Suzuki announces Red Bull Road to Rookies Cup programme

The second season of the one-make series using Suzuki Gixxer bikes will start during the weekend of June 24-26, at the Kari Motor Speedway.

The five-round championship will act as a support event to the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, with the finale in October.

For this year, the Japanese manufacturer has also announced a tie-up with Red Bull, with riders in line for a shot at its Rookies Cup.

Two riders from among the 10, who will race in the Indian championship will be selected and sent to Spain for further coaching.

The two riders will then undergo a grueling selection process competing against the world's best for a spot in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, for the 2017 season.

The Road to Rookies Cup will have separate championship points for only three of the five rounds and will run parallel to the Novice category, open to riders between the ages of 13-17.

The selection of the two riders will be based on age, height, weight and their overall performance in the races.

"We saw a hugely positive response after entering the Indian racing arena last year, and clearly felt the need to only improve upon the laurels from our first season of the Gixxer Cup," said Satoshi Uchida, Managing Director, Suzuki India.

"This year, we bring Red Bull Road to Rookies Cup, a world renowned platform, to the young Indian riders for the first time, while sticking to the Gixxer Cup format alongside."