Jorge Martínez ‘Aspar’ to become MotoGP Legend during ValenciaGP

Four-time World Champions Stefan Dörflinger and Jorge  Martinez “Aspar” will become MotoGP™ Legends this season, with the Swiss rider set to be inducted into the MotoGP™ Legends Hall of Fame at the Sachsenring and the Spaniard at Valencia. This announcement comes on the 40th anniversary of “Aspar”‘s first ever race – a fitting occasion.

Jorge “Aspar” Martinez began racing on the world stage in 1982 in the 50cc class. He won his first Championship in 1986 in the 80cc category and defended the crown in style as he dominated 1987 with seven wins. The following season he took the 80cc World Championship once again and paired it with a season in the 125 World Championship where he also took the crown, winning a stunning nine of 11 races. He raced until 1997 and competed in the 50cc, 80cc, 125cc and 250cc categories over his career, accruing a total of 37 Grand Prix victories.

“It’s a great feeling of happiness,” begins ‘Aspar’. “It was a big surprise when Carmelo Ezpeleta called me to tell me I was to be named a MotoGP Legend. The news was emotional because it puts me into a group of great riders. In addition, it’s the 40th anniversary of my first race so it’s a lot of good news and great memories all at once.

“The riders who are named MotoGP Legends are the best in the history of motorcycling and it’s incredible to become part of a group of almost mythical riders with such impressive awards like Angel Nieto, Mick Doohan, Giacomo Agostini, Nicky Hayden and so many others. It’s a feeling of real satisfaction.

“Stefan Dörflinger is older than me and when I arrived into the World Championship he was already a Champion. He was one of the rivals to beat, one of my objectives, but I have great memories of my relationship with him. He was very smooth, fast and elegant – a classy rider.

German-born Stefan Dörflinger won back-to-back 50cc titles in 1982 and 1983 before the introduction of the 80cc category in 1984 saw the Swiss rider take that crown and become the first ever Champion in the class. He followed that up by defending the Championship in 1985, taking the fourth of the four titles he would accrue over his career. That career began on the international stage in 1973 and spanned until 1990 when Dörflinger hung up his leathers, taking the 80cc runner up spot in his penultimate season of competition. He retired with 18 Grand Prix wins to his name.

“I was overwhelmed when I heard the news I was to become a MotoGP Legend,” says Dörflinger. “I was very pleased, and very proud to join a group of such illustrious names.

Dörflinger and Martinez now join a long list of greats that have been made MotoGP™ Legends that includes Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Crivillé, Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Kork Ballington, Dani Pedrosa and the late, great Nicky Hayden.

Nicky Hayden’s 69 retired at MotoGP

In tribute to the late, great Nicky Hayden, who passed away in 2017, the number 69 will be retired from Grand Prix racing at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The “Kentucky Kid” rode 69 to the crown and MotoGP™ Legend status during an impressive career that saw him leave an indelible mark on the sport and the paddock.

Hayden’s first successes came in 2003 when he took podiums as a rookie and he went on to win his first Grand Prix in 2005. That created a perfect springboard for the following season and he put together an impressive campaign to become 2006 MotoGP™ World Champion, wrapping up the crown in the season finale. Hayden rose from dirt track beginnings to the absolute pinnacle of his sport, taking his unique blend of work ethic, humility and talent from the domestic scene to the world stage and putting his name to an astounding number achievements both within racing and beyond its limits – key amongst which was his moniker as ‘the nicest man in Grand Prix racing’.

Hayden remained a cornerstone of the paddock until his departure at the end of 2015, upon which he was named a MotoGP™ Legend. The number 69 will now forever remain the number of the “Kentucky Kid”; the man who rode it into the Hall of Fame.

“What a great honor it will be for Nicky’s #69 to be retired at Austin,” says Hayden’s father, Earl. “It is very fitting that it will be done at the US race as these races meant so much to Nicky and he looked forward to them so much every year. For myself in particular this will be very special event because the #69 was my number when I raced and I was very proud to see Nicky run the #69 on his bikes for his entire career. On behalf of my entire family I would like to say a special thanks to Dorna for honoring Nicky in this special way along with the many other gestures they have done to support us through the difficult times.”

“I’m proud to announce that the number 69 will be retired from Grand Prix racing,” says Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “Nicky Hayden was one of the biggest assets to this paddock and a fantastic example as a rider both on track and off. It gives me great pleasure to honour his legacy once again and ensure the number 69 remains synonymous with a legend and a Champion.”

Be sure to watch the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas as MotoGP™ pays tribute to Hayden from the 12th to 14th April.

Jacques Villeneuve to compete full-time in NASCAR Whelen Euro Series

One of the biggest stars in motorsports choose the official NASCAR European Championship for his return to competition. Formula One World Champion, Indy 500 winner and CART Champion Jacques Villeneuve will compete full time in Euro NASCAR with Go Fas Racing in a 2019 season that is already shaping up as the most anticipated in the European NASCAR series’ history.

Villeneuve participated in 2 days of testing on December 13-14 at the Autodromo di Franciacorta in Italy to discover the Euro NASCAR car and gain some valuable experience on the track that will host the second round of the 2019 season.

“I had a lot of fun discovering the car because it is really similar to what I was used to in NASCAR in the US. You can really drive it hard and you can work a lot on the car and that is also very nice. I also like the track, it’s interesting and there’s a lot to do for the driver,” said the Canadian. “Returning full-time is what matters the most to me, because I want to be part of a complete project and have a goal for the entire season. I’m really looking forward to the first race of 2019!”

A true icon of motorsports and one of the most eclectic drivers of the modern era, Jacques Villeneuve won the 1997 Formula 1 World Championship, the 1995 Indianapolis 500, the 1995 Indy Car World Series and finished second in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also competed in all three NASCAR’s major National Series and in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in Canada.

Villeneuve will become the first Formula 1 World Champion to compete full-time in Euro NASCAR, further cementing the championship’s status as one of the best touring car series in Europe.

“Having Jacques aboard is a huge piece of news for everybody involved in Euro NASCAR : our fans, partners, teams and drivers!!” said NASCAR Whelen Euro Series President-CEO Jerome Galpin. “The series continue to grow and to gather everybody having passion for Pure Racing, whether they are World Champions drivers or fans attending our events! The 2019 NWES season promises to be one of the most exciting of any European series!”

Villeneuve will be an immensely valuable addition to the Go Fas Racing NWES lineup. The team made its European debut in 2018, winning its first NWES race at Brands Hatch in the ELITE 2 Division and bringing home the Rookie Cup final classification.

The first race of the 2019 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will take place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain on April 13-14. The European NASCAR Series will visit 7 countries and featured 26 exciting NASCAR races headlining unique American-themed events.

Valencia NASCAR Fest 2019

Circuit Ricardo Tormo celebrates the sixth edition of the Valencia NASCAR Fest on April 13th and 14th. The American racing festival of Cheste.

In 2019 the Valencia NASCAR is the best opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a lot of activities on and off the track, a wide range of leisure and fun for children and adults.Kids free access (under 13)

NASCAR 2019

Whelen NASCAR Euroseries will race in 8 European circuits with 16 rounds. In recent years the Euro NASCAR has been consolidated among touring car races. Now it’s one of the best motorsports series away from North America.

The 2019 NASCAR calendar includes races in Spain, Italy, Great Britain, France, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Germany and BelgiumTICKETSVIP SUITES (comming soon)Drivers as Alon Day, Borja García and Ander Vilariño have been able to win races at Circuit Ricardo Tormo. The NASCAR races have always shown maximum equality and a lot of contact in the events held in Cheste. Each day, both on Saturday and Sunday, two races one of the pilots ELITE 1 and one of the Elite 2 among those who has highlighted in recent years the Valencian Carmen Boix.

Racing Legends 2019

The Circuit Ricardo Tormo celebrates on March 2nd and 3rd the sixth edition of its concentration of classic vehicles, the Racing Legends 2019. A weekend of racing, exhibitions, rallies and more activities around the vintage cars, the Classic motorcycles and the drivers and riders that made us vibrate some decades ago.

Tickets are on sale soon at the Circuit website and at the Circuit tickets offices during the weekend. In addition to coming to enjoy these jewels of the roads and circuits you can also participate with your own vehicles over 25 years old.TICKETSTIME SCHEDULE (coming soon)

2019 Motul Comunitat Valenciana Grand Prix

The Circuit Ricardo Tormo will close the 2019 Road Motorcycling World Championship with the celebration of the Motul Comunitat Valenciana Grand Prix, the last round of the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships.

On November 15th, 16th and 17th you have an appointment in Valencia with the best riders in the biggest motorcycling show in the world.

TicketsVIP Suites and TerraceAs every year, the Grand Prix will be surrounded by sports and leisure activities both inside and outside the Circuit Ricardo Tormo facilities.

The Two Wheels Fair (Feria Dos Ruedas), the activities of the town of Cheste, just 4 kilometers away from the Circuit, the camping area and, as every year, the FIM Awards Ceremony to celebrate the titles together with the best MotoGP riders, Moto2 and Moto3.

Dani Pedrosa becomes a MotoGP Legend in Valencia

Three-time World Champion Dani Pedrosa has been named a MotoGP™ Legend ahead of hanging up his leathers at the end of 2018, with the Spaniard inducted into the MotoGP™ Legends Hall of Fame at the season finale at Valencia. Pedrosa won the 125 Championship in 2003, the 250 title in 2004 and 2005, and is one of the most successful riders of all time in the premier class.

Pedrosa’s international career began in 2001 in the 125 World Championship. As a rookie, he took two podiums and finished his first season within the top ten overall in eighth. The following year he took his first wins – three of them – to finish the season third overall, before he went two better in 2003 and won his first title with five wins.

Despite breaking both his ankles in a crash at the end of 2003, the ‘Little Samurai’ then moved up to the 250 World Championship for 2004 – and won on his debut. At 18 years and 202 days old Pedrosa became the youngest rider to win in the class, and it was on his way to becoming the youngest ever intermediate class World Champion at 19 years and 18 days old. In 2005, he defended the crown.

2006 marked Pedrosa’s debut in the premier class. On the podium first time out in Jerez and then needing only four races to take his first win when he took to the top step in Shanghai, one of the most successful premier class riders ever had arrived on the scene. He took another win in his rookie year, at Donington Park, and ended the year in the top five.

In 2007 Pedrosa was second overall to only Casey Stoner and added more wins and podiums to his tally, and he was in the top three in the Championship in 2008 – despite breaking his right hand in pre-season testing and sitting out the US GP after injuring his left hand at the German GP. In 2009 he managed the same top three despite more struggles with injury, and in 2010 was runner-up once again. 2011 was another battle through the pain barrier, before an incredible assault on the title in 2012 that saw the Spaniard only narrowly miss out on the crown – and win the most races that year.

In 2013 Pedrosa was leading the standings before a collarbone break and was third overall, and in 2014 he suffered with arm problems throughout the season and despite that, took another win. 2015 began with career-saving surgery to fix the problem, and Pedrosa was back on the top step towards the end of the year at Motegi and at Sepang. In 2016 he won at Misano as he destroyed the field, and 2017 saw him make another piece of history as he took to the top step in the 3000th race counting towards the World Championship, in Jerez. He also won the season finale in style, underlining an incredible achievement: he’s the first rider in history to win at least one Grand Prix per season for 16 consecutive years.

After taking the third most podiums of all time behind only Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini, Pedrosa retires at the end of 2018 – and now joins the ranks of MotoGP™ Legends.

“I’m very happy to be here with Dani,” began Vito Ippolito, President of the FIM. “You made the list of the big success of his racing career, in the different classes in MotoGP and I can’t add anything around that but I want to say that Dani is an example in my opinion to all the other riders, especially the youngest. Dani really is an example. The way he raced, the way he won, he had great results but the clean way he raced. We in the FIM I can say that sometimes we talked to Dani to share ideas about how he sees things, the penalties to the riders, what his opinion was. We have a lot of trust in Dani.”

“It’s a controversial situation for me, on one side I’m happy for him to be a Legend, from the first moment he said he would retire we talked about it and he’s been a big legend of MotoGP and a big asset,” adds Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “But on the other side all the memories of the generation are coming to me, Dani is one of the people who has worked through our system and now he has retired. I remember very well the first time I saw Dani in Jarama at the selection for the Activa Movistar Cup. Alberto Puig was talking to all the riders explaining everything, and from the beginning I saw Dani’s eyes and they were saying, ‘don’t talk to me and let me have the bike!’. And I remember he needed help to get on the bike but immediately we saw the skills and the possibilities of Dani. We decided the rules to be part of the Cup, the maximum and minimum age. And Dani wasn’t able to enter by a couple of months but then we talked about it and we decided to adjust it to allow him to participate, and it started a very good relationship. During a very long career we’ve discussed a lot of things many times. We are friends, but he’s also always trying to tell me what he thinks is correct! I’m extremely proud, together with the FIM, to make Dani a real MotoGP Legend, and thank him for all his contribution to MotoGP.”

“First of all thank you to Carmelo and thank you for the nice words,” smiledPedrosa. Obviously it’s a very emotional moment you never expect it to arrive when you’re a kid, and now to be here is a bit strange but I’ happy because I felt a lot of support from all the fans, a lot from all the paddock. I’m really, really happy about this moment to see my rivals of a lifetime here. I feel that MotoGP gave me a lot of things in my life because basically I’ve always been here and I learned a lot in life thanks to MotoGP. In the same way I’m very happy that I could give something else to the sport like Carmelo was explaining. When I started it was a new generation winning races and Championships, not only me but everyone here on the front row. This is good for me because it’s a nice feeling that we opened a door for a new generation. Luckily I don’t know all my numbers which is a good thing!”

Asked about a standout moment, the Spaniard added: “Obviously the moment that stands out for me is the first Championship because you achieve something you dreamed of. You know you can get a podium or win a race but to get a championship it’s something that, as a kid, you see these guys going so fast and you don’t believe it. So when you achieve it all the emotions come out, and not only that year but for life because you’re been dreaming of it since you were born; watching races on TV and wanting to be that guy. So that day is unique and that’s what makes you, it’s the drive that makes you want more and want to keep going and get through the tough times – and the reaction from the people and the love you get is something I could never imagine so for me that’s the most beautiful.”

Pedrosa joins a long list of greats that have been made MotoGP™ Legends that includes Giacomo Agostini, Mick Doohan, Geoff Duke, Wayne Gardner, Mike Hailwood, Daijiro Kato, Eddie Lawson, Anton Mang, Angel Nieto, Wayne Rainey, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, Jarno Saarinen, Kevin Schwantz, Barry Sheene, Marco Simoncelli, Freddie Spencer, Casey Stoner, John Surtees, Carlo Ubbiali, Alex Crivillé, Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Randy Mamola, Kork Ballington and the late Nicky Hayden.

More information at www.motogp.com

Valencia will be the opening round of the Nascar Whelen Euroseries

The NASCAR Whelen Euro Series will continue his exponential growth by expanding its calendar to seven events and 26 races in 2019. The official NASCAR series in Europe will touch eight different countries, visit Most in the Czech Republic for the first time and make its return to Raceway Venray in the Netherlands. A spectacular non-championship All Star Time Attack event will take place on a street circuit in France.

Exciting door-to-door NASCAR racing on some of the most challenging and historic tracks in Europe, a wide variety of different road courses, the fastest half-mile oval in the Old Continent and seven American-themed events are the distinctive features of a season already promising to be a must for fans and families.

“This 2019 calendar is based on the strong willing to provide the best racing experience to fans and families coming to NASCAR events in Europe. We guarantee pure racing with spectacular door to door battles as well as a great American atmosphere with lots of animations around the track,” explained NWES President / CEO Jerome Galpin. “We also provide every fan with unique access to teams, drivers and cars. It’s all about celebrating together our passion for racing and we all love it!”

A consolidated tradition, Valencia in Spain will open the 2019 season on April 13-14 with the Valencia NASCAR Fest at the 4-km Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the sixth time. Euro NASCAR will then head to Italy for the May 11-12 edition of the American NASCAR Weekend at the 2,5-km Autodromo di Franciacorta. The twisty Italian road course will be followed by the historic 1,9-km Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, hosting the seventh edition of the longest standing event in the NWES calendar – the American SpeedFest – on June 1-2.

On June 22-23, an undisclosed street circuit in France will host a special, non-championship, All Star Time Attack event. Venue, format and further details on the spectacular All Star weekend will be unveiled at a later date.

With its flowing 4,222-km layout, the Autodrom Most will welcome the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series for the first time on June 29-30. The Most weekend will represent the first ever NWES championship round in a region rich of NASCAR fans eager to make the event one of the best in the calendar.

Raceway Venray, will return to the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series calendar on July 13-14. The fast half-mile banked oval in the Netherlands will host an event based on a typical US NASCAR format, highlighted by one 75-lap ELITE 2 race on Saturday and a feature 100-lap ELITE 1 race on Sunday to close the regular season.

The playoffs – four double-points races for each NWES Division – will once again decide who will be crowned European NASCAR Champion and 2019 will put even more pressure on drivers and teams, thanks to a compact schedule.

The iconic Hockenheimring in Germany will open the most crucial phase of the season for the second year in a row on September 21- 22, hosting the Semi Finals on its 3,692-km layout in the context of the American Fan Fest. After another hugely popular edition of its American Festival, Circuit Zolder will once again crown the European NASCAR Champion on October 5-6. The 4-km Belgian track will host Euro NASCAR for the fifth consecutive time.

The regularity-based ELITE Club Division will contest its 3rd season on four track inside the NWES calendar: Valencia, Franciacorta, Hockenheim and Zolder.

FAQ about #ValenciaGP

There are different options. The most recommended is to come by motorcycle, as there will be facilities to enter, also exclusive parking areas within the Circuit. It is also advisable to take the train or a taxi: the train leaves you at the circuit station, about ten minutes walking from the area of grandstands; the taxi will leave you comfortably next to the main entrance of the circuit.
 
The car is the least recommended option. For vehicles there will be two alternative parking areas this year because of the works of the outskirts of the Circuit, one located in the Polígono Castilla from Valencia and another in the Polígono La Reva from Ribarroja. From that points there will be free shuttle buses that will take you to the Circuit in ten minutes.

No all the tickets are sold.During the Grand Prix, from 16th to 18th November, you will be able to buy the tickets of 2019 at the Circuit lockers with a 30 percent discount. Prices range are between the 129,50 euros of the Tribuna Boxes to 31,50 euros of the Tribuna Blanca. You can purchase a maximum of ten tickets per person.

On Friday and Saturday there will be activity on track from 09:00 until 15:50. Sunday races will run in the framework of usual schedules in Europe after the warm ups:
 
11:00: Moto3
12:20: Moto2
14:00: MotoGP

Yes. You can access to the Circuit with your weekend ticket. The Pit-walk will begins at 17:30 and will have a maximum capacity of 3.000 people.No, there are not for saleYes, you can bring food and drink. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed, neither glass containers or cans, you must take the drink in plastic bottles. You can also take small fridges.

– In the camping there will be security service 24 hours
– Also medical service from 20:00 to 06:00
– Free Wifi zone
– Terrace area with breakfast, meals and dinners
– Toilets, showers and sanitary booths
– Lighting
– Leisure area
– Waste Containers

The camping area opens to the public on Thursday at 08:00. In addition, users who want it, will be able to sleep on Sunday and leave the camping on Monday until 12:00.

– Emergencies (ambulances, police, civil guard, firefighters, etc): 112
– Circuit Ricardo Tormo: 96 252 52 20
– Valencia tourist info: 96 352 49 08
– Manises-Valencia Airport: 96 159 85 00
– RENFE (trains): 91 232 03 20
– Metro Valencia (underground): 90 046 10 46
– EMT (Valencia buses): 96 315 85 15
– Taxi: 96 370 33 33 / 96 357 13 13
– Traffic: 011
– Road help and assistance: 91 742 12 1

Yes, they are.Yes, you can find them on the ‘Circuitienda’.

Formula E: Sims sets the pace in Day 1

Welcome to day one of ABB FIA Formula E Championship pre-season testing. Day one of a new season with new cars, new rules, new cities and a whole lot more action coming up. Feels good to be back, right?

While it’s only been a few months since we crowned Jean-Eric Vergne as our Season 4 champion, we’re ready to do it all again as we embark on a Season 5.

 

Measuring in at 4.005 km, testing returns to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for the second consecutive year. Nestled in the foothills, 24 km outside of the Spanish city, it’s the first time all 22 cars have hit the track ahead of the first race in Saudi Arabia on December 15, 2018. Here’s all the action from day one of pre-season testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. 

Despite his first Formula E outing, it was BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Rookie driver Alexander Sims who set the pace in pre-season testing with a 1:17.553 lap time – setting the fastest time in both sessions. Despite his lack of Formula E experience, Sims was a full second quicker than last years fastest lap time, set by NIO Formula E Team’s Oliver Turvey.

Coming in second fastest of the day was DS Techeetah’s Andre Lotterer with a time of 1:17.654 behind the wheel of the DS E-Tense FE19, followed by BMW’s Antonio Felix da Costa with a best lap time of 1:17.727, set in the afternoon session.

After a trouble-free morning, HWA RACELAB’s Rookie driver Gary Paffett had a brief excursion with the barrier at the chicane on the start/finish line. With the session temporarily halted while Paffett’s car was recovered, the British driver returned to the pits with only scuffs and scratches to the bodywork.

Rookie Max Gunther, driving for Geox Dragon, had technical issues in the morning, which brought his session to an early end while Venturi’s Felipe Massa rounded off the top ten of the day, with a 1:18.17.

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