The first grand prix of the first double-header on the 2025 MotoGP slate took the series to the fast, hot and busy climes of Mugello: the atmospheric and spectacular site for the Italian round of the world championship since 1994. 15 corners and 5.2km of sweeps and drops had been the scene of KTM’s record-setting MotoGP top speed of 366.1 kmph in 2023 and 2024 hosted a 23-lap affair on Sunday afternoon. The Red Bull KTM RC16s starting from the second, third, fifth and six rows of the grid.
Maverick Viñales was the best qualifier in 5th and rode to a strong 4th place in Saturday’s Sprint. The former Grand Prix winner slotted into the front-running pack of five riders eying a podium trophy but he was hit out of 4th place after 9 laps. The onus then fell to Pedro Acosta and a determined Brad Binder in the lower half of the top ten. The teammates swapped track space and positions and crossed the line almost together in 8th and 9th respectively.
There is little respite for MotoGP this week with round ten involving a trip to one of the oldest courses on the calendar. The TT Circuit Assen stages the Dutch Grand Prix next weekend where the venue will celebrate its centenary.
Brad Binder 9th and 13th in the championship standings “I got a decent start but didn’t really have the pace to go with the next group in front. I knew it was important to make the rear tire last until the end and also guard the front because it was very hot and I was surrounded by riders. I didn’t want it to tuck. It was a tricky race and I’m glad to finish. It’s by no means what I wanted but at least it’s a starting point. Importantly I found out what we need to finish for next week, and if we can get a little bit more stability it will be very beneficial.”
Picturesque and pacey: Mugello brought a typical Italian flavor to MotoGP for the sweeping and curvy 5.2km circuit’s 39th hosting of a Grand Prix and the ninth round of 2025. Tuscany cooked in high early summer temperatures as the riders and teams quickly found their marks and tried to refine set-ups for a course that rewards flow and consistent corner speed.
The Saturday Sprint involved 11 laps but the race was over quickly for Brad who was tagged while leaning into the first corner and crashed.
MotoGP goes long and hard for 23 laps and begins at 14.00 local time CEST Sunday afternoon.
Brad Binder 15th in qualification, DNF in the Sprint
“I had a rocket launch: my start was insane and when I turned into Turn 1 I had a touch and it was enough to make the front end tuck. That was my race and very unfortunate. I could have done with some race time. My race pace is good and I’m sure I can make a decent comeback.”
DARRYN BINDER #15 Qualifying – 21st (1’50.756s – Q1)
“Qualifying done: I made a good step from yesterday to today. Overall I’ve gained some confidence and the feeling is better. I think tomorrow will be a long and hot race, but I can definitely move up field. We’ll try to improve a little bit more for tomorrow to get there and get the race under our belt.”
What SA National Cross Country Motorcycle Preview Where Dalton, KwaZulu Natal When Saturday 21 June 2025 Community South Africa National
Crew set for Dalton pay dirt now it knows its Blu bikes better
It’s been a long break since the opening round back in March, but Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha is raring to race when the South African Cross Country Motorcycle Championship returns to action at Dalton near Greytown in KwaZulu Natal on Saturday 21 June. Fresh back to the series, the Blu Cru is out to improve on winning several classes with podiums across the board in Bronkhorstspruit last time out.
“Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing enjoyed a great start to our National season and it was a dream return to the Championship for Yamaha last time out,” team boss Harry Grobler explains. “It seems so long ago now, when we dominated the Junior classes backed by podiums in both National classes and also in Seniors and Masters. Now we intend to do even better in Dalton.”
Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha ace Murray Smith leads a Yamaha High School 125 cc championship 1-2, while young guns Ruald Potgieter leads the 85 Senior and Ryan Wichman the 65 cc Junior chases to Dalton.
Maddy Malan’s Everest Wealth Ridgeway Racing Yamaha YZ 450 FX sits third in the Open Class following his overall podium in the opening round, while Marco Cocci is second in the Seniors championship on his Shimwells Yamaha with Blu Cru man Gerhard Vorster third. Team dagga boy Warrick van Schalkwyk meantime sits a handy second on the Masters log.
“We were on the podium in every class we entered last time out,” Harry Grobler concluded. “That’s huge considering it was Yamaha’s South African Cross Country comeback race and we were still very much finding our feet. Now we understand these blue machines far better, but still, we are well paced in the championship in every class and the plan is to come back smiling even broader. Go get it guys!”
Maddy MalanRuald PotgieterTyler PetersenTyron Beverley
The FIM World Supercross Championship announces a five-round global schedule for 2025, spanning five continents.
• The season kicks off in Malaysia before heading to Argentina, Canada, Australia and South Africa. • Four cities will host World Supercross racing for the very first time.
Cape Town will host the season finale of the 2025 FIM World Supercross Championship, as announced by the full calendar reveal. On 13th December, the South African GP at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town will mark World Supercross’ first-ever race in Africa.
This milestone race – promoted by Showtime Management – signifies the championship’s expansion into a new continent, bringing elite supercross competition to one of the world’s most vibrant sporting nations. As the season’s grand finale, where the 2025 World Supercross Champions will be crowned, the South African GP promises to be a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion to an incredible season of racing. With a dynamic mix of iconic cities and fresh destinations, the 2025 season reaffirms World Supercross mission to bring world-class supercross to fans from all corners of the globe.
Tony Feldman, Director of Showtime Management, said: “Hosting the World Supercross Championship finale in Cape Town is a major milestone – not just for South African motorsport, but for the continent. The passion and energy of our local fans, combined with the city’s world-class hospitality and stunning setting will make this an unforgettable night for riders and spectators alike. Beyond the excitement, the event brings significant benefits to Cape Town and South Africa, including increased tourism, global media exposure, job creation, and a boost to the local economy.”
The action kicks off on 18th October in Kuala Lumpur, at Stadium Merdeka, marking World Supercross’ first-ever round in Malaysia. This stop, promoted by Data Sukan Sdn Bhd, will set the stage for an electrifying season opener, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for supercross in Southeast Asia and spotlighting the increasing influence of the city on the global stage.
From there, the championship heads to Buenos Aires City, Argentina, on 8th November at the Óscar & Juan Gálvez Racetrack. With Argentina’s deep motorsport heritage, the round – promoted by EDV Entertainment – is set to delight the passionate fans in a nation steeped in motorsport history.
Next, World Supercross touches down in Vancouver, Canada, returning to North America at BC Place on 15th November. Last year marked competitive supercross’ long-awaited return to the region for the first time in 20 years, and now Vancouver is set to deliver another night of high-energy atmosphere and spectacular racing.
On 29th November, the championship heads Down Under for the Australian GP at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia. This marks a return to Australia, after a successful double-header in Perth last year. With Australia’s rich history in supercross and a passionate fanbase, the racing will deliver an unforgettable experience as World Supercross continues its strong presence in the country.
The 2025 season then concludes with a historic South African GP in Cape Town on 13th December at the DHL Stadium.
The 2025 season, the second under SX Global management, also marks the launch of a fresh new look for World Supercross – reflecting what makes it stand out as the only Supercross championship that takes the sport around the world. At the heart of the rebrand is a curved, globe-inspired logo – a shape that reflects the international scale of the series and the millions of dirt bike fans worldwide.
The tough, edgy new “W” takes its cues from the rugged design of supercross tyres. It’s a mark built to represent the grit, energy, and momentum of the sport. Fans will see this new identity come to life throughout the season – across visuals, photography, digital platforms, and at rounds around the world.
Tom Burwell, CEO of World Supercross, said: “The 2025 calendar is a defining moment for World Supercross, as we continue to push the sport to new territories and audiences. Expanding into new regions like Malaysia, Argentina and South Africa, alongside returning to key markets like Canada and Australia, highlights our vision to make supercross a truly global spectacle. Delivering elite supercross racing to five continents for the first time is a huge moment. This will be the biggest and best season yet.”
Antonio Alia Portela, FIM Motocross Commission Director, added: “SX Global is laying the foundations for a bold new era for the FIM World Supercross Championship. Having delivered an exciting championship of racing last year, they are proving their ambition this season by taking supercross further across the globe and creating a World Championship for fans in every continent to get excited about. Starting with a statement event in Kuala Lumpur before concluding in Cape Town, we are excited to see the best riders on the planet battle once again for the ultimate prize – the title of World Champion.”
Eli Tomac (450cc), Shane McElrath (250cc), and Fire Power Honda (Team) claimed victory in 2024, but with a new season comes fresh rivalries, intense battles, and the opportunity for new riders to make their mark on a global stage.
Team and rider announcements will be released throughout the year as the pace picks up to the first gate drop in Kuala Lumpur.
World Super Cross WSX
HBF Park 23rd & 24th November 2024
Photographer: Travis HaytoWorld Super Cross WSX
HBF Park 23rd & 24th November 2024
Photographer: Travis HaytoWorld Super Cross WSX
HBF Park 23rd & 24th November 2024
Photographer: Travis HaytoWorld Super Cross WSX
HBF Park 23rd & 24th November 2024
Photographer: Travis Hayto
About the FIM World Supercross Championship
The FIM World Supercross Championship is a global competition spearheaded by SX Global, a leader in sports marketing and entertainment. The championship, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), has been exclusively organized and promoted by SX Global since 2022. For more information, please visit www.wsxchampionship.com.
