RETURN TO ACTION FOR TOP FACTORY RIDERS AT MXGP OF SWITZERLAND!

Frauenfeld (Switzerland) 23 August 2024 – The MXGP of Switzerland is a vital one for the contenders at the top of the standings in both MXGP and MX2 this weekend, but for some riders it signals the return to the MXGP Paddock for the first time in many months as they come back from their injury-enforced absences to compete once more at the highest level.

For Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP, former MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux lines up for the first time since the second round in Spain, when he aggravated his right foot injury sustained at the same circuit in 2023.  After being announced as part of the unchanged Team France line-up for the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, he will surely need to build race fitness to ensure that he gives his country the best possible chance of defending its MXoN title.

Maxime himself has no expectations of repeating his overall victory at last year’s MXGP of Switzerland: “I’ll just dive in the deep end and build from there; I’ll line up aiming to race clean, without too much risk, just to get some racing under my belt.”  Meanwhile, although still on the Entry List, his teammate Calvin Vlaanderen’s participation is uncertain after hurting his left knee in a first corner crash at the MXGP of The Netherlands. He will have his knee examined by specialists this week to determine the best course of action, and whether or not he can ride.

Jago Geerts continues his fight back from his Argentina injuries after completing the first MXGP race laps of his career at Arnhem for 10-13 finishes.

In the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 awning, there will be a full compliment of three riders ready for action, with Thibault Benistant returning after his practice crash at the Monster Energy MXGP of France.  The French star, who also won his class at this venue in 2023 and was fourth in MX2 before his injuries, will be welcomed back to the grid as he also begins to build for 2025, which will be his final year in MX2.  “I’m definitely not at 100% yet. Still, I feel good on the bike and really enjoy riding again.  I like the track – it’s full of ruts and bumps, which I actually enjoy.  My only expectation is to have fun being back on track.”

Meanwhile, Team HRC will enjoy being back at full strength at Frauenfeld as Ruben Fernandez joins Tim Gajser and Ferruccio Zanchi for the first time since Argentina.  The Spaniard, fifth in last year’s MXGP World Championship, has been out with a lower leg injury since the opening corners of the RAM Qualifying Race in Patagonia.  After a successful Spanish race at Sariego, it was decided that the Frauenfeld circuit would be a perfect place for his return. “I am very excited to be back in the paddock and going racing again in the MXGP class. I know the journey isn’t over, but this is another important step in my recovery process, so that eventually I can get back to winning Grands Prix.”

Another rider who surely has hopes of competing at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, it will be fascinating to see where Ruben emerges at the end of the weekend, but with him, Maxime, and Thibault returning to action, the MXGP of Switzerland is certainly all the better for their presence.