MRW Issue 4 preview

MOTO RIDER WORLD ISSUE 4 WWW.MOTORIDERWORLD.COM
M O T O G P 2 0 2 0 R O U N D - U P
M1RACLE
MAN
BRAD
BINDER
MOTOGP
LEARNING
CURVE
JOAN MIR
& SUZUKI
MOTOGP
CHAMPS
ISSUE #4
FIRST RIDE
V4
DUCATI
MULTISTRADA
FIRST LOOK
ALL-NEW
KAWASAKI
ZX10R & RR

EDITOR’S
NOTE
Who would have thought that 2020
would turn out the way it has? And
now it’s almost over, which is crazy
to think.
It’s been four months now since
I started MRW and the time has
flown by. It’s been an emotional
rollercoaster so far with lots to smile
about and plenty to stress over. Now
that we offer the print version there
comes a big bill at the end of the
month, which was not there when I
started with digital.
There was a cry for a print version,
so I decided to take the risk and
make it happen, even though MRW
is still very much in its early days.
Our asking price of the mag is R100
per copy, which some have frowned
upon, and I can understand that as it
is a lot of money, but let me explain.
I don’t want people to look at it like
it’s R100 for the print mag, because
it’s not. Your R100 gets you so much
more, the print mag is just the cherry
on top. Think of all the exclusive
video content we have for you on
our Facebook page and YouTube
channel - all the exclusive chats
with MotoGP riders and the Talking
MotoGP show I do with Donovan
Fourie - nothing else like it in SA!
The live chats with the Binder boys
and other SA stars, plus all the cool
onboards videos of us going crazy
on some exclusive machines - that’s
what your R100 a month gets you!
You won’t see or get any of this
elsewhere I can promise you,
especially here in SA. I am lucky
to have the resources I do and put
them to good use, but without
your support and that of all our
advertisers’ none of this would be
possible so if you are reading this
I thank you for your support and
ask you to please spread the word
of MRW and help get as many
subscribers - digital or print - to join
in the MRW experience!
I love the print version, especially
the way we have done it. The quality
is second-to-none and we have had
nothing but praise so far from very
happy subscribers and readers. Our
first print issue was jammed packed
with loads of goodness, and for
this, issue number 4 (print issue 2)
we have once again packed it with
some great exclusives and features.
You won’t find old boring, pointless
news or features in here, and you
also won’t find low res pictures
and badly designed layouts. I
work day and night on making
both the digital and print mags as
presentable as possible and with
the help of my amazing team, local
and international, I can bring you all
the latest news and exclusive first
test rides, just like the new Ducati
Multistrada V4, which we feature in
this issue and are the first to do so
here in SA.
So, another month has passed and
we will soon be heading into a new
year and I wish you all very Merry
Christmas and a very Happy New
year! May you be blessed in every
way and let’s hope 2021 brings back
a bit of normality in what is a crazy
world at the moment!
Rob Portman
rob@motoriderworld.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Shaun Portman
Beam Productions
Adam Child “Chad”
Sheridan Morais
Donovan Fourie
Mitchell Boyes
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Your way to sport.

NEWS
DESK
A FRESH NEW
GREEN MACHINE
Kawasaki reveals updated ZX10R & RR models.
We were hoping that we would
be showing off a brand new,
completely revamped lean, mean
superbike machine from Kawasaki
but sadly, as expected, the “new/
old” ZX-10R model has just been
updated.
Having dominated the WSBK show for
so long, there is no real need for a massive
new revamp, as what they currently have
got the job done just fine. Having said
that, the others are getting closer and
off-track the ZX10R was taking a beating
compared to it’s more flared up rivals
who are keeping up with times while the
green machine was falling further behind,
especially to customers who want the
latest and greatest.
While it’s not a full revamp, there are a
host of updates and improvements, some
of which we love and some that could
have been better. Looking at the bike it’s
easy to see the updates straight away. The
new bodywork is the obvious big change
and now features integrated winglets as
opposed to the others with the extruding
wings - a different approach which we
appreciate. Love the idea, but still not
100% convinced in the execution - it’s very
much a love-hate relationship for now.
We sometimes look at it and think, yeah,
that’s pretty cool, and then look again and
think it’s a face only a mother could love,
although these days it’s not so much about
the looks as it is about results...
Aerodynamics are a huge area of
development for Kawasaki and the
new fairing structure gives the bike
approximately 17% more downforce
than the current model. That’s a huge
improvement, and no doubt one that’s
aimed at giving Johnny Rea even more
speed and faster lap times out on track in
WSBK - as if he needed it.
The seat design is new, although it looks
the same as the previous model to us. Think
they could have done more with this - it’s
as if they just concentrated so much on the
front the forgot about the rear. Kawasaki
says the new seat design helps create a
low pressure behind the rider, and a new
footrest design combined with a 40mm
higher screen and new handlebar position
have also been incorporated into the new
design to help improve the aerodynamic
and ergonomic package.

NEWS
DESK
NEWS
DESK
DUCATI PRESENTS THE
DIAVEL 1260 LAMBORGHINI
The first motorcycle born from the collaboration between Ducati and Lamborghini.
The Diavel 1260 Lamborghini is the result of the
joint work between the Centro Stile Ducati and
the Centro Stile Lamborghini. It was conceived by
transferring the basic components of the design
of the Siàn FKP 37 to the motorcycle world and
redesigning the parts that most characterize
the Diavel. First of all, the forged wheels, light
and with a new design, but also the air intakes
and radiator covers, made of carbon fibre and
designed by superimposing floating elements
onto the main structure.
The livery of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini was
achieved by using exactly the same paints as
those on the Siàn FKP 37, with the bodywork
characterized by the “Gea Green” colour, while
the frame, the seat tail and the forged rims are
embellished with the use of “Electrum Gold”
colour. There is also a touch of “Ducati Red”
recalled by the colouring of the Brembo M50
radial mount brake calipers.
Other important identifying elements of
Lamborghini design are the hexagon and the
“Y” motif. This special version of the Diavel pays
homage to the former in the shape of the exhaust
and the latter thanks to the aesthetic details
created on the seat.
The details of the bike that the Centro Stile Ducati
has redesigned for this specific project are all made
of carbon fibre. In addition to the aforementioned
radiator covers and air intakes, the silencer cover,
spoiler, central tank cover, seat cover, front and rear
mudguards, dashboard cover and headlight frame
are also made of carbon.
The presence of 63 stands out on the livery, an
important number for the Sant’Agata Bolognese
manufacturer, which was founded in 1963. From
this number, precisely, we obtain the 630 units that
will be produced of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini,
each of which will bear the serial number on an
aluminium plate applied to the frame.
For the owners of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini it
will be possible to purchase an exclusive helmet
with special graphics coordinated with the bike,
designed by the Centro Stile Ducati.
The beating heart of the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini
is the 1262 cc Ducati Testastretta DVT with
variable timing. This Euro 5 homologated engine
is capable of delivering 162 hp (119 kW) at 9,500
rpm and 129 Nm (13,2 kgm) at 7,500 rpm with
a flat torque curve right from medium-low revs,
which guarantees a vigorous and energetic
response at all times.
Some of the key features of the Diavel 1260
Lamborghini are the typical “power cruiser” riding
position and ergonomics of the Diavel model,
along with the exposed tubular steel trellis frame,
the 240 mm wide rear tyre, the single-sided
aluminium swingarm and the fully adjustable
Öhlins suspensions at the front and rear. The
chassis guarantees high levels of handling and
lean angles, but also an excellent level of comfort.
Forged wheels and carbon fibre components
allow the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini to have a dry
weight of only 220 kg.
Sophisticated electronics ensure both high-level
performance and maximum safety. Bosch’s
6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU)
platform is able to instantly detect the speed and
acceleration of the motorcycle and allows the
operation of many of the control devices fitted
to the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini. The electronic
package includes Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati
Traction Control EVO (DTC), Ducati Wheelie
Control EVO (DWC), Ducati Power Launch EVO
(DPL) and Cruise Control.
The attention to detail applied to this model can
be seen right from the start-up phase, when the
logos of the two brands appear on the dashboard
with the TFT screen, accompanied by the
silhouette of the Diavel Lamborghini.
The bike is characterized by
having forged wheels with a new
design that explicitly recall those
of the car, a new carbon bodywork
and a special livery with the
colours of the Siàn FKP 37.
The Diavel 1260 Lamborghini
will be produced in a numbered
limited edition of 630 units.

NEWS
DESK
DUCATI LET THEIR NEW
MONSTER OUT OF ITS CAGE
The new age Monster that is lighter and faster.
The Monster is powered by the Testastretta
11° 937 cc twin cylinder L-shaped engine,
with desmodromic distribution and Euro 5
homologation. Compared to the previous 821
it increases in displacement, power, torque and
decreases in weight (-2.4 kg) to contribute to the
lightness of the bike and offer better rideability. It
now delivers 111 hp at 9,250 rpm with maximum
torque of 9.5 Nm delivered at just 6,500 rpm,
proving to be efficient and reactive in throttle
response. Thanks to the increased displacement,
the torque is improved at all revs, particularly in
the medium-low range, most used on the road
and between curves.
To ensure maximum fun, great attention was
paid to weight reduction in the creation of the
new Monster. Chassis, accessory elements and
superstructures have been redesigned from the
ground up to create a compact and lightweight
bike, perfect for everyday use as well as for
sports use.
The aluminium Front Frame replicates the same
concept found on the Panigale V4. It is short and
attached directly to engine heads. With a weight
of only 3 kg this frame is 4.5 kg lighter (60% less)
than the previous trellis, helping to reduce the dry
weight of the bike to just 166 kg.
Each component has been redesigned and
lightened: the rims lose 1.7 kg and the swingarm is
lightened by 1.6 kg. The rear subframe decreases
by 1.9 kg thanks also to the GFRP (Glass Fibre
Reinforced Polymer) technology with which it was
made, that has allowed the optimization of shapes
and surfaces to the benefit of lightness and
dimensional compactness. The total weight saving
is 18 kg compared to the Monster 821.
The height from the ground of the seat of the
new Monster is 820 mm. This, combined with
the narrow sides of the bike, allows the rider to
put his feet on the ground very easily. A seat
is available as an accessory that reduces the
height from the ground to 800 mm, while still
maintaining good padding. Also a kit of springs
for the suspension can be purchased, which
lower the vehicle by reducing the seat height to
775 mm from the ground.
The Ducati World Première web series came to an
end with the fifth and final episode in which the
Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer unveiled
the new Monster. A motorcycle that marked the
history of Ducati like few others. It is the bestselling
model ever: more than 350,000 have been
produced since its presentation.
The new Monster represents all the essence of
Ducati in the lightest, most compact and essential
form possible. You can already guess it from the
name: Monster, nothing else.
The recipe is the original 1993 one: a sporty
engine, but perfect for road use, combined with
a Superbike-derived frame. All that you need to
have fun, every day.
The new Monster is based on the same concepts
that bind it to the unforgettable Monster 900,
the first, true sports naked, but reinterpreted and
updated. The result is a bike with an advanced,
easy and efficient chassis, capable of immediately
establishing the perfect feeling with the rider. The
riding position is less loaded on the wrists and the
engine offers an excellent balance between power,
torque and ease of handling.
To create the new Monster, the engineers and
designers started from scratch, but with a clear
idea of the key points around which the new
bike was to be built. Lean and agile, the bike
incorporates the guidelines and the DNA of each
Monster that make it immediately recognizable:
fuel tank shaped like a “bison back”, “shoulderembedded”
round headlight, clean tail and engine
at the centre of the scene. The language, however,
is new and modern. The shapes have evolved in
a direction in which essentiality and technology
are enhanced by design, as in the circular profile
of the front LED headlight and in the “sweeping”
direction indicators.

NEWS
DESK
INNOVATIONS AND INTRIGUE:
WSBK 2021 TESTING
The 2020 season is over, but the 2021 build-up
continued and with new machines and new riders
taking to the Jerez track for some testing.
The 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World
Championship gave us a whole host of new
names at the top and the emergence of a new
breed of front runners too. However, Jonathan
Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) still
clinched a sixth consecutive crown. During the
Jerez test however, the 2021 ZX-10RR debuted
with an instant hit, whilst also sporting a new
look. Besides that, however, what other patterns
came to light under the blissful Andalucian sun
on the Tuesday and Wednesday?
THE ZX-10RR HAS
ARRIVED WITH AN IMPACT…
With a new aerodynamic front fairing to increase
front end stability and allow better airflow, the
Kawasaki ZX-10RR is a weapon for the others
to look out for. Add on a new subframe, a more
powerful engine, different rear linkages, new front
forks and brakes, and the bike is as exciting as it
sounds. Come the end of the test, Jonathan Rea
was going well on the used tyres but commented
that he is struggling on fresh rubber; Rea expects
more new items before the 2021 season begins. For
teammate Alex Lowes, he was also trying fuel tank
winglets to improve his feeling on the bike across
both the new and old ZX-10RR, whilst day two was
one of his “best days testing” with KRT.

FEATURE
MOTOGP
2020
MOTOGP
2020
The MotoGP season has been filled with
trepidation, surprise, anguish, despair
and Bradley Smith, especially for Andrea
Iannone who technically wasn’t a MotoGP
rider after making the worst defence
for a doping appeal in steroid chomping
history. The championship became open
cards after Marc Marquez bliksemmed
himself into oblivion at the first round,
but it was a different affair for each
manufacturer. Donovan Fourie takes a
critical glance at each.
Pics by Polarity Photo & MotoGP.com
Suzuki
In the words of Rossi, no one betted on Joan
Mir to win this year and yet he did it. We had
a feeling he would do well, we had a feeling
the Suzuki would come on strong, but no one
really thought he would win this blasted thing.
Especially at the beginning of the year when
they looked okay-ish.
He bloody won it!
Many criticised the fact that he wasn’t utterly
dominant, winning just one race this year – a
record for the least number of race wins for a
MotoGP champion. But what do they know?
In fact, I’m annoyed he won a race – Mir
winning 2020 without taking a win would have

FEATURE
MOTOGP
CHAMPION
M1RACLE
LATEST
SUPERSTAR
MANMOTOGP’S
The 2020 MotoGP season was 127 days long and has been nothing
short of spectacular with drama throughout. This article, however, is not
about the 2020 season but instead, it’s about the latest MotoGP world
champion, Joan Mir. The 23-year old Spaniard was, to be honest, not a
favourite when the season started. Joan Mir looked good heading into the
opening rounds and was seen as an off-chance podium finisher. Well, I
don’t think anyone could have predicted what happened next.
Words by Mitchell Boyes | Pics by Suzuki racing

TESTED
THREE RSV
FACTORIES
THROUGH THE
YEARS
The
T H R E E
A P R I L I A R S V F A C T O R I E S
Italian manufacturer has produced some real gems
over the past few years, and in this test we take a look
at their RSV4 Factory models from the past three years
to see and feel the progress they’ve made.
Words by Rob Portman | Pics by Beam Productions

FIRST RIDE
DUCATI
MULTISTRADA
V4 MODELS
MULTI
PLIED
The all-new Ducati V4
Multistrada cleverly mixes
superbike power with real-world
performance, backed up by the
very latest electronic riders aids,
including adaptive cruise control.
This is high speed adventure
touring on a new, advanced scale.
Words by Adam Child ‘Chad’| Pics by Ducati
Ducati’s new Multistrada V4 for 2021
is completely different from the now
discontinued V-twin Multistrada 1260
– it’s a huge makeover and a big step
forward over the previous model, itself
an excellent bike.
Virtually nothing remains of the old
bike. There’s a completely new V4
engine, a new, lighter chassis, new
wheels, including a more off-road
oriented 19in front. There is also classleading
technology never before seen
in the motorcycle market, like rear and
forward-facing radar, and a new stunning
look and style.
This V4 represents a dramatic attempt
to move away from the Multistrada 1260
V-twin, a class-leading adventure bike in
its own right. Can you imagine Claudio
Domenicali, Ducati MD, at the bike’s
original briefing? “Okay, we already

K&N Style Filters
Available sizes 28, 35, 39, 42, 48,
52, 54 and 60mm R125.00
8000Ma
Jump Starter & Power Bank R1299.00
18L / min
RAC610 Inflator R449.00 RTG5 Gauge R249.00
Bike and ATV Covers
Available sizes S - XL
From R270.00
Ring Globes
H7 150% Power R330.00
H4 150% Power R290.00
EMGO Top Box
R990.00
DESCRIPTION PART NO. SRP Inc. Vat
SMART CHARGER 1 AMP DFC150 R599.00
SMART CHARGER 3.5 AMP DFC530 R899.00
SMART CHARGER 4 AMP PSA004 R999.00
SMART CHARGER 8 AMP PSA008 R1349.00
SMART CHARGER 4 AMP PSD004 R1199.00
SMART CHARGER 8 AMP PSD008 R1499.00
Rim Locks Front and Rear
From R48.00
R110.00 R465.00
Tubeless Puncture Kits
License Disc Holders
R168.00
Bar Ends
R100.00
Hand Guards
Various Colours available
ABS Plastic R470.00
Alloy R990.00
Scooter V Belts
From R110.00
Tyre Levers
From R95.00
Jerry Cans
From R450.00
Fork Boots
from R120.00
PBA DEALER LISTING
PBA DEALER LISTING
PART NO. DESCRIPTION PRICE
50081406/L CARB CLEANER 400ML 50.00
50201414/L TERMINAL PROTECT RED 50.00
50201415/L TERMINAL PROTECT BLUE 50.00
50320400/L BRK,CLTCH,CHAIN CLEANER 44.00
50500192/L CHAIN LUBE 150ML 34.00
50500193/L CHAIN LUBE 400ML 69.00
50510403/L CHAIN WAX 400ML 71.00
50510404/L CHAIN WAX 150ML 34.00
51528262/L PETROL INJECTOR CLEANER 10.00
53203200/L AIR FILTER SPRAY 55.00
53203500/L AIR FILTER OIL 500ML 55.00
53204005/L BIO FILTER CLEANER 5l 325.00
53204400/L BIO FILTER CLEANER 400ML 47.00
53780300/L SPARK 300ML 44.00
55000314/L TYRE FIX 200ML 45.00
56000001/L FORK OIL SYN 5W 125.00
56000002/L FORK OIL SYN 10W 125.00
56000003/L FORK OIL SYN 2.5W 135.00
56000400/L MOUSSE LUBRICANT 100.00
GAUTENG
ZEEMANS GAUTENG MOTORCYCLES 011 435 7177
BIKING ZEEMANS ACCESSORIES MOTORCYCLES 012 011 435 342 7177 7474
FAST BIKING KTM ACCESSORIES 011 012 867 342 0092 7474
GAME FAST KTM MOTOR SERVICES 011 849 867 7000 0092
MOTO-MATE GAME MOTOR RIVONIA SERVICES 011 234 849 5275 7000
MOTO-MATE EDENVALE RIVONIA 011 234 027 5275 0545
MOTO-MATE PRIMROSE MOTORCYCLES EDENVALE 011 828 027 9091 0545
RANDBURG JUST BIKING MOTORCYCLES 016 11 792 421 6829 1153
BIKERS KCR MOTORCYCLE WAREHOUSE FANATIX 011 975 795 5405 4122
SILVERTON OFF-ROAD CYCLES MIDAS 012 804 333 8888 6443
PRIMROSE MOTORCYCLES 011 828 9091
MPUMALANGA
RANDBURG MOTORCYCLES 011 792 6829
BIKE CITY 013 244 2143
MPUMALANGA
NORTHWEST
BIKERS NORTHWEST PARADISE 018 297 4700
MOTOS BIKERS @ PARADISE KLERKSDORP 018 297 468 4700 1800
WATER INSANE RITE BIKERS MOTORCYCLES 014 018 594 771 2111 5050
MOTOS @ KLERKSDORP 018 468 1800
WATER RITE MOTORCYCLES 018 771 5050
LIMPOPO
K.R.MOTORCYCLES LIMPOPO
015 297 3291
K.R.MOTORCYCLES 015 297 3291
KZN
ROCKET RACING PINETOWN 031 702 2606
PERRY’S M/CYCLES BALITO 031 110 0056
ROCKET RACING MARITZBURG 033 264 3240
ROCKET RACING PINETOWN 031 702 2606
RBS YAMAHA 031 701 1311
ROCKET RACING MARITZBURG 033 264 3240
UMPLEBY SUZUKI 031 303 8323
RBS YAMAHA 031 701 1311
UMPLEBY SUZUKI 031 303 8323
RIDE HIGH WITH YAMAHA 035 789 1851
RIDE PERRY HIGH M/CYCLES WITH YAMAHA GLEN ANIL 035 031 789 566 1851 7411
PERRY’S M/CYCLES UMHLANGA 031 566 7411
CAPE PERRY’S PROVINCE M/CYCLES HILLCREST
CRAIGS M/CYCLE FITMENT
031 765 2560
021 939 8944
TRAC-MAC CAPE PROVINCE BELVILLE 021 945 3724
TRAC-MAC CRAIGS M/CYCLE PAARDEN-EILAND FITMENT 021 510 939 2258 8944
TRAC-MAC WYNBURG
BELVILLE 021 761 945 4220 3724
NEVES TRAC-MAC MOTORCYCLE PAARDEN-EILAND WORLD CC 021 930 510 5917 2258
WICKED TRAC-MAC CYCLES WYNBURG 021 510 761 2968 4220
MIKE HOPKINS MOTORCYCLES 021 461 5167
NEVES FREESTATE MOTORCYCLE WORLD CC
SALLEYS YAMAHA
FREESTATE
021 930 5917
051 430 3326
SALLEYS YAMAHA 051 430 3326

FEATURE
MOTOGP
ROOKIE
DON’T
STOP!
Among
BRAD BINDER TALKS THE MOTOGP LEARNING CURVE
the many stories of the
MotoGP year, Brad Binder’s rise
from being more than two seconds
off the pace in pre-season tests
to a race winner is one of the
brightest. We asked him about the
adjustments he had to make to
reach that incredible level...
Words by Adam Wheeler (KTM Blog) | Pics PolarityPhoto
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rookie
Brad Binder has been one of eight
different winners and one of two for
KTM in a milestone campaign for the
factory and the KTM RC16 in only its
fourth year of Grand Prix.
The 25-year old South African made
the breakthrough on August 7th at the
Automotodrom Brno Circuit in the Czech

FIRST RIDE
BMW R18
JUST
CRUISING
BMW had a go at cruisers from 1997 to 2004. In a world with names like Fatboy,
Sportster, Vulcan and Boulevard, they called theirs the R1200C. Because it had the
R1200 motor and the C stood for “cruiser”. Very efficient. Words by Donovan Fourie| Pics by Rob Till
Those were the days when BMW produced
only wonderful tools for moving around, when
they designed fast cars but slow motorcycles,
all heavily over-engineered and practical. The
R1200C was no different. Even James Bond
couldn’t boost its cool-o-meter rating.
That was BMW then. The company is very
different now.
They produce the S1000RR, a motorcycle
that’s bathed in popularity since it kicked
the superbike market in the arse in 2009.
More so, we have seen BMW, at last, using
the M moniker in their two-wheeled ranges,
signifying a true departure from the stalwart
fast cars, slow bikes philosophy.
Even the damn GS is now exciting, for
crying out loud!
So then, with this newfound rejuvenation,
how about they give those cruisers another
go, eh? More so, a classic cruiser, properly
digging into the heritage BMW had garnered
since 1923 when they first made landdwellers
mobile.
It would have to be black, it would need
a steel chassis and big, arching fenders
because that’s what BMW did triumphantly
for 50 years.
The 1200 and 1250 boxer motor are lovely
in a dutifully athletic way but lack that special
kind of attitude. BMW needed something like
a heavy hand that would knock people across
the room. So this new crowd bolted together
with an
1802cc boxertwin,
the largest
boxer-twin ever fitted
to a motorcycle. No need
to make it light, no need
for fancy bits of gadgety and
no need for a radiator. They have
big pistons thumping up big sleeves
pointing in opposite directions. Bugger
your technology! This is displacement!
Also, BMW worked hard on balancing the
1250 so that it no longer torqued the bike
sideways when you revved it, something
praiseworthy on a GS that towers mightily
above its timid rider and has a tendency to
tip over when coaxed.
Less so on a machine with a seat that’s
slammed to just 670mm – start the bike, and
the bars shake vigorously in your hands as
the motor breaths hefty life into itself. Pull
the throttle, and giant blocks of thunder push
the bike very much to the left. It’s intoxicating
– like those V8 engines that roll the car
when they rev, that you have never openly
admitted to liking but secretly do.

RACING PAGES
CHAMPIONS
CROWNED!
MOTO 3 & MOTO 2 CHAMPS CROWNED AT SEASON FINALE
Heading into the final MotoGP race weekend of
the season at the Portimao circuit in Portugal,
both the Moto3 and Moto2 championships were
still up for grabs.
This was the first time the MotoGP
championship had visited the “Roller Coaster”
circuit in Portugal and a first for many the
riders on the grid. This would make things even
more interesting and challenging for the riders
gunning for the titles.
In the Moto3 class, it was all about three
riders - Albert Arenas, Ai Ogura, and Tony
Arbolino, with Arenas holding a slender lead
over the other two riders.
The Moto2 also saw three men going for the
number 1 plate - Enea Bastianini held a slight
lead over Luca Marini and Sam Lowes.
In the end, both titles were wrapped up in
typical 2020 fashion - with plenty of drama...
Albert Arenas crowned 2020
Moto3 World Champion
Albert Arenas (Gaviota Aspar Team Moto3)
is the 2020 Moto3 World Champion. The
Spaniard, who started the year with a win in
Qatar, sealed the deal in the final race of the
season with a 12th place, taking his first World
Championship by four points after three wins
and two other podiums.
Arenas hit the ground running in the CEV
125 Championship, as it was then, with the
Spaniard’s first season in 2011 seeing him score
some solid points. The next year he took his
first podium and pole position as it changed to
Moto3, and the season after that his first win in
the series. The end of 2014 saw Arenas make his
Grand Prix debut in the final round in Valencia,
before 2015 proved one of his most important
seasons of competition so far.
The first year it became the FIM Moto3 Junior
World Championship, Arenas gained traction
from top fives early on to take podiums and
then go on a winning spree late on, ending
the 2015 season in second overall after an
impressive run. He made some appearances
as an injury replacement in the 2016 Moto3
World Championship earlier in the season with
Mahindra, before then becoming a permanent
fixture from Austria on.
His first full Moto3 season in 2017 was a
tougher one but Arenas scored points and took
a top 10 in Misano, before it all started to come
together for 2018. After a tougher start, glory
was just around the corner as the Spaniard took
his first Grand Prix victory in a stunning French
Grand Prix at Le Mans. He won again before
the end of the year as he stood on the top step
Down Under, now a bona fide contender.
2019 was more consistent. A victory came
his way in Thailand that began a run of three
consecutive podiums in Japan and Australia,
with Arenas eventually ending the year 11th in
the Championship on 108 points after one win,
one second place and one third place.
Then, 2020. His season began with a
phenomenal victory in Qatar as he and John
McPhee (Petronas Sprinta Racing) went toe-totoe
for the 25-points. With COVID-19 putting a
halt to proceedings, Arenas would have to wait
until July to reignite his title charge. And on
home soil in Jerez, the number 75 proved he was
the real deal in 2020 with a second win in two.
A DNF in the Andalucia GP was quickly put
to the back of his mind with two more podiums
in the Czech Republic and Austria, the latter
being a third win of the campaign. At this stage,
Arenas was a title favourite but he wouldn’t
return to the rostrum until the French GP, five
races after Austria. DNFs and bad luck in Misano
and Catalunya for Arenas were followed by his
Le Mans P3, and that turned out to be his last
podium of the season.
In the end though, despite a black flag in the
European GP and a P12 finish in an outstanding
final battle of 2020, Arenas’ consistency and
three victories saw him stand on top of the
Moto3 world this year. An incredible effort from
rider and his Aspar Team saw Arenas eventually
take the title by four points, a very deserving
World Champion.
Congratulations to Albert Arenas and the
Aspar Team on a wonderful campaign.
Enea Bastianini is the 2020 Moto2
World Champion
Enea Bastianini (Italtrans Racing Team) is the
2020 Moto2 World Champion. The Italian took
the crown with fifth place in the Grande Premio
MEO de Portugal, enough to finish nine points
clear of both Luca Marini (SKY Racing Team
VR46) and Sam Lowes (EG 0,0 Marc VDS).
Bastianini began his career on minibikes in
Italy before his first taste of the Grand Prix
paddock came in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies
Cup in 2013. Ending the year in fourth and taking

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