As the MotoGP trials in Barcelona prepare to welcome the biggest names in motorcycling, a major surprise is to be expected: the arrival of Harley-Davidson. The American brand, famous for its cruisers, will run its baggers on the Catalan circuit, marking a new stage in its history and that of MotoGP.
Harley-Davidsonthe legendary American brand, will mark its entry into the world of MotoGP next Tuesday, during pre-season testing in Barcelona. This test, which replaces the traditional end-of-year tests in Cheste, will have a special guest on the track with the Milwaukee brand launching into world-class motorcycle racing.
well that Harley-Davidson is not yet ready to field an official rider in MotoGP, the brand has ambitious plans to expand its presence in competition. It is already well established in the United States with its involvement in
le King of the Baggersa category which has seen cruiser motorcycles with panniers touch 300 km/h, competing in the championship MotoAmerica. However, the test in Barcelona will mark a turning point for the brand, paving the way for a more global future.
Harley-Davidson intends to use this test to assert its ambitions in MotoGP. According to Jochen Zeitzexecutive director of
Harley-Davidsonthe company’s goal is to expand its racing presence globally: “
this MotoGP test is an essential first step to achieve these ambitions and demonstrate our commitment to racing excellence “, he said.
Harley-Davidson, in collaboration with Dorna, will integrate bagger racing into the Grand Prix calendar
Among the drivers present for these tests, we will find
Kyle Wymanpilot of Harley-Davidson
Factory Racingas well as older drivers such as
John Hopkins, Marco Melandri et Simon
Crafar. These tests will consist of demonstrations of the Road Glide and the brand's racing models.
This initiative relayed by motorpasion is part of a broader partnership strategy between Harley-Davidson et
Dornathe organizing company of MotoGP.
Carmelo EzpeletaCEO of Dorna, has already expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting the brand's interest in attracting new fans to MotoGP, already considered the most exciting sport in the world.
It is likely that Harley-Davidson take advantage of the momentum generated by this test to participate in special events within certain MotoGP events, like the three-lap bagger race which took place during the Grand Prix of the Americas last April. Which could well herald a new era for the brand in motorcycle competitions.
