26.643 to take an early P1. Once again, his time was eclipsed by the McLarens, however, as Piastri took P1 with a time of 1:26.269 and Norris made his way to second place. Antonelli also managed to find a little over three hundredths over the Red Bull driver to steal third place.
Piastri elected to stay in the pit lane for the final runs and when none of his close rivals delivered a significant improvement, including Verstappen, who was marginally slower on his second run than this first, the Australian held on to top spot. Russell, languishing in 11th after the first run, did make a leap forward, however, and he climbed to P3 ahead of Antonelli, leaving Verstappen in fifth.
There was no place in Q3, however, for Isack Hadjar who went out in P11 ahead of Hamilton, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, Alpine’s Jack Doohan and the second Racing Bull of Lawson.
After two sessions in which he’d set the pace only to be bounced out of P1, Verstappen upped the ante at the start of Q3 it. The Dutchman took provisional pole with a time of 1:26.492, just 0.003s ahead of Norris and 0.017s clear of Piastri.
However, with Piastri having already gone two tenths quicker than Max’s time in Q2 the final runs began with the expectation that the McLarens would find more time. And when Max suffered a snap on entry to Turn 1 that suspicion appeared to be confirmed.
The champion was in no mood to let a “tiny moment” derail his quest for pole, however and over the remainder of the lap he dragged back the deficit and eventually crossed the liner in
1:26.204. And when Norris locked up in Turn 17 Verstappen’s 43rd career pole was as good as sealed. The Briton took P2 0.065s off the Dutchman with Antonelli taking third ahead of Piastri and Russell. Carlos Sainz took sixth for Williams ahead of team-mate Alex Albon, with Charles Leclerc in P8 for Ferrari. Esteban Ocon finished ninth for Ferrari and the final top 10 spot went to Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda.
2025 FIA Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix – Qualifying
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda RBPT 1:26.204 – –
2 Lando Norris McLaren/Mercedes 1:26.269 0.065 0.075
3 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:26.271 0.067 0.078
4 Oscar Piastri McLaren/Mercedes 1:26.375 0.171 0.198
5 George Russell Mercedes 1:26.385 0.181 0.210
6 Carlos Sainz Williams/Mercedes 1:26.569 0.365 0.423
7 Alexander Albon Williams/Mercedes 1:26.682 0.478 0.554
8 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:26.754 0.550 0.638
9 Esteban Ocon Haas/Ferrari 1:26.824 0.620 0.719
10 Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull/Honda RBPT 1:26.943 0.739 0.857
11 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT 1:26.987 0.783 0.908
12 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 1:27.006 0.802 0.930
13 Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber/Ferrari 1:27.151 0.947 1.099
14 Jack Doohan Alpine/Renault 1:27.186 0.982 1.139
15 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT 1:27.363 1.159 1.344
16 Nico Hülkenberg Sauber/Ferrari 1:27.473 1.269 1.472
17 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin/Mercedes 1:27.604 1.400 1.624
18 Pierre Gasly Alpine/Renault 1:27.710 1.506 1.747
19 Lance Stroll Aston Martin/Mercedes 1:27.830 1.626 1.886
20 Oliver Bearman Haas/Ferrari 1:27.999 1.795 2.08 -
TVS Racing gears up for dominant start to MRF Mogrip 2w National Rally Championship
Indore, 3 May 2025: The fight for the crown in the 2025 season will be among the TVS teammates in the premier Pro-Expert class as defending champion Rajendra RE, Samuel Jacob and 2023 overall title holder Abdul Waheed Tanveer are expected to be top runners in the MRF Mogrip fmsci National Rally Championship (formerly 2w INRC) for two-wheelers which kicks off on Sunday in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Organized by AW Events and promoted by Godspeed Racing, the championship’s first round promises high-octane action, with TVS Racing poised to continue its legacy of dominance.
With a record entries of about 75 and with top stars in the country descending in Indore, the event is expected to throw high-octane action on Sunday. Some of the regulars in the lower classes like Amogh Nag, Naresh VS, Jatin Jain, Sanjay Somasekhar and Amin Pawde have entered in Class 2 and are expected to ride the top class KTM 450EXCF. Along with them newcomers like Mihaan Mudaliyar, Kousthubha M and lady rider Ishita Gupta are also ona the powerful KTM 450EXCF and with 10 entries, the Class 2 is expected to provide high competition for the riders and equally high thrills to the fans.
Hero MotoSports: Veteran Power in Class 4
Hero MotoSports has thrown its full weight behind Class 4 this season, fielding a formidable trio led by the experienced rally star Yuva Kumar, alongside talented riders T Arun and Karan Kumar. Known for his consistency and aggressive riding style, Yuva Kumar brings years of rallying expertise that will be key in navigating the competitive field. Arun and Karan, too, have proven their mettle in previous events and now join forces under the Hero banner to dominate Class 4. However, a stiff fight is expected from Sachin D and Banteilang Jyrwa of the TVS team, both on a TVS Apache, who can spoil the Hero party and start as favourites.
With Hero MotoSports opting out of the premier classes, TVS will not face any direct competition from them in the top-tier categories. However, the spotlight now shifts to the emerging VM Sports Foundation team, backed by Vamcy Merla, which is expected to challenge the veterans and shake up the leaderboard with fresh energy and determination. In this context, Hero’s focus on Class 4 signals a tactical move—aiming to sweep the podium in one of the most tightly contested categories of the season.
Yuva Kumar – The Veteran Leader
A stalwart of Indian motorsports, Yuva Kumar brings unmatched experience and skill to Hero MotoSports. With numerous podiums and a reputation for calm under pressure, he is widely respected in rally circles. His technical riding ability, especially in rough terrain, makes him the ideal lead rider for Hero’s Class 4 campaign. Yuva’s strategic mindset and mentorship are also key assets for his younger teammates.
T Arun – The Consistent Contender
Known for his smooth, controlled riding style and reliability, T Arun has steadily built his reputation across national rally events. A former podium finisher in multiple southern circuits, Arun is often praised for his technical discipline and ability to perform in high-pressure stages. In Hero MotoSports, he plays the perfect supporting role to Yuva, while being a serious podium threat himself.
Karan Kumar – The Young Gun
The youngest in the team, Karan Kumar brings raw speed and hunger to the Hero lineup. With a few breakthrough performances in regional rallies under his belt, Karan is seen as a rising star. Under the guidance of veterans like Yuva and Arun, he is expected to mature quickly and contribute crucial points in Hero’s push for Class 4 dominance.
TVS Racing: A Legacy of Excellence
TVS Racing, the factory team of TVS Motor Company, enters the new season with a remarkable track record. The team has secured multiple consecutive titles in various categories of the INRC, showcasing their technical prowess and the exceptional skills of their riders.
Star-Studded Lineup
Leading the charge is Rajendra RE, the reigning Super Bike Pro Expert champion, known for his consistent performances and technical expertise. Joining him is Abdul Waheed Tanveer, who clinched victory in Round 2 of the 2024 season, demonstrating his competitive edge and determination and finally finishing runners up in 2024. He was the 2023 overall champion.
Samuel Jacob, another formidable contender from Udipi, has previously secured top positions in the Super Sport 260cc category, highlighting the depth of talent within the team.
Syed Asif Ali, the defending champion in the Scooter class is expected to dish out competitive stuff once again astride his TVS NTorq.
Aishwarya Pissay: Breaking Barriers
Aishwarya Pissay, India’s first female motorsport athlete to win a world title, continues to inspire. With multiple national titles under her belt, she remains a strong contender in the Ladies Class, aiming to add another championship to her impressive resume of six titles. She took a break and moved to a higher class, but is back and looking hungry to get one more title.
Anticipation Builds
As the engines rev up in Indore, all eyes are on TVS Racing to set the pace for the season. Their blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents positions them as the team to watch in the 2025 INRC.
Some top players
R.E. Rajendra is a distinguished Indian rally rider hailing from Shivamogga, Karnataka, and a prominent member of the TVS Racing team. With multiple national titles to his name, he has consistently showcased exceptional skill and determination in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC).
2024: The Super Bike Pro-Expert defending champion (class 1)
2022: Super Bike Pro-Expert Champion (Class 1)
In the 2022 INRC season, Rajendra clinched the Super Bike Pro-Expert (Class 1) title, amassing 112 points. His dominance was evident as he secured victories in four consecutive rounds, even after a modest start with a fourth-place finish in Round 1 and a non-start in Round 2. His performance was further bolstered when his closest competitor, Abdul Wahid Tanveer, withdrew early in the final round, paving the way for Rajendra’s championship win.
2020: Group A Upto 500cc Class Winner
At the final round of the 2020 INRC held in Hampi, Karnataka, Rajendra secured the top position in the Group A Upto 500cc category, riding the TVS RTR 450 FX. This victory contributed to TVS Racing’s clean sweep across all categories that season.
2019: Overall INRC Champion
Demonstrating consistent excellence, Rajendra emerged as the overall INRC champion in 2019. His decisive win at the Rally De Mangaluru in Puttur, where he outpaced his nearest rival by over seven minutes, rendered the final round in Bengaluru inconsequential for the championship outcome.
2018: Super Sport (260cc) Group B Champion
In the 2018 season, Rajendra showcased his versatility by winning the Super Sport (260cc) Group B category, riding the TVS Apache RTR 200. His performance was instrumental in TVS Racing’s dominance that year, securing championships in four out of five categories.
Riding Style and Strengths
- Technical Proficiency: Rajendra’s ability to navigate diverse terrains with precision sets him apart.
- Consistency: His track record reflects a commitment to maintaining top performance throughout each season.
- Adaptability: Whether transitioning between bike classes or adjusting to varying race conditions, Rajendra exhibits remarkable adaptability.
Legacy and Impact
Rajendra’s journey from Shivamogga to national acclaim serves as an inspiration to aspiring motorsport enthusiasts across India. His achievements underscore the potential of talent nurtured through dedication and the support of teams like TVS Racing. But his goal of getting into Dakar is yet to be fulfilled, and he is determined to overcome the obstacles and continue to perform to the best of his ability.
Abdul Wahid Tanveer
Abdul Wahid Tanveer, a seasoned campaigner from Bengaluru, has been a cornerstone of TVS Racing since his debut in 2014. Specializing in rally and motocross disciplines, Tanveer has consistently delivered top-tier performances. Notably, he clinched the championship victory in 2023 with a splendid win in Round 2 that caught the eye. He showcased his prowess on challenging terrains. His international experience includes participation in the Panafrica Rally, representing India with distinction. Tanveer’s dedication and skill continue to make him a formidable contender in both national and international rally events. He is also the runner up in 2024
Aishwarya Pissay
Aishwarya Pissay, hailing from Bengaluru, has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win a world title in motorsports by clinching the FIM Bajas World Cup. Her journey began with circuit racing, securing titles in the Honda and TVS One Make Championships. Transitioning to rallying, she dominated the Indian National Rally Championship, winning six consecutive titles from 2017 to 2022. Despite facing setbacks, including a significant crash in the 2018 Baja Aragon Rally, Pissay’s resilience and determination have solidified her status as a trailblazer in Indian motorsports. She is back after a couple of years hiatus and begins as a strong favourite to win one more National title in Ladies class.
Samuel Jacob
Samuel Jacob, a dynamic rider from Udupi, has rapidly ascended the ranks in Indian rallying. Representing TVS Racing, he secured his first overall victory in the 2021 INRC season at the Rally of Chikmagalur. Continuing his momentum, Jacob dominated the 2024 season opener at the MRF Rally of Nashik, leading from the first stage and fending off challenges from seasoned teammates. This round win provided him an A seed ranking. His consistent performances and competitive spirit mark him as a rising star in the rallying circuit.
Sinan Francis
Sinan Francis, a veteran in the Indian rally scene, boasts a career spanning over two decades. A four-time national champion, Francis has demonstrated versatility and tenacity across various competitions. His notable achievements include a runner-up finish in the 2022 Rally of Himalayas and a strong performance in the K-1000 Rally, where he secured second place in the Superbike Expert class. Francis’s enduring presence and consistent performances underscore his dedication to the sport and his role as a mentor to emerging talents.
Ishita Gupta – Rising Star in Indian Off-Road Rally Racing
Ishita Gupta is an emerging talent in India’s off-road rally racing scene, making her mark in the MRF MOGRIP FMSCI National Rally Championship. Competing as a privateer, she has showcased commendable performances, notably in Round 3 of the 2023 season, where she participated riding a GasGas motorcycle. Her dedication and skill are evident in her competitive timings across various stages of the rally.
Beyond her racing endeavors, Ishita plays a pivotal role in the motorsports community. She was instrumental in managing race affairs for fellow racer Jatin Jain during the Safari 1000 Rally in South Africa in 2024, highlighting her multifaceted involvement in the sport.
Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation
Nataraj R – Class 1;
Naresh VS – Class 2;
Pinkesh Thakkar – Class 3;
Abdul Raheman – Class 3;
Bharat L – Class 3;
Varun Kumar A – Class 3;
Yogesh P – Class 4;
Rajesh Swami – Class 5;
Hemanth M – Class 5;
Goutham N – Class 6;
Ryhana Bee – Ladies Class;
Sneha CC – Ladies Class.
R Nataraj
R Nataraj now leads a bunch of 12 riders from VM Sports Foundation. Astride a KTM 450EXCF, he wants to mount a challenge to his former teammates at TVS in Class 1. Backed by Vamcy Merla, the rider is a tough nut to crack on his day. He stands as one of India’s most accomplished rally riders. A product of TVS Racing, he clinched the Super Bike (Pro Expert) Class Group A title in the 2018 INRC season, riding the RTR 450 FX. His expertise extends to challenging events like the Raid-de-Himalaya, where he showcased exceptional skill and endurance. Nataraj’s experience and tactical acumen continue to inspire both teammates and aspiring riders across the country.
Naresh VS
Known as the “Indian Bruce Lee” for his agility and precision, Naresh VS boasts an impressive track record. A 10-time national champion, he secured the Bullet class title in the 2021 Indian National Rally Sprint Championship. His recent victory in the CHAMPIONSHIP GRPA C2-Upto 550cc (Pvt) category further cements his reputation.
Pinkesh Thakkar
Hailing from Pune, Pinkesh Thakkar has made significant strides in the Scooter Class. He emerged victorious in the opening round of the FMSCI Indian National Rally Sprint Championship. His consistent performances have made him a notable contender in his category.
Abdul Raheman
Representing VM Sports Foundation, Abdul Raheman clinched the Class 3 title in the MRF Mogrip FMSCI National Rally Championship-2W, 2024. His dedication and skill have been instrumental in his recent successes.
A two-time national champion, Yogesh P has showcased his versatility in off-road events. Beyond racing, he contributes as an off-road trainer at Tribal Adventure Café, nurturing the next generation of riders.
Rajesh Swami
With multiple national titles under his belt, including the National Rally Champion 2024 and National Dirt Track Champion 2024, Rajesh Swami stands out in the rallying community. His consistent performances have earned him accolades and respect among peers.
Goutham N
As the President of Ablaze Motorsports, Goutham N has a rich history in motorsports. A freestyle stunt rider and two-time National Gypsy Champion, he also clinched the INRC 4 title, showcasing his diverse talents.
Ryhana Bee
Ryhana Bee’s journey reflects a blend of talent, perseverance, and passion, making her a prominent figure both in rallying and Indian motorcycle racing and a role model for aspiring racers. She is also a former Sprint Nationals champion.
Chennai’s own Ryhana Bee has reasserted her dominance in the Indian motorcycle racing scene, particularly in the Girls category (Stock 165cc) of the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship. After a three-year hiatus from the national title, she made a compelling comeback in September 2024, securing a lights-to-flag victory at the Madras International Circuit. Her performance was marked by topping both practice and qualifying sessions, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination. However, she lost the title by a narrow margin after the last round fall injured her fingers.
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Gravel Fest 2025 to flag off Indian National Autocross Qualifiers on May 3 and 4
Chikkamagaluru, 3 May 2025: Top stars of Indian motorsports including defending champions Arshad Pasha and Pallavi Yadav are in the fray for the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest 2025 which officially kicks off the qualifying rounds for the Octane Pits FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship (INAC) 2025. Set to be held on May 3 and 4 at the picturesque foothills of Sahayadri ranges in Kurvangi Grama, near Sangnipura Road, the event will feature eight classes and over 100 competitors from across the country in what promises to be one of the biggest and most competitive INAC qualifiers to date.
Organized by the Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur (MSCC) in association with JK Tyre Motorsport and promoted by Octane Pits of Lokesh Gowda, the Chikmagalur Gravel Fest is part of INAC, one of the 13 National championships recognised and sanctioned by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci)* and will be conducted under the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code and applicable FMSCI regulations.
Set on a 2.2-kilometre all-gravel track, the event will follow the FIA Formula One point system (25–18–15 for the top three) and will feature eight official classes, including the INAC2 & INAC3 Ladies Open, where entry for women drivers is free. However, the popular 4WD and Diesel Open categories will not be included in the national championship this year.
Key Highlights:
- Over Rs.7 lakh in total prize money
- Special awards for Best Tuner and Fastest Driver of the Day (Gravel Fest King)
- On-site rally tyre support and caravan facilities for outstation teams
- Premium hospitality including lunch, snacks, and fresh juices for drivers, tuners, and fans
- Best-in-class accommodation to ensure a complete motorsport experience
Speaking ahead of the event, Promoter Lokesh Gowda of Octane Pits said, “This year’s Chikmagalur Gravel Fest sets a new benchmark for Indian autocross. With a record number of participants and enhanced facilities, we’re proud to offer a world-class racing experience right here in Karnataka.”
As per championship regulations, drivers must participate in at least two qualifying rounds to be eligible for the INAC Grand Finals, where only the top five in each class will qualify. Winners at the Grand Finals will be officially crowned FMSCI Indian National Autocross Champions 2025 in each class, apart from an overall champion, the fastest driver among all classes.
INAC 2025 Official Categories:
- INAC 1 – Class A: Up to 2000cc
- INAC 1 – Class B: Unrestricted Open
- INAC 2 – Class C: Up to 1450cc
- INAC 2 – Class D: Up to 1650cc
- INAC 2 – Class E: Up to 2000cc
- INAC 2 – Class F: Open
- INAC 3 – Class G: Open
- INAC 2 & INAC 3 – Class H: Ladies Open
*As per the branding done by the Federation a few years back, the letters in the acronym are all small letters as in fmsci.
