OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE KICK-STARTS THE YPF MXGP OF ARGENTINA

BARILOCHE (Patagonia – Argentina) 6 March 2026 – The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship is ready to ignite the new season as the MXGP paddock gathers in the breathtaking region of Patagonia for the YPF MXGP of Argentina, marking a historic return to the beautiful southern part of the country and the first-ever Grand Prix in Bariloche.

Following a thrilling 2025 campaign, teams, riders, manufacturers and officials have travelled across the globe to launch what promises to be a spectacular season of world-class motocross racing. The traditional Opening Press Conference officially kicked off the series and the traditional media day activities of the Friday.

Joining the press conference were Infront Moto Racing CEO & President David Luongo, FIM / CMS Commission Director Antonio Alia Portela, +Eventos Sports Director Pablo Eli, and FEEBA President Leonardo Marcasciano, who all expressed their excitement about beginning the new championship in this iconic region of Argentina.

Bariloche, known worldwide for its stunning natural landscapes, lakes and mountains, now adds a new chapter to its sporting history as it hosts the opening round of the 2026 championship on a brand-new circuit.

David Luongo, CEO and President of Infront Moto Racing: “After the Nations we always say winter is welcome, but the break is over now and we are all very happy to be back racing, especially here in Patagonia. It is a great pleasure for the whole MXGP paddock to start the season in such a beautiful region on a new track that the riders are discovering now. We come after a fantastic 2025 season where all the championships were decided at the final Grand Prix, and we are excited to begin another year of competition. The 2026 season is also special for us as it marks the 30th anniversary of our company promoting the Motocross World Championship – from Action Group in 1996 to Youthstream and today Infront Moto Racing. It has been a long journey shared with many of the same passionate people who are still part of the paddock today. On the sporting side the level will be incredible, with eight world champions competing in MXGP and almost everyone fit for the opening race. We will do our best to provide the best conditions, the best tracks and the best facilities for all stakeholders throughout the season. I would also like to thank the FIM for the strong collaboration we have shared for many years, as well as the local organisers here in Argentina who have done an incredible job to make this Grand Prix possible and to welcome the championship back to this amazing region.”

Antonio Alia Portela, FIM Motocross Commission Director: “It is an enormous pleasure to return to this region of the world and to open the season here in South America. A lot of work has gone into preparing this new venue and it shows the commitment of everyone involved, from Infront Moto Racing to the local organisers and FEEBA. Even with challenging weather conditions they have worked very hard to prepare the track and the venue, which gives us confidence for the future. From a sporting perspective the season ahead is extremely exciting, with many contenders for the world titles in both classes and a demanding global calendar that will take the championship around the world. We want to thank the teams for their continued effort and commitment, and we look forward to an incredible season starting here in Argentina.”

Pablo Eli, Sports Director of Mas Eventos: “For us it is a great pleasure to return to Patagonia, which is where MXGP Argentina was born, and especially here in Bariloche, a city with a strong history in Argentine motocross. I want to thank the government of Río Negro, the people of FEEBA and Infront Moto Racing for continuing to trust us as their representatives in Latin America. The riders who have already walked the track are talking about the magic of this circuit and its unique terrain, so we believe it will be an excellent weekend and a fantastic show for the fans.”

Leonardo Marcasciano, President of FEBA: “It is a great pleasure and a real pride for us to welcome MXGP to our city. Bariloche is known for its lakes and mountains, but motocross is also part of our DNA. Many years ago the first races of the Argentine championship were organised here, and today we are proud to see MXGP return to this region and bring this great event to Bariloche.”

The press conference also highlighted the anticipation surrounding the 2026 season, which features 19 Grands Prix across five continents, including the return of South Africa to the MXGP calendar and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations set to take place in Ernée, France.

YPF MXGP OF ARGENTINA OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE

*Main Photo (left to right): Leonardo Marcasciano, David Luongo,Pablo Eli, Antonio Alia Portela

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC-3)

SATURDAY: 09:15-09:45 Blåkläder Start Practice MX2, 09:50-10:20 Blåkläder Start Practice MXGP, 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

YPF MXGP of Argentina