Auto Recap, September 26: MotoGP return, Ola Electric expansion and more

Auto Recap, September 26: MotoGP return, Ola Electric expansion and more

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By: HT Auto Desk
, updated on: 27 September 2024, 08:40 am

  • Check out the latest and key updates from the Indian and global automotive industry.
Image used for representational purposes only. File photo: BYD Company Yuan Pro electric vehicle (EV) during a launch event at Club Monte Libano in Sao Paulo. (Bloomberg)

HT Auto ensures that you stay informed about important developments in both the Indian and global automotive industries. Given the rapid changes taking place in the automobile and motorcycle sectors, we present a brief but comprehensive summary of the key events of September 26.

Ola Electric launches network partner program

Ola Electric has launched a new network partner program that will help the electric two-wheeler maker expand in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. The company has successfully onboarded 625 partners under this initiative to expand its sales presence across India. Additionally, Ola Electric intends to increase this number to 1,000 partners in anticipation of the upcoming festive season. Furthermore, the company emphasizes its goal to expand its network by including 10,000 partners in both sales and service areas by the end of 2025.

(Read more: Ola Electric aims to increase presence in small cities, launches new program)

BYD made one million cars in three months

BYD or Build Your Dreams is the largest manufacturer of all-electric and hybrid vehicles in China. It is now one of the largest EV sellers worldwide, giving huge competition to US-based Tesla. BYD has manufactured nine million vehicles in total so far and that's seriously fast for a company whose roots go back just over two decades. According to data from the Chinese Passenger Cars Association, in 2023, the company will sell 3,024,417 cars worldwide, significantly higher than the 427,302 cars sold in 2020.

(Read more: BYD on steroids? Chinese EV giant makes one million cars in three months)

Petrol and diesel prices may reduce

Margins on retail auto fuel have improved as falling crude oil prices in recent weeks have given state-owned companies the opportunity to cut petrol and diesel prices. Rating agency ICRA said on Thursday, 2-3 per litre.

The price of a basket of crude oil imported by India averaged US$74 a barrel in September, down from about US$83-84 a barrel in March when petrol and diesel prices were last cut. 2 per litre.

(Read more: Petrol and diesel prices may reduce by this much) 3 per litre, says report)

MotoGP to return to India in 2026

As per MotoGP announcement, India is set to host another Grand Prix race at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the International Road-Racing Teams Association (IRTA), and Dorna Sports, the official management body of MotoGP, have confirmed that India will be one of the venues for the 2026 FIM MotoGP races.

Originally scheduled for 2025, these races have been postponed to 2026 due to various technical and operational challenges. Additionally, it was noted that the partnership with InvestUP will continue, as both MotoGP and InvestUP are committed to realizing the Indian Grand Prix and promoting India as a premier destination for international sporting events.

(Read more: MotoGP: Buddh International Circuit India to host another Grand Prix in 2026)

Karnataka government plans tax breaks for hybrid cars, incentives for EVs

The Karnataka government is considering reduction in duty and provision of financial incentives for automotive manufacturers making hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, the state administration is considering substantial tax cuts for hybrid cars, with the aim of increasing the sales of eco-friendly fuel technology vehicles within the state. This initiative is in line with the previous announcement made by the Uttar Pradesh government ahead of the Union Budget to make hybrid vehicles more accessible and affordable.

(Read more: Hybrid and electric vehicles will be more affordable in this Indian state. Learn more)

Get information about upcoming cars in India, electric vehicles, upcoming bikes in India and cutting-edge technology that is changing the automotive landscape.

First publication date: 27 Sep 2024, 08:40 AM IST

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MotoGP: Martin maintains lead, Bastianini wins at Misano and Bagnaia's exit improves position

MotoGP: Martin maintains lead, Bastianini wins at Misano and Bagnaia's exit improves position

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By: AFP
, updated on: 23 September 2024, 07:53 am

It was a dreadful end to the weekend for Bagnaia, who set two track records and won Saturday's sprint, but it was a great finish for the Ducati who finished last.

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Martin was initially angered by Bastianini's bold overtake which decided the race but he remains 24 points ahead of his main rival Bagnaia, who crashed out of his 100th MotoGP with seven laps remaining at Misano Adriatico. (Reuters)

Jorge Martin maintained his championship lead after taking advantage of Francesco Bagnaia's crash in the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP, although he was overtaken by Enea Bastianini in the final lap of Sunday's race.

Martin was initially angered by Bastianini's bold overtake which decided the race but he remains 24 points ahead of his main rival Bagnaia, who crashed out of his 100th MotoGP with seven laps remaining at Misano Adriatico.

Martin, the Pramac rider seeking a maiden world title, was forced off the track by Bastianini's move to “knock” Marco Simoncelli off the track, giving Ducati their 100th MotoGP win, and he gestured angrily as he raced to second place.

But the fall of pole-sitter Bagnaia gives him a bigger buffer than expected ahead of next week's Indonesia MotoGP, although he was denied a first grand prix win since the Frenchman in June.

“I saw Enea was coming so I just tried to close the gap. Maybe it was a bit too much because he pushed me off the track so I couldn't get back and yes, maybe later I made some gestures because I was a bit hot,” said Martin.

“I think I was the best and deserved to win, but no matter what, I will try for the next match.”

It was Bastianini's second GP win of the season and the seventh of his career, allowing Bagnaia's Ducati teammate to move 59 points behind Martin with six GP weekends remaining.

“Today's race was unbelievable. I tried with three laps remaining but he slid off the line at turn six,” said the Italian, born in Misano, Rimini.

“When I found a bit of space at turn four I went in and locked down the line. To win today at Misano in front of my friends and the whole team is incredible.”

Marquez's podium present

Marc Marquez took advantage of Bagnaia's crash to take a podium finish, but his bid for a seventh MotoGP title remains on the wane.

Gresini rider Marquez, who will ride alongside Bagnaia in Ducati's factory team next season, is 60 points behind fellow Spanish rider Martin and has fallen behind Bastianini in the overall standings.

“Today I was talking to the team and we said fourth place would have been good for us,” said Marquez, who started seventh on the grid.

“This podium today was a gift for me, because three people were clearly faster than us, but I'm happy.”

Starting from second on the grid, Martin was fastest off the line but was quickly overtaken by Bagnaia at the first set of corners before the Variante del Parco turn.

But Martin was behind Bagnaia from that moment on and took control of the race with a superb overtake on the fourth lap, starting a battle with the two Italians on the Ducati.

Meanwhile, Bagnaia, who had clearly been struggling early in the race and was second to Bastianini, suddenly picked up speed and set two fastest laps in quick succession.

But the crash allowed Martin to continue a thrilling battle with Bastianini, who took the lead with seconds remaining in the race, prompting cheers from the crowd.

It was a dreadful end to the weekend for Bagnaia, who set two track records and won Saturday's sprint, but it was a great finish for Ducati, who claimed the Constructors' Championship, finishing 261 points ahead of KTM.

Find out about upcoming cars in India, electric vehicles, upcoming bikes in India and cutting-edge technology that is changing the automotive landscape.

First Publication Date: Sep 23, 2024, 07:53 AM IST

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Repsol to end 30-year sponsorship of Honda MotoGP team

Repsol to end 30-year sponsorship of Honda MotoGP team

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By: Reuters
, updated on: Sep 10, 2024, 07:15 am

Repsol began sponsoring Honda when they entered Grand Prix racing in 1995 and since then they have had immense success with multiple constructor titles and rider

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Repsol began sponsoring Honda when they entered Grand Prix racing in 1995 and since then they have enjoyed immense success with multiple constructors titles and riders championships.

Spanish oil company Repsol will no longer sponsor the Honda MotoGP team from next season, the Japanese motorcycle maker said on Sunday, ending an iconic partnership that spanned three decades.

Repsol began sponsoring Honda when they entered Grand Prix racing in 1995 and since then they have enjoyed immense success with multiple constructors titles and riders championships, riding greats such as Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.

With Repsol as the main sponsor, Honda achieved 15 premier class world championships, 10 premier class team championships, 183 premier class wins and 455 premier class podiums.

“After 30 years of collaboration at the highest level of motorcycle racing, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Repsol will part ways at the conclusion of the 2024 MotoGP World Championship,” Honda said in a statement.

“Honda HRC and Repsol have enjoyed a partnership that has become synonymous with success at the highest level.

“Beyond the sponsorship, it has been a true collaboration between both companies, striving to continue as a reference in Grand Prix motorcycling.”

Honda have struggled since Marquez won the last of his six MotoGP titles in 2019, with the Spaniard missing the entire 2020 season after an opening race crash.

The team soon fell behind Italian manufacturers Ducati and Aprilia, and Marquez also left the team at the end of the 2023 season when he switched to Gresini Racing – which uses Ducati machines.

Marquez's departure also sees Red Bull cut its ties with Honda, which has failed to produce a top-10 finish in MotoGP this season with either Joan Mir or Luca Marini.

Find out about upcoming cars in India, electric vehicles, upcoming bikes in India and cutting-edge technology that is changing the automotive landscape.

First Publication Date: Sep 10, 2024, 07:15 AM IST

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MotoGP Bharat 2023: Marco Bezzecchi wins inaugural Indian GP as Pecco Bagnaia crashes

MotoGP Bharat 2023: Marco Bezzecchi wins inaugural Indian GP as Pecco Bagnaia crashes

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The inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of India ended on a high with VR46 team rider Marco Bezzecchi taking an uncontested win on his Ducati. The Italian rider led the race from the pole position and was unchallenged for most of the 21-lap race as defending world champion Francesco (Pecco) Bagnaia crashed out. The first-ever Indian GP has thrown open a three-way title fight as the top three riders are separated by 44 points in the world rider championship standings.

By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor
| Updated on: 24 Sep 2023, 19:10 PM

VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi took an uncontested win in the inaugural Indian GP main race. Also finishing on the podium were Jorge Martin and Fabio Quartararo (Grand Prix of India/MotoGP)

Marco Bezzecchi started on the pole but a better start for Jorge Martin catapulted him to P1. Pecco also moved up to P2 with the VR46 rider moving down to P3 in the opening corners. But Bezzecchi clearly had better pace on his GP22 Ducati as he reeled back in the lead at Turn 4. There were no crashes on the opening lap since all riders were being extra cautious of Turn 1 braking, unlike the sprint race. Bezzecchi began building his lead with defending champion Pecco Bagnaia right on his tail at the end of the opening lap. Just what the rider needed after a disappointing crash with teammate Luca Marini wiped him in Lap 1, Turn 1 of the sprint race.

Also Read : MotoGP Bharat 2023: Marco Bezzechi wins Indian GP. Check key highlights

Behind Bezzecchi and Bagnaia was Jorge Martin, followed by Honda riders Joan Marc Marquez and Joan Mir. Bagnaia defended his position for the first half of the race as Martin began closing in, battling for P2. The Ducati factory rider had to cut his podium run short though with a crash on Lap 13, Turn 5, removed from contention. The incident promoted Martin to P2, while Fabio Quartararo moved up to P3, as an early crash put Marc Marquez at the back of the order from running fourth in the early stages.

At the front, Bezzecchi built a lead of well over two seconds by Lap 6, extending it further to 5 seconds by Lap 13. The rider remained untouched with a sizeable difference in pace over the rest of the grid. The 24-year-old managed to claim the victory in the first-ever Indian GP with a lead of 8.649 seconds.

Meanwhile, with Pecco out of contention, Fabio turned out to be the unexpected fighter in the Yamaha as he moved in sync with the Pramac Ducati to battle it out for P2. Quartararo managed to pass Martin briefly but the Pramac rider was not the one to give it away that easy and passed the Yamaha again, ensuring to keep the order that way till the end of the race.

Fabio Quartararo finished third in an impressive turnaround for Yamaha this weekend
Fabio Quartararo finished third in an impressive turnaround for Yamaha this weekend (HT Auto/Sameer Contractor)

Coming in fourth was Brad Binder on the KTM, in what was salvaging a disappointing weekend overall, while Joan Mir finished fifth after battling it out with Binder for P4. Johann Zarco finished sixth, while Franco Morbidelli finished seventh in a dramatic improvement of pace for Yamaha through the weekend. Maverick Vinales finished at P8, while Marc Marquez crossed the chequered flag in ninth place, an impressive finish considering his crash earlier in the race.

Also Read : MotoGP Bharat 2023: Jorge Martin wins maiden sprint race amidst five retirements

Rounding off the top 10 was Raul Fernandez on the RNF Aprilia, followed by Takaaki Nakagami of LCR Honda at 11th place. Miguel Oliveira of RNF Aprilia finished 12th ahead of Pol Espargaro of Tech3. Jack Miller concluded the weekend in 14th place while Stefan Bradl of LCR Honda concluded the list of points scorers in the race. Also finishing the race was Michele Pirro on the Ducati.

First Published Date: 24 Sep 2023, 19:10 PM IST


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MotoGP Bharat 2023: Honda’s Marc Marquez unveils new helmet specially designed for Indian GP

MotoGP Bharat 2023: Honda’s Marc Marquez unveils new helmet specially designed for Indian GP

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Repsol Honda Team rider Marc Marquez unveiled his new helmet ahead of the maiden Indian GP scheduled this weekend. The former MotoGP world champion arrived in India earlier today amidst visa woes that delayed his arrival. Speaking at the first press conference at the Indian GP, the Spaniard spoke about looking forward to riding at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) tomorrow.

By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor
| Updated on: 21 Sep 2023, 20:45 PM

Marc Marquez’s new helmet celebrates the vibrant Indian culture with its colours and also gets the tri-colour, making it even more special

Marc Marquez’s new Shoei helmet gets a vibrant colour scheme, representing the vibrant Indian culture. It also features the Indian tri-colour further giving it a unique touch compared to the helmet designed used by the rider in other races. The specially designed helmet certainly celebrates the maiden Indian GP, which kicks off with the practice session on Friday, September 22.

Also Read : MotoGP Bharat 2023: Riders welcomed to India with a flash mob, dance to Nattu Nattu

The MotoGP riders also said concerns about track safety have been resolved after arriving in India
The MotoGP riders also said concerns about track safety have been resolved after arriving in India

Marquez comes to India after the testing session at Misano. Elaborating on the same during the press conference, the rider said that the Honda race bike remained the same in terms of specifications but the new track would make for an interesting playing field for the riders. The BIC has been repurposed for MotoGP duties (originally designed as an F1 circuit) and this will be the very first time MotoGP riders will have their hand on the circuit. This should level the playing field for the riders, making for an even more interesting race weekend.

Earlier in the day, Marc Marquez went around the circuit with former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, interestingly on a Royal Enfield Classic 350 with a sidecar.

The Grand Prix of India will begin with the practice session on Friday with the riders getting the first taste of the circuit, followed by the qualifying and sprint race on Saturday. The main race is scheduled at 3.30 pm (IST) on Sunday, September 24.

First Published Date: 21 Sep 2023, 20:45 PM IST


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Ola Electric joins hands with MotoGP for India race, electrifies BIC track

Ola Electric joins hands with MotoGP for India race, electrifies BIC track

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Ola Electric’s scooters have been spotted on the Buddh International Circuit track ahead of the upcoming MotoGP Bharat 2023, scheduled between September 22 and 24, 2023. Also, three-time MotoGP world champion and the safety advisor for the upcoming event, Loris Capriossi was seen taking the Ola electric scooter for a spin on the BIC track. The electric vehicle manufacturer has posted several images on social media of its scooters on the BIC tracks. The EV company is the industry partner of the event.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 20 Sep 2023, 13:31 PM

Former world champion Loris Capriossi takes Ola electric scooter for a spin on BIC tracks

Ola Electric is expected to showcase its Diamondhead electric motorcycle at the upcoming MotoGP Bharat event. The Diamondhead is the superbike concept that the EV manufacturer revealed on August 15 this year. This futuristic sportsbike is slated to launch within a few years as part of Ola Electric’s range of electric motorcycles, which were showcased in concept forms in August.

Also Read : Ola Electric trademarks M1 Cruiser, M1 Adventure & M1 Cyber Racer e-motorcycle names

Watch: Ola Electric motorcycle concepts breaks cover | To launch in 2024

The Ola Diamondhead comes with a diamond-shaped panel at the front, which paved the way for the nomenclature. The diamond panel gets a sleek LED strip, while the actual LED headlamp sits beneath the beak. The concept sportsbike was showcased as a semi-faired model.

The pure electric Ola sportsbike gets disc brakes on both front and rear wheels, while the rear wheel comes covered in order to achieve better aerodynamic efficiency. Another exciting fact about this bike is that the front suspension looks completely unconventional as it is positioned almost parallel to the ground. Other design elements of the Ola Diamondhead include a sleek LED strip at the tip of the tail section acting as a taillight.

Besides the Ola Diamondhead, Ola Electric is also expected to showcase its other electric motorcycle concepts at the event. The other models include a cruiser, a roadster and an adventure motorcycle, which all were showcased in August this year.

First Published Date: 20 Sep 2023, 13:31 PM IST


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No power banks, backpacks, or professional cameras at MotoGP Bharat. See complete list

No power banks, backpacks, or professional cameras at MotoGP Bharat. See complete list

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The organisers of the maiden MotoGP Grand Prix of India have released a list of essentials that spectators can and can’t carry to the race track this week. The first-ever round of MotoGP Bharat is scheduled to take place between September 22-24, 2023, and spectators have been prohibited from carrying items like power banks, laptops, binoculars, professional cameras and more to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC).

By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor
| Updated on: 19 Sep 2023, 19:31 PM

The prohibited list of items includes alcohol, sharp objects, power banks, laptops, backpacks, binoculars, chewing gums and more

The list of prohibited items also includes backpacks, radios, chairs, stools, large handbags, umbrellas, balloons, coins, bottles, fireworks, lighter or matchboxes, glass containers, perfume, deodorants, drones, alcohol, cans, chewing tobacco, and chewing gums. Spectators won’t be allowed to bring pets either as well as a laser light, pen/pencil, skateboards, roller blades, and drones. Some of the more obvious items include firearms, crackers, sharp-edged materials, syringes, as well as sprays.

Also Read : MotoGP Bharat: The ‘What’, ‘Where’, ‘How Much’ and everything you need to know

On the other hand, the organisers have shared an essential list of items that can be brought. It includes caps/hats, ear plugs, sunscreen, mat/picnic cloth, sunglasses, baby food, and a medical inhaler. There’s no provision to take food items or even water inside the circuit premises and spectators will be dependent on the food and beverage options available at the race track to choose from.

While the prohibited items may seem arbitrary, most of these items are also prohibited at cricket stadiums across the country. While prohibiting laptops and professional cameras is understandable, the ban on power banks is out of the ordinary. It’s unclear as to what will be the alternatives available at the circuit.

Also Read : MotoGP Bharat: First batch of race bikes land in India; arrive at BIC

The MotoGP Bharat safety car and bike arrive for the big showdown this weekend
The MotoGP Bharat safety car and bike arrive for the big showdown this weekend

MotoGP Bharat will see the top motorcycle riders from across the world in attendance. 41 teams and 82 riders will be competing over three days across Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP championships. The BIC was originally built as a Formula 1 circuit but has undergone a host of changes to make it suitable for racing motorcycles.

The first practice session will be held at 4.00 pm on September 22, Friday, followed by the second practice session at 10.40 am onwards on September 23, Saturday. Qualifying will take place on the same day in the morning from 11.20 am onwards with the sprint race scheduled at 3.30 pm. The feature race on September 24, Sunday, is scheduled at 4.00 pm (IST).

First Published Date: 19 Sep 2023, 19:31 PM IST


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MotoGP Bharat: First batch of race bikes land in India; arrive at BIC

MotoGP Bharat: First batch of race bikes land in India; arrive at BIC

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The first batch of race motorcycles have landed in India and reached the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of the maiden Indian MotoGP race. MotoGP Bharat is scheduled to take place between September 22-24 and will see the premier-class motorsport championship arriving in India amidst much fanfare.

By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor
| Updated on: 14 Sep 2023, 22:11 PM

The first batch of superbikes, engines, tyres, and safety barriers landed in Delhi via air freight and were transported to BIC

The countdown has begun for the first-ever MotoGP race in India, and the first batch of superbikes, engines, tyres, and safety barriers landed in Delhi via air freight and were transported to the circuit. MotoGP Bharat will see nearly 40 teams participating with 80 riders across Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP categories. The race track has seen extensive upgrades for the imminent arrival of the two-wheeled championship.

Also Read : First MotoGP Bharat ticket presented to UP CM Yogi Adityanath; sales begin

MotoGP Bharat is scheduled between September 22-24, 2023, at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC)
MotoGP Bharat is scheduled between September 22-24, 2023, at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC)

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Sandill, Racing Director – FairStreet Sports, the Indian promoters of MotoGP, said, “The arrival of equipment has added to the excitement of the race. Most of the bikes for the event landed in New Delhi and were transported to the Buddh International Circuit under heavy police security. The remaining bikes and equipment will arrive in the next lot.”

Top manufacturers including Yamaha, Ducati, Aprilia, Honda, and KTM are engine suppliers in MotoGP with a total of 10 teams and 22 riders on the grid. MotoGP Bharat will see the world’s top racers right from defending champion Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati, Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha, Brad Binder of KTM to Marc Marquez of Honda on the race track. MotoGP Bharat will also be broadcast live on Sports18 and streamed online on JioCinema in India.

First Published Date: 14 Sep 2023, 22:11 PM IST


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