RED BULL MOTOGP ROOKIES CUP
The Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez on April 1st to 3rd opens the fifth Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season. 25 of the world's best teenage racers representing 14 nations from as far apart as Malaysia, Australia and the USA plus the length and breadth of Europe, from Finland to Italy, from the Czech Republic to Portugal face off in the greatest opportunity in their careers.
For this year the number of races is increased to 14 so the riders get more occasions to develop their skills and prove themselves in front of the Grand Prix fans, teams and media.
Most of the 8 GPs in Jerez, Estoril, Silverstone, Assen, Mugello, Sachsenring, Brno and Misano feature 2 Rookies races with events both on the GP qualifying day and on the race day itself. Only the Italian rounds have a single race on the day of GP qualifying.
The Rookies are hoping that they can emulate their heroes such as Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso or Hiroshi Aoyama, all Red Bull athletes and World Champions who now contest the MotoGP class. With their aim clearly set, the season's hard work for the Rookies begins at the Estoril pre-season test on March 11th 12th and 14th.
Once again the Cup machinery is the KTM RC125, propelling the teenagers at GP speeds. Errors are serious but at least they benefit this year again from the protection of the Alpinestars race equipment. With the top equipment and support the teenagers could not have a better springboard to a GP career.
The last four years have already shown that the best of the Rookies get the chance to move on to the 125 Grand Prix category and those successful in previous seasons such as Jakub Kornfeil and Dani Kent are now established GP 125 men. The path is clear and 25 young men are determined to take it.
Find all about the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup here: