MotoGP stars get in the mood for Misano with a basketball challenge

The San Marino Grand Prix takes place from 11 to 13 September. Before the riders in the MotoGP World Championship battle it out for championship points at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, some of them will take part in an exhibition basketball match. We’re talking about the Italian home favourites and VR46 Academy riders Marco Bezzecchi, Pecco Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli. They will compete against each other in a match alongside professional basketball players.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and MotoGP are organising a 3x3 basketball showcase in Rimini on 9 September. The event aims to bring together MotoGP riders, basketball players and fans for an evening of shared enjoyment.

The ‘FIBA 3x3 MotoGP Showcase’, which takes place from 5.30 pm at Piazzale Kennedy in Misano, will feature a slam dunk show, followed by a basketball match involving MotoGP riders, FIBA 3x3 players and special guests. The format: three players from each team will compete against one another. In this variant, the game is played using just one basket.

Morbidelli versus Bezzecchi and Bagnaia

Morbidelli will lead his team against a side featuring Bezzecchi and Bagnaia. Other confirmed players include 3x3 basketball player Giorgio Di Bonaventura and content creator Luca Campolunghi. Further names will be announced shortly before the competition.

“Bringing together MotoGP riders, 3x3 basketball players and content creators for this event creates a unique opportunity to unite two dynamic sporting communities and introduce new fans to 3x3 basketball in an exciting setting,” said Alex Sanchez, Managing Director of FIBA 3x3. “We are delighted to be collaborating with MotoGP on this event in Rimini.”

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Kelly Brittain, Managing Director of Global Marketing at MotoGP, added: “We are delighted to be working with FIBA on this event, bringing basketball and MotoGP together. It will be great entertainment for everyone, who will be able to enjoy the show just before the San Marino Grand Prix – it’s a stylish way to kick off the weekend’s celebrations.”