VR46 To MotoGP—
With Saudi
Backing
L
ast week, confirmation came through
that the VR46 team will fully step up to
the MotoGP class with two bikes from 2022
to 2026. This came as little surprise. Yet
what did shock was the name of the backer:
Aramco, the Saudi Arabian public petroleum
company. And the partner: Tanal Entertain-
ment Sport & Media, the holding company
of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Saud, a
member of the Saudi Royal Family.
For a rider that once stated he would refuse
to compete with the aid of tobacco sponsorship
due to the adverse risks of smoking, this is some
turnaround. The litany of human rights abuses con-
ducted by the Saudi regime are plentiful and well
documented; not least the brutal murder and dis-
memberment of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi
in 2018.
Asked about this, Rossi could offer only a
feeble, "It's an important partner and can help
to make the team in MotoGP. And after, for the
rest we will see, maybe we can do something for
improve the situation (regarding human rights),
but under our point of view, our relationship is for
(MotoGP)."
Talks continue on the bikes the team will run,
with Ducati, Aprilia, Suzuki and Yamaha in the mix.
Neil Morrison
The VR46 team
will get MotoGP
backing from
an unlikely
source.
VOLUME 58 ISSUE 18 MAY 4, 2021 P37
Adelanto Grand Prix
Is Back
T
he historic Adelanto Grand Prix is indeed back,
according to event's organizer and AMA Mo-
torcycle Hall of Fame off-road racer Ty Davis. This
is the first time that the former "King of Adelanto"
will be acting as director of operations of the event.
Davis is also a long-time resident of the area and
knows the town and terrain well.
Davis says, "This isn't your average Grand Prix,
it's more of an off-road motorsports festival."
The Adelanto Grand Prix was cancelled last year
due to the pandemic but the event is on schedule to
return to Adelanto Stadium for three days of racing
and plenty of activities over the May 28-30 weekend
which, besides motorcycle racing, will also include UTV racing.
This year's race features a new three-moto format for the pros and other
classes. For the pros, there is a bonus for winning all three races.
For more information, visit www.adelantogp.com.
CN
Event director Ty Davis
confirms that this year's
Adelanto Grand Prix is
ready to go.
