There will be 23 riders, 12 teams and no fewer than 6 manufacturers lined up on the grid for the 2017 MotoGP season, and Motul will once again be a key player in the world’s premier motorcycling championship from start to finish.
The 18-race calendar kicks off in Qatar in the Middle East on 26 March and runs across 14 different countries before reaching a thrilling conclusion in Valencia in November. The official test sessions in Malaysia, Australia and Qatar are over, the teams are as ready as they can be, and the super-hi-tech, cutting edge, prototype bikes are all systems go for the season!
MOTO MOVES SHAKE UP THE ORDER
2017 will see a great many riders is different colour leathers, including those representing the three Motul-supported teams – the factory Suzuki and Aprilia squads as well as the Yamaha satellite team, Tech3. There are four Rookies on the grid this season and they will all be riding with Motul’s famous red and white colours.
Suzuki MotoGP welcomes Andrea Iannone, one of nine riders to win a race last year. His experience will be invaluable for his young rookie team mate Alex Rins, youngest rider in the field. Aprilia Racing Team Gresini also strikes a balance of experience and new blood with Aleix Espargaro moving to the team from Suzuki and Sam Lowes moving up from Moto2. Fastest rookie of the Australian test, Jonas Folger is one of two Rookies joining Yamaha Tech3 Team. His teammate, Johann Zarco, comes with an exciting CV having been Moto2 Champion in both 2015 and 2016.
These three teams will all benefit from special experimental engine oils which have been developed by Motul experts, in collaboration with Suzuki, Yamaha and Aprilia’s engineers and engine builders, specifically to respond to the extreme conditions and restraints presented by MotoGP competition. Perfect technical showcase for the marque, the Series allows the company to develop the products of tomorrow such as its Powersport Factory Line including the famous 300V engine oil. Teams will also all use products from Motul’s comprehensive MC Care Range.
SUPERSTARS, SUPERFANS AND SUPERB RACING
Motul’s involvement in MotoGP comes in many forms and, as well as its support for the three teams, it will also be title sponsor of four rounds: Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina (ARG – 9 April), Motul TT Assen (NLD – 25 June), Motul Grand Prix of Japan (JAP – 15 Oct) and Gran Premio Motul de la Comunitat Valenciana (ESP – 12 November). The company also continues its official partnership with the Grand Prix of France, held at Le Mans this year on 21 May, for a remarkable 21st consecutive year.
Another major element of Motul’s participation in MotoGP is its commitment to fans, enthusiasts, motorcyclists and consumers everywhere. In association with Dorna, the Championship’s promoter, Motul will select a Motul Superfan at every race. The lucky winner of this title, which is selected via social media channels, will have the opportunity to experience a dream weekend meeting teams and riders, taking part in grid walks and a safety car lap, going places and doing things that others can only dream of. Use the #MotulSuperFan hashtag!
MotoGP remains at the pinnacle of the competitive motorcycling world, and year after year is a living laboratory for Motul to develop and innovate new products which are destined for the brand’s 100+ markets worldwide. So light up those floodlights at the Losail International Circuit on the outskirts of Doha, Qatar, fire up those engines and, if you’re not on the grid as a competitor, sit back and get ready for the best two-wheeled action in the world. MotoGP 2017 is go!
