Yamaha's Valentino Rossi, a nine-time World Champion
2018 MotoGP Calendar & Testing Schedule
The 2018 MotoGP calendar was released Wednesday. The schedule, unveiled by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM, International Motorcycling Federation), mirrors the 2017 calendar, though an extra round was added for a 19-round season.This is the first time that GP motorcycle racing has featured 19 rounds.
For 2018, Thailand’s Chang International Circuit joins Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The Thai track has been on the World Superbike schedule since 2015. The round will precede the modern consecutive run of Motegi/Phillip Island/Sepang.Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi, a nine-time World ChampionThe 2018 MotoGP season begins one-week earlier than 2017 at Qatar (March 18), and finishes one-week later at Valencia (November 18).Also, the venue for the British Grand Prix has yet to be determined due to complications with the Circuit of Whales. Silverstone is expected to fill the date, though Donington Park is also a possibility. Stay clicked to Ultimate Motorcycling for future MotoGP schedule updates.
2018 MotoGP Calendar
March 18, Qatar*: Doha/Losail
April 8, Argentina: Termas de Rio Hondo
April 22, America: COTA
May 6, Spain: Jerez de la Frontera
May 20, France: Le Mans
June 3, Italy: Mugello
June 17, Catalunya: Catalunya
July 1, Netherlands: TT Assen
July 15, Germany: Sachsenring
August 5, Czech Republic: Brno
August 12, Austria: Red Bull Ring
August 26, Great Britain: TBA
September 9, San Marino Riviera di Rimini: Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
September 23, Aragon: MotorLand Aragon
October 7, Thailand: Buriram Chang International Circuit
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
——————
The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
——————
In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!