INDIA in F1

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  • INDIAinF1’s adviser Srinivasa Krishnan captures the visual feast at the historic Indian GP

    INDIAinF1’s adviser Srinivasa Krishnan captures the visual feast at the historic Indian GP

    New Delhi, 21 Sept. 2023: The Grand Prix of India is all set to unfold at the historic Buddh International Circuit, near here at Greater Noida, from Friday. But the Thursday action had enough colourful moments captured by the Photo Editor and Editorial adviser Srinivasa Krishnan. Here are a few of the images that capture the glimpses of the momentous Indian Grand Prix:

    Alex Espargaro

    Alex Espargaro of Aprilia Racing; Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Alex Marquez, on a track walk. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Brad Binder and Jack Miller on Wednesday. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Brad Binder tries his hand at cricket. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Francesco Bagnaia on a track walk. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    General View of he BIC. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    BIC on Wednesday. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Marc Marquez in rain, track walk. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Hervé Poncharal, Mathilde Poncharal, Tech3. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Jack Miller and cricket. India makes it happen and Photo Editor Srinivasa Krishnan captures it. BIC, Indian GP, Delhi
    Johann Zarco in rain, cycling… Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Safety car…. Photo by Srinivasa Krishnan
    Please note that one corner was demolished to get the homologation done and now the track has only 13 corners. From the original 16 for the F1 to 14, one was removed to make it 13 for the final run. There is also no long-lap penalty due to this cutting of the corner… Graphic courtesy Michelin.
  • TVS announces India’s First-Ever Electric Racing Championship for Two-Wheelers

    TVS announces India’s First-Ever Electric Racing Championship for Two-Wheelers

    Bengaluru, 21 Sept. 2023: TVS Motor Company company marks a historic moment when TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship (e-OMC) makes its debut at the 4th round of MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle RAcing Championship (INMRC) on September 29.

    Eight riders hand picked by TVS Racing will race on the all-new TVS Apache RTE (Racing Throttle Electric) race motorcycles at the Madras International Circuit in the last week-end of the month.

    TVS Racing announces the launch of India’s first-ever electric two-wheeler racing championship, today. This pioneering initiative is a significant step forward in motorsports and reaffirms TVS Motor Company’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions as it becomes the first Indian manufacturer to foray into the world of EV moto racing.

    With a growing uptick in the adoption of EVs globally, TVS Motor Company has taken a bold leap with the foray of TVS Racing Electric One Make Championship (e-OMC), an exclusive format for racing on the electric TVS Apache RTE race motorcycles, that have been developed solely for the championship. TVS Motor Company has been at the realm of transforming mobility through innovation and sustainable solutions for a cleaner future, and has also pioneered motorsports in India with TVS Racing, that boasts of a rich racing heritage of over four-decades.

    Mr Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS Motor has been championing racing ever since we started India’s first factory racing team. TVS Racing has been instrumental in making motorsports aspirational yet accessible for enthusiasts across the country. Many of the technologies that we pioneered in our racing machines have made way to our production vehicles, giving shape to our ‘track to road’ philosophy. In line with our vision of providing exciting and sustainable mobility solutions, we are thrilled to announce the debut of India’s first ever EV two wheeler racing. TVS Racing e-OMC will not only set new benchmarks in the racing segment but also demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles in delivering high-octane and thrilling racing experiences for the world to witness.”

    Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS Racing takes great pride in being the propagators of offering a platform for racers to hone and showcase their skills and following their passion for racing. We have been the frontrunners in the segment, whether it was pioneering the TVS OMC in India in 1994, and expanding it in women’s and rookie class, or being the first Indian manufacturer to foray with the Asia One Make Championship or participate in the Dakar Rally. With the TVS Racing e-OMC, we take a monumental step into redefining the future of racing.”

    Key highlights of the championship:

    • TVS Racing e-OMC will debut at the 4th round of Indian National Motorcycle Road Racing Championship (INMRC)
    • The first round of the championship will witness 8 participating riders who are hand picked
    • Participants will ride atop TVS Apache RTE race motorcycles which are specially developed for this championship

    The TVS Apache RTE race motorcycles will set a benchmark for electric racing in India. The key technologies behind this machine include:

    • Highest power-to-weight in its class with a liquid cooled motor & high efficiency liquid cooled motor controller
    • High power cells battery pack with advanced chemistry
    • Carbon fibre battery case that also acts as stressed member of the chassis
    • Custom built advanced Battery Management System with race special algorithms for several advanced configuration controls and high levels of safety
    • Single reduction, motor spindle is connected to rear wheel through sprockets and roller chain
    • Ohlins bespoke front and rear suspension
    • Brembo brake system – 320mm front disc, calipers, and master cylinder
    • Carbon fibre front & rear wheels
    • Pirelli Super Corsa tyres
    • Carbon fibre fairing with best-in-class lowest coefficient of drag
    • Unique livery combining body paint of TVS Racing Factory colours and sustainability inspired graphics

    About TVS Motor Company

    TVS Motor Company is a reputed two and three-wheeler manufacturer globally, championing progress through Sustainable Mobility with four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Mysuru and Nalagarh in India and Karawang in Indonesia. Rooted in our 100-year legacy of Trust, Value, and Passion for Customers and Exactness, we take pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes. We are the only two-wheeler company to have received the prestigious Deming Prize. Our products lead in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys. We have been ranked No. 1 Company in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey for consecutive four years. Our group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. Our subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland. TVS Motor Company endeavours to deliver the most superior customer experience across 80 countries in which we operate.

  • Formula 1500 replaces F1600 as Round 2 begins: 4w Racing Naionals

    Formula 1500 replaces F1600 as Round 2 begins: 4w Racing Naionals

    Chennai, 21 Sept. 2023: Multiple-national champion Arjun Balu from Coimbatore, who is leading the championship and Gurunath Meiyappan of Chennai will resume their battles as the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2023 second round begins after a two-month gap at the Madras International Circuit here this on Friday. Over 50 entries are the fray.

    The two premium MRF single-seater cars, Formula 2000 and Formula 1500, will be headlining the second round of the championship commencing on Friday. Also on the grid are the Formula LGB 1300, Touring Cars that will be run in three classes and the MRF Saloons (Toyota Etios). In all, 13 races are scheduled.

    Friday, Sept 22, is set aside for practice sessions in the afternoon, while the qualifying sessions and the races will be run on Saturday and Sunday.

    The first round in July witnessed exciting wheel-to-wheel racing in all categories. Multiple National champion from Coimbatore, Arjun Balu (Race Concepts), won two of the three races in the premier Indian Touring Cars (ITC) category for a 10-point lead over team-mate Gurunath Meiyappan.

    The situation is somewhat similar in the Indian Junior Touring Cars (IJTC) class where Performance Racing duo of Deepak Ravikumar and Akkineni Anand Prasad head the championship table with seven points separating them.

    In contrast, veteran Diljith TS (DTS Racing) from Thrissur won all three races in the Super Stock category for a 30-point advantage over Jarshan Singh (DB Motorsports) in the points standings.

    The Formula LGB 1300 triple-header threw up three different winners. Two Chennai veterans, Raghul Rangasamy (MSport) and Deepak Ravikumar (Ahura Racing), head this category with the former enjoying a 10-point buffer in the points tally.

    Organising committee chairman and MMSC vice-president Vicky Chandhok said: “We can expect some high-octane action this weekend in keeping with the trend in the past few seasons. The number of entries is very encouraging and we expect it to grow as we go deeper into the season. Once again, MMSC thanks main sponsor, MRF Tyres, for their continued involvement in the National Championship as also the competitors and the Media.”

  • Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia arrive at BIC

    Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia arrive at BIC

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: Jorge Martín of Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati) and reigning MotoGP world champion Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia have arrived in India on Wednesday and experienced the Buddh International Circuit and its vibrant paddock ahead of the first-ever IndianOil Grand Prix of India.

    The riders including Aleix Espargaro and Fabio Di Giannantonio are also gearing up for an exciting journey around Delhi, where they will also immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage.
    Ducati Lenovo Team – Francesco Bagnaia (Italy)
    Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia arrived in MotoGP™ in 2019 having claimed the 2018 Moto2™ title. A debut MotoGP™ win came at Aragon in 2021 but a title charge ultimately slipped through his fingers. However, 2022 was a different story. Despite a slow start which saw him sit 91 points behind Quartararo, Bagnaia produced a stellar second half of 2022 to ultimately put him in a position to clinch the crown at the season finale. Sporting the #1 for the 2023 season, Pecco has been the rider to beat. Five Sunday victories, including three Sprint and Race doubles, sees the Italian lead the title race heading into the closing stage of the year.
    J Prima Pramac Racing (Ducati) – Jorge Martín Almoguera (Spain)

    Nicknamed the ‘Martinator’, Jorge Martin rose through Moto3™ – a title he won in 2018 – and Moto2™ as one of the brightest young talents in the sport. Martin claimed a podium in just his second MotoGP™ race and despite a huge crash in Portugal that saw him miss four races, the Spaniard claimed a debut win in the same year. 2022 was a winless year, but 2023 has seen Martin become a title contender again as he aims to chase down Ducati rival Bagnaia for the crown.

  • Loris Capirossi gives thumbs up for Buddh Circuit

    Loris Capirossi gives thumbs up for Buddh Circuit

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: The Safety Advisor to Dorna Sports Loris Capirossi has given the thumbs up to the Buddh International Circuit for the weekend’s MotoGP Bharat.  
    Capirossi is a former Grand Prix rider and a 9-time Premier Class race winner, competing between 1990 and 2011. He was the first Grand Prix rider to start at least 300 races, having made his 300th start at the 2010 season-opener Qatar Grand Prix. Capirossi is the 1990 and 1991 125cc World Champion, the 1998 250cc World Champion, while also holding the honour of Youngest World Champion in motorcycle racing, winning the 1990 125cc title at 17 years and 165 days old.


    Capirossi, the Safety Advisor to Dorna Sports took a ride to test the quality of the track and impressed with the layout of the circuit.  
    He took rides at the Buddh International Circuit and stated that he is pleased with the layout of the track and it would be interesting to find out the winner of the race among the best MotoGP riders in the world.  
    “Everything seems to be going smoothly and I am really pleased with the layout of the track. There are fast corners and good braking points and it will be interesting to see how each of the riders race here,” commented Capirossi.


    Organized by FairStreet Sports, Capirossi also revealed his favourites to win the IndianOil Grand Prix of India.

    He stated, “The level of MotoGP  is really high at the moment as every rider is really close however his pick for the Indian Grand Prix includes Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin are also great riders and can win the race, while the fastest man on the MotoGP bike Brad Binder is also a contender for the win. It’s just conformity of the track that takes you to victory. Francesco Bagnaia is also someone who can win the race but he is not 100 percent after the crash in Barcelona but it will be interesting to see who wins. “

    The result of these races will also depend on the parabolic nature of the track as Capirossi seemed fairly satisfied with its quality after the test drive. He stated, “The turns from four to seven are really nice, while the parabolic is exciting as well. The riders will be here in India for the first time and I am really excited.”

  • India becomes 30th country to host MotoGP: Pre-Grand Prix statistics

    India becomes 30th country to host MotoGP: Pre-Grand Prix statistics

    Welcome to India! For the first time, India will be hosting a Grand Prix motorcycle event. India will become the 30th different country to host a Grand Prix since 1949. India is one of the eight different Asian countries that have hosted a Grand Prix event (all solo classes) along with Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Japan, Malaysia, China and Qatar.

    Buddh International Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and inaugurated in October 2011, becomes the 13th different circuit to be used for GP racing in Asia so far. The track hosted three F1 Grands Prix from 2011 to 2013.

    The other circuits that have been used in Asia are: Motegi (66 Grand Prix races), Sepang (65), Lusail (59), Suzuka (56), Shah Alam (21), Shanghai (12), Istanbul Park (9), Buriram (9), Fisco/Fuji (8), Sentul (6), Johor (3) and Mandalika (3).

    Buddh International Circuit is the 74 th different circuit to hold a premier class Grand Prix, and the 31st circuit to hold a MotoGP race since the introduction of the class back in 2002.

    MotoGP winners at a new track (since 2002):

    Pertamina Mandalika Circuit (Indonesia) – 2022: Miguel Oliveira

    (KTM) Algarve (Portugal) – 2020: Miguel Oliveira (KTM)

    Buriram (Thailand) – 2018: Marc Marquez (Honda)

    Red Bull Ring (Austria) – 2016: Andrea Iannone (Ducati)

    Termas de Rio Hondo (Argentina) – 2014: Marc Marquez (Honda)

    Circuit of the Americas (Americas) – 2013: Marc Marquez (Honda)

    MotorLand Aragon (Aragon) – 2010: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

    Silverstone (UK) – 2010: Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha)

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Indianapolis) – 2008: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

    Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli (San Marino) – 2007: Casey Stoner (Ducati)

    Istanbul Park (Turkey) – 2005: Marco Melandri (Honda)

    Laguna Seca (United States) – 2005: Nicky Hayden (Honda)

    Shanghai International Circuit (China) – 2005: Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

    Lusail International Circuit (Qatar) – 2004: Sete Gibernau (Honda)

    What happens if…

    700 – If Marc Marquez wins the race on Sunday at the Indian GP, it will mark 700 days since his last GP win at the 2021 Emilia-Romagna GP. For context, there was a 581-day gap between his Valencia 2019 win, his last win prior to his arm injury sustained in Jerez in 2020, and his subsequent victory at the 2021 German GP.

    140 – If Marc Marquez finishes on the GP podium, he’ll move above MotoGP Legend Angel Nieto into fifth on the list of the riders with most GP podiums on 140. This will place him behind MotoGP Legend Jorge Lorenzo, in fourth on 152 podiums.

    53 – If at least one Ducati qualifies in the top three, it will be the 53 rd successive race that a rider starts from the front row on a Desmosedici (since Valencia 2020).

    39 – Ducati is on a streak of 38 GP races in a row with at least one rider on the podium. If they have another, they will extend their record to 39.

    9 – If a Ducati qualifies on pole, it will be the ninth successive pole for the Bologna factory, extending their longest sequence of pole positions in MotoGP™.

    9 – If Brad Binder finishes on the podium at the Indian GP, he will become the South African rider with the most premier class podiums.

    8 – If Johann Zarco, Alex Marquez, Raul Fernandez, Luca Marini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Takaaki Nakagami, Pol Espargaro, or rookie Augusto Fernandez win, it will be their first premier class victory.

    3 – If Jack Miller or Maverick Viñales win the GP race, they will become the first rider to win on a bike from three different manufacturers since the start of the MotoGP™ era in 2002.

  • The Ducati Lenovo Team ready to tackle the first MotoGP Indian GP

    The Ducati Lenovo Team ready to tackle the first MotoGP Indian GP

    Greater Noida (Near Delhi), 20 Sept. 2023: The Ducati Lenovo Team will return to the track this weekend to take on the first Indian GP in MotoGP history. The event has been introduced on the calendar for the first time this year and will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, about 50 kilometres from the Indian capital, New Delhi. With its 4.96 kilometres, the track was inaugurated in 2011 and has hosted three editions of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and several rounds of the Asia Road Racing Championship.

    Francesco Bagnaia, fresh off the back of a third place in his home round in Misano despite still recovering from the nasty crash suffered in Barcelona, arrives in India determined to get more important points for the overall standings, which currently sees him leading with 36 lengths ahead of fellow Ducati rider Jorge Martín (Pramac Racing Team). Ducati test rider Michele Pirro will join him in India, to replace the still-injured Enea Bastianini.

    Track action will begin Friday at 11:15am (CEST 7:45am) with the first free practice session. The Sprint will be held Saturday at 3:30pm. local time over a 12-lap distance, while the Indian GP will be held on Sunday at 3:30pm (12:00pm in Italy) over a 24-lap distance.

    Francesco Bagnaia (#1, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1° (283 points)
    “After the race in Misano, I rested, but I also worked hard to get back as fit as possible for the Indian and Japanese GPs that await us in these two weeks. Physically, I feel better, but India will be an unknown territory for everyone. We will work as always to try to arrive ready to face the Sprint and the GP on Sunday. Now begins a very intense and important period, so maintaining concentration and avoiding making mistakes will be crucial.”

    Michele Pirro (#51, Ducati Lenovo Team) – 25° (5 points)
    “After the Grand Prix of San Marino and the Riviera di Rimini, I am happy to participate in two more MotoGP events, although I feel sorry for Enea. His season is really turning out to be complicated, and I hope he can come back soon. In the San Marino GP, my feeling had been good, and I hope to be able to pick up from there. We are going to India, and we will race on a new track, so it will be a surprise for everyone, and only on Friday will find out the characteristics of this track. In any case, I am calm: I will do my best, and as always, it will be an honour to share the garage with the World Champion.”

    Circuit Information

    Country: India
    Name: Buddh International Circuit
    Track Length: 4,96 km
    Sprint distance: 12 laps (59,52 km)
    Race distance: 24 laps (118,97 km)
    Corners: 14 (5 left, 9 right)

    Rider Information

    Francesco Bagnaia
    Bike: Desmosedici GP
    Race Number: 1
    GP Starts: 183 (78 x MotoGP, 36 x Moto2, 69 x Moto3)
    First GP: Qatar 2019 (MotoGP), Qatar 2017 (Moto2), Qatar 2013 (Moto3)
    Wins: 26 (16 MotoGP + 8 Moto2 + 2 Moto3)
    Sprint Wins: 4
    First GP Win: Aragón 2021 (MotoGP), Qatar 2018 (Moto2), Netherlands 2016 (Moto3)
    Pole position: 24 (17 MotoGP + 6 Moto2 + 1 Moto3)
    First: Qatar 2021 (MotoGP), France 2018 (Moto2), Great Britain 2016 (Moto3)
    World Titles: 2 (MotoGP 2022, Moto2 2018)

    Michele Pirro
    Bike: Ducati Desmosedici GP
    Race Number: 51
    GP Starts: 113 (66 x MotoGP, 18 x Moto2, 29 x 125cc)
    First GP: Qatar 2012 (MotoGP), Aragón 2010 (Moto2), Italy 2003 (125cc)
    Wins: 1 (Moto2)
    Sprint Wins: –
    First GP Win: Valencia 2011 (Moto2)
    Pole Position: 1 (Moto2)
    First Pole: Valencia 2011 (Moto2)
    World Title: –

    Championship Information

    Riders’ Standings
    Francesco Bagnaia (#1 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 1º (283 points)
    Michele Pirro (#23 Ducati Lenovo Team) -25° (5 points)

    Constructors’ Standings
    Ducati – 1º (416 points)

    Teams’ Standings
    Ducati Lenovo Team – 3º (318 points)

  • Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Venture into Unknown Territory: Indian GP

    Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Venture into Unknown Territory: Indian GP

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are full of motivation at the start of the Asian leg of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship. They kick off the busy period with a new addition to the MotoGP calendar: the Grand Prix of India, held at the Buddh International Circuit.

    The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team are excited to start the next challenge: for the Grand Prix of India they will be competing at a for the MotoGP paddock ’new circuit‘. Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli are keen to get to grips with the Buddh International Circuit as fast as possible during Round 13 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship.

    As there are eight rounds coming up within 2.5 months‘ time, Quartararo has made sure he is physically and mentally in top shape. He currently holds 11th position in the championship standings and is aiming for solid points this weekend. The Frenchman is curious to see how quickly he can adapt to the Buddh International Circuit, as he is keen to put on a good show for the ’motorcycle-crazy‘ Indian fans.

    After a one-week break, Morbidelli has recharged his batteries. The Italian is in 12th place in the championship standings and eager to make some steps this weekend. With his future in MotoGP secured, he is able to completely focus on the task ahead and getting good results. He aims to quickly find a good rhythm on the Friday, as that is vital to having a good weekend.

    Though only added to the MotoGP calendar this year, the Buddh International Circuit was officially inaugurated on 18 October 2011. It‘s situated in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The current FIM track layout consists of 4.96km with 8 right and 5 left corners, noticeable changes in elevation, and a very long main straight of 1.006km. As none of the MotoGP riders have previous experience at this circuit on a premier-class bike, the fans can look forward to a level playing field as they start the Indian GP FP1 session on Friday morning.

    Those who want a sneak preview of the Buddh International Circuit track layout can check out this week‘s MotoGP eSport video.

    The Grand Prix of India is held in the GMT +5:30 time zone. An extended FP1 will take place on Friday from 11:15 – 12:25 local track time and an extra-long Practice session will be held from 15:30 – 16:40. On Saturday, FP2 is from 10:40 – 11:10, and the qualifying sessions from 11:20 – 12:00, followed by the Sprint starting at 15:30. On Sunday, Warm Up is held from 11:10 – 11:20 and the Race starts at 15:30.

  • Repsol Honda Team ready for the new challenge: Grand Prix of India

    Repsol Honda Team ready for the new challenge: Grand Prix of India

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: India becomes the latest nation to host a MotoGP World Championship round, the Repsol Honda Team pairing of Marc Marquez and Joan Mir excited to meet their Indian fans in person.

    Round 13 of the 2023 MotoGP World Championship season lands in India at the Buddh International Circuit, a new venue and a new host country for the sport. With millions of motorcycles and scooters used daily in the world’s second most populous country, it’s safe to say India is full of motorcycle racing fans. The 4.96 kilometers of the Buddh International Circuit look set to produce another thrilling round of racing, a mix of long straights, tight hairpins and technical sections offering up a variety of overtaking opportunities.

    Marc Marquez has always been a quick study and will be aiming to get up to speed and understand the 13 corners of Buddh as soon as possible. The #93 arrives on the back of a progressive weekend in Italy which culminated in seventh place, continuing his steady progress across the year. With a new track to learn, the work of the weekend will need to be balanced between learning and continuing to work on making improvements to the Honda RC213V.

    On the other side of the garage, Joan Mir is hoping that a new venue will bring new fortunes after a tricky end to the San Marino GP. Despite the end, Mir was able to make steps forward in improving his feeling with the Honda RC213V. More track and bike time will be the key to continuing this trend and the intense schedule at the end of the year will provide exactly this to the #36.

    It’s set to be a history-making weekend in India no matter what. Teams, riders and fans won’t have to wait long for their next fix of MotoGP action as the paddock will fly directly to Japan for Honda’s home race: the Japanese GP. This starts an intense period of eight GPs in ten weeks as the championship charges into the end of the season

    Marc Marquez said: “I am really excited to meet all of the fans in India. It’s always a nice moment when we bring MotoGP to a new country, new people and new fans to share our sport and our passion. We will need to work a lot to understand everything about the track and about our own situation with the bike. The objective is to put together another weekend like Misano, build over each day and have a good pair of races. Let’s get ready for India and to meet everyone!“

    Joan Mir said: “Visiting a new place is always really exciting, you see a lot on social media how many fans there are from India so I think it’s really important and great to go see them. The track itself looks like it will be interesting with a lot of different elements. There are many things to understand when you go to a new circuit so it’s important to do every step well, from walking the track when we arrive to making the most of every session on track.”

    Location Info: Buddh International Circuit, India

    Length4.96 kmWidth12 mLeft Corners5Rights Corners8Longest Straight1,006 mCircuit RecordsPole PositionNEW CIRCUITRace LapNEW CIRCUITRace TimeNEW CIRCUIT2023 WinnerNEW CIRCUIT
  • MICHELIN Power Slick tyres, first in the history of MotoGP

    MICHELIN Power Slick tyres, first in the history of MotoGP

    The 2023 MotoGP World Championship explores new territories with, for the first time, a Grand Prix on Indian soil.
    • Michelin Motorsport brings an extraordinary tyre package to a circuit where no Grand Prix motorcycle has yet ridden.
    • The 13th round of the Championship will make history with the first lap times to be set on a track that’s known to be fast

    New Delhi, 20 Sept. 2023: Inaugurated in October 2011, the Buddh International Circuit is located approximately 50 km southeast of the country’s capital, New Delhi. Designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, the recently revised circuit is 4.96 km long, and is expected to be fast, with its eight right turns and five left. Its one kilometre straight, as well as the mix of hard braking, acceleration and rapid curves will generate significant stress on the tyres. With a width of 12 metres, the Buddh International Circuit benefits from a configuration which will allow the riders to fully express themselves, and should produce exciting racing. After practice and qualifying, the Sprint race and the Grand Prix will offer a high-intensity spectacle relying on the consistent performance of Michelin tyres.

    “The discovery of this circuit will be the same for our partners as it will be for us”, said Piero Taramasso, manager of Michelin two-wheel competition. “It’s a very interesting situation because everyone is starting from zero and the strategy adopted at the start of the event will be crucial. For our part, we carried out computer simulations to try to assimilate the thermal stresses and select the best compounds, but it is clear that physical tests will be essential to refine the set-up of the motorcycles. This is the only time this season that we will race without benefiting from any prior data. The analyses that we have made of this circuit show similarities with the Red Bull Ring, in Spielberg (Austria), or Buriram (Thailand). As a result, we expect very demanding conditions for the rear tyres, and particularly on the right side. As the regulations allow, we will bring an additional compound for the front and rear. To meet the expected demands, we have selected symmetrical tyres for the front, and asymmetrical at the rear – which will be reinforced on the right side. We can’t wait to get there and see the first bikes out on track!”

    An extraordinary situation, an exceptional tyre allocation

    The regulations for each race weekend allow the use of three tyre options for the front, and two for the rear. However, in the case of a circuit without any prior testing it is possible to increase the number of compounds offered. Thus, for this first Indian Grand Prix, Michelin Motorsport will provide its partners with front tyres that have a Soft, a Medium and two Hard compounds (instead of one), with one of the two having a slightly stiffer construction than the other. For the rear, three compounds – Soft, Medium and Hard – will be available instead of the usual two. With these options, the riders will benefit from the widest tyre choice to refine their settings. In the event of rain, the MICHELIN Power Rain range will be available in two compounds (Soft and Medium) for the front and rear, and all rear tyres will benefit from a reinforced right side due to the number of turns in that direction.

    On the Buddh International Circuit, the Grand Prix motorcycles will take to the track on the morning of Friday 22 September for a first free practice session scheduled for 1 hour 10 minutes instead of the usual 45 minutes. A second session, again lasting 1h10 instead of an hour, will take place in the afternoon, and this session will allow the 10 fastest riders to progress directly into Q2. Saturday will start with a 30-minute free practice session in the morning, followed by Q1 and Q2 (15 minutes each), and these will be followed by the Sprint race (12 laps) in the afternoon. As usual, the Grand Prix (24 laps) will take place on Sunday afternoon, after a 10-minute warm-up in the morning.

    About Michelin

    Michelin’s ambition is to sustainably improve its customers’ mobility. The leader in the mobility sector, Michelin designs, manufactures, and distributes the tires best suited to their requirements and uses as well as services and solutions to improve transport efficacy. Michelin also puts forward offers that allow its customers to enjoy unique moments when traveling. Michelin also develops high-technology equipment intended for multiple fields. Based in Clermont-Ferrand, Michelin is present in 175 countries, employs 132,200 people and operates 67 tire factories that, together, produced approximately 167 million tires in 2022. (www.michelin.com).