Registrations for the 2020 Asia Talent Cup are closing this Sunday (11 August 2019), meaning talented young riders from Asia and Oceania have just a few days remaining to apply and join the Road to MotoGP™ in 2020 - click here to apply!
The Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup is an unrivalled way for youngsters in Asia and Oceania to begin their careers in racing, with race weekends at some of the biggest motorcycling events in the world alongside MotoGP™ and WorldSBK. Riders compete on identical Honda NSF250R Moto3™ machines, creating a highly-competitive Cup in which the goal is simple: learn and progress on the Road to MotoGP™.
IATC alumni have already made their way into the MotoGP™ World Championship, with representation in both Moto2™ and Moto3™. 2014 and 2015 IATC Champions Kaito Toba and Ayumu Sasaki compete in the lightweight class, with Toba becoming the first IATC Champion to win a Grand Prix earlier this season in Qatar. Can Öncü, another former IATC rider, also broke the record and became the youngest ever Grand Prix winner in Valencia last year. 2016 Champion Somkiat Chantra, meanwhile, made the leap straight into Moto2™ and has already been in the top ten. 2017 and 2018 Champions Deniz Öncü and Bill Van Eerde remain on the Road to MotoGP™ in the FIM Moto3™ Junior World Championship.
Enrolment and selection
The application period closes on the 11th of August 2019. Once prospective riders have applied online, their application will be considered and they may be invited to the Selection Event.
The Selection Event will take place in Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October – just before the 2019 Malaysian Grand Prix. There, a panel of experts will put applicants through their paces and the best will be offered the chance to join the 2020 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and start their Road to MotoGP™.
Important information
There’s no minimum level of experience required for riders, but a certain skill level must be shown. Previous experience could include dirt-track, motocross, scooter or mini bike racing, but the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup is focused on searching for talent and potential, not experience.
Applicants must be born between 1st January 1999 and 1st February 2007.
The list of those chosen to attend the Selection Event will be published on 10th September 2019.
Key dates
Registration closes: 11th August 2019
Publication of the list for the Selection Event: 10th September 2019 (online at www.asiatalentcup.com)
Selection Event: 29th & 30th October 2019, Sepang International Circuit