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Post by truenorth on Mar 27, 2024 8:49:00 GMT -8
Circuit Of The Americas The Circuit Of The Americas is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the U.S. near Austin, Texas, with a 5.513km track and a capacity for 120,000 fans. Construction of the impressive 1000-acre facility was completed late in 2012, with MotoGP lining up at the track for the first time in 2013. One of its more distinctive features is near 41m-elevation change with an impressive incline at the end of the home-straight followed by a sharp left. The circuit is one of the most varied on the GP circuit, with a mix of fast straights and tight hairpins, with most sections mirroring at least some part of a famous track around the world. It was designed by well-known German architect and circuit designer Hermann Tilke. The driving direction is counter clockwise and has a total of 20 corners with 9 right turns and 11 left turns.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 27, 2024 8:49:42 GMT -8
Mat Oxley People love weird shit! And I’m sure that all the good engineers in MotoGP will be leaning over the pit wall during the COTA Baggers race
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2024 6:54:20 GMT -8
F1 owners Liberty Media "close" to €4bn purchase of MotoGP Liberty Media deal to buy MotoGP would face regulatory scrutiny Liberty Media, the owners of Formula 1, are reportedly in exclusive talks to buy Dorna, the MotoGP rights holder, for more than €4bn. The Financial Times report that a deal is "close" which would unite the world's top car and motorcycle racing series under the same banner. An announcement could come as early as next week, the report claims. Liberty Media beat a rival bid from TKO, the company which owns UFC and WWE. Qatar Sports Investments, who own football club Paris-Saint Germain, also held talks with Bridgepoint, the privaty equity firm involved in MotoGP. But a deal between Liberty Media and Dorna would likely face regulatory scrutiny, the report states. F1 and MotoGP were once both owned by the private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. But CVC were forced to sell MotoGP when they bought into F1 due to EU regulations. James Killick, a competition lawyer at White & Case, told the Financial Times that probes into the deal between Liberty Media and Dorna are "quite likely". “I’d be very surprised if competition regulators didn’t look at it”, he said. “The question is, has the market changed?” The shareholders of Dorna, who own MotoGP rights, are Bridgepoint, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and Carmelo Ezpeleta who works as Dorna CEO. Liberty Media have been credited with helping F1's growth since their takeover in 2017. The Netflix series 'Drive To Survive' has enabled the fanbase to grow, while F1 has also prioritised impact via social media. The F1 calendar has also grown under Liberty Media's leadership, and now includes races in Las Vegas, Miami, Jeddah and Doha. The Financial Times reports that F1's operating profit in 2023 was $392m, a 64% growth from 2022. Revenue grew from $2.5bn to $3.2bn. Dorna's revenue was €483m in 2023, by contrast.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2024 7:37:37 GMT -8
Matthew Miles Mat Oxley: “And what was Ducati’s age-old problem? Mid-corner turning. And this is what the rival engineer told me when I showed him the GP24’s super-thin engine hanger: ‘Lateral flex, for turning.’”
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2024 7:52:28 GMT -8
Peter Bom Mav's bike at grid. Are they saving weight & space by combining clutch and rearbrake? The cable controlled module guides pressure to either brake / clutch. Wondering what controls the cable? His starts where un-Aprila fast. 2nd pic is his spare bike.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 28, 2024 8:21:22 GMT -8
Dario de Wet There are 3 possible takeaways from the FT Dorna piece:
1. Liberty is prepared to sell F1, and it’s not public knowledge.
2. F1 and Dorna’s models have diverged, so no EU Commission concerns.
3. This is a Dorna PR push to spark more interest.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 29, 2024 9:45:24 GMT -8
MOTOGP REGULATIONS 2027 SHAKE-UP | MOTOGP 29 March 2024 A MotoGP regulations shake-up for 2027 will result in smaller 850cc engines and a downsizing of aerodynamics. The new MotoGP technical regulations to be implemented in 2027 are set to be confirmed in the coming weeks. As well as the mandated switch to 100 percent sustainable fuels, reduction in engine capacity (850cc is widely being spoke of), a removal of ride height devices and a control on aerodynamics are all measures likely to be implemented. Asked about the upcoming change, Marc Marquez said those responsible for the rules have a decision to make. “Do you want MotoGP being a show for the spectators, or to have the perfect bike?,” he said. “If you take off some off the aerodynamics, if you take off the devices, it’ll be better for the show. “Perfect bike means going with more aerodynamics. The lap times will be faster but the people at home doesn’t realise if we’ll be faster or slower on the TV. I will go that way. Less aero, everything more manual. For the show it will be better.” Marc Marquez says TV viewers won’t notice if MotoGP is a bit slower When asked, KTM’s Motorsport Director Pit Beirer said a control on aerodynamics will be good for the riders, while not necessarily halting development. “We will not get rid of wings and stuff like that,” he said of the technical specs for 2027. “The modern bikes will look like that and it will go on in that direction. But I think just the room where we can play (with aero) will be limited, and that’s a good direction, because the more it is limited, the more you give the tools back to the rider to control things and it’s not the wind machine controlling your rider. “Limiting the size of aerodynamic parts that you can use (and) get rid of ride-height devices. It’s a clear request from our side.” Beirer was quick to point out that while KTM supported some boundaries around the aerodynamics and shape-shifting technology, KTM didn’t necessarily ask for a reduction in engine capacity. But it can understand the safety benefits as MotoGP becomes faster than ever. “And reducing engine performance was not our wish, but after discussing and with our colleagues, we are also in favour now to reduce engine capacity just to make the bikes safe enough,” he said. “Like the crash zones and everything is becoming a problem because the bikes are just getting too fast. So somehow we need to reduce speed and aerodynamics and ride height devices to come at least one step down from the situation where we are right now.”
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Post by truenorth on Mar 31, 2024 8:18:59 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Apr 1, 2024 7:49:33 GMT -8
Liberty Media announces acquisition of MotoGP Acquisition of world’s leading motorcycle racing championship expands Liberty Media’s portfolio of high-quality global sports assets Liberty Media Corporation has announced an agreement to acquire MotoGP™. MotoGP™ is the pinnacle of two wheels, with 22 of the fastest riders competing on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks, reaching top speeds above 360 kilometers per hour/223 miles per hour. From the first season in 1949 that staged six rounds across Europe, the sport has grown to comprise more than 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world. This new agreement will see Dorna Sports S.L., the exclusive commercial and television rights holder of MotoGP™, remain an independently run company attributed to Liberty Media’s Formula One Group tracking stock. Carmelo Ezpeleta, who has been CEO since 1994, will remain in his position and continue to run the business with his management team. The business will remain based in Madrid. Dorna also holds exclusive rights to other motorcycle racing series, including MotoGP™ feeder series Moto2™ and Moto3™, the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship and the new FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship. Liberty Media will acquire approximately 86% of Dorna, with Dorna management retaining approximately 14% of their equity in the business. The transaction reflects an enterprise value for Dorna/MotoGP™ of €4.2 billion and an equity value of €3.5 billion, with MotoGP's™ existing debt balance expected to remain in place after close. “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP,” said Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO. “MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile. Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience. The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.” “This is the perfect next step in the evolution of MotoGP, and we are excited for what this milestone brings to Dorna, the MotoGP paddock and racing fans,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna. “We are proud of the global sport we’ve grown, and this transaction is a testament to the value of the sport today and its growth potential. Liberty Media has an incredible track record in developing sports assets and we could not wish for a better partner to expand MotoGP’s fanbase around the world. ”The acquisition is expected to be completed by year-end 2024 and is subject to the receipt of clearances and approvals by competition and foreign investment law authorities in various jurisdictions. Investor Call Liberty Media’s President and CEO, Greg Maffei, and Dorna’s CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, will host an investor conference call at 8:30am ET / 2:30pm CEST on April 1, 2024 to discuss the acquisition in more detail. The call can be accessed by dialing +1 (215) 268-9864 (United States), +34 900 834 876 (Spain) or +44 (0)800 756 3429 (United Kingdom), confirmation code 13745617 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. For a full list of international toll-free access numbers, please visit www.incommconferencing.com/international-dial-in. The call will also be broadcast live across the internet and archived on Liberty Media’s website. Presentation materials to be used during the investor call will be posted to the Liberty Media website in advance. To access the webcast and accompanying presentation materials go to www.libertymedia.com/investors/news-events/ir-calendar. An archive of the webcast will also be available on Liberty Media’s website after appropriate filings have been made with the SEC. About Liberty Media Corporation Liberty Media Corporation operates and owns interests in a broad range of media, communications and entertainment businesses. Those businesses are attributed to three tracking stock groups: the Liberty SiriusXM Group, the Formula One Group and the Liberty Live Group. The businesses and assets attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK) include Liberty Media’s interest in SiriusXM. The businesses and assets attributed to the Formula One Group (NASDAQ: FWONA, FWONK) include Liberty Media’s subsidiaries Formula 1 and Quint, and other minority investments. The businesses and assets attributed to the Liberty Live Group (NASDAQ: LLYVA, LLYVK) include Liberty Media’s interest in Live Nation and other minority investments. About Dorna Sports, S.L. & MotoGP™ Dorna Sports became the sole commercial and television rights holder of the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship in 1991. Based in Madrid, with premises in Barcelona and a subsidiary in Rome, Dorna is a leader in sports management, marketing and media, and has seen continued growth over the years, expanding from solely MotoGP™ to include other leading motorcycle racing championships across the globe. Dorna holds exclusive rights to MotoGP feeder series Moto2™ and Moto3™, MotoE™, the Superbike World Championship and the FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship. MotoGP™ is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, with 22 of the fastest riders competing on purpose-built prototype motorcycles on some of the world’s greatest racetracks. MotoGP features top speeds above 360 kilometers per hour (223 miles per hour) and lean angles of over 60 degrees. Since 1949, the sport has grown to comprise more than 20 Grands Prix across five continents, with the television broadcast reaching hundreds of millions around the world. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including certain statements relating to the proposed transaction and its completion and statements relating to our expectations regarding the Formula One Group business, and Dorna and its MotoGP business and prospects. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as “possible,” “potential,” “intends” or “expects” or other words or phrases of similar import or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “may,” “might,” “should,” “would,” “could,” or similar variations. These forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including, but not limited to: historical financial information may not be representative of future results; there may be significant transaction costs and integration costs in connection with the proposed transaction; the parties may not realize the potential benefits of the proposed transaction in the near term or at all; the parties may not satisfy all conditions to the proposed transaction, including the failure to obtain regulatory approvals; the proposed transaction may not be consummated; there may be liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time; the proposed transaction may result in the diversion of management’s time and attention to issues relating to the proposed transaction and integration; unfavorable outcome of legal proceedings that may be instituted against the parties following the announcement of the proposed transaction; risks inherent to the business may result in additional strategic and operational risks, which may impact Liberty Media’s risk profile, which it may not be able to mitigate effectively; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in periodic reports that Liberty Media files with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Liberty Media expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Liberty Media’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of Liberty Media, including its most recent Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports Liberty Media subsequently file with the SEC, for additional information about Liberty Media and about the risks and uncertainties related to Liberty Media’s businesses which may affect the statements made in this press release.
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Post by truenorth on Apr 1, 2024 7:57:09 GMT -8
KTM on potential Pedrosa wildcard in Jerez: "We’re ready for him" MotoGP.com spoke to KTM Motorsport Director Pit Beirer in Portugal about the possibility of seeing the three-time World Champion race at the Spanish GP After two outstanding wildcard appearances in 2023, the MotoGP™ world continues to ponder whether Dani Pedrosa will be racing at a Grand Prix in 2024 with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. At the Portuguese GP, motogp.com spoke to KTM Motorsports Director, Pit Beirer, about the possibility of seeing the three-time World Champion competing at the Spanish GP. Pedrosa returned to his beloved Jerez in 2023 and scored a phenomenal P6s in the Tissot Sprint, which he then followed up with a P7 in the race, and by the sounds of it, there’s a strong chance we’ll see the famous #26 at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto in 2024. “I think so. Dani was already testing for us again in Jerez this week. I feel like he's getting ready for that,” said Beirer, who explained that the final decision is Pedrosa’s. “It's always like, we have a commitment, we'll never push him to do a race. The last call is on his side to say "I want to go". But he looks pretty strong and fast again in the test this week, I think he's ready, he just needs to say yes and go there, we're ready for him.” It’s always a great moment when we welcome back riders of Pedrosa’s calibre to the MotoGP™ grid for wildcard appearances. This is especially the case when it’s at their home Grand Prix. And after Pedrosa’s ultra classy double P4 performance at last year's San Marino GP, a podium challenge won't be ruled out if a wildcard comes to fruition. With nothing confirmed from KTM, make sure you keep your eyes peeled to see whether Pedrosa will be competing in Jerez.
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Post by truenorth on Apr 1, 2024 8:04:29 GMT -8
Mat Oxley People saying Liberty will make MotoGP all about money... WTF do you think it's been about for the past umpteen decades? MotoGP's last 3 owners were Bernie Ecclestone, a Luxembourg private-equity firm & a UK private-equity firm. Motor sport has always been about money
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Post by truenorth on Apr 3, 2024 6:32:37 GMT -8
Times for CoTA events - all time Mntn Friday 8am - 3pm Saturday 7:40am - 3pmish Sunday 8:40am - 2pmish
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Post by truenorth on Apr 5, 2024 12:58:35 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Apr 5, 2024 13:01:28 GMT -8
Noale needs a rider on which to build its future, and an Italian would be perfect. Contacts with Enea have already begun and Rivola is faced with a choice
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Post by truenorth on Apr 10, 2024 7:41:05 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Apr 10, 2024 8:16:11 GMT -8
Mat Oxley Retired MotoGP racers don't get slower, they just hurt themselves in different ways. Andrea Dovizioso has had a huge MX crash: he's broken quite a few bones & he hit his head very hard but the CT scan was negative. He wrote on his Insta: "Who can guess what I broke?!
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Post by truenorth on Apr 12, 2024 5:50:40 GMT -8
I abhor hearing these British twits call the bike race a rodeo. Jus' sayin'
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Post by truenorth on Apr 12, 2024 6:43:29 GMT -8
Moto3 Free Practice
1 96 D.Holgado 2:16.773 2 80 D.Alonso +0.306 3 99 J.Rueda +0.418 4 18 M.Bertelle +0.487 5 64 D.Muñoz +0.582 6 31 A.Fernandez +0.583 7 36 A.Piqueras +0.588 8 48 I.Ortola +0.647 9 24 T.Suzuki +0.661 10 95 C.Veijer +0.700 11 82 S.Nepa +0.859 12 7 F.Farioli +0.868 13 66 J.Kelso +0.941 14 19 S.Ogden +1.045 15 72 T.Furusato +1.046 16 6 R.Yamanaka +1.114 17 78 J.Esteban +1.397 18 22 D.Almansa +1.418 19 58 L.Lunetta +1.661 20 12 J.Roulstone +2.112 21 85 X.Zurutuza +2.328 22 70 J.Whatley +2.370 23 10 N.Carraro +2.563 24 55 N.Dettwiler +2.823 25 54 R.Rossi +2.940 26 5 T.Buasri +3.451
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Post by truenorth on Apr 12, 2024 7:06:07 GMT -8
Danilo Petrucci Yesterday during a motocross training I lost control of the bike before a jump. It was one of the scariest falls of my life. I broke some teeth, my jaw in two parts, my collarbone and my shoulder blade as well as various skin lacerations.
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Post by truenorth on Apr 12, 2024 7:29:50 GMT -8
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