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Marc VDS with a Satellite Honda and Redding in 2015, Bikes Become Lighter, BMW Deal Carries On

Marc VDS Racing Team is stepping up to MotoGP in 2015, as Fausto Gresini announced he will no longer retain the satellite Honda RC213V after the current championship ends and will be joining Aprilia. Marc VDS and Honda have signed a deal for three seasons, which means that the satellite Honda which was initially destined to the GO&FUN Gresini will go to the Belgian team at least until the end of 2017.
Dorna and BMW M extend contract 6 photos
Photo: BMW
Dorna and BMW M carry onScott ReddingScott ReddingScott ReddingScott Redding
The team has already announced that the rider of the RC213V will be Scott Redding, who was under a contract with Gresini for the current and the next season. The details of the agreement Gresini and Redding have reached (or will soon reach) are unknown yet, but some believe that the title sponsor GO&FUN will have to pay some penalties. The premature pull-out of GO&FUN triggered the shortage of funds which lead to Fausto Gresini no longer able to afford the RC213V, thus unable to fulfill his duties in relation to Redding.

What’s great for Redding is that his dreams of riding a factory machine have become true. Even more, is 2015 bike will no longer be equipped with Honda’s “development” Showa suspensions and Nissin brakes, but with full-fledged Brembo and Ohlins hardware.

In Misano, the Grand Prix Commission agreed on two issues: reducing the minimum weight of the MotoGP bikes and the date the software for the factory bike will be “frozen”. The minimum weight will be 158 kg (348.8 lb), 2 kilos (4.4 lb) down from the current 160 kg (353.2 lb) limit. A future similar weight reduction is envisaged for 2016, after the new rules become effective.

As for the future of the Unified Software both factory and open class machines will be required to use as of 2016, the GPC agreed that the last date teams can operate modifications to their ECUs is 30 June 2015. Starting with 1 July 2015, the development programs of the factory teams will be switched the common efforts which are aimed at the development of the mandatory software.

BMW M and Dorna sports have extended their partnership until 2020. BMW M will continue to be the Official Car of MotoGP past the limit of the current contract, which was 2016. “BMW has been providing the safety car fleet for the premier league of motorcycle racing since 1999, and the partnership will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2019. BMW M GmbH uses MotoGP for extensive sales and marketing activities, and as a communication platform, on which to present new cars, technology, special equipment and accessories to a key target group. BMW M also provides an incentive and guest programme for automobile enthusiasts with an affinity for motor racing,“ a BMW press release states.

As a token of recognizance for high performance, BMW introduced the BMW M Award, presenting a high-performance car to the best qualifier at the end of each season.
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