MX2

FAENZA (Italy) 7 September 2020 – Six rounds down, 13 to go – as the FIM Motocross World Championship continues its run in Faenza for the first Italian triple-header of the season.

Over the weekend, the first of the three Italian GPs here took place and saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings reach and incredibly 90^th GP victory milestone, while in MX2 Maxime Renaux of SM Action M.C Migliori Yamaha J1 Racing put on a show-stopping performance to claim a career first race and GP win.

A new Grand Prix will hand the riders a brand-new opportunity to repeat their success and for others the chance of redemption following some unlucky moments. Though with the races we witnessed yesterday, a clear winner is hard to predict.

Tomorrow things will kick off with European championship races, with the EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing riders taking to the track first.

Verde Substance KTM rider Brad Anderson will no doubt be looking to add another podium and extend his championship lead as early on in the series as he can, following a 2-1 result at the previous round here in Faenza. Though chances are, it won’t be that simple, as he will have the likes of Loris Freidig, Federico Tuani of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii and Manuel Iacopi from JK Racing Yamaha, just to name a few, who will be keen to challenge for top results.

While in the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing class, Fantic Racing’s Andrea Bonacorsi will be pushing for another double race victory as he aims for the top spot of the podium. The championship also hangs in the balance, with Bonacorsi and Liam Everts of KTM Liamski tied on points. And with Everts out due to an unfortunate injury, it leaves the door open for Bonacorsi to take the lead.

Though he will without a doubt come under threat from the likes of Guillem Farres and David Braceras of the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team, Constantin Piller, among others.

In MXGP, Jeffrey Herlings of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad will be keen to carry the momentum from the previous round and repeat his double race success and add another GP win to his growing record.

Though he is not the only one keen to win and having seen how hard Jeremy Seewer from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing was pushing in the two races yesterday, a good start could be all the Swiss needs to finally get sought after win. His team-mate Gautier Paulin was also looking strong in the races as he battled in the top 5, though an unfortunate crash in race two cost the Frenchman a good overall result. But a new GP is another opportunity for Paulin to shine.

Of course, Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will be looking to continue his positive run at home, following a third overall yesterday. The Italian showed great speed in the races, though a couple of mistakes early in the races cost him a bit of time. Nonetheless, from what we have seen so far, Cairoli has what it takes to continue battling with the top runners and fight for top podium positions.

Fellow Factory KTM rider Jorge Prado was impressive yesterday, leading the majority of both the MXGP races, though running out of steam towards the end which allowed Herlings to take full advantage. It is also worth to remember that this is the Spaniard’s rookie season in the premier class, and with his injuries early on in the season, it could take a little longer before the young KTM rider can push with the intensity required throughout the entire race. Though anything can happen, and it could be sooner rather than later that we see him back on the MXGP podium.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has shown that he is really fighting hard to stay in contention of the title this season. He finished 8-5 in the races during the MXGP of Italy, so this time around will be looking to pick up some more championship points and keep close with Cairoli and Herlings in the championship. With it being difficult to pass around the tight Italian circuit, a good start is key and will be exactly what the HRC needs to get out in front.

His team-mate Mitch Evans will also be looking to carry on with his momentum, having finished the races yesterday in 9^th and 7^th positions, after some strong battles inside the top 10. This is the Australian’s fourth GP back from injury but is already looking promising as he edges closer to the top 5.

Italian rider Alessandro Lupino of Gebben Van Venrooy Racing will be looking to improve his results after finishing 14^th overall, though having got the feel for the circuit, and with a better result in race two, it is likely that we will see him battle in the top 10 once again, as he aims for success at his home GP.

MXGP of Italy (Faenza) MXGP Top 3:

1.Jeffrey Herlings

2.Jeremy Seewer

3.Antonio Cairoli

MXGP - Top 10 World Championship Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 263 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 203 p.; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 196 p.; 4. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 186 p.; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 178 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 173 p.; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 155 p.; 8. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 153 p.; 9. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 146 p.; 10. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 137 p.

Main Photo: MXGP Start MXGP of Italy 2020

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeffrey Herlings; 2. Antonio Cairoli

Previous round winner, Maxime Renaux of SM Action M.C Migliori Yamaha J1 Racing will be pushing to add more podiums to his run here in Faenza, following a career first GP victory yesterday. The Frenchman took well to the track, having shown awesome speed as well as strong mentality as he successfully defended the lead during the intense MX2 race two.

With a second-place finish and a win in race two, it is clear that Renaux was really enjoying the track and now as we continue with round seven at the same circuit, the confidence he built up yesterday will be an advantage.

Though Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Tom Vialle will be looking to respond and finally take a win here in Faenza, after a mistake in race one yesterday which cost him the victory. Though he showed that he is capable of making a good recovery and push hard, as he really applied the pressure to Renaux in the second race, but perhaps ran out of time to make a move.

As three points separate 1^st and 2^nd in the championship, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts will be keen to win more races this time around. Having rode strong in both MX2 races yesterday, he took the win in the opening heat, while in the second, after pushing hard for the majority of the race, made the wise decision to play it safe and take a 3^rd place finish.

Having proven that he has the speed and good starts, all Geerts needs to do is stay out in front and avoid any trouble – though it’s not always that simple.

Mathys Boisrame of F&H Kawasaki Racing had another positive day during the MXGP of Italy, finishing 3-4 in the races, just two points shy of another podium. Boisrame has always been predominantly stronger in the hard pack, all going back to his French roots, and his riding yesterday proved that he is a threat for race wins once again.

Back on the rise are the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing duo Jed Beaton and Thomas Kjer Olsen. After some bad luck in Latvia, it seems that the two factory Husqvarna riders have made a good recovery as they battled within the top 10 to finish 5^th and 6^th overall yesterday. Now with another GP ahead, it would be great to see them challenge the leaders for even higher positions.

Another rider to look out for this time around could be the Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee rider Conrad Mewse who had some great battles in the opening MX2 race. Mewse was locked in a battle with Boisrame for 3^rd/4^th places for the majority of the race, not letting the Frenchman relax at any point. The second race was a lot tougher for the Brit who only managed a 17^th place finish, though having verified that he can run easily in the top 5, it will be interesting to see if he can put together a more consistent and get a solid overall result.

Italian riders Mattia Guadagnini of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii and Morgan Lesiardo from steelsdrjack finished the first Italian GP in 10^th and 11^th becoming the highest placing MX2 Italian riders in the class. Following an unlucky start to the opening race, Guadagnini was able to make a decent recovery to 15^th place, while finishing in a much better 8^th place in the second heat. Meanwhile Lesiardo finished the races 10-13 yesterday, so it will be good to see if the two Italian’s can improve upon their results and place inside the top 10 once again.

MXGP of Italy (Faenza) MX2 Top 3:

1.Maxime Renaux

2.Jago Geerts

3.Tom Vialle

MX2 - Top 10 World Championship Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 257 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 254 p.; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 196 p.; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 178 p.; 5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 169 p.; 6. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 166 p.; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 139 p.; 8. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 115 p.; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 115 p.; 10. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 105 p.

The racing once again is bound to be exciting, so don’t forget to tune in to MXGP-TV.com for a mid-week edition of the FIM Motocross World Championship to see who will finish on top at the MXGP of Citta di Faenza.

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

Good news for Italian speaking fans of MXGP! During round six of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Faenza, Italy, the best moments of the races were captured by the voice of famous Italian commentator Giancarlo Ricciotti!

The MXGP of Italy treated us all to some exciting battles, in both the MXGP and MX2 races, which were voiced by Mr. Ricciotti who shared his reactions throughout the races.

Check out our first Italian race commentary podcast and re-live all the crazy moments during the races at the Monte Coralli circuit!

MX2 Race 1

MX2 Race 2

MXGP Race 1

MXGP Race 2

FAENZA (Italy) 7 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!

This weekend at the MXGP of Italy it was Tom Vialle of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing who set the fastest lap time of the day in MX2, with a 1.57:959 during race one, lap seven. Meanwhile in MXGP, it was another fastest lap for KTM as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings clocked the fastest time with a 1.56:494 in the opening MXGP race, lap 13.

Find the details below:

MXGP:  Jeffrey Herlings 1.56:494 Race 1 Lap 13

MX2: Tom Vialle 1.57:959 Race 1 Lap 7

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

MXGP is back and are super excited to see the return of the FOX Holeshot competition, that will run 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!

During the MXGP of Italy for round six of the FIM Motocross World Championship it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle who added a seventh FOX Holeshot to his name in the opening MX2 race, meanwhile in race two Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts put his Yamaha machine out front as he clinched the second FOX Holeshot.

In MXGP, Ivo Monticelli repeated his perfectly timed starts from Latvia, as he once again put the Standing Construct GasGas Factory out in front in race one. In race two though Red Bull KTM Factory Racing pilot Jorge Prado was the rider to cross the white chalk line ahead of the rest of the field, which puts him in joint first in the Fox Holeshot Award standings.

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films from the MXGP of Italy below.  

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

FAENZA (Italy) 6 September 2020 – With the racing completed this also concluded round six of the FIM Motocross World Championship. The MXGP of Italy was the first of three events taking place at the Monte Coralli circuit in Faenza that saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings take his 90^th Grand Prix win in MXGP, while Maxime Renaux of Yamaha SM Action M.C Migliori – J1 Racing took a career first overall win in MX2.

The opening MXGP race saw Ivo Monticelli put his Standing Construct GasGas Factory machine out in front as he led Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Clement Desalle from Monster Energy Kawasaki MXGP Team.

Though as Monticelli made a mistake on the opening lap, this allowed Prado to take the lead, with Herlings right behind him. At that point Desalle was in third place, though was coming under pressure from the Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

It didn’t take long for Jeremy Seewer of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP squad to get up in the mix, as he started to apply the pressure onto Cairoli early in the race.

By the second lap it was a KTM 1-2-3, as Prado led Herlings and Cairoli. Meanwhile further down the field Gautier Paulin from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP moved into 5^th as he pushed Desalle down a position and was looking to edge towards his team-mate.

Desalle then lost a position to Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and was then coming under fire by the #259 of Glenn Coldenhoff from Standing Construct GasGas MXGP team. The two riders had a close moment as they entered pitlane, though Desalle managed to retain his position.

By lap 8, Herlings was starting to close in on the #61 of Prado, as 2.7 seconds separated the two. Cairoli was still there in 3^rd, trying to fend off Seewer and Paulin. During the same lap, Mitch Evans of Team HRC lost 8^th to Romain Febvre of Monster Energy Kawasaki MXGP Team who was making his way up the field.

A few laps later saw Gajser crash out of 6^th, while the battle at the front heated up! At that point predicting a winner was hard, as Prado, Herlings, Cairoli and Seewer were all bunched up together and pushing hard.

After taking his time, Herlings finally moved into the lead on lap 13, all while Prado was coming under fire from Cairoli and Seewer as well. As Cairoli got alongside the young Spaniard to attempt a pass, he was caught out, thus allowing Seewer through into P3.

Two laps to go and the gap between the top three was just 1.7 seconds, though in the end it was Herlings who took the race win, followed by Seewer and Cairoli, with Prado down in 4^th after making a mistake on the final lap.

In the second MXGP race, it was Prado who claimed the second FOX Holeshot of the day and once again leading the rest of the field. Behind him was Herlings, Cairoli and Seewer, though the #222 made a mistake and lost about 5/6 positions on the opening lap.

As Prado led the race, Paulin who was having a great ride in 4^th came under attack by the defending world champion, Gajser, with Cairoli also stepping it up and getting involved in the action.

While the two factory Yamahas of Seewer and Paulin were having a top ride in the top 5, the same couldn’t be said for their team-mate Arnaud Tonus who crashed out of the race.

As Gajser and Cairoli continued to push Paulin, the Frenchman caught his leg which sent him flying into the advertising banners and out of a strong 4^th place. Meanwhile at the front, just 2 seconds separated the top three riders, as Seewer set his personal fastest lap time of the race, clearly showing his intentions for the rest of the race.

Following the drama of the first race, that saw Jeremy Van Horebeek of the Honda SR Motoblouz squad miss the start due to what looked like a bike issue, he was running 11^th in the second MXGP race. He finished 12th in the end.

As the battle for the lead continued, there was a good fight going down for 4^th, with Cairoli being chased by Gajser. It also didn’t take long for Febvre to join in on the action as he eventually passed Gajser and set his sights on Cairoli.

Lap 10 and Prado continued to lead Herlings and Seewer, though that’s when you could see Herlings stepping up a gear as he pushed for the win. Though with Herlings focused on Prado, this allowed Seewer to get right on his tail, with the bullet losing a little bit of time during that lap.

Lap 13 and Herlings was the new race leader after finally finding a way past the #61 of Prado. Seewer could not afford to let Herlings run away and was able to pass for second and continue his chase of the number #84.

For the last 3 laps of the race a mere 1.1 seconds separated Herlings and Seewer, with the factory Yamaha using all his energy to try pass Herlings, though in the end he was not able to do so as Herlings made it 1-1 winning the MXGP of Italy. 

Second on the podium was Seewer following a 2-2 result, with Cairoli filling the third step of the podium with a consistent 3-3 in the races.

Jeffrey Herlings continues to lead the championship by 60 points over Antonio Cairoli, with Tim Gajser in third on 196 points.

Jeffrey Herlings: “In the first race I almost got the holeshot, I just went a bit wide but [Jorge] Prado was really good in the beginning and the roost hurt so it was hard to overtake him as he was riding the best lines. I felt like I could go faster but I couldn’t really pass. Both races when I could sense that he was tired that’s the point where I tried to overtake him in both races and open a small gap between me and Jeremy. In the second race I overtook him, the rest of the pack like Jeremy were pretty quick so I had to race to the finish line. The speed of the top ten is unbelievably fast, everybody is so close to each other, I felt good all day, I had two good starts, and two race wins so was a good day in the end…Starts are key and I will keep working on them”.

Jeremy Seewer: “In the first race I messed up my start by myself as I went a little bit too early, I was around 10^th place. I felt really good and luckily could recover from that and catch up to the front group and finish second behind Jeffrey. I felt good, I used quite a bit of energy as I pushed the whole race and had no time to rest as I had to pass riders throughout the race so I was happy to get a good start in the second one being fourth and straight past Tony [Cairoli] and ride the whole race behind Jeffrey but as he mentioned it’s super hard to pass so I couldn’t really find a spot, he didn’t make any mistakes and I just had to go for second. I’m super happy with my performance, my bike felt great. For me mentally it’s not the easiest time but I’m happy to be second”.

Antonio Cairoli: “The day started bad this morning with time practice, I didn’t feel good at all with my knee… In the first race, my start was not so bad but [Ivo] Monticelli went really wide on the corner and we almost touched together so I had to brake and came out around 8^th place. I tried to re-group with Jorge [Prado] and Jeffrey [Herlings]. The pace was fast, but I was able to come closer, so I tried to make a good come back, but Jeremy [Seewer] was riding really fast in both races and passed me. In the second race I had a good start and was riding fourth in the first lap though I made a mistake, so I tried to re-group again and to be safe. I found a good rhythm and tried to attack in the last laps but again I was short on time. But I am happy because this track is tough and not one of my favourites and with two more races here I hope I can improve.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:19.086; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:04.449; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:05.809; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:18.901; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.460; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:27.508; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GASGAS), +0:29.307; 8. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:34.581; 9. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:39.860; 10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:40.323.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:18.731; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:01.973; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:07.461; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:09.053; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:09.691; 6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:23.291; 7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:45.795; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GASGAS), +0:48.674; 9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:51.293; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Yamaha), +0:56.253.

MXGP - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 44 p.; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 33 p.; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 33 p.; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 29 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 27 p.; 8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 26 p.; 9. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 26 p.; 10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 23 p.

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 263 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 203 p.; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 196 p.; 4. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 186 p.; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 178 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 173 p.; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 155 p.; 8. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 153 p.; 9. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 146 p.; 10. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 137 p.

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 270 points; 2. Honda, 231 p.; 3. Yamaha, 217 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 202 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 189 p.; 6. GASGAS, 187 p.

Main Photo: Jeffrey Herlings

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeremy Seewer; 2. Antonio Cairoli

In the opening MX2 race, Tom Vialle put his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine out in front as he claimed his 7^thFOX Holeshot of the season. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider Jago Geerts, Maxime Renaux of Yamaha SM Action M.C Migliori – J1 Racing and Mathys Boisrame of F&H Kawasaki Racing were right behind the leader.

Getting a good start was also the Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee rider Conrad Mewse who was in 5^th, ahead of Jan Pancar from KTM RACESTORE MX2 and local rider Morgan Lesiardo of Steelsdrjack.

Further down the field, Italian Mattia Guadagnini of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii made a pass on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider Ben Watson, as the two battled outside the top 20.

Vialle then continued to lead the way with Geerts, Renaux and Boisrame right behind him. Then came Mewse who was pushing to stay with the riders ahead, followed by Pancar, Lesiardo and Richard Sikyna from JD GUNNEX KTM Racing Team who was having a strong ride in 8^th.

As Mewse was looking to make a move on Boisrame on lap 7, Vialle went on to set the fastest lap of the race as he extended his lead to 4.780 seconds over Geerts.

Honda Racing Assomotor’s Stephen Rubini was also having a great battle with Lesiardo, with the two getting close to one another as they flew past pitlane. Though in the end it was Rubini who came out on top, moving up to 7^th place.

All the while, Vialle washed the front end, thus losing the lead, handing Geerts P1. The KTM rider dropped to third as Renaux was also able to find his way past him and then came Boisrame.

As the race progressed, Geerts was flying around the Monte Coralli circuit as he checked off lap after lap and led Renaux by 11.6 seconds. It seemed like Vialle was also keen to make a comeback as he started to apply the pressure onto the #172 of Boisrame. The two had a close call near pit-lane which also allowed Mewse to take advantage and get closer.

With 2 laps remaining, the battle for 3^rd was heating up between Boisrame, Vialle and Mewse. Though in the end the order remained the same as Geerts to the first race victory, with Renaux in second and Boisrame third.

The second MX2 race saw Jago Geerts add another FOX Holeshot to his name, though a small mistake allowed Renaux and Vialle through as the Yamaha SM Action M.C Migliori – J1 Racing pilot led the way on the opening lap.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen also got off to a good start in the race and was running 6^th behind F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Roan Van de Moosdijk. It didn’t take long for the second Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Jed Beaton to catch up to those guys with him later moving up to 6^th after passing his team-mate on lap 3.

On lap 7, Renaux was still the guy to beat, with Geerts really knuckling down on Vialle as he tried to make a pass for second place. Boisrame was still there in 4^th with his team-mate a position further back.

As the race progressed, the gap between Vialle and Renaux decreased with the leader having to fend off a hard-charging Vialle while also making his way around the backmarkers.

With 5 minutes plus 2 laps to go, Vialle and Geerts continued to chase Renaux, with the Frenchman doing a stellar job at keeping his cool and not letting the pressure affect him too much.

As Geerts slowly backed off, Vialle did not and was pushing the limits in order to pass for the win and with 3 laps to go there was just 1.6 seconds between first and second. The Red Bull KTM Factory rider continued to push until the very end though it was not enough as Renaux took his career first race win in MX2.

It was the perfect day for Maxime Renaux as he also took the top step of the podium, with Geerts finishing second and Vialle in third.

Tom Vialle still leads the championship by a small margin, that is 3 points, while Jago Geerts remains second and Maxime Renaux in third.

Maxime Renaux: “That was incredible, one of the best days of my life for sure. I got a good start in the second race and then managed to lead the whole race. It was really tough, it’s hot here so physically it was quite hard but managed to do it and I’m really happy with that and let’s carry on with that pace”.

Jago Geerts: “It was a good day today, in the first race I won so I was really happy with that and my riding was good. The second race I got the holeshot but then in the first corner I made a little mistake and went to second and then third. After that I just rode a good pace and I was trying to make some passes but it was really difficult, so I just took home the third place and I’m happy with second overall. I’m looking forward to the next two races here”.

Tom Vialle: “At the beginning of the race [2] I was not that good and Maxime [Renaux] made a little gap but I was able to find my rhythm and catch him and yes in the last three laps I tried to push for the pass but Maxime didn’t make any mistakes and was riding really good so now I finish third overall so it’s not so bad”.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), 36:03.347; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:07.292; 3. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:09.304; 4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:09.701; 5. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:10.221; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:25.871; 7. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:27.334; 8. Jan Pancar (SLO, KTM), +0:28.862; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:35.243; 10. Morgan Lesiardo (ITA, KTM), +0:52.644.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), 35:45.835; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:03.359; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:08.329; 4. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:27.441; 5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:28.610; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:29.501; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:30.451; 8. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:32.842; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:35.621; 10. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:57.942.

MX2 - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 47 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 45 p.; 3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 38 p.; 5. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 30 p.; 6. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 26 p.; 7. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 24 p.; 8. Jan Pancar (SLO, KTM), 22 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 20 p.; 10. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 19 p.

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 257 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 254 p.; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 196 p.; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 178 p.; 5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 169 p.; 6. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 166 p.; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 139 p.; 8. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 115 p.; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 115 p.; 10. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 105 p.

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Yamaha, 280 points; 2. KTM, 260 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 225 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 191 p.; 5. Honda, 125 p.; 6. GASGAS, 81 p.

Main Photo: Maxime Renaux

Bottom Photos: 1. Jago Geerts; 2. Tom Vialle

Click here to obtain the complete results

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

MXGP of Italy – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1690m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 31°

Weather conditions: sunny

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FAENZA (ITALY) 5 September 2020 – The dust has settled on at the Monte Coralli circuit here in Faenza following some intense races in the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Championships.

Fantic Racing’s Andrea Bonacorsi had a perfect day going 1-1 in the EMX125 class, meanwhile Brad Anderson of Verde Substance KTM has grabbed an early lead in the EMX2T championship following a 2-1 result.

In race one of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing class, it was the KTM Kosak Racing rider Constantin Piller who grabbed the early lead in the race, followed by Guillem Farres and Gerard Congost of the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team, as well as Bonacorsi.

Moments later championship leader Liam Everts of KTM Liamski crashed out of fourth place, though he did eventually re-join in ninth.

As Piller continued to lead, Farres was just a further two seconds down, and was being chased down by Bonacorsi in third position, with the top three nicely bunched together, this was the start of a nice battle for the lead.

On lap four the race leader found himself in trouble, as Piller dropped out of the lead allowing Farres and Bonacorsi to move up a position. Meanwhile Everts was making a slow recovery as he passed into seventh.

Round 1 podium finisher Florian Miot from KTM DIGA Junior Racing, was having a tough race as he battled down in 18^th, not where he had hoped to be following his success in Matterley Basin earlier in the season.

At the front of the field though, the battle for the race win was truly underway as less than a second separated Farres and Bonacorsi. On lap 7 Bonacorsi was able to find a way through into P1 and quickly went on to extend his lead as he set the fastest lap of the race the following time around.

As Bonacorsi doubled his lead by the next lap, Everts was making a good recovery as he got back up into 4^th place, which made it easier for him to retain the red plate into race two.

In the end it was Bonacorsi, Farres and Piller, who were the top three finishers in the opening race.

In race two, it was Valerio Lata of Marchetti Racing Team KTM who was flying out of the gate and was one of the first riders to exit the first corner. Though David Braceras of the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team wasted no time as he moved into the lead, with Pietro Razzini and Farres right behind.

Meanwhile race 1 winner, Bonacorsi was down in 4^th at the opening laps, though by lap 4 he was already in 3^rd and breathing down the neck of Razzini. Though as Bonacorsi moved up a position, our attention was quickly drawn to the moment between Lata and Quentin Prugnieres as the two came together which almost saw Lata down on the floor, though the Italian managed to hold on and carry on with the race.

By lap 7, the fight for the lead was on, as Razzini and Bonacorsi chased down the GasGas of Braceras. As Bonacorsi closed in on the two riders ahead, he quickly found a way past Razzini and then Braceras and was now the rider to beat.

Towards the later stages of the race, disaster struck Everts, as he crashed out of 7^th and did not carry on the race. Though out front it was Bonacorsi who took his second race victory on the Fantic machine, followed by Razzini and Braceras.

The overall went to the home rider, Bonacorsi who had a perfect day going on to win both races, while Guillem Farres and David Braceras made it on to the podium as the two riders representing the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team!

As it stands, despite a DNF in race two, Liam Everts continues to lead the championship, though he is tied on points with today’s winner Andrea Bonacorsi. With Bonacorsi picking up a DNF in Matterley Basin, which gave him 34^th place, and Everts not finishing in race two today, he has the advantage in terms of positions as he placed 31^st in the second race.

Kevin Brumann from iXS MXGP Team is third in the championship a further three points back and will be looking to pick up some solid points on Tuesday for round three of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing series. 

Andrea Bonacorsi: “It’s been a perfect day for me with two wins. In the first race I took the first place and then I took a bit of a gap between the other riders, but then in the second race it was a little bit harder, but I won again and I’m really happy about it. I’d like to thank my team, my sponsors and the Fantic guys because they do an amazing job. Now I’m on the same points as first place so I’m also really happy about that and hoping for some good races in the next two rounds”.

Guillem Farres: “I’m feeling really good and really happy. We have been working a lot with the team during the summer and it’s great to see that all this work has paid off here in Faenza. The track is really good with some hills and I think it fits my style, I’m really happy about the podium and in the next days I feel I can do good and hopefully finish on the podium again”.

David Braceras: “I’m really happy with my riding today. We are working really hard with the team and I’m happy that the work is paying off. In the first race I had a bad start and I came back to fourth. I know I can battle for the win. In the second race I changed the gate and I got a good start, I was leading until the last five laps. I rode quite stiff but I’m happy with my riding and it’s my first time on the podium and now we will work hard for the win”.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Fantic), 29:43.028; 2. Guillem Farres (ESP, GASGAS), +0:13.830; 3. Constantin Piller (GER, KTM), +0:16.691; 4. David Braceras (ESP, GASGAS), +0:20.423; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:29.081; 6. Gerard Congost (ESP, GASGAS), +0:32.313; 7. Max Palsson (SWE, KTM), +0:33.814; 8. Pietro Razzini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:35.021; 9. Rasmus Pedersen (DEN, KTM), +0:39.883; 10. Kevin Brumann (SUI, Yamaha), +0:40.352;

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Fantic), 29:23.706; 2. Pietro Razzini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:02.343; 3. David Braceras (ESP, GASGAS), +0:05.962; 4. Guillem Farres (ESP, GASGAS), +0:09.742; 5. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KTM), +0:12.421; 6. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), +0:24.173; 7. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), +0:25.752; 8. Saad Soulimani (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:26.442; 9. Gerard Congost (ESP, GASGAS), +0:26.985; 10. Andrea Rossi (ITA, KTM), +0:38.753;

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Overall Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, FAN), 50 points; 2. Guillem Farres (ESP, GAS), 40 p.; 3. David Braceras (ESP, GAS), 38 p.; 4. Pietro Razzini (ITA, HUS), 35 p.; 5. Gerard Congost (ESP, GAS), 27 p.; 6. Constantin Piller (GER, KTM), 27 p.; 7. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Saad Soulimani (FRA, HUS), 21 p.; 9. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), 20 p.; 10. Max Palsson (SWE, KTM), 20 p.;

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Championship Classification: Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 66 points; 2. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, FAN), 66 p.; 3. Kevin Brumann (SUI, YAM), 63 p.; 4. Guillem Farres (ESP, GAS), 54 p.; 5. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), 49 p.; 6. Pietro Razzini (ITA, HUS), 46 p.; 7. David Braceras (ESP, GAS), 46 p.; 8. Saad Soulimani (FRA, HUS), 36 p.; 9. Florian Miot (FRA, KTM), 35 p.; 10. Rasmus Pedersen (DEN, KTM), 33 p.

Main Photo: EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi; 2. Guillem Farres 

In the opening race of the EMX2T class, it was Loris Freidig who was the early race leader, followed by the Verde Substance KTM of Brad Anderson and Federico Tuani of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii.

Drama followed as the riders reached the first corner with Andero Lusbo and Manuel Iacopi from JK Racing Yamaha coming together and subsequently both being forced out of the race.

Back with the leaders and Freidig was already leading by a nice 4 seconds in the opening stages of the races, as Anderson came under fire from Tuani who was breathing down his neck. Though Anderson was quick to respond and by the following lap had more of a gap between him and third place.

Kade Tinkler-Walker was having a good ride in 5^th position, as Jonas Nedved also pushed Eugenio Barbaglia down another position as he followed Walker and claimed 6^th.   

While Freidig continued to lead Anderson by roughly 5 seconds, Gianluca Deghi was starting to apply the pressure on to Tuani, with the two riders battling for third place in the race.

Throughout the race, Freidig was able to keep a consistent gap between himself and Anderson, though with a few laps to go, the British rider picked up the pace as he chased his first race win of the season.

Despite several attempts, it was Freidig who claimed his first EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing win, as Ando crossed the line just 0.469 seconds behind the race winner. Tuani was the third rider to cross the line followed by Deghi and Walker.

In the second race, it was Barbaglia who got a flying start and was one of the first riders to reach the first corner. He led Mario Tamai, Tuani and Nedved. Meanwhile further down the field Alexandre Marques lost 6^th to Marco Lolli as he moved up a position.

Keen to take the overall, Anderson wasted no time when chasing the lead and by lap 4 was already 9.681 seconds ahead of Tamai who had slipped past Barbaglia during the lap.

Following an unlucky crash in the opening race, Iacopi was having a much better start to the second heat as he moved into 11^th and chased the riders in front of him.

As Barbaglia lost a position to Tuani, Iacopi was also making good passes as he moved up the order and into 7^th place. Ahead of him was Lolli, Deghi and Barbaglia.

For the remainder of the race the top three didn’t change, as Anderson continued to ride a race of his own, while Tamai and Tuani were keeping behind him in P2 and 3. In the end it was how the top three remained, with Anderson taking his first race victory of the series.

Overall it was Anderson who claimed the top step of the podium, with Tuani second and Loris Freidig making a good recovery in race two and occupying the third step of the podium with a 1-7 result.

With it being the opening round of the championship, the podium is also how the series standings look, with Anderson as the early leader, and Tuani and Freidig in 2^nd and 3^rd.

Brand Anderson: “In the first race I came around to the last corner and tried to make a move on Freidig who won it, just made a little mistake after passing him and he got me back but it was a good battle. I didn’t expect to come away with the red plate this early on as there are so many strong Italian riders here. But I am over the moon and thank you so much to everyone who helped us get here”.

Federico Tuani: “I started both races in tenth and came back to third in both races so I’m super happy. I made my first podium, so I feel amazing and I’m looking forward to Tuesday. Thanks to my team and the people who follow me and that have helped me during the tough times”.

Loris Freidig: “For the first race, for sure I am happy. I was feeling pretty good and had a good start, found my flow and could win. The second race was tough, I had a bad start and then crashed in the first lap, then I had to come from the back but in the end I felt strong I could finish seventh for third overall and it’s nice to be on the podium for sure”.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing - Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Loris Freidig (SUI, Yamaha), 30:35.815; 2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:00.469; 3. Federico Tuani (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:23.617; 4. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), +0:25.859; 5. Kade Tinkler-Walker (CAN, Suzuki), +0:28.679; 6. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +1:01.288; 7. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:19.720; 8. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +1:21.400; 9. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:56.022; 10. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, KTM), +1:56.514.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing - Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 29:21.822; 2. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +0:10.617; 3. Federico Tuani (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:22.201; 4. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:34.174; 5. Manuel Iacopi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:38.268; 6. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:40.985; 7. Loris Freidig (SUI, Yamaha), +0:43.235; 8. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), +1:22.327; 9. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:25.933; 10. Martin Michelis (EST, KTM), +1:28.626.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Overall Classification: 1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 47 points; 2. Federico Tuani (ITA, HUS), 40 p.; 3. Loris Freidig (SUI, YAM), 39 p.; 4. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), 37 p.; 5. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, HUS), 32 p.; 6. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), 31 p.; 7. Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 28 p.; 8. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, HUS), 24 p.; 9. Martin Michelis (EST, KTM), 18 p.; 10. Paolo Ermini (ITA, HUS), 17 p.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Championship Classification: 1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 47 points; 2. Federico Tuani (ITA, HUS), 40 p.; 3. Loris Freidig (SUI, YAM), 39 p.; 4. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), 37 p.; 5. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, HUS), 32 p.; 6. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), 31 p.; 7. Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 28 p.; 8. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, HUS), 24 p.; 9. Martin Michelis (EST, KTM), 18 p.; 10. Paolo Ermini (ITA, HUS), 17 p.

Main Photo: Brad Anderson

Bottom Photos: 1. Federico Tuani; 2. Loris Freidig

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CEST/GMT+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.

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MXGP of Italy

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 5 September 2020 – Good news MXGP fans – the 85^th issue of the MXGP Magazine is now online!

The September cover stars the current EMX250 Championship leader Thibault Benistant of Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing. The special feature inside includes an overview of the red plate holders successful run in Latvia, that saw him consistently on the top step of the podium.

Additionally, the 85^th issue includes a summary of the Latvian triple-header with a look at the GP’s ahead this month in the Racing Catch-Up section, plus an extra look at the FOX Holeshot competition and the current standings.

Finally, this month’s Hall of Fame will take a look at Mike Healey’s racing career, with more on Bob Moore’s 1994 Yamaha YZ125 in the vintage bike section.

Click HERE to read the 85^th issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

Users who have already downloaded other issues on their iOS device can automatically download the new issue by opening the News Stand and clicking on the cover of the MXGP Mag. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid.

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