The Philippines may yet see a Filipino racer compete at the premier motorcycle racing class, MotoGP. Yamaha racer, McKinley Kyle Paz, the 2019 Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) UB150 Overall Champion, is setting his sights on the 2021 FIM CEV-Repsol Moto2 league.
The Moto2 championship is the closest stepping stone for riders who aspire to compete at the top-level MotoGP championship. It's a support race for the MotoGP championship and follows a similar calendar of events. MotoGP teams frequently scout the Moto2 class for future riders. MotoGP is the highest-tier motorcycle racing championship in the world. It’s often called the Formula 1 of the motorcycle racing world.
Paz will make history as the first Filipino to compete in the event, populated by the best young talents from all over the world. Racing under the VR46 Master Camp Team, he will represent the country in racetracks across Spain and Portugal. The VR46 Master Camp team was founded by multiple MotoGP champion, Valentino Rossi, with VR being his initials and 46 being his racing number.
Paz began racing at a young age, scooping up championships in multiple classes and competitions. After dominating local competitions, he made his mark as competitive rider with his victory at the Asia Road Racing Championship, being the first Filipino to be named champion in this category. He was also the first Filipino to be invited to the highly exclusive VR46 Master Camp.
Yamaha Motor Philippines has been instrumental in his development, with its numerous programs aimed at discovering and developing riders in the Philippines. The company continues to provide Filipino riders the opportunity to showcase their talent in races at home and abroad.
Paz begins his campaign on June 6, 2021, 8:30 p.m. (Philippine Time) Barcelona-Catalonia, Catalonia, Spain. Tune in to the Moto2 race to cheer for our future MotoGP racer.