MX2

FAENZA (Italy) 10 September – Excitement is building ahead of the third race of the Italian triple-header in Faenza with the MXGP of Emilia Romagna.

The previous round saw some more superb racing, plenty of battles and victories, as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing reached some incredible milestones!

In MXGP, Jorge Prado claimed a historic overall win, as he took to the top step of the podium for the very first time in the premier class.

Meanwhile more milestones were reached, as Antonio Cairoli lined up for his 250^th Grand Prix, which he finished 4^th overall, following two strong races and missed out on the podium by just a mere point! Then came the overall victory of Tom Vialle who clinched his first double race win in MX2 and thus winning the round of Città di Faenza.

Though KTM were not the only ones to celebrate great moments, as Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer rode an incredible opening race, to finally take his first MXGP race win. This win was a long time coming for Seewer, who has been carrying incredible momentum since the season resumed in Latvia.

Another highlight of the day was the return of Thomas Kjer Olsen of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing to the MX2 podium. Following an unlucky start of the season for the title hopeful, things seem to be back on the up for the Dane who rode two solid races and bought himself a one-way ticket to the 3^rd step of the podium.

But a new GP is a whole new opportunity for new winners and new highlights, and with yesterday’s activities behind us, it’s time to look ahead and prepare for the next one.

We kick thing’s off on Saturday with the European Championship races, as the EMX2t Presented by FMF Racing and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing will take to the track for their third round here in Faenza.

In EMX2t, Brad Anderson of Verde Substance KTM will no doubt be pushing for that third overall victory and be looking to add some more wins to his championship chase. Loris Freidig will also be lining up for the races as he looks for more consistent results and a chance to close in on the championship leader. Italian, Mario Tamai is currently third in the championship and with a handful of rounds to go will no doubt be pushing for some more top 5 results.

In the EMX125 class, it will be interesting to see whether Fantic Racing’s Andrea Bonacorsi can keep the momentum going to take a third back-to-back victory. At the previous round he moved into the lead in the championship, as a result of two strong races. Pietro Razzini also had a successful round last time around, finishing second in both races and will no doubt want to repeat the same at the round of Emilia Romagna.  RFME GasGas MX Junior Team rider Guillem Farres has so far had a good run in Italy, standing on the podium on two occasions, so it will be good to see if he can do the same once again and finish the Italian trip on a high.

With Jeffrey Herlings out of the GP, following a nasty crash in the free practice at the previous round, this leaves the door open for Antonio Cairoli and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser to pick up some solid points and close in on the championship.

And it seems like Gajser is getting back to his old self. The last few GP’s have been tough for the defending world champion, who revealed that he was putting way too much pressure on himself early on in the season in terms of the title chase. Now with a new outlook and focus of enjoying the racing and doing his best, it seems to be working for him as a solid 5^th and a win in the second race was the comeback Gajser needed.

Now with the confidence boost of a race win and podium finish could be good for the Slovenian, and it might be just enough to put him back at the front.

There is no doubt that Jeremy Seewer will be looking for a more solid weekend this time around. He won the opening race yesterday, though that second one was much tougher. It all started with an issue out of the gate and then it was a struggle picking off those riders, but if he can get out of the gate with the leaders, there’s a chance we could see him get a win once again and climb higher on the podium, or even chase that first MXGP overall victory.

Despite struggling with his ongoing knee injury, Antonio Cairoli is still fully able to push in the races, consistently fighting at the top end of the field. He’s already had a podium here in Italy and was only a point down from the third step yesterday so that next one could see him back up there.

His team-mate Jorge Prado will no doubt be pushing for his first MXGP race win, as he already has the GP overall victory under his belt. Yesterday the young Spaniard rode two solid races to finish 2^nd in both, which gave him the upper hand for the podium. He’s been starting well too, it’s just a case of being able to hold on to that lead and fend off the pressure from the rest of the field. Though it’s easier said than done as the class is fully stacked this season.

Then there’s Mitch Evans of Team HRC, who has been really impressive recently. Yesterday he battled inside the top 5, even challenging riders such as the 9-time world champion Antonio Cairoli. He finished 9^th and 4^th in the races, which is pretty exciting, considering he is still recovering from his shoulder injury and finding his feet as an MXGP rookie. It will be interesting to see what he brings this time around.

Romain Febvre from the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team has also been pushing for that podium. He placed 5^th overall last time around and was 4^th at the previous round for the MXGP of Italy. He clearly has the speed around the Monte Coralli circuit as he set the fastest lap time of the day in MXGP at the MXGP of Città di Faenza, so all is missing is that start to give him the advantage and save him time having to pass other competitors.

Fellow Frenchman, Gautier Paulin of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory squad is also another rider to watch at this next GP. He’s had some solid top 10 results and was looking strong at the MXGP of Italy, before that big off in race two. Though if he can stay out of trouble, we can easily expect him to edge closer to that top 5.

Italian rider Alessandro Lupino of Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing had one of his best GP performances during the week, with firm 7^th in the opening MXGP race and then a 12^th in race two for 10^th overall. There’s no doubt he will be pushing for more this time around as we continue his Home GP run.

MXGP Città di Faenza Top 3:

1.Jorge Prado

2.Tim Gajser

3.Jeremy Seewer

MXGP – Top 10 World Championship Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 263 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 241 p.; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 237 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 217 p.; 5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 210 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 204 p.; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 197 p.; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 179 p.; 9. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 172 p.; 10. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 168 p.

Main Photo: MXGP of Città di Faenza MXGP Start 

Bottom Photos: 1. Jorge Prado; 2. Jeremy Seewer

With his first double race win, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle will be focused to go for a back-to-back GP win at the MXGP of Emilia Romagna and repeat the two races he had yesterday. Vialle’s starts have been on point recently as the KTM rider has been consistently at the front, and yesterday’s races were just what he needed to get, those wins to get back to the top. He also extended his championship lead to 21 points, whereas it was just 3 coming into the GP, which also gives him a bit more breathing room for the next one.

Though Jago Geerts from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing will be using the next GP as an opportunity for redemption after a tough day yesterday. In the first race he was 3^rd behind Vialle and Renaux, though that second one was what cost him valuable points. As he pushed Vialle for the lead, the Yamaha rider made a mistake going uphill and crashed out. He re-joined further down the field and then crashed again. Eventually he finished 9^th, though it was a race he no doubt will want to forget. Though a new GP is another opportunity to do better and Geerts will be pushing to do just that. He has what it takes to win races here, all he needs to do is keep it on two wheels so it will be interesting to see if he can do that.

SM Action Yamaha M.C Migliori J1 Racing rider Maxime Renaux will be looking to carry that podium momentum and finish the Faenza triple-header on a positive note as he goes for his third consecutive podium. He took his first ever GP win in MX2 last weekend, then finished second yesterday so it seems fitting that he would go for another. He’s been getting the starts and has shown that he can handle the heat from the riders behind him, so it’s a case of getting his head down and keeping it on two wheels.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen made his long-awaited return to the podium yesterday with a strong 3^rd overall, his first of the season. This season has been not what the Dane had expected, as he was hoping to push for his maiden world title, though as it sometimes happens, things don’t always work out how you’d like them to. Instead Olsen has struggled with numerous injuries which have made it tough for him to race.

But the MXGP of Città di Faenza has been a turning point for the Husqvarna rider who put into two solid results and was finally able to ride pain free. It will be good to see if he can continue this positive streak and climb back to the top.

His team-mate Jed Beaton will also be pushing for a more consistent day. He’s been placing well in the time practice sessions recently, but it’s those races that are making things hard work. Yesterday the first race was tough for the Australian who eventually finished in 12^th, though that second one was much better. In MX2 race two, Beaton was able to get a good start and hang with the leaders. He pushed hard all race as he started to close in on the top, then Geerts crashed out which allowed him to move into P2, where he eventually finished.

Having proven that he can run with the top guys, it would be good to see him do just that in both races and finish with a solid overall result.

F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Mathys Boisrame has also been looking comfortable at the track here in Faenza. Most races he has spent pushing with Vialle, Geerts and Renaux, though some small mistakes have cost him a chance to return to the podium. At the MXGP of Italy, the Frenchman was just 2 points from third overall, and yesterday the crash in race two is what cost him the chance to challenge for a podium once again. Though with a couple of days to reset and re-group, let’s see if he can step it up a gear and get back to challenging the two championship front runners. 

It is also worth mentioning that Mattia Guadagnini of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii has had some pretty impressive moments in the MX2 class. In the first race yesterday, he led for 6 laps before coming under pressure from the GP regulars. Though he did well to fend off some established names of the category and finished the race 6^th in the race. In the second MX2 race, he started in the mid-field and worked his way up to 8^th.

MXGP Citta di Faenza Top 3:

1.Tom Vialle

2.Maxime Renaux

3.Thomas Kjer Olsen

MX2 – Top 10 World Championship Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 307 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 286 p.; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 236 p.; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 209 p.; 5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 182 p.; 6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 177 p.; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 161 p.; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 153 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 141 p.; 10. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 130 p.

Main Photo: MXGP of Città di Faenza MX2 Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Tom Vialle; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen

Predicting a clear winner is hard as both the MXGP and MX2 classes are stacked full with talent and any of the riders have a chance to fight for top positions, though starts are key and it’s those that can get out of the gate, that are the ones who stand a better chance of winning. But let’s see who has what it takes this time around!

As always, all the action from the MXGP of Emilia Romagna will be available to watch LIVE with MXGP’s very own streaming service MXGP-TV! 

Fans can also enjoy the MXGP of Emilia Romagna in person as the Monte Coralli circuit will open its doors to the public for the first time!  The FIM Motocross World Championship will welcome a limited number of spectators, in line with government regulations, who can enjoy the epic races and witness the fight for the win from the track!

Tickets are available online (only), which you can get HERE!

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CET/GMT+2)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMX 2T Free Practice, 09:30 EMX 125 Free Practice, 10:35 EMX 2T Qualifying Practice, 11:10 EMX 125 Qualifying Practice, 13:00 EMX 2T Race 1, 13:50 EMX 125 Race 1, 15:00 EMX 2T Race 2, 15:55 EMX 125 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Emilia Romagna

FAENZA (Italy) 10 September 2020 - TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2014 and together with MXGP are running the fastest lap competition across each season.

The way it works is; at each and every round of the MXGP season, the rider that sets the best lap time in each class, MXGP and MX2, will receive 1 point in the TAG Heuer competition. The rider that has set the fastest lap at the most rounds throughout the year in both classes, and has the most points, will be award with the special prize!

During the MXGP of Città di Faenza, once again Tom Vialle of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad who clocked the fastest lap time of the day in the MX2 category, with a 1.56:415 during lap 5 of the opening MX2 race. Meanwhile in MXGP, the fastest lap of the day was set by Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre, who put in a solid 1.54:870 on the 5^th lap of MXGP race 1!

As it stands, the Tag Heuer Best Lap competition is led by the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle, who both are on three points each.

Find the details below:

MXGP:  Romain Febvre 1.54:870 Race 1 Lap 5

MX2: Tom Vialle 1.56:415 Race 1 Lap 5

Check out MXGP.com home page for the Top 3 TAG Heuer Best Lap competition’s rankings.

MXGP is super excited to continue with the FOX Holeshot competition, that is running throughout the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season, together with MXGP partner FOX.

The way the competition works is; 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!

This time around during the MXGP of Città di Faenza, the FOX Holeshot’s were dominated by the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Tom Vialle and Jorge Prado who ruled the starts in both MX2 and MXGP races, which helped them on their way to their overall victories in both categories.

As it stands, Vialle leads the Fox Holeshot Award standings with 9 points, meanwhile his team-mate has now has a 2 point advantage and is also the leader in terms of points.

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films from the MXGP of Città di Faenza below.  

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

FAENZA (Italy) 9 September 2020 – Round seven of the FIM Motocross World Championship has concluded here in Faenza for the MXGP of Città di Faenza, the second of the trio of races happening here in the Emilia Romagna region.

The Grand Prix itself, saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sweep the podiums in MXGP and MX2 as Jorge Prado and Tom Vialle were victorious in the categories. For Prado this was a special moment as he took his first MXGP career overall win, during his rookie season. Meanwhile his team-mate took his first double race win of the season in MX2.

Though it was a bittersweet day for the KTM squad as one name missing from the races was the MXGP Championship leader, Jeffrey Herlings. The red plate holder crashed during free practice this morning, landing awkwardly on the second jump and taking most of the impact on his upper body. As a result, the Dutchman missed out on the GP after being taken to hospital for further checks as a precaution.

As the gate dropped for the first MXGP race of the day, it was Jorge Prado who claimed the first Fox Holeshot of the day. He was closely followed by Team HRC’s Mitch Evans, Jeremy Seewer of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre, Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Tim Gajser of Team HRC.

Evans was looking impressive as he was pushing to pass Prado for the lead, though Seewer was edging closer to the Honda rider and was becoming a real threat in the race.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis was among a group of riders who crashed out on the first lap and was down outside the top 20 on the opening laps.

By lap 3, Seewer was already in second after successfully passing Evans. Then came Febvre who also passed the Australian and moved himself into P3. Cairoli was next to pass Evans and then came Gajser.

A couple of laps later we saw a change in the lead as Seewer was finally able to find a way to pass Prado and move into P1.

Evans then continued to lose positions, as Alessandro Lupino of Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing was the next rider to pass the factory rider, and then came Glenn Coldenhoff with his Standing Construct GasGas Factory machine, pushing Evans down to 8^th.

As Seewer extended his lead to 3.2 seconds, Prado was starting to come under pressure from Febvre, with the top three riders holding a nice gap to Cairoli who was fourth at the time.

With 3 laps to go, Seewer was already 6.6 seconds ahead, with Prado a further 6 seconds or so ahead of Febvre. Meanwhile further down the field, Jasikonis was up in 10^th after passing Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing.

With 2 laps to go, Evans then came under fire from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin, who pushed the Honda rider down to 9^th.

In the end, Seewer went on to take his first ever MXGP race win, as Prado crossed the line second and Febvre third.

The second MXGP race saw Prado and Cairoli out in the lead, with Prado taking yet another Fox Holeshot. Meanwhile Seewer was down in 14^th after a difficult start, which left him with a lot of work to do if he wanted to fight for a podium spot.

Prado then led the way as Gajser moved into P2 pushing Cairoli down a position. It then didn’t take long for Gajser to catch Prado and start to apply the pressure for the lead.

Meanwhile, Seewer was working to make up the positions as he moved in 7^th and caught on to the back of Desalle. He struggled to pass Desalle for quite some time, and even missed out on a position as Febvre also caught up to the pair and was able to pass both.

On lap 5 Gajser became the new race leader after passing Prado, with Cairoli third and Evans having another solid run in fourth ahead of Coldenhoff and Febvre.

Jasikonis was having a much better start to the race in the second MXGP race as he moved into the top 10 and caught up with Desalle, who he passed on lap 6 for 8^th in the race.

Moments later it seemed like Prado was pushing for his first MXGP race win as only 0.7 seconds kept him from Gajser. And as Gajser defended the lead from the KTM rider, his team-mate started to challenge Cairoli, who he passed. Evans then continued to push forward, even setting the fastest lap of the race, which gave us hopes of potentially seeing a HRC 1-2 in the second heat.

As the race progressed, Seewer found himself on the ground, though he did not lose any positions.

Evans then caught on to the back of Prado, but as the race progressed, he started to make a few mistakes as Cairoli switched up a gear and started to go after the Australian. With just 2 laps to, Cairoli was able to move past Evans and finish the race in 3^rd.

In the end it was Gajser who took his first race win here in Faenza, with Prado finishing second once again and Cairoli third, on his 250^th Grand Prix attendance!

It was a special moment for Jorge Prado who took his first ever MXGP overall victory, with Gajser finishing second and Seewer taking to the first step of the podium despite finishing the race in 7^th.

In terms of the championship, despite missing the Grand Prix, Herlings remained the championship leader, with Cairoli a further 22 points back in second and Gajser 4 more points back in third.

Jorge Prado: “Already a podium in Latvia was already a big achievement for me after a rough start to the year and now getting this win. Winning is so difficult because you have to put together two good races together and two good starts and these guys are pushing hard. In every single race you give it all until the last lap. I had two good starts, just two mistakes in both races which maybe cost me a race win. I’m still very happy because that last race was a very tough one, I was pushing very hard and I really wanted to get that win, but I’m supper happy”.

“Just doing a 35 minute race in a track like this is rough and to battle with these guys until the last lap is even more challenging, these guys are pushing at every single lap and you got to stay there and if you go a bit slower they pass you everywhere, if one passes you everybody starts passing you. Last Sunday I got passed a lot so this time I’ve got to stay on two wheels but give it my all and I got the second position for first overall.”

Tim Gajser: “Being back at the front is a good feeling. The last couple of rounds have been a struggle for me with a little bit of bad luck and some mistakes so today I’m quite satisfied, first of all I had a little bit of bad luck but anyway I did my best and finished 5^th, in the second one I got the win so I’m happy”.

“I was putting a lot of pressure in the beginning of the season about the championship, so now I just want to go out there and have fun, ride like I know and that’s the goal now for the future”.

Jeremy Seewer: “First of all, the day started really well. In the first race I got a good start, got good flow and could take the lead and finally I won a race. It felt really good to be on the top in the MXGP class. And then the second race started horrible and I can’t even explain why my start was horrible, my bike just dropped completely on the RPM and stood still, had to go through the pack and was around fifteenth. Managed really well but then, Desalle is really hard to pass, I got stuck behind him for a few laps. I played catch-up, started to catch the first group and then I tried to get Romain and had a small crash. That was it, still on the podium and overall still a positive day with a race win and having a good position. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), 35:00.143; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:15.681; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:34.451; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:36.731; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:40.143; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GASGAS), +0:46.374; 7. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Yamaha), +0:48.024; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:49.952; 9. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:50.234; 10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +1:00.342.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 35:30.119; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:04.289; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:05.114; 4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:07.098; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GASGAS), +0:08.679; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:13.530; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:14.697; 8. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:39.999; 9. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:43.128; 10. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:48.777.

MXGP - Top 10 GP Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 44 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 41 p.; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 39 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 38 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 35 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 31 p.; 7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 30 p.; 8. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 24 p.; 9. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 24 p.; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, YAM), 23 p.

MXGP – Top 10 World Championship Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 263 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 241 p.; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 237 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 217 p.; 5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 210 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 204 p.; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 197 p.; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 179 p.; 9. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 172 p.; 10. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 168 p.

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 314 points; 2. Honda, 272 p.; 3. Yamaha, 256 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 237 p.; 5. GASGAS, 218 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 213 p.;

Main Photo: Jorge Prado

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser; 2. Jeremy Seewer

In the first MX2 race, it was Tom Vialle and Jago Geerts of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing who got out in front early during the race. Though it was Vialle who claimed the Fox Holeshot.

As the riders made their way around the circuit, a couple of riders came together which saw F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Roan Van de Moosdijk and Mikkel Haarup both involved. Van de Moosdijk re-joined the race, though his team-mate did not.  

Mattia Guadagnini of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii got off to a fantastic start and in the opening lap was able to slip into the lead while Vialle, Geerts and Maxime Renaux of Yamaha SM Action M.C Migliori J1 Racing just behind. Though as Renaux made a move on Geerts, the factory Yamaha then came under fire from the third F&H Kawasaki Racing rider Mathys Boisrame. But Geerts was able to respond and hold on to fourth place.

A couple of laps later and Vialle started to close in on Guadagnini who was having a stellar ride in the lead, though by lap five that 2.7 second gap was starting to come down and just a lap later Vialle was the new race leader.

Guadagnini then came under fire from Renaux, who was trying to also fend off a hard charging Geerts. Geerts then passed Renaux, though the Yamaha SM Action M.C Migliori J1 Racing fought back immediately. The battle for second continued for a few more laps, until Renaux was finally able to pass Guadagnini. Geerts was the next rider to pass Guadagnini, as he moved up into third.

By lap 10 the top then looked like this: Vialle led Renaux and Geerts, with Guadagnini behind getting caught by Boisrame as well as Thomas Kjer Olsen from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2.

Just a lap later and Vialle was already in the lead by 5.108 seconds, while Renaux was doing a great job of fending off Geerts and Boisrame was starting to apply the pressure for 4^th place. By the end of the lap he was able to make the pass stick.

Then Olsen joined in on the fun, as he caught and passed Guadagnini on lap 12 and was going after the #172 of Boisrame. Though at the front of the field Geerts was caught up on the back of Renaux as he started to push for a higher position in the race.

In the end it was Vialle who was victorious in the first heat, with Renaux successfully defending 2^nd place and Geerts finishing in 3^rd.

In MX2 race 2, Tom Vialle got another flyer out of the gate and was the early leader of the race. Jago Geerts and Maxime Renaux were also there, as Jed Beaton of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing got off to an awesome start and was 4^th in the race.

Boisrame then caught on to the back of Beaton, with SDM Corse Yamaha’s Ruben Fernandez and Olsen right there as well. Beaton was able to respond, get closer to Renaux and pass him for P3. Boisrame then did the same and was up in 3^rd on lap 3.

As Boisrame moved up a position, he then went after Geerts. He set the fastest lap time of the race on lap 4 and was getting closer to the factory Yamaha rider. Though as Boisrame pushed Geerts, the two quickly caught on to the back of Vialle, who was leading the way by just 1.4 seconds.

PAR Homes RFX Husqvarna rider Josh Gilbert was having a good ride in 11^th, ahead of Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee, Guadagnini and Alvin Ostlund of Honda Racing Assomotor.

On lap 8, Renaux was down in 7^th and getting caught by Fernandez, while there was drama at the front of the field with Geerts going down. He managed to pick himself up in 13^th to eventually finish the race in 9^th place. Boisrame moved into 2^nd and Beaton was 3^rd.

Vialle continued to lead by 5.9 seconds and setting his best lap time in the second half of the race. Boisrame and Beaton were also there, with Olsen and Watson closing in too.

With just a few laps left of the race, Boisrame made a mistake and went down hard. He did not re-join the race.

On the last two laps of the race Vialle was already 11 seconds ahead of P2, with Beaton coming under fire from his team-mate, Olsen, who was keen to get a good result. Though in the end Vialle was the winner, with Beaton holding on to that second place and Olsen finishing in P3.

In terms of the podium, it was Vialle who took to the top step, with Renaux in second and Olsen making a long-awaited podium return in third! In the championship standings, Vialle continues to lead by 21 points, with Geerts second and Renaux third.

Tom Vialle: “Today it was a really good day, I was really focused all day today. In the morning I was ready but not perfect like on Sunday. In the first race I got the holeshot and I passed Mattia Guadagnini after a few laps, I rode the rest of the race to take the win, so it was really good. The second race also it was a bit hard because Jago was pushing me and I was trying to stay focused and not to make any mistakes, the ruts were deep but I was feeling very good. First time going 1-1 was great and I’m really happy”

“There are still some races to do and it’s important to stay focused, actually I don’t look so much at the other guys, I just try to focus on myself, do my best every race and not look so much at the championship”.

Maxime Renaux: “The first race was very good; I managed to get a good start and then move into second position and I tried to catch Tom, but he was already ahead, I didn’t quite manage to do it. Then in the second race, I started good also but then I didn’t find the flow of the race and it just took me some time to get going and then I crashed on the top of the track. I just tried to keep it on two wheels and not to crash and I managed to save fourth position for second overall so that’s a good day for me”.

Thomas Kjer Olsen: “I’ve definitely been struggling all year with injuries and coming back. But I’m starting to be able to ride without pain and it just feels good in general because I can just focus on racing again. It’s just taking a bit of time to get that intensity back of the racing but I’m super stoked with this podium because this morning and even last time I felt like I was getting better and better as I was riding more but was not feeling really good and today was awesome. Just like everybody’s been saying that second race was super tough, and I was just trying to ride smart and to not do anything stupid and it worked out well. I saw a lot of guys going down, so I’m just happy about the podium, I’m happy for the team and happy for myself”.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 35:25.198; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:02.327; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:04.570; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:21.659; 5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:28.291; 6. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:28.668; 7. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:36.988; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:38.234; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:39.327; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:51.162.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 34:23.246; 2. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:06.470; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:09.420; 4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:29.500; 5. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:31.200; 6. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:32.208; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:37.841; 8. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:42.166; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:47.968; 10. Jan Pancar (SLO, KTM), +0:49.582.

MX2 - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 50 points; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 40 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 32 p.; 5. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 31 p.; 6. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 30 p.; 7. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 28 p.; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 27 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 26 p.; 10. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 22 p.

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 307 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 286 p.; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 236 p.; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 209 p.; 5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 182 p.; 6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 177 p.; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 161 p.; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 153 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 141 p.; 10. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 130 p.

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Yamaha, 320 points; 2. KTM, 310 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 249 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 231 p.; 5. Honda, 155 p.; 6. GASGAS, 81 p.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Città di Faenza will be available HERE

MXGP of Città di Faenza – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1690m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 31°

Weather conditions: sunny

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Città di Faenza

FAENZA (Italy) 8 September 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is proud to announce a new partnership between MXGP and Oakley®, a leader in sport performance and optical innovation. Oakley will become an MXGP Global Supplier, providing eyewear for all MXGP staff during the 2020 racing season.

As part of the partnership, Oakley will be providing staff with a range of eyewear focused on protection – from the iconic Frogskins® that merge style with comfort to the M Frame 3.0 built with extended coverage that will be used for protection on the track. 

Established in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, Oakley is one of the leading product design and sport performance brands in the world. Oakley is a culture of creators, inventors, idealists and scientists obsessed with using design and innovation to create products and experiences that inspire greatness. This philosophy has made Oakley one of the most iconic and inimitable brands on the market, with products that world-class athletes around the globe depend on to compete at the highest level possible.

Proving the partnership a natural fit, MXGP and MX2 riders who already sport Oakley goggles, include the 4-time World Champion Jeffrey Herlings, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider Ben Watson, Team Honda SR rider Jeremy Van Horebeek or very young promising stars like Liam Everts, among others, who constantly put Oakley out in front of the field.

After a five-month break, the series has returned giving further reason to celebrate this new collaboration. At select MXGP events, including the MXGP of Latvia, MXGP of Italy, MXGP of Spain and Monster Energy MXGP of Flanders, fans will be able to join in the celebration as Oakley banners will be hung across the circuit of the MXGP track.

Find out more about Oakley at www.oakley.com

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Oakley

FAENZA (Italy) 8 September 2020 – One down, two more to go in Faenza as the FIM Motocross World Championship continues with the second of three races taking place at the Monte Coralli circuit.

The MXGP of Italy this past weekend treated us all to some great battles that saw Jeffrey Herlings of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing take his 90^th Grand Prix victory with a double race win in MXGP. Meanwhile in MX2 Maxime Renaux of SM Action M.C Migliori Yamaha – J1 Racing made his own history as he won the second race in impressive fashion, after fending off the series leader Tom Vialle from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the majority of the race. Renaux also took to the top step of the podium for the first time in his MX2 career.

Though those wins didn’t come easy for Herlings and Renaux, with both having to work hard and fend off a strong group of riders behind them. It will be interesting to see if the two can repeat their success from the previous round this time around – the only way to know who will win at the MXGP of Città Di Faenza is to watch the races!

The Italian GPs will run the same format as at the previous round, with the EMX races taking place on Tuesday and the MX2 and MXGP riders racing on Wednesday – including their Time Practice Session which will run Wednesday morning.

Fans in Italy will be able to support their local heroes, Antonio Cairoli, Ivo Monticelli, Alessandro Lupino and more, with coverage of the MXGP races on RAI Sport and RAI Sport Web this Wednesday.

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 12:00 am ET Delayed 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 13:00 am ET Delayed 

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV3 SPORT

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

FINLAND

MTV MAX

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 local time LIVE

FRANCE

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE  

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 CET Delayed

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

EUROSPORT 2

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

ITALY

RAI SPORT 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 CET Delayed

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 CET Delayed

RAI SPORT WEB

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE 

LATVIA

Best 4 SPORT TV 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 2

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 GMT LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 GMT LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 GMT LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 GMT LIVE 

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

ASIA

FOX SPORT SEA

Wednesday 16 September – MX2 Race 1 – 09:00 HKT Delayed

Wednesday 16 September – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 HKT Delayed 

Wednesday 16 September – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 HKT Delayed

Wednesday 16 September – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 HKT Delayed 

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT Delayed

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT Delayed 

Wednesday 9 September – MX2 Race 2 – 20:00 HKT Delayed

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 HKT Delayed 

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA

Wednesday 16 September – MX2 Race 1 – 09:00 HKT Delayed

Wednesday 16 September – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 HKT Delayed 

Wednesday 16 September – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 HKT Delayed

Wednesday 16 September – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 HKT Delayed 

BRAZIL 

Bandsports

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 1 – 08:00 LIVE

Wednesday 9 September – MXGP Race 2 – 11:00 LIVE

Like always, the entire event including the MX2 and MXGP Free/Timed Practice along with all the races from EMX 2T, EMX125, both presented by FMF Racing, MX2 and MXGP will also be streamed LIVE worldwide from the Montecoralli Motocross World Circuit on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com, and as usual fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV partners or MXGP-TV.

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CET/GMT+2)

TUESDAY: 09:00 EMX 2T Free Practice, 09:30 EMX 125 Free Practice, 10:35 EMX 2T Qualifying Practice, 11:10 EMX 125 Qualifying Practice, 13:00 EMX 2T Race 1, 13:50 EMX 125 Race 1, 15:00 EMX 2T Race 2, 15:55 EMX 125 Race 2.

WEDNESDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Città di Faenza