The Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya is more than the 7th round of the MotoGP championship. This year, the Thursday before the on-track action marks 70 years since the first race of the World Motorcycle Racing Championship in 1949. So to celebrate its beginning, its evolution, and what it is today, MotoGP ™ toured Barcelona, showing machines past and present, with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) in the lead role.
In one of the most visited cities in the world, there is no shortage of landmarks and so a motorcycle representing each of the MotoGP™ manufacturers was displayed in six iconic locations, along with one of the machines who won the first world championship. The Velocette 350cc, Moto Guzzi 250cc and 125cc Mondial took center stage alongside the 2019 Honda, Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM and Aprilia, showcasing the roots of MotoGP™ and its evolution.
That's not all. In addition to exhibitions throughout the city, Maverick Viñales put on a show in Tibidabo. Tibidabo, the highest peak of the Collserola massif which borders Barcelona to the north and which offers one of the most spectacular views of Catalonia, is topped by the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (Atoning Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) and the famous Tibidabo amusement park, to which Viñales arrived on a 350 Yamaha TZ 1975.
Stopping at the fabulous Sarrià viewpoint on the way to the summit, Viñales was able to sample a very different machine as he arrived in style at Tibidabo. There, he was reunited with his bike before the race weekend, ready to add another chapter to the incredible story of MotoGP™.
Maverick Vinales : " It's another way to ride! Honestly, I really liked it, it was amazing to be back on a two-stroke, this old school bike is something incredible. The wheels are thinner, it's totally different. I must say they had big balls in the past! Motorcycling is not that easy. So we enjoyed it a lot, and we arrived in Tibidabo where the view is amazing. It was a pleasure, I'm very motivated and I can't wait to be back on my bike and make the most of the race. ".
Stay tuned throughout the Grand Prix for more 70th anniversary celebrations!
