The tantalising taste of the best motorcycle racing action on Earth has made itself known. The 2021 grid line up is set to be one of the most talented we’ve seen in years, and hopefully, it will not disappoint. As the start of the season edges ever closer, the team launches to show off the riders and their bikes was kicked off by none other than Esponsorama Racing’s Reale Avintia Ducati squad. Their lineup consists of; Moto2 reigning World Champion Enea Bastianini, and Sky VR46 Academy rider Luca Marini in the MotoGP category. Carlos Tatay and Niccolo Antonelli head up the Moto3 class, with Xavi Cardelus, and Andre Pires in MotoE.
Both Marini and Bastianini will be rookies in the premier class this year, alongside Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin and Lorenzo Savadori who we expect to sign with Aprilia. These two talents showcased their speed and skill in last year’s intermediate category, with both of them in the title fight up until the final round of the season. We are surely going to see some fireworks as Marini and Bastianini battle to win the Rookie of the Year award.
Valentino Rossi signs for Petronas Sepang Racing Team
If you already have a favourite between the two, it will be easy to distinguish between the teammates. From Marini’s backing of the Sky VR46 team, who have sponsored Marini throughout his Grand Prix career, he will be riding a different liveried bike to his teammate. Marini will use a black and blue colour scheme decorated with yellow VR46 and Sky logos. In contrast, Bastianini will be riding in the Esponsorama colours of blue and yellow, with white Avintia branding adorning the sides – the same livery sported on the Moto3 and MotoE machinery.

Both Marini and Bastianini will be riding Ducati Desmosedici GP19’s, whereas the rest of the Ducati riders will be on GP20 bikes – including their rookie rival Jorge Martin. The 2021 season has an engine and aero development freeze due to Covid-19, there will be no updated 2021 machinery on the grid this year. Teams will start using 2020 Homologated parts, and will only be permitted one change for the season. All rookies will have the daunting task of learning new bikes, whilst the rest of the field have had at least a year to learn their machinery.
Is Moto GP20 a worthwhile racing game?
Bastianini and Marini are no shrinking violets, and I believe they will rise to the occasion. Their debut will be in Qatar on March 5th for the first official testing session of the season, where they will have six days of track testing ahead of the first race, scheduled for March 28th at the Losail International Circuit.

The next MotoGP team launch will be the Official Ducati Team (consisting of Jack Miller and Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia) on February 9th.

This article was written by the fantastic Rebekah Lee, our resident Motorsport nut and MA Creative writing graduate. She’s been fascinated by all things motorsports since childhood – follow her on Twitter at @bekahjlee
- Petronas Sepang Racing Team 2021 launchThe fairytale Moto GP team? MotoGP’s youngest team have enjoyed some incredible success in their first 2 years; from netting multiple front-row starts in qualifying, the youngest pole-sitter in MotoGP history, as well, twice achieving best independent team status. Last year the team took 6 race wins between both their riders. Factory Yamaha unveil their… Read More »Petronas Sepang Racing Team 2021 launch
- Manufacturers form removable battery consortiumYamaha, Honda, KTM and Piaggio group (Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Derbi, and Scarabeo) have joined together to form a removable battery for light electric vehicles. Removable batteries for two-wheeled vehicles have often been touted to answer poor range and long charging times. Could a power bank of batteries all charged/charging help the current… Read More »Manufacturers form removable battery consortium
- Moto GP Pramac launch: New and Improved?Ducati’s satellite team, Pramac Racing, has produced some incredible talent in past years. Alex Barros, Andrea Iannone, Danilo Petrucci and the new Factory Ducati riders, Jack Miller and Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia. The Pramac team will be entering into their 20th year in the Moto GP and have unveiled a livery that is reminiscent of its… Read More »Moto GP Pramac launch: New and Improved?
- Harley Davidson Pan America – A new direction?Cast your mind back a few years, and it seemed like Harley Davidson was actually thinking of change. Two concepts were put forward; one dubbed the Pan America and the other The Bronx. One project went very cold; the other has come to fruition. Much like other brands, the new release wasn’t kept a secret… Read More »Harley Davidson Pan America – A new direction?
- Repsol Honda: What does the future hold?The Repsol Honda team have unveiled their 2021 Moto GP team. To the surprise of no one, it’s with the same livery and bike as they showcased last year – and indeed as it has been for the last 15. In fairness to them, why fix what isn’t broken? MotoGP’s most successful manufacturer certainly doesn’t… Read More »Repsol Honda: What does the future hold?