Toyota Inaugurates xEV Center Facility, Center for Electrification Vehicle Studies

 Toyota continues to make preparations in order to welcome the electric vehicle competition in Indonesia. After showing the Innova EV (Electric Vehicle) concept car, PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) inaugurated the xEV Center electrification study center, Thursday (19/5/2022). The inauguration of this facility was directly carried out by the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia in the presence of the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang.

"In the midst of the government's efforts to create environmentally friendly vehicles, the construction of the xEV Center by TMMIN plays an important role in educating and inspiring the public, including the next generation, to innovate and develop electrification vehicle technology in the country. We hope that the Toyota xEV Center can become a catalyst for technology development and industrialization of electrified vehicles in Indonesia," said Agus in his remarks.

Warih Andang Tjahjono, President Director of PT TMMIN, said that the xEV Center is a tangible manifestation of the positive triple helix collaboration and synergy between the Government, Academics and the Automotive Industry. Toyota continues to fully support the government in its ongoing efforts to achieve its Carbon Neutrality targets. The presence of the xEV Center was developed as part of the ecosystem of the electrification era through public advocacy regarding various options and electricity technology.

"Toyota believes that carbon neutrality must have practical and sustainable solutions through various technology options such as vehicles with high fuel efficiency, flexi engines (bio-fuel), HEV, PHEV, BEV, and FCEV with hydrogen fuel according to consumer needs and conditions in Indonesia. , said Warih.

The xEV Center facility stands on an area of 600 square meters at the TMMIN Karawang 3 factory. The first phase of the construction process has been going on since July 2020. The architectural design of the xEV Center comes with a Triangle Shape pattern. It is inspired by the triple helix. The letter x in front of EV as an extension of electrification is a manifestation of the various electrification technologies that already exist. This is also to show the flexibility of electrified vehicles so that they can use various technologies such as hybrid, battery, plug-in, and fuel cell.

The xEC Center will later become an educational facility that is easily accessed by the public, from the government, academics, school students and the general public. The presence of the xEV Center aims to increase public awareness of the importance of achieving a greener environment through the presence of various electrification technologies in Indonesia.

Several facilities can be found at the xEV Center. In the first phase, it is focused on presenting various information related to electrification with various facilities. First, there are HEV, PHEV, BEV Showcase & Driving Experience. Second, there is the xEV cut body, the third is the xEV Main component which consists of the battery, power control unit, transaxle and the fourth part is the outdoor charging station. In order to make it easier for the public to understand the latest variety of information related to electrification, the detailed presentation is divided into several zones.

In Zone 1, environmental initiatives consist of an explanation of global environmental conditions. He also explained about the Paris Agreement which became the basis for the national target to achieve carbon neutrality. There is also an explanation of the energy roadmap in Indonesia to support efforts to create a greener environment. Including Toyota's participation in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

Zone 2 is the technology section. This zone consists of a video presentation of the ICE and xEV classifications. This is so that the public can easily understand the xEV vehicle transmission process. There are also xEV Cut Body displays like the Prius and Mirai. This is to describe the xEV vehicle energy simulation. The main components of electric vehicles are also explained through wallcharts and displays. Visitors can also use virtual reality and augmented reality.

In Zone 3, Green Ecosystem. This zone explains the concept of wheel to wheel emission for easy understanding. The xEV ecosystem, charging station types and electrical equipment are available here. PHEV vehicle displays and charging stations can be found. There is also the use of xEV as a power source and vehicle life cycle as well as the battery 3R process described here.

Zone 4, Sustainable society. This is the last zone in the xEV center which summarizes Toyota Indonesia's activities with the government and academia in realizing the transformation towards the era of electrification. This zone is Toyota's collaboration since 2018 with a number of universities in Indonesia, namely UI, LPEM UI, ITB, UGM, UNS, ITS, Udayana University and Diponegoro University.

In addition to the four zones, visitors can also feel the real experience and sensation of driving using various types of electrified vehicle technology options in the driving experience area. There is also a recharging facility via an outdoor charging station.

In the future, the xEV Center will upgrade its facilities as a Toyota Capability Center. This was done by expanding the Eco-Renewable Energy and Research area and followed by the Mobility area. The main focus of technology electrification in the first stage. Then green energy becomes the target in the second phase. Continue to mobility in the third phase. In the green technology phase, various technologies and facilities sourced from renewable energy such as hydroelectric power, windmills, waterwheels, hydrogen, and solar panels will be presented at the xEV Center. This is done to show the electrification ecosystem from upstream to downstream. In the mobility phase, there will be a showcase of the intelligent transport system.

"The xEV Center will become a learning facility, capability and research on electrification technology, green energy and mobility as a means for Indonesian human resources to deepen their understanding of the technology and ecosystem of the automotive industry in the future so that Indonesia continues to be an important part of the world automotive industry," said Bob Azam. , Director of Corporate Affairs of PT TMMIN.

Toyota Indonesia's step towards the era of electrification in Indonesia is carried out by considering many things, ranging from supply chain readiness, human resources to after-sales service. Toyota Indonesia believes that there must be practical and sustainable solutions by combining various options and technologies such as LCGC, flexy-engine, HEV, PHEV, BEV, and PHEV to suit the diverse needs of consumers.

The transition of human resources, technology, and supply chain readiness in facing the era of electrification is expected to increase national economic growth for the 1.5 million human resources in it from the upstream to downstream sectors.

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Beware Don't Be Wrong! Different Motor Oils for Automatic and Manual

 Automatic motors and gears are clearly different. Therefore, it needs a different lubricant. The mechanism of the transmission itself is very different from each other. Manual transmission uses a wet clutch, while the automatic motor uses a dry clutch. But no need to be confused in choosing. Because there are striking differences that can be recognized from the type of oil for automatic and non-matic motors. As explained by Pana Oil Indonesia below.

Reza Ben Ungerer, B2C Division Head of PT Pana Oil Indonesia said that if each oil was used for a different type of transmission, it would cause the motor's performance to not be optimal. For example, using oil for automatic scooters on manual motors. While the formula for scooter oil is made to reduce friction in engine components. Lubricants for scooters do not contain anti-slip clutch additives so that their character is more slippery. That way, the clutch slipping symptom has the potential to appear due to the absence of elements in the oil that have additive compounds that match the clutch lining so that it doesn't slip.

"In principle, oil for scooters was created to reduce friction between components in engine components," said Reza Ben in an official statement.

The first and easiest way, to find out the difference between automatic and manual motor oil specifications. It can be seen from the JASO MA code. If there is a code, it confirms that the oil is made with a formula that is suitable for wet clutch or manual transmission motors. The code is JASO MB for use on automatic motorcycles.

Another thing that can easily be done to find out the type of oil is to look at the thickness. Motors with manual transmissions require thicker oil so that clutch performance is more precise.

"You should really understand well all the codes on the oil packaging so that the vehicle's performance can be maximized," concluded Reza Ben.

PanaOil Range of Two Wheel Lubricants

Speaking of types of motor oil, PanaOil itself offers four choices. Each one is; PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Matic 10W-30, PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Matic 10W-40, PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Manual 10W-40, and PanaOil SP5 Synthetic Manual 20W-50.

Each PanaOil SP5 product, which is entirely synthetic oil, also has a special formula called Engine Power Protection Technology. A technology that will provide maximum protection for engine components from the potential for erosion or wear that arises due to mechanical and chemical processes while the engine is working.

PT Pana Oil Indonesia in particular does formulate its lubricant products with the standardization of JASO (Japan Automotive Standard Organization). The standardization details more specifically the needs of the motor formula.

For information, the launch of JASO T903 in 1998 has officially made JASO the global standard for 4-stroke engine oil. Then JASO MB is the lubricant specification for scooter engines, and JASO MA2 is the highest specification for lubricants for motorcycle engines with wet clutches.

Users of two-wheeled vehicles can already get SP5 Oil from PanaOil throughout Indonesia. No need to worry if you haven't had time to visit the nearest oil outlet or repair shop. Because SP5 oil can also be obtained online. There is already a PanaOil Official Store in two well-known e-commerce stores, so you can buy it anytime and anywhere.

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Official Comeback, Subaru Indonesia Launches All New Forester AWD

 The opportunity to revive in the Indonesian market is not to be wasted. After leaving Than Chong Group, PT Plaza Auto Mega (PAM) as the new Subaru Brand Holder Agent (APM) in the country officially launched the all new Forester on Wednesday (18/5).

The Subaru Forester, which was launched in the domestic market, is the 5th generation that has received significant updates in terms of exterior, interior design, feature enhancements, and also the pacemaker.

As a business penetration at the beginning, Subaru Indonesia offers 2 different variants for consumers in the country. The first is the Forester 2.0i-L for IDR 579.5 million and the Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight for IDR 659.5 million. The entire price set is already on the road in the Jakarta area.

Subaru Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer, Arie Christopher said, "Subaru's return to Indonesia is strengthened by better sales and after-sales services. The launch of the all new Forester today was followed by the inauguration of the 3S strategy (service, sales, and spare parts).

"This year itself is the 25th Anniversary of the Subaru Forester model, and we have the opportunity to introduce the latest version of the 2022 Model Year which was also just introduced in various parts of the world earlier this year, not long ago for Indonesia," said Arie at Plaza Subaru, Alam Sutera, South Tangerang, Wednesday (18/5).

With all the capital brought by the latest generation of Forester, Arie is quite confident that this car will become a new benchmark in its class. Broadly speaking, Subaru's unique DNA is present in a thick manner, and this is said to be the selling point that loyalists and consumers in Indonesia want.

"With the latest Subaru Core Technology such as the Subaru Global Platform, BOXER Engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with the new X-Mode, as well as the premiere of the 4th generation Subaru EyeSight active safety system, we are confident that the all-new Subaru Forester will become a new benchmark in its class, a daily SUV that is safe and comfortable, and has reliable off-road capabilities," he continued.

So what are the advantages of this AWD driven SUV? Below we will present it in full.

Exterior of All New Subaru Forester

Okay from the design, to be precise the exterior on the front. All of them come with new visuals, in the lighting sector, they are equipped with a new model with the C-Shape design plus Daytime Running Light (DRL). The headlights have adopted adaptive beam technology 

The black grille is quite large and more boxy with a visually attractive grille. While at the bottom it is equipped with fog lamps and under guard flat panels which are claimed to offer good aerodynamics, additional engine protection from foreign objects, and increased cabin tightness.

While from the side, the typical boxy design of the Forester is still maintained. The DNA of the SUV is strong with the application of roof rails, over fenders, to side skirts. The design of the wheels is sport, but the EyeSight variant is equipped with 18-inch wheels and the cheapest variant uses 17 inches.

On the back, again, a boxy design is also presented. The stop lamp is LED with a silhouette of the letter C, there is a spoiler that blends with the body, and the use of a special diffuser for the highest variant.

Interior All New Subaru Forester

Turning to the cabin, a sporty, luxurious feel is present on the Forester. Almost all materials use soft touch materials with all-black shades.

The seats are covered in Nappa leather which is equipped with an electric seat with memory. Interestingly, all variants of the Forester are equipped with this technology.

Then for the rear seat is equipped with hand-rest components, cup-holders, and can be laid down according to the needs of the passengers.

For entertainment support, the Subaru Forester has embedded an 8-inch head unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. Then there is also an instrument cluster with 2 dials and one LED screen for interactive information.

Complete Features of the All New Subaru Forester

Present to fill a premium SUV, the all new Forester is armed with many advanced features. The highlight is the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) device or what Subaru calls EyeSight.

Of course, this semi-autonomous safety technology only exists in the most expensive variant. Below is a summary of Forester's advanced safety features.

     Adaptive Cruise Control
     Pre-Collision Braking
     Pre-Collision Throttle Management
     Lead Vehicle Start Alert
     Lane Departure Warning
     Lane Away Warning
     Lane Keeping Assist
     Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection.

The rest of this car is also equipped with several other features such as a sunroof, power back door, audio by Harman Kardon (especially for the EyeSight variant), and a driving mode that Subaru calls X-Mode.

Kitchen All New Subaru Forester

Behind the bonnet, this SUV is crammed with a Boxer petrol engine with a 180° symmetric axle layout containing a 2,000 cc cylinder. The engine is capable of delivering maximum power of up to 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of up to 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Furthermore, he uses a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT transmission and Active Torque Split AWD for a smooth and even distribution of power in all revs and road conditions. Shifting gears can also be done manually via paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

All New Subaru Forester Platform

In its introduction, the fifth generation Subaru Forester is built on the Subaru Global platform. This construction is claimed to be 1 level more safety than the previous construction.

The Subaru Global Platform enables up to 40% better impact absorption, up to 50% reduced body roll, and up to 70% increased rigidity to provide passengers with a sense of security, dynamic driving impression and comfort.

Delivery in August

If you are interested in buying one of the all new Subaru Forester variants, APM said the unit can be ordered today with an estimated arrival in your garage in August 2022.

Meanwhile, there are quite a lot of color choices available. The options are Jasper Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Crimson Red Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, and Crystal White Pearl.

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Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE With Cool Graffiti Livery, Only 100 Units

 Ducati makes some of its products to look the most exotic. But this time nothing was as wild as the Hypermotard 950 RVE. This Supermoto is given a motif that is rarely found in other motorcycles. Use a graffiti pattern that makes it interesting. Unfortunately this product is made limited, there are only 100 units and only sold in the United States.

The Hypermotard 950 RVE stands out thanks to a livery called “Graffiti” from the street art style. The motifs are inspired by street art. It's really interesting how this cool Hypermotard came about. In fact, Ducati never intended to sell its designs on production motorcycles. This design originated from a concept developed by the designers of the Centro Stile Ducati as a design study. It was showcased at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2019 event in Italy. After experiencing the overwhelming response from exhibitors, Ducati did not think twice about using the livery on the Hypermotard 950 RVE.

It can be said that the manufacturing process is very tiring. To achieve perfect results, the designers must be skilled at working in stages. The results are comparable to airbrushed bodywork. Something not found on many production motorcycles, which is why it is limited to just 100 units.

Many thin coats of decals are applied gradually to form a rusty looking pattern. Don't forget to apply the words "Hyper' thick and white throughout the tank. The three colors used here are red, black, and white. Not only the body, the wheels also get a charming look. Use a cool dual style pattern with a half red theme and half black.The seats also get a dual-tone layout with red-central stretch wrapped in black on both sides.The "R" from "Hyper" dramatically clings to the beaked front fender.

Apart from the intricate graffiti style and split painted wheels, everything else including the mechanical heart remains unchanged. Taking the base from the Hypermotard 950. But he is placed above the regular version and below the Hypermotard 950 SP as the top specification.

The Hypermotard 950 RVE continues to feature an aggressively styled supermoto with twin under-seat exhausts and visible mechanical components. Including the iconic trellis frame, flat seat tapered for ease of movement, and an open L-twin engine, ensuring Ducati reliability and extremely pleasing power delivery.

Talking about the engine, it relies on a 937cc two-cylinder 11° Testastretta that is capable of producing 114 hp at 9,000 rpm and 96.3 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm. This torque is what makes him popular among motard fans. Nearly 80 percent of torque is available from 3,000 to 9,500 rpm. This linear power output maximizes drivability, performance, and most importantly, pleasure, whether you're running on the track, or driving in the city every day.

The RVE comes with the latest Ducati technology advancements, including the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO. Bosch Cornering ABS with Slide by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.

This model also features a fully adjustable suspension, so owners can easily change their riding style settings. Use Marzocchi 45mm forks up front and Sachs mono-shock at the rear.

Brakes are from Brembo with 320mm discs paired with twin M4.32 four-piston radical monoblock calipers up front. A 245mm disc, coupled to a single two-piston caliper is used at the rear.

The Hypermotard 950 RVE began hitting showroom floors across the United States in late May and retails for $15,695 or IDR 230 million when converted into Indonesian currency. And in the absence of a performance boost, the cool Ducati Hypermotard 950 RVE will continue to compete against the KTM 890 Duke R, Yamaha MT-09 SP, and Husqvarna 701 Supermoto.

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Be the Cheapest AWD SUV, Check Out the Specifications and Features of the All New Subaru Forester

 PT Plaza Auto Mega now houses the SUbaru car brand in Indonesia. Today, Wednesday (18/5) they officially launched their first product in the SUV segment with the all new Forester AWD.

Arie Christopher as Chief Operating Officer of Subaru Indonesia explained, Forester which was launched for the domestic market is the 5th generation which was recently introduced in several countries. The advantages offered are the engine design, completeness of features, and the feeling of driving.

"With the latest Subaru Core Technology such as the Subaru Global Platform, BOXER Engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with the new X-Mode, as well as the premiere of the 4th generation Subaru EyeSight active safety system, we are confident that the all-new Subaru Forester will become a new benchmark in its class, a daily SUV that is safe and comfortable, and has reliable off-road capabilities," said Arie at Plaza Subaru, Alam Sutera, South Tangerang.

The price positioning offered is quite attractive. Making Forester the cheapest AWD (All Wheel Drive) SUV in Indonesia. Comes in 2 variants, this car is sold with a tag of IDR 579.5 million OTR for the 2.0i-L option and IDR 659.5 million OTR for the 2.0i-S EyeSight variant.

For those who are planning to buy this car in the near future, the most important thing is to know what specifications and features it has. In this article, we will present a complete summary.

Specification

Okay constructionally, the all new Subaru Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform. This construction is the latest development of Japan's Subaru Corporation.

 This construction is claimed to be 1 level more safety than the previous construction. The Subaru Global Platform enables up to 40% better impact absorption, up to 50% reduced body roll, and up to 70% increased rigidity to provide passengers with a sense of security, dynamic driving impression and comfort.

Now for the specifications, this SUV still relies on a blend of Subaru DNA engines. Where behind the bonnet lies the FB20 Boxer engine with a 180° symmetric axle layout, 4-cylinder, and contains a 2,000 cc cylinder. The pacemaker is capable of delivering maximum power of up to 156 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of up to 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

The output is channeled through a 7-speed Lineartronic CVT transmission and Active Torque Split AWD for smooth and even power distribution in all revs and road conditions. Shifting gears can also be done manually via paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

Marketing Manager Communication of Subaru Indonesia, Ismail Ashlan, explained that although the amount of power and torque produced was not too large. The composition of the AWD drive in all Forester variants will offer good performance.

"People's preferences are different, but what is clear is that the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has far greater power loss compared to rear or front wheel drive. So the 156 PS you get is what you will feel on the road. The focus is on reduced power loss," said the Mail, his best friend. .

Feature

With a car price tag of over Rp. 500 million, of course, feature devices are a sector that cannot be missed. This relates to comfort and safety when you drive a car.

Especially for the Subaru Forester, which is sold in Indonesia, it is quite complete in terms of features. Where the highest variant is equipped with semi-autonomous security technology or the Subaru branding as EyeSight. Inside, there are 8 features for sale, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Away Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection.

For other safety features, this car is also equipped with Airbags, Hill Hold Control, Traction Control, Blind Spot Minimization, Auto Headlight, and Auto Wiper.

As for entertainment features, the all new Forester also focuses on this sector. Where an 8-inch head unit has been embedded with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connections. Then comes the Instrument cluster, which comes with 2 dials and one LED screen for interactive information.

Especially for the EyeSight variant, it is equipped with a sunroof, an audio device by Harman Kardon with 9 speakers at once with 576 watts of power.

Not to forget the driving fun feature, this car is equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (drive mode) which is available in Intelligent Mode (Eco Mode) and Sports Mode options.

Now for those who like to scratch the ground or explore off-road paths, the all new Subaru Forester is also equipped with a special model or what is known as X-Mode. Here the rider can choose several options ranging from Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.

The operation is quite easy with 1 touch on the center console. The combination of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the latest X-Mode in this car is claimed to bring more driving pleasure than other car brands. Oh yes, interestingly X-Mode is presented in the 2 latest Forester variants.

For light off-road needs, Forester feels very reliable. In addition to having X-Mode features and AWD drive, it also has a ground clearance of 220 mm, a departure angle of 24.6 degrees, an approach angle of 20 degrees, and a brake over of 19.6 degrees.

Overall, the Forester comes in a 5-seater configuration. For matters of carrying goods, the trunk has a capacity of up to 500 liters which can be expanded to 1,740 liters when leveling the second row of seats.

Overview of the Differences between the Two Variants

With a price difference of up to IDR 80 million, the two variants offered for the Indonesian market have several main differences.

We have explained several things above, such as the absence of a sunroof for the cheapest variant, the absence of a Harman Kardon audio device, and not being equipped with the EyeSight safety feature.

Then the difference is also present in the wheel circumference, for the most expensive type using 18-inch alloy wheels made of 5 spoke alloy with diamond cut and piano black finishing. He uses a 225/55 tire profile. As for the 2.0i-L non-EyeSight variant, it uses 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone black & silver with tire specifications at 255/65.

For your information, the shipment of the latest Subaru Forester will only be carried out in August with the status of an intact CBU unit from Japan. While the faucet for orders has been opened as of today.

"Why in August? The products in Indonesia are directly from Subaru Corporation in Gunma Japan, so there must be an adjustment to product specifications. So there is a waiting time until August because the products sold here are really adjusted to the conditions (temperature, road conditions, weather) )," explained Mail.

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Valentino Rossi's 46 racing number is retired, other racers are prohibited from using it

 After more than 25 years in the world of motorcycle racing, Valentino Rossi ends his career in the 2021 season. The former nine-time world champion and MotoGP legend has recorded 115 race wins and a total of 235 podiums. Not only that, his name has also brought MotoGP to be so well known and attracted so many fans around the world.

Rossi's great contribution to MotoGP does not stop with him, because he also founded the VR46 Riders Academy, a racing school whose students are now also taking part in MotoGP. Naturally, last year, Dorna Sports, as the MotoGP regulator, immediately awarded him the title of legend when he decided to retire at the end of the season.

As a form of respect for the legend, the iconic number 46 that had been used by Rossi was immediately retired by Dorna. The ceremony was held on May 28 or just before the qualifying session at the Gran Premio d'Italia Oakley Mugello, Italy, for the Italian GP. "The number 46 will be retired from use in the MotoGP class at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello," reads an official statement from MotoGP on Saturday (14/5).

The number is indeed so identical to Valentino Rossi. And with the retirement of number 46 in the MotoGP class, later no more riders will be allowed to wear that number. This is the second award after Rossi retired at the end of the 2021 season. Previously, The Doctor was inducted into the MotoGP Legend Hall of Fame in Valencia in November last year.

“The most positive thing in my career is that many people started following MotoGP to follow my career from the start, and this sport became bigger, not only famous in Italy but also all over the world. It's a relief to know that during my career I became something different, something like an icon and this is a great honor," Rossi said as quoted by Reuters at the end of last year.

On the other hand, The Doctor actually prefers his number to be used by young drivers. If retired, it could close the dream of young riders to use their idol number. "About my number (46), I thought, I don't like number 46 being retired. I would prefer it to remain and if some other riders want to wear that number, they can," said Rossi quoted from Crash, Sunday (15/5). )

The racing number that he carried during his career in the racing world is actually a legacy. Rossi chose the number 46 because his father, Graziano Rossi is a former racer who also uses the number 46 on his motorbike. So he hopes that with this number he can follow in his father's footsteps to become a motorcycle racer.

Although he has retired from MotoGP, Rossi is currently still competing in the racing world. One of them participated in the GT World Challenge championship in Europe. Meanwhile his VR46 Racing Team made its MotoGP premier class debut this season.

For your information, actually this is not the first time the racer's number has been retired. Previously there were Marco Simoncelli (58), Nicky Hayden (69), Loris Capirossi (65) and Kevin Schwantz (34). Those are numbers that can no longer be used in the MotoGP premier class.

Then in the Moto2 class, Luis Salom with number 39. This number cannot be used anymore after Salom died in an accident in Catalunya in 2016. Next is number 48 belonging to Shiya Tomizawa who died in Misano in 2010. Last year, Dorna also retired Jason's number 50 Dupasquier.

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Joan Mir and Alex Rins Join Honda

 The news about Suzuki leaving MotoGP shocked the racing world. His party has announced that it will withdraw after the end of the 2022 season. So what will happen to the two drivers who are quite competitive, Alex Rins and Joan Mir. Both were disappointed by the decision. But there is speculation circulating that the future of the two riders is in the hands of the Honda manufacturer.

Initially both drivers will renew their contracts with Suzuki. However, after the Hamamatsu manufacturer announced it was withdrawing from MotoGP, both Rins and Mir's status 'floated'. Even though both Rins and Mir have the potential to win every series. Financial reasons are said to be the reason the Suzuki factory team decided to leave

Meanwhile Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig has confirmed that the two Spaniards have contacted Honda to discuss future prospects. They had discussions ahead of the Le Mans MotoGP. As in life, compromises have to be made. If Honda took one or both of them, something had to be sacrificed, in other words the other rider would lose his seat.

Pol Espargaro is a racer who is considered at risk of losing his seat. According to reports, Joan Mir is considered to have the potential to occupy the second seat at Honda Repsol. But so far Puig has not explained in detail about the decision to take Mir or Rins. His party stated that whenever a rider wanted to talk, Honda only listened to what they had to say.

"I can't judge whether Mir and Rins also spoke to other manufacturers. All I know is that they contacted us. They wanted to talk, we had some conversations with them. When a rider wants to talk to Honda, Honda always listens. We respect the riders and we have to listen to what they have to say," Puig said in an article published by Speedweek.

Puig further stressed that Honda did not change its strategy just because Suzuki had decided to leave MotoGP. Apart from that Puig was not in the mood to elaborate on any discussions he had with Mir and Rins. The former Grand Prix racer said HRC's strategy of hitting the 'target' would not be influenced by Mir and Rins.

However, there are some opportunities for Rins and Mir from other manufacturers. Maybe Yamaha, KTM and maybe even Aprilia want to sign them. Both have the same opportunity to be competitive again in the coming season. But at this point, most of the riders have not confirmed their contracts for the 2023 season, so the MotoGP rider seat game is far from over.

Not only with Pol Espargaro, Honda can also make changes to the two LCR seats. One of them can involve Ai Ogura who replaces Takaaki Nakagami. Meanwhile, Alex Marquez's future with the Japanese manufacturer is also in doubt.

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