MX2

Championship leaders Gajser and Renaux victorious at the Latvian Grand Prix

KEGUMS (Latvia) 8 August 2021 – The seventh round of the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship has concluded in Kegums, with MXGP and MX2 Championship leaders Tim Gajser of Team HRC and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Maxime Renaux taking overall victories to extend their lead in the series standings.

 

In the first MXGP race it was Jeffrey Herlings of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing who grabbed the Fox Holeshot ahead of fellow factory KTM rider Jorge Prado and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff who was being pushed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli.

Home hero and Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing rider Pauls Jonass got off to a strong start in the race as he was sitting in sixth place ahead of Romain Febvre of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team and MRT Racing Team KTM’s Alessandro Lupino. All while Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer and Ben Watson were buried in the mid-field.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen went out of the first race, while his teammate Arminas Jasikonis did not line-up for the races at all, due to a crash in timed practice this morning.

Herlings continued to lead Gajser who was looking to close the gap down, with Prado, Coldenhoff and Cairoli just behind, while Febvre was trying to push #222 for fifth.

Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen got off to a fantastic start in the race as he briefly ran in the top five, though did not finish the race as he rode back to the paddock.

Just as it looked like Prado, Coldenhoff, Cairoli and Febvre were starting to settle behind Herlings and Gajser, Cairoli sensed his opportunity to get around the #259 of Coldenhoff to get himself into fourth place.

Cairoli then went after Prado to steal third, while the Spaniard was coming under more pressure from Coldenhoff and Febvre, as well as Jonass who was starting to close in on the group.

Febvre then passed Coldenhoff and set his sights on Prado, with Jonass also making a move on Coldenhoff which the Latvian fans loved.

In the end Gajser could do nothing to close the gap to Herlings who was the race winner, with the Slovenian finishing second and Cairoli placing third.

In race two, it was Febvre who led the rest of the field into the first corner to secure his fifth Fox Holeshot of the season. The Frenchman then led Prado, Herlings, Cairoli and Vlaanderen.

Cairoli then crashed out of fourth and re-joined the race inside the top 10, all while things were looking good for Febvre but just two laps later the Kawasaki rider made a mistake and crashed out of the lead with Prado inheriting P1.

Jonass had a tough start to the second heat after crashing in the first corner. He then chased Watson for 15th, after doing so he caught onto JM Honda Racing’s Henry Jacobi who rode into the side of the Latvian and thus both riders went down. Jonass managed to get back up to 15th by the end of the race with Jacobi ahead in 14th.

Prado continued to lead Herlings, as Gajser was looking to close in on the pair.

Herlings then stepped things up in the closing stages of the second race as he took the gap down from 2.6 seconds to 0.789 – and it was clear that the race win was his focus.

It then looked like Febvre was chasing down Gajser for third with a smoking bike, putting his race in doubt.

The gap between Prado and Herlings remained under a second for the remainder of the race and on the final lap it looked like he was going to make a pass but was dealt another blow this season as he went down. The Bullet managed to pick himself up in fourth, only with Gajser and Febvre going through.

In the end Prado was the race winner, with Gajser second and Febvre third.

With two very solid 2-2 results, Tim Gajser was the overall Grand Prix winner, while Jorge Prado and Jeffrey Herlings were tied on 43 points for second and third.

Today’s overall victory was the perfect comeback for Gajser who struggled in Loket and Lommel as he continues to lead the MXGP World Championship on 270 points, 13 ahead of Romain Febvre who has Jorge Prado breathing down his neck a further two points behind.

Tim Gajser: “That was the goal for today, just to have two solid starts. I was riding well, didn’t make any mistakes, I was consistent and we managed. Of course, we had a little bit of luck with Jeffrey going down on the last lap but super happy about the day. It’s good to go into the summer break with the overall and work hard to improve some things to make sure I am strong in the next GP’s, so I’m really looking forward to coming back to Turkey as I really like the track”.

“In the last couple of weeks, I was just adding too much pressure onto myself, so today I just said to myself, just enjoy it and have fun. I really don’t want to look at the championship as it’s still early in the season, but I just want to focus on each GP. Of course, I will take a rest day and then will train hard to be strong for the second half of the season”.

Jorge Prado: “Today was a great day especially that last race win of the day, it’s a good feeling. I’m definitely feeling stronger and stronger which is very positive. Since Loket I have been improving a lot and now I have some weeks to get even better physically which has been my weakest point so far this season. In the first race, I struggled a lot with the rhythm, these guys were pushing really hard and I just couldn’t find the good lines and made it hard for myself. In the second race, I knew start would be important with the weather. I got behind Romain and tried to attack but I made a small mistake, then a couple of laps later on, he crashed. I knew Jeffrey was behind me and I knew he would push in the last laps, I was waiting for him on my back wheel and those laps were so long in the end but I got the race win and I am happy”

“It’s good. I’ve never been so close to the championship. Still a long championship and things are getting better and better, and we’ve got tracks coming up in the rest of the season that I really like so I’m really looking forward to it”.

Jeffrey Herlings: “The start of my weekend was perfect. In the first race I really controlled in and took the win, but the second race I started third behind Jorge who had a good pace. Then Romain crashed so it was me and Jorge and it was raining, I didn’t want to get roosted, so I gave Jorge like a three or four second gap. He was riding perfectly; he was riding defence lines which were good, and he didn’t make any mistakes. I was looking to make a pass but with two laps to go I was just thinking to take home the overall and I didn’t want to take any risk. I was really happy but then I jumped into the turn, and I tipped over, got up to go, my bike wouldn’t start which is normal when the bikes get hot and that was the overall gone. 1-4 for third overall and on the other side I should be happy to even race here but now I will re-group, get healthy, train hard and be ready for the second half”.

“We have four weeks now. Time to re-group and get healthy and I know exactly what I need to do as these guys are fast. There’s 43 points in it now but there’s still 11 rounds to go”.

            

Main Photo: Tim Gajser

Bottom Photos: 1. Jorge Prado; 2. Jeffrey Herlings 

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:16.523; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:07.703; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:11.783; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:15.598; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:16.934; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GASGAS), +0:18.641; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Yamaha), +0:38.794; 8. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), +0:49.702; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:51.833; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, GASGAS), +1:05.516;   

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 36:22.889; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:07.092; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:15.563; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:26.606; 5. Brian Bogers (NED, GASGAS), +0:45.399; 6. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:54.203; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:58.321; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +1:00.486; 9. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), +1:08.843; 10. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:10.292;

MXGP - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 44 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 43 p.; 3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 43 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 36 p.; 5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 35 p.; 6. Brian Bogers (NED, GAS), 27 p.; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 26 p.; 8. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), 25 p.; 9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GAS), 21 p.; 10. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 19 p.;

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 270 points; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 257 p.; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 255 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 252 p.; 5. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 227 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 206 p.; 7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GAS), 180 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 174 p.; 9. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), 134 p.; 10. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 130 p.;

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 329 points; 2. Honda, 271 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 262 p.; 4. Yamaha, 237 p.; 5. GASGAS, 201 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 128 p.;

 

As the gate dropped for the opening MX2 race of the day, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Mattia Guadagnini who secured the Fox Holeshot ahead of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Rene Hofer got a good start in fourth ahead of Renaux.

Diga Procross GasGas Factory Racing’s Isak Gifting and Simon Längenfelder both had an unlucky start to the race, with the pair both hitting the start gate. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory rider Kay De Wolf and Honda 114 Motorsports’ Ruben Fernandez also struggled with the start as the pair were down at the bottom end of the top 20.

Guadagnini led Beaton, Geerts and Renaux but Renaux was keen on wasting no time, as he quickly got around Geerts for third, before catching onto the back wheel of Beaton to steal his position as well.

Renaux then set the fastest lap of the race as he got within 3.088 seconds of Guadagnini with more than 20 minutes on the clock. From then on it was a charge for the lead by the Yamaha rider who was taking time out of the leader lap by lap.

The battle between the pair was intense, but by lap five we saw a change for the lead as Renaux managed to find a way through. He quickly stretched the gap to just over 3 seconds as Guadagnini was looking to keep close.

Renaux led Guadagnini, Geerts, Beaton and F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Mikkel Haarup who was having a very strong race, fighting at the sharp end of the field in fourth.

De Wolf was making a good recovery as he chased Hofer for eighth place, all while Haarup was starting to come under pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Thibault Benistant and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle. Both riders managed to get around the Dane over the next few laps.

With two laps to go, Renaux continued his lead with Guadagnini second, while Geerts was coming under pressure from Beaton for third.

In the end it was Renaux who won the race, with Guadagnini finishing 5.989 seconds behind, with Geerts holding on to third.

The second race saw Guadagnini time the start perfectly once again as he led the race early in the heat. Haarup started the race in second just ahead of Renaux who made a quick move on the Dane to get himself in the perfect position behind Guadagnini.

Fernandez got a much better start in the second race as he was running fifth behind Geerts who was quick to get around Haarup for third in the opening lap.

Beaton had a tough start to the heat as he went down on opening lap and was down in 18th place. Things did not get much easier for the Aussie, as he fought his way back to 12th and crashed once again to eventually finish the race in P13.

Much like in the first race, Renaux was not looking to waste any time as he chased down Guadagnini and just like in race one, the Frenchman passed the Italian on lap five!

There was a nice three-way battle between Haarup, Hofer and Vialle for fifth, with Vialle managing to get both riders ahead. Haarup then dropped two positions as Hofer and his F&H Kawasaki Racing teammate Mathys Boisrame both got around him. He eventually finished the race in ninth while Boisrame made a mistake and dropped to 15th.

While Renaux continued to lead, Vialle was looking fast as he caught and passed Fernandez to move into fourth.

In the closing stages of the race, it looked like Guadagnini was going to try to get back up to Renaux but unknowingly came under fire from a hard-charging Geerts who stepped it up a gear in the final laps.

Geerts then set his fastest lap of the race as he closed in on Guadagnini and with just a handful of laps to go, the Belgian made a tough move on the Italian to steal second place.

In the end it was Renaux who won the race and celebrated his first 1-1 result, with Geerts second and Guadagnini third.

With two race wins, Maxime Renaux won the MXGP of Latvia, while Jago Geerts stood on the second spot of the podium and Mattia Guadagnini making a comeback to the podium in third, after a tough GP in Lommel.

Renaux now stretches out his championship lead to 34 points over Guadagnini as Geerts sits third just a further two points behind.

Maxime Renaux: “Yeah, actually I got some special motivation for this race. I really wanted to get some good points in championship before the break. Didn’t have the best start in both races but then I could turn really good, try to make my passes as quick as possible and come back. Mattia made two really good starts. I just found my pace and found some spaces to pass him in both races and make a really good gap to be not under pressure, then just cruise to the finish line. So that was really a perfect day. First time for me to have both race wins. I am really happy about it and so happy with how the day turned out”.

“The plan now is for sure to take some rest. Even though it’s not really going to be off for me. Then back to work and try to continue to build for the second half of the season. I really want to make it step by step. I think I am in a good place and don’t want to let anything come in the way. So yeah, keep the focus and keep on going”.

Jago Geerts: “The first race was okay. It could be better. A good start actually. I was third a for a couple of laps. But yeah, I did not have the best pace and I couldn’t catch up Mattia. In the second race, I felt much better and at the end I tried to go for the lead but Maxime was also riding really good. So, I finished second and I am happy with that, second overall as well is good. I’m not thinking of the championship, but I am happy with that and I will just keep building during the break and be ready for the rest of the season”.

Mattia Guadagnini: “I am pretty happy with today. It could be a little bit better, but it is still better than last week. A strong two races with two holeshots, then the two races were pretty similar, Maxime passed me. First race, I led a little bit more, then I was trying to close the gap in the last two laps. But he was also doing good, so I took the second place. Second race, pretty much the same. I took the holeshot then 10 minutes in, he passed me. I tried to stay close to maybe try to pass him but then Jago also came from the back, and he was a bit stronger. So, he passed me, then I just settled for third place. I am pretty happy with the day. Now we will try to push back and be ready for the next race”.

“I was not expecting these results on my first year but I am doing pretty good. So, I am happy with the start of this season. I had some bad races, like in Lommel and lost a lot of points for the championship but it is just the beginning. The championship is still long, so I will try to do my best then we will see”.

           

Main Photo: Maxime Renaux

Bottom Photos: 1. MX2 Start; 2. Mattia Guadagnini & Jago Geerts 

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), 35:49.854; 2. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), +0:05.989; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:09.857; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:10.701; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:13.810; 6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:14.718; 7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Kawasaki), +0:24.155; 8. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:29.084; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:33.119; 10. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:36.031;

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), 35:36.088; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:03.991; 3. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), +0:10.646; 4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:12.473; 5. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:30.841; 6. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:35.150; 7. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:36.555; 8. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:39.295; 9. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Kawasaki), +0:56.809; 10. Isak Gifting (SWE, GASGAS), +0:59.130;

MX2 - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 50 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 42 p.; 3. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 42 p.; 4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 33 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 30 p.; 6. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28 p.; 7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 26 p.; 8. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 26 p.; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 25 p.; 10. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 21 p.;

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 271 points; 2. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 237 p.; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 235 p.; 4. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 214 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 204 p.; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 197 p.; 7. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 192 p.; 8. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 184 p.; 9. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 184 p.; 10. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 137 p.;

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Yamaha, 312 points; 2. KTM, 292 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 227 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 226 p.; 5. Honda, 214 p.; 6. GASGAS, 163 p.;

 

 

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Latvia will be available HERE

 

MXGP OF LATVIA – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1790m

Type of ground: Hard Sand

Temperature: 24°

Weather conditions: Varied with some showers

 

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Sunday, August 8, 2021
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MOTOCROSS GP OF LATVIA - SATURDAY - MIX

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Saturday, August 7, 2021
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MOTOCROSS GP OF LATVIA - ACADEMY

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MOTOCROSS GP OF LATVIA - FRIDAY - MIX

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Friday, August 6, 2021
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Tickets for the MXGP of France now on sale!

Great news motocross fans, the ticket sales for the MXGP of France are now open!

This season the FIM Motocross World Championship will head to Lacapelle-Marival on the 9th and 10th of October for the French Grand Prix. The circuit, located in the southwest of France is not entirely new to the FIM Motocross World Championship, with the venue having hosted the MX3 World Championship in 2009 and 2011, along with a round of EMX2 and WMX.

While this will be the first time that Lacapelle-Marival will officially welcome MXGP, majority of the GP riders are very familiar with the French circuit, as it is a regular host of the annual pre-season International ‘Masters of Motocross’ race. This season Lacapelle-Marival will become the new home of the MXGP of France as it is set to host some incredible action, including battles from the MXGP and MX2 riders as well as the EMX250 and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing championships.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the best riders in the world go head-to-head as they fight for this year’s FIM Motocross World Championship titles!

Get your tickets HERE!

 

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Friday, August 6, 2021
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Infront Moto Racing

Junior World Champions Awarded with SCOTT Prizes

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 4 August 2021 – The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship wrapped up in Megalopolis in Greece with incredible action that saw the 2021 125cc, 86cc Junior Motocross World Champions and 65cc Junior World Cup winner being crowned.

SCOTT Sports, worldwide leader in off-road apparel, goggles, bicycles, and sporting goods has once again teamed up with the 2021 FIM Junior World Championship and has come on-board for 2021 to present the Junior World Champions and World Cup Winner with some amazing SCOTT goodies and care packages to celebrate their achievements.

Following the podium ceremony on Sunday, 125cc Junior World Champion Haakon Osterhagen of Fantic Factory Team Maddii, 85cc Junior World Champion Mattia Barbieri and 65cc World Cup Winner Aaron Katona are awarded with the special SCOTT goggle kit and accessories care package.

Infront Moto Racing would like to thank SCOTT Sports for their continued support and for joining in on the celebrations of the future stars of motocross. 

     

Main Photo: Haakon Osterhagen Action

Bottom Photos: 85cc Podium; 65cc winner Aaron Katona

 

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021
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MXGP heads to Kegums for Latvian Grand Prix

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 4 August 2021 – The FIM Motocross World Championship carries momentum into the seventh round of the series with the MXGP of Latvia this weekend at the technical sand circuit of Kegums.

The Latvian Grand Prix will conclude a four-week stint of races before we head into a three week break ahead of the Turkish double-header.

Last season Kegums hosted the very first, in the history of motocross, triple-header which kick-started the 2020 season after a long break due to a worldwide lockdown. The three races were incredibly successful and saw victories from Glenn Coldenhoff, Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings in MXGP, while in MX2 it was Tom Vialle who won the first GP, while Jago Geerts dominated the last two.

The first race to take place at the Latvian venue was back in 2005 with Sven Breugelmans winning in the MX3 category, while Marcus Norlen was victorious in the 125cc class. The first official Grand Prix to be held in Kegums was in 2009, with Antonio Cairoli winning the then MX1 class and Rui Goncalves victorious in MX2.

This year we return to Kegums for the 11th year, 12 counting the 2014 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, for what will be another interesting Grand Prix as things get more intense in the MXGP and MX2 championships.

This weekend’s races will also the fourth round of the EMX250 and EMX Open Championships. In EMX250, Fantic Factory Team Maddii’s Nicholas Lapucci will look to continue his podium streak and extended his 26-point lead over SM Action YUASA Battery Racing Team’s Kevin Horgmo and TBS Coversions Racing Rick Elzinga.

In EMX Open, Davide De Bortoli enters the fourth round of six, as the championship leader over Honda SR Motoblouz rider Nicolas Dercourt who is four points behind and Simon Croci who is third a further 15 points adrift.

 

In MXGP, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre will enter the Latvian race with a big confidence boost from his first ever Grand Prix victory in Lommel last weekend. Not only that, but last year Febvre got his first podium of the season in Kegums during the MXGP of Latvia on his first outing since injury, therefore big things can be expected of the Frenchman who is now second in the championship standings. Febvre has been pushing hard this season for race wins and an overall victory and in Belgium he got both, so maybe now he will be more relaxed knowing that he had achieved these things last week and will have less pressure going forward.  

While the current MXGP championship leader, Tim Gajser of Team HRC will look to bounce back after two tough races in Czech Republic and Belgium where he lost some vital championship points. Last year’s Latvian triple-header was also not the easiest for the Slovenian who suffered two DNF’s, but hopefully this time around will be different, and he will be able to pick himself up and get back to winning ways.  

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli will no doubt be looking to get himself back on the podium in Latvia after breaking his four GP podium streak in Lommel. Last year Cairoli won the second of the three events in Kegums, so clearly, he has what it takes to win races on the hard sand circuit. His teammate Jorge Prado will also be pushing for another podium finish after a fourth-place finish in Belgium, as Jeffrey Herlings will continue his shock return to racing and no doubt will deliver some more impressive results, after a race victory in Lommel just two weeks after breaking his shoulder blade.

While the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP riders will no doubt gather in force as they will look to put the unlucky Belgian Grand Prix behind them. For Glenn Coldenhoff the MXGP of Latvia holds some special memories as back in 2015 he secured his first ever MXGP race and overall wins, while last season he added to that giving GasGas their first overall victory in MXGP, as he was victorious at the first event of three. Meanwhile Jeremy Seewer will look to take back some points and get back into contention after a slow start to his 2021 campaign, as Ben Watson continues to adapt to the competitive class and hope for more strong finishes inside the top 10.

This weekend will be special for Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonas who will head into his home Grand Prix following his first podium finish a week earlier in Belgium. Jonass has been looking strong this season so far and it was only a matter of time before we were going to see him on the podium as he consistently pushed inside the top five and thereabouts. With his first podium of the 2021 season under his belt, let’s see if he can do this on home soil or even win in Kegums for the first time ever.

For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis the Latvian race is the closest thing to a home GP, with Lithuanian fans always making the short trip across the border to support the tall Lithuanian. Jasikonis continues his comeback from a traumatic brain injury and has shown some great results this season so far, with some top 10 finishes. Last season Jasikonis won his first ever GP race in Kegums, so let’s see if he can deliver some more top results this time around.

2020 MXGP of Latvia – MXGP Top 3:

1.Glenn Coldenhoff

2.Tim Gajser

3.Romain Febvre

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 226 points; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 221 p.; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 217 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 212 p.; 5. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 184 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 180 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 160 p.; 8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GAS), 159 p.; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 111 p.; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), 109 p.;

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 279 points; 2. Honda, 227 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 226 p.; 4. Yamaha, 209 p.; 5. GASGAS, 170 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 115 p.;

        

Main Photo: MXGP Start from 2020

Bottom Photos: 1. Pauls Jonass 2. Jeffrey Herlings

 

In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Maxime Renaux continues to lead championship with a healthy 26-point advantage over Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Mattia Guadagnini. Renaux had a solid weekend in Belgium going 2-3 for third overall, while Guadagnini’s weekend was difficult. The Italian 14-10 after a nasty start crash in race one, with the rest of the weekend snowballing from there.

This weekend Renaux will aim for another good weekend with consistent results to extend his lead, while Guadagnini will want to put the troubles of Lommel behind him and collect some vital championship points in Kegums as he’s got Honda 114 Motorsports Ruben Fernandez breathing down his neck in the standings as he is just one point adrift of the Italian. Fernandez finished 6th overall in Belgium and has not been on the podium since Matterley Basin, so he is well overdue some strong races.

Also edging closer in the championship is Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts who had a stellar weekend at his home race last weekend. He went 1-2 to take the overall win and make up for lost ground last season during the Belgian triple-header. Those 47 points that he picked up in Lommel have done wonders for his title chase as he moves to fourth in the standings and just two points from second place. This weekend the Belgian will no doubt be looking for some more solid points to get back into title contention as he was one of the favourites to win as we entered the season.

F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Mathys Boisrame is another rider to look out for in Latvia as he will want to bounce back from Lommel and get back on the podium. Last season in Latvia, the Frenchman got two consecutive podiums, as he was third overall in the first two GP’s therefore, he is one of the favourites for the weekend, meanwhile his teammate Roan Van De Moosdijk who also had a strong run in Kegums last year will miss out on the Latvian race due to injury.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay De Wolf will continue his successful rookie season after his race win and second overall in Lommel, as he will enter the Latvian GP more confident than ever. The young Dutchman has had some good races with his teammate Jed Beaton with the pair often running inside the top five and top 10 and it would be good to see both on the podium again, as De Wolf finished on the podium in Latvia last season in the EMX250 class.

Of course, this weekend we will also see Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle continue his return to racing after finishing seventh overall in Lommel, with P4 in race 1. It is clear that Vialle is still getting back up to speed, but he is already running well with the leaders and just needs two consistent races. Meanwhile his teammate Rene Hofer has also had some good races this season and will hope to continue this run and hopefully battle inside the top five again this weekend.

2020 MXGP of Latvia – MX2 Top 3:

1.Tom Vialle

2.Roan Van De Moosdijk

3.Mathys Boisrame

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 221 points; 2. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 195 p.; 3. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 194 p.; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 193 p.; 5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 176 p.; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 174 p.; 7. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 171 p.; 8. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 159 p.; 9. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 156 p.; 10. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 132 p.;

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Yamaha, 262 points; 2. KTM, 250 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 201 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 195 p.; 5. Honda, 194 p.; 6. GASGAS, 141 p.;

      

Main Photo: MX2 Start from 2020

Bottom Photos: 1. Jago Geerts 2. Kay De Wolf

 

 

TIMETABLE (Local Timing GMT+3)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMX Open Free Practice, 09:30 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 10:00 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 10:35 EMX Open Qualifying Practice, 11:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:10 EMX Open Race 1, 14:00 EMX250 Race 1, 15:10 EMX Open Race 2, 16:05 EMX250 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 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

FIM Europe

Kegums

Image: 
Category: 
Date: 
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

Timetable & Entry Lists - MXGP of Latvia

The FIM Motocross World Championship is heading to Latvia for round 7 of the 2021 season. 

Timetable and Entry lists for the MXGP of Latvia are avaiable for download at the links below:

 

Timetable

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

 

Additional Classes

EMX250 Entry List

EMXOpen Entry List

Image: 
Category: 
Date: 
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

Fox Holeshot Films – MXGP of Flanders-Belgium

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 2 August 2021 – MXGP is thrilled to continue the Fox Holeshot competition, that is running throughout the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship season, together with MXGP partner Fox.

How does the competition work?

During both MXGP and MX2 races, the rider who crosses the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be awarded 1 point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders, one per category, with the most Fox Holeshot points will win the mega prize!

During the MXGP of Flanders-Belgium, it was Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre and Ivo Monticelli who dominated the starts in both MXGP races, though it was Febvre who led both races and finished the day with a 2-1 result to take his first overall Grand Prix victory in Lommel!

In MX2, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle who was the first recipient of the Fox Holeshot as he very briefly let race one, meanwhile in the second race, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay De Wolf was unmatched from the start to finish as he grabbed the second Fox Holeshot and led the race until the chequered flag despite immense pressure from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts.

As it stands, Jorge Prado still leads the competition with five points, ahead of Romain Febvre who has four, while in MX2, it’s Simon Längenfelder of Diga Procross GasGas Factory Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts, Thibault Benistant and Tom Vialle in joint first with two points each.

 

MXGP Fox Holeshot Classifications

Rider

Points

Jorge Prado

5

Romain Febvre

4

Jeffrey Herlings

1

Glenn Coldenhoff

1

Ivo Monticelli

1

MX2 Fox Holeshot Classifications

Rider

Points

Simon Längenfelder

2

Jago Geerts

2

Thibault Benistant

2

Tom Vialle

2

Rene Hofer

1

Maxime Renaux

1

Mattia Guadagnini

1

Kay De Wolf

1

 

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films from the MXGP of Flanders-Belgium below.

Image: 
Category: 
Date: 
Monday, August 2, 2021
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

MOTOCROSS GP OF FLANDERS - SUNDAY - MIX

Thumbnail image: 
Photos: 
Category: 
Country: 
Belgium
Date: 
2021
Event date: 
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Event category: 

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