Valencia, 26th November 2023 – The inaugural MotoGP™ Beats: Lights Out Gala marked the grand finale of the 2023 MotoGP™ World Championship season. The Pabellon Fuente San Luis in Valencia witnessed a splendid celebration, capping off an extraordinary year in the world of premier motorcycle racing. The evening reached its crescendo with a mesmerizing concert by the award-winning Spanish sensation, Ana Mena, adding a musical flourish to the festivities.
Guided by the dynamic duo of Gavin Emmett and Alina Marzi, the focal point of the evening unfolded on the main stage. A riveting spectacle ensued as the MotoGP™ podium finishers took center stage, with Marco Bezzecchi of Mooney VR46 Racing Team and Jorge Martin representing Prima Pramac Racing, proudly receiving their bronze and silver medals. The highlight of the ceremony was the crowning moment for the now two-time MotoGP™ World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team, who, for the second consecutive year, had the privilege of affixing his plaque to the illustrious MotoGP™ Tower of Champions.
Stepping into the limelight on the main stage were the newly crowned 2023 Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Champions. Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Ajo and Jaume Masia of Leopard Racing took centre stage, cherishing their well-deserved championship trophies.
Meanwhile, on the red carpet, Jack Appleyard conducted insightful interviews, adding an extra layer of excitement. The fans were treated to more prize-giving moments, with Ducati and Prima Pramac Racing clinching the Constructors’ and Teams’ titles. The accolades continued as Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda Team, chosen by the fans, secured the prestigious Agostini Award for executing the best overtake in the 2023 season.
Adding to the red carpet glamour, the runners-up in the Moto2™ and Moto3™ categories were duly recognized for their outstanding performances. Tony Arbolino of Elf Marc VDS Racing Team secured his place as Moto2™ runner-up, while Ayumu Sasaki of Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP earned well-deserved accolades as Moto3™ runner-up.
The celebration continued as the third-place finishers in the intermediate and lightweight classes, Fermin Aldeguer of CAG SpeedUp and David Alonso of Valresa GASGAS Aspar Team, joined in to revel in their commendable achievements. The red carpet became a stage not just for awards but also for acknowledging the talent and determination displayed by these accomplished riders.
Red Bull KTM Ajo asserted their dominance in Moto2™, clinching the coveted Teams’ trophy, while the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP squad celebrated their triumph in Moto3™. The accolades extended beyond individual glory as both teams also secured the Constructor awards in their respective categories, with Kalex and KTM emerging victorious.
Adding an extra layer of prestige, the Tissot Pole of Poles awards were handed out, with the 2023 World Champions—Bagnaia, Acosta, and Masia—each receiving this distinguished honor for their exceptional pole-position performances.
The icing on the cake was Francesco Bagnaia being presented with the prestigious BMW M Award, adding a touch of luxury to his impressive list of accomplishments.
The curtain fell on a remarkable 2023 MotoE™ season, marked by historic achievements and celebrated on a grand scale. Matteo Ferrari of Felo Gresini MotoE claimed a well-deserved third place, while Jordi Torres of Openbank Aspar Team secured the second spot. The ultimate accolade went to the newly crowned World Champion, Mattia Casadei of HP Pons Los40, who stood atop the podium to commemorate his stellar season.
The celebrations extended beyond individual glory as HP Pons Los40 proudly clinched the Teams’ title, underscoring their collective prowess in the electric motorcycle championship. It was a fitting conclusion to a season that will undoubtedly go down in the MotoE™ history books.
And with that, the final chapter of 2023 comes to a close. As the curtain descends, we reflect on the phenomenal accomplishments witnessed throughout this season, etching new chapters into the annals of history, destined to be woven into the fabric of the sport. Farewell to those embarking on new challenges in different arenas, best of luck to those gearing up to tackle the trials of 2024 within the paddock, and heartfelt congratulations to all who contributed to making this season an indelible mark on the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship. Until next time, as the echoes of 2023 reverberate, we eagerly await the thrills and triumphs that 2024 will undoubtedly bring.
Pictures from Official MotoGP Press Release
