UMBF NEWS
Dani Pedrosa to continue with KTM as test rider for 2024
MotoGP legend Dani Pedrosa extends his testing contract with KTM for the 2024 season, maintaining his pivotal role in KTM's MotoGP development despite speculation about the team's rider lineup, highlighting their commitment to continued success.
Ryan Wood to make supercars debut for WAU for 2024
Kiwi racing talent Ryan Wood is making a significant career stride, graduating to the 2024 Supercars Championship with Walkinshaw Andretti United, taking the wheel of the #2 Ford Mustang Supercar, following standout achievements in motorsports and a multi-year deal with the team's main program, marking a promising addition to New Zealand's motorsport landscape.
Mercedes retain driver line up till 2025
Mercedes f1 team have have decided to retain Lewis Hamilton and George Russell with contract extensions, securing their positions with the team until 2025 season.
Next generation F2 car revealed
The FIA Formula 2 Championship has unveiled the highly anticipated F2 2024 car at Monza's Formula 1 paddock, intended for use in the 2024-2026 seasons; designed to closely resemble an F1 car in terms of safety, aesthetics, performance, and sustainability, the new car prioritizes wheel-to-wheel racing through elements like the nose, wings, and floor, all while incorporating the latest safety innovations and a 3.4-liter turbocharged Mecachrome engine powered by Aramco synthetic sustainable fuel.
Marco Bezzecchi to stay at VR46 for 2024
Marco Bezzecchi is set to continue racing with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team in 2024, riding a Ducati Desmosedici GP, building upon his impressive career with a consistent record of podium finishes and victories, marking his fifth year with the Tavullia Team and further solidifying his MotoGP™ legacy with multiple accolades and contributions to the team's successes.
ARC gippsland rally round up
Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia's Harry Bates and Coral Taylor have secured consecutive victories in the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) by triumphing at The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally, with their strong Sunday performance granting them an overall win by one minute and 17 seconds over championship leaders Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin, while Nathan Quinn and Ray Winwood-Smith showcased resilience by overcoming a broken rear differential on Saturday to clinch a top-five finish and third place in the EROAD Power Stage, marking the first endurance round of the season and combining Saturday and Sunday legs of the rally to determine the winner.
David Reynolds to drive for Team 18 in 2024
David Reynolds is set to join Team 18 for the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship, replacing Scott Pye, with the move bringing a reunion with former teammate Mark Winterbottom and familiar faces from Erebus Motorsport, as Reynolds aims to rejuvenate his career and contribute to Team 18's aspirations for a strong performance in the upcoming championship.
Riccardo out with injury Liam Lawson to debut at the Dutch grand prix
Liam Lawson replaces Daniel Ricciardo for the Dutch Grand Prix after Ricciardo's hand injury in a crash, where he had to evade a crashed McLaren, leading to a metacarpal break and Lawson, a Red Bull junior driver, will make his F1 debut in the race.
MARC cars to make debut sandown speedseries
MARC Cars Australia is set to debut at Sandown International Raceway with the Shannons SpeedSeries event, introducing its unique category to the prestigious race lineup, offering a diverse racing experience across three classes, including MARC I, MARC II, and MARC GT cars, while Category Manager Matt Baragwanath expresses excitement for the event and highlights the added appeal of the GT component's debut and the dynamic battles witnessed in the recent Sydney Motorsport Park round.
Scott Pye to leave team 18 at the end of the season
Team 18 has officially confirmed Scott Pye's departure at the end of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship after a four-year collaboration, with Pye's three podiums in his first campaign and his current 13th position in the championship standings alongside teammate Mark Winterbottom's 11th position highlighting their balanced rivalry within the team.
Jake Dixon stays at Gas Gas for 2024 in moto two
GASGAS is primed to leave its mark on the 2024 Moto2™ season as contracts are renewed for standout riders Jake Dixon and Izan Guevara, solidifying a formidable lineup for the GASGAS Aspar Team's upcoming campaign, with Dixon's impressive 2023 season, featuring four podium finishes and his inaugural Grand Prix win, propelling him into championship contention and promising an exciting future, while Guevara, the reigning Moto3™ World Champion, navigates his transition to the Moto2™ class after overcoming an off-season wrist injury and earning his first Moto2™ points, as the dynamic duo prepares to lead GASGAS Aspar Team's Moto2™ World Championship bid in the electrifying 2024 season.
ARC heads to gippsland
As ARC competitors gear up for The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally, the stage is set for another exhilarating chapter in the championship's journey, promising high stakes and thrilling action for participants and fans alike.
Big line up for World Time Attack
The highly anticipated Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Sydney 2023, scheduled for September 1-2 at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMP), is set to showcase a thrilling lineup of returning favorites and new entrants, creating excitement for a dynamic display of skill, engineering excellence, and exhilarating competition in one of the world's premier Time Attack festivals.
Haas retain driver lineup for 2024
Haas Formula 1 team has officially announced that Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg will continue as its driver pairing for the 2024 season, emphasizing their stability and expertise to enhance team performance, with team principal Gunther Steiner praising their collaborative contributions, mature approach, and positive impact on engineering goals
Formula open series to open new doors for open wheel drivers
In 2023, Australia's motorsport arena will introduce the Australian Formula Open, a pioneering category aimed at uniting "wings and slicks" race cars, including Formula 3, Formula Renault/Toyota, and Formula 4 vehicles, into a singular field, presenting an opportunity for owners to engage in national-level racing and vie for substantial rewards.
Daniel Riccardo reveals fractured relationship after just one year with Mclaren
Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo has revealed the challenges he faced during his first season with McLaren, explaining that the meticulous focus on marginal gains didn't suit his driving style, leading him to realize that adjustments were needed midway through 2021 for optimal performance; he also discussed his return to Formula 1 after a brief absence, reflecting on his race fitness and mental preparedness.
Grove Racing confirm Richie Stanaway for 2024
Penrite Racing has officially revealed that Richie Stanaway will be joining the team for the 2024 Supercars Championship season, taking over the seat previously held by David Reynolds; Stanaway's inclusion results in an all-Kiwi lineup alongside confirmed rookie Matt Payne, and his signing follows the announcement of David Reynolds' departure from Grove Racing earlier today.
WAU announce Nick Percat departure from team
Nick Percat will be departing Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) at the end of the 2023 Supercars season, concluding his second stint with the team that transitioned from a Holden to a Ford Mustang outfit, with uncertainty surrounding his future in Supercars for 2024.
David Reynolds to leave Penrite Grove Racing
Penrite Racing has officially announced David Reynolds' departure at the end of the 2023 Supercars season, with his contract not renewed for 2024, leaving room for a replacement driver for the upcoming season, while speculation points to Richie Stanaway as a potential candidate; Reynolds' second stint at Grove Racing comes to an end as he is believed to join Team 18 and take over Scott Pye's seat, following his successes including a 2017 Bathurst 1000 victory.
Supercars return to New-Zealand in 2024
Supercars is thrilled to announce its return to New Zealand, backed by government and council support, with the Repco Supercars Championship set to take place at Taupō International Motorsport Park from 2024, extending until at least 2026, aiming to reconnect with fans, promote indigenous culture, and bring economic benefits to the region.