MX2

MATTERLEY BASIN (Great Britain) 24 March 2019 – The 2019 MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin is completed after an amazing Sunday of racing! A full weekend of racing was topped off by the astonishing performances of overall GP winners, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli in MXGP and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen in MX2.

The famous Matterley Basin circuit provided epic conditions and great weather to match its beautiful hillsides. The atmosphere was added to by the always vocal and enthusiastic British Motocross fans. Over the weekend a combined 10 races took places apart from practice sessions in the 2 World Championship and 2 addition European Championship classes. The full schedule left the fans plenty of action to cheer for at what is one of the best motocross tracks in the world in not just riding terms but also as a spectator.

Yesterday’s MXGP Qualifying race put Team HRC’s Tim Gajser at the top of the standings yet when the gate dropped it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s AntonioCairoli who had the Fox Holeshot and lead.

Cairoli soon had the lead taken away by none other than the Slovenian. Gajser then put in a blistering pace to create a gap. Behind the former World Champions, it was at first Honda SR Motoblouz’s Jeremy Van Horebeek, but he was passed by Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Gautier Paulin and then made a mistake which allowed Standing Construct KTM’s Ivo Monticelli and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle through. 

Behind Van Horebeek it was Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Arnaud Tonusand now Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer. 3 laps into the race Van Horebeek made it back past Monticelli and into the top 5.

Only a lap later Gajser took a violent high-speed crash while leading Cairoli but miraculously sprung back to his feet and rejoined the action on his damaged Honda in 3^rdposition barely ahead of Desalle. Surprisingly Gajser wasted no time putting in more fast laps even as his broken front number plate dangled on the bent bars. Gajser instead of stopping or even slowing won over many fans as he pulled away from Desalle and closed in on Paulin.

British Standing Construct KTM rider Max Anstie made a hard charge to move from 12^thinto 7^thwhile Cairoli took the race win and Gajser took third behind Paulin.

Race 2 started in similar fashion when Cairoli took the holeshot and Gajser took the lead but this time Gajser’s gap was bigger. Paulin was the third veteran who found himself at the front but the rider in 4^thwas new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Arminas Jasikonis who had Seewer giving chase.

Jasikonis’ teammate Jonass was 6^thbefore being passed by Van Horebeek but then held 7^thuntil fading 4 positions in the last 5 laps. The top five however never changed positions during the race. Cairoli made a late charge in an attempt to catch Gajser, but it was too late, and the Slovenian claimed the race 2 win 1.7 seconds ahead of the Sicilian and a massive 54 ahead of Paulin in third.

The overall win went to Cairoli for his 87^thtime, who later revealed a shoulder injury but Gajser ride was remarkable when considering his rebound from the race 1 crash. Paulin’s 2-3 gave him third overall as Desalle took 4^thand Van Horebeek placed 5^thleaving the top five riders shuffled but unchanged since Patagonia.  The series will now head to Valkenswaard for the MXGP of the Netherlands next weekend.

Antonio Cairoli, “It was a great weekend and this track is for sure one of my favorites but, today it was very difficult to push from the begging. I couldn’t really push because I am stiff on my right shoulder and neck which gave me arm pump right away. Hopefully I can be 100% again for the next race but overall I’m really happy, of course for the championship everything is going well and this is my goal.” 

Tim Gajser, “Today was a special day for me and I’m really happy to finish on the podium. The first race I had a good start I was behind Tony and managed to pass him quickly but made a little gap then I made a mistake … thankfully I could continue. I was really happy to win the second race and I’m looking forward to next weekend. We can see that we are going to the right direction so we will continue pushing hard with the team and everybody I’m just happy that the pace and everything is finally back.”

Gautier Paulin, “It’s been a great weekend, it always is when we’re on the box. We improved a lot compared to Argentina, we will keep working very hard and I’m really happy with the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP team.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 36:37.831; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:01.956; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.473; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:24.293; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:26.271; 6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.618; 7. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:45.107; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.683; 9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:49.675; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:56.271.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 36:01.717; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.709; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:54.204; 4. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:57.637; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:00.564; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +1:05.984; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:20.385; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:22.071; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:26.697; 10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:28.257.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 47 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 45 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 42 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 32 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 31 p.; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 30 p.; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 22 p.; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 21 p.; 10. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 17 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 97 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 89 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 74 p.; 4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 66 p.; 5. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 65 p.; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 56 p.; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 50 p.; 8. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 39 p.; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 39 p.; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 38 p.

MXGP Manufacturers:1. KTM, 97 points; 2. Honda, 89 p.; 3. Yamaha, 78 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 65 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 56 p.

Main Photo: Antonio Cairoli

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser; 2. Gautier Paulin

MX2 action was filled with battles in both races as the field fought to stake their claim at the top and gain championship points. Race 1 started with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialletaking the Fox Holeshot for the second time this season. 

Vialle led but had pressure from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen and REVO Husqvarna UK’s Dylan Walsh. Also in the thick of the racing was Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson and F&H Racing’s Henry Jacobi.

Watson however made an unfortunate error dropping the bike early in the race which in turn dropped him 4^thback to 9^th. Watson teammate Jago Geerts also suffered from mistakes while running inside the top ten putting the two Kemea Yamaha’s in a difficult position.

By the second lap was Olsen though as the Dane took the spot from Vialle. Vialle then lost out to the moves of Jacobi as well when the German passed him on the outside. Local hero Conrad Mewse made moves on his Hitachi KTM UK bike from 11^thto 4^thbefore a mechanical issue on the last lap.

Olsen’s lead then started to be chipped at by the #29 of Jacobi but the title hopeful kept his cool and held the spot through to take the checkered flag and his first race win this season. Mewse’s 4^thposition was taken by Watson, but Mewse managed to limp his bike across the finish in 6^thjust behind Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori’s Michele Cervellin.

Race 2 proved that KTM and Vialle made the right choice as he took his 3^rdof the 4 Fox Holeshots so far in 2019. Vialle again had Walsh just behind along with Olsen, Jacobi, and Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen.

Olsen took 2^ndaway from Walsh before the first lap was complete while 2018 EMX250 champion Mathys Boisrame fought in the top five on his Honda RedMoto Assomotor CRF250. A mistake from Jacobi allowed Vlaanderen to get past who then took 3^rdaway from Walsh.

Jacobi then recovered and found his form to get past Walsh as well. Jacobi’s speed allowed him to catch the front runners and Vialle who dropped a spot to Vlaanderen. With less than 2 laps to go Jacobi flew past Vialle which moved the German into 3^rdin the race but 2^ndoverall.

Olsen’s dominant weekend continued winning race 2 by 9.9 seconds over Vlaanderen. In the overall it was Olsen’s 1-1 taking first, Jacobi’s 2-3 took 2^nd, and Vialle’s 3-4 put the Frenchman on the podium in his second ever MX2 race.

Thomas Kjer Olsen, “It was amazing to go 1-1 for the first time and it was even better when I was on the podium and they gave me the red plate because I didn’t realize I would be leading the points. Overall I had a great weekend, I felt really good out on the track, I had great energy and I felt really comfortable, we even made improvements every time I was out so I was really happy with that and how the whole team is working.”

Henry Jacobi, “I had some special lines that I was seeing and nobody else took. 2nd overall is really good for us, the team, you know we are not a factory team, but we made some really good steps over the winter with F&H Racing.”

Tom Vialle,“I am really happy, it was a really good weekend, I rode well through all the sessions and races. It was a fantastic weekend and I am really happy about my starts. I feel really good on the bike and I feel that today I made a huge step, it was 2 tough races but both went very well.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 35:01.449; 2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:04.278; 3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.160; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.500; 5. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:30.179; 6. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:35.271; 7. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:36.018; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:44.908; 9. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:50.189; 10. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:54.010.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 37:10.022; 2. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:09.936; 3. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:16.035; 4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.935; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:20.044; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:38.635; 7. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:43.577; 8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:46.268; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.765; 10. Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:59.920.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 50 points; 2. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 42 p.; 3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 38 p.; 4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 35 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 28 p.; 7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 28 p.; 8. Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 22 p.; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20 p.; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 20 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 94 points; 2. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 78 p.; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 71 p.; 4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 65 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 63 p.; 6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 p.; 7. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 50 p.; 8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 49 p.; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 45 p.; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 41 p.

MX2 Manufacturers:1. Husqvarna, 94 points; 2. KTM, 88 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 78 p.; 4. Honda, 73 p.; 5. Yamaha, 64 p.

Main Photo: Thomas Kjer Olsen

Bottom Photo: 1. Henry Jacobi; 2. Tom Vialle

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Great Britain will be available HERE

MXGP GREAT BRITAIN – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1950m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 14°

Weather conditions: sunny

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 35,000

MXGP was be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

NEXT STOP

Next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is in 1 week time for the MXGP of The Netherlands in Valkenswaard. 

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Great Britain

MATTERLEY BASIN (Great Britain) 23 March 2019 – The 2019 MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin has seen its first day of racing action with a full schedule and a stacked field of the world’s best motocross riders. Today it was Team HRC’s Tim Gajserand Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsenwho made the most of Matterley Basin taking their respective MXGP and MX2 Qualifying Race wins.

The grass carpeted hillsides of the venue were topped by the even more impressive conditions on the track as the long list of sessions were completed throughout the day. The MXGP and MX2 Qualifying was held alongside the Qualification and first races of the talented classes of EMX250 and EMX2T presented by FMF Racing. 

EMX250 racing was dominated by Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Alberto Forato after he took away the early lead from SDMCORSE-YAMAHA EMX250’s Ruben Fernandez. Meanwhile it was not just the first race of the season that took place for EMX2T presented by FMF Racing but also the first ever in the new championship. Taking the win was Verde Substance KTM’s Brad Andersonand he did so after taking away the lead from his former 300cc rival, Team Ecomaxx Fuels’ Mike Kras, in front of his home fans.

MXGP action was first underway early in the day with the Free and Timed Practice sessions taken by Team HRC Tim Gajser with Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle setting almost identical lap times.

When the Qualifying race started off Gajser spun on the gate and was at the back of the pack while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairolitook the lead. Desalle also suffered misfortune early as he fell coming into turn 3 and was clipped by another rider.

Both Gajser and Desalle were able to rebound however but Gajser in the most impressive form coming from essentially last in turn 1 to the top 4 by the end of the first lap. While Cairoli led Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewerwas in second but after only a couple of laps the #243 of Gajser took over. Seewer then lost another spot to a Honda but this one was piloted by Honda SR Motoblouz’s Jeremy Van Horebeek.

2 Laps later the factory Yamaha of Seewer was passed by Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Gautier Paulinwhich sandwiched Seewer between the Frenchman and the other Wilvo rider Arnaud Tonus. All the while Standing Construct KTM’s local hero Max Anstie was working his way forward from an unfortunate opening lap to catch Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing’s Julien Lieber.

As the last lap got under way Cairoli looked in control and ready to cruise to the qualifying win but a still pushing Gajser keep the Italian on his toes. Eventually Cairoli fell with half a lap to go which surrendered the lead to Gajser who takes his first win since almost exactly 1 year ago. Also making a last lap pass was Anstie which gave the Brit 7th while fellow British rider Shaun Simpson fromRFX KTM Racingtook 12th and BOS Factory’s Tommy Searlewas unable to complete a full lap due to a bike issue.

Tim Gajser, “I tried to fight hard to pass as many guys as possible… then I passed Jeremy (Seewer) for second place and it was just Tony (Cairoli) in front of me so I tried to close that gap but on the last lap he made the mistake and I took the win. I am really happy and looking forward to tomorrow, I think we are going to have some good racing.”

Max Anstie, “I came through from quite a way back up to 7th and I felt solid so I got good gate pick for tomorrow. The track is good, the weather is good, I’m back at home so I’m ready to go out and rock and roll tomorrow!”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 26:05.801; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:08.020; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:19.843; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:22.694; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:29.642; 6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:31.455; 7. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:32.561; 8. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:36.612; 9. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), +0:47.480; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:53.543.

Main Photo: MXGP Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser; 2. Antonio Cairoli

MX2 is expected to host some of the most interesting and intense racing tomorrow and today showed exactly why. With the current points leader and defending champion Jorge Prado from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing missing the action this weekend the winning desire of every other MX2 rider is stronger than ever.

Today’s intensity started off with BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayeishowing massive speed with the holeshot and lead but the American’s energy quickly wore off as he is still recovering from an illness, nonetheless his speed was impressive and worthy of note. Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watsoncame into today with added stress of racing at home but worked it to his advantage fighting for the lead early.

Watson battled with the German F&H Racing Teamrider Henry Jacobi aggressively but then lost his position to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen. Olsen was on a charge forward after a mid-pack start but after getting by Watson for 2nd on lap 2 the Dane then went after Jacobi for the lead.

The battle for the premier spot though relatively was definitely not easy and extremely intense as the pair went all out. The racing was so close that the duo actually collided just prior to the takeoff on one of the fastest and biggest jumps on track, an uphill quad.

The encounter provoked Olsen to charge past Jacobi shortly after and then dispatch the German and create a gap. While the exchange for the lead occurred Honda 114 Motorsport’s Mitch Evans progressed from 7th to 4th and British rider Conrad Mewse from Hitachi KTM UKpushed from 11th to and impressive 5th passing new Red Bull KTM Factory RacingMX2 rider Tom Vialle2 laps prior to the finish.

As the race winded down Watson and Jacobi went back at and though Watson took 2nd from the #29 at the midpoint it didn’t last. Jacobi impressively regrouped, followed Watson’s lines, and passed his way back into the runner up position. Olsen’s Qualifying win makes him 2 for 2 this season and well likely give him addition confidence prior to tomorrow’s gate drops.

Thomas Kjer Olsen, “I just worked my way up and wanted make quick moves because the roost was gnarly out there, the track is really good for passing and I worked up to first. Then I just really tried to focus on putting in good laps and I tried some news lines, but I can’t wait for race day tomorrow and hopefully we can get another win!”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 26:42.516; 2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:06.037; 3. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:07.161; 4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:23.161; 5. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:24.648; 6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:31.087; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:32.579; 8. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:37.963; 9. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:39.057; 10. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:42.40

Main Photo: Thomas Kjer Olsen

Bottom Photo: 1. Henry Jacobi; 2. Ben Watson

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Great Britain will be available HERE

MXGP GREAT BRITAIN – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1950m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 13°

Weather conditions: cloudy

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

SUNDAY

08:45 EMX2T Race 2, 09:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 09:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 10:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Great Britain

MATTERLEY BASIN (Great Britain), 22 March 2019 – The MXGP World Championship is back in Britain and ready for an action-packed weekend at the Matterley Basin circuit for the 2019 edition of the MXGP of Great Britain.

The famous venue of Matterley Basin is well known throughout the world and has been the scene of some the best races in recent years. TV coverage for the MXGP of Great Britain will come from MXGP’s worldwide TV partners including newly added PLAY SPORT TV who will broadcast the entire season LIVE in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. In addition, the USA and Canada well receive LIVE coverage for this weekend’s action on CBS Sports Network.

The entire event including Saturday’s Qualifying races and the additional classes of EMX250 and EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing will be streamed LIVE worldwide from Great Britain on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com.

As always fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV partners or MXGP-TV on the Tuesday after each event. To find out when and where to watch in your home country check the listings below. 

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 11:00 ET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 12:00 ET – Live

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV Play Sports + 

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

TV Play Premium

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Tuesday 26 March – MX2 & MXGP Race 2 – 13:15 CET – Delayed 

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE 

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

ITALY

RAI SPORTS

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 CET - Delayed

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live and Live streaming

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live and Live streaming

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 5

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 GMT – Live

Sunday24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 GMT – Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA 

Monday 25 March – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 25 March – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 25 March – MX2 Race 2 – 13:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 25 March – MXGP Race 2 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS SEA (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand)

Monday 25 March – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 25 March – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 25 March – MX2 Race 2 – 13:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 25 March – MXGP Race 2 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia)

Sunday 24March – MX2 Race 1 – 20:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 21:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:00 HKT – Live

FOX SPORTS ASIA 

Sunday 24March – MX2 Race 1 – 20:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 21:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:00 HKT – Live

CHINA

FOX Sports China 

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 1 – 20:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 21:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24 March – MX2 Race 2 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 24March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:00 HKT – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS 

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 Brazil timing – Delayed

Sunday 24 March – MXGP Race 2 – 13:00  Brazil timing – Live

26mn “Behind the gate” partners: 

USA – Canada: Motortrend // MAV TV 

Europe: Motorsport TV – Motortrend 

Croatia: Kreator TV 

Finland: MTV 

France: Automoto la Chaine 

Italy: Automototv 

Portugal: Sport TV 

Netherland: RTL 

Portugal: Sport TV 

Slovenia: Sport TV 

Spain: Movistar 

Latin America: FOX Sports

Brazil: Bandsports

Caribbean: Flow Sports 

Asia: FOX Sports 

Africa: Sport connect

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT/UTC) 

SATURDAY

07:55EMX2T Free Practice, 08:20 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:45 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:20 EMX2T Qualifying Practice, 10:00 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 10:40 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 11:30 MX2 Free Practice, 12:00 MXGP Free Practice, 12:55 EMX2T Race 1, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:05 EMX250 Race 1, 15:55 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:40 MXGP Qualifying Race

SUNDAY:

08:45 EMX2T Race 2, 09:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 09:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 10:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

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MX2 World Champion and current red plate holder Jorge Prado will not take part in the second round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend in Great Britain after sustaining a shoulder injury while training.

The 18 year old Spaniard, who won both motos at the season-opener in Argentina, suffered a crash while practicing two weeks ago and complained of a sore left shoulder. Believing the impact to carry no great significance Prado continued to prepare for the event in Matterley Basin this weekend but felt the condition of the joint deteriorate and become more painful.

Further detailed medical examination with renowned surgeon and specialist Dr. Claes in Belgium revealed a haematoma under the left shoulder blade was causing the discomfort. The best course of recovery involves rest, and Prado will return for another check-up on Tuesday 26th for further evaluation ahead of the Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard.

Claudio De Carli, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “After such a strong start to the season for the team and Jorge it is disappointing for everyone that he and Jeffrey are now missing Matterley Basin and the first European round of 2019. Unfortunately this is part of the sport but, fortunately, it could be worse and we hope Jorge will be back on the bike very quickly. We’re in good shape and we are confident, and we believe this will not be such a big setback for us in what is a long season.”

MATTERLEY BASIN (Great Britain), 20 March 2019 – The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship is ready for round 2 this weekend at the famous circuit of Matterley Basin! The MXGP of Great Britain will be the first round on European soil this year following the spectacular season opener in Patagonia-Argentina 3 weeks ago where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado took wins.

The green and grassy hillsides of Matterley Basin are known around the motorsport world and have hosted MXGP races year after year since 2006. This famous setting for motocross is the exclusive host of only one race per year and will again come to life this weekend with the world’s best fighting for the top spots along with the always passionate British motocross fans!

Aside from the new riders who will join the FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend is a large group of European riders in the EMX250 and the new EMX2T Championship presented by FMF Racing. FIM Europe racing includes a massive entry list of 90 riders in EMX250 and another 42 in the EMX2T category. The field of riders is not only large but deeply filled with talent including former European Champions such as Thibault Benistant from MJC Yamaha Europe who steps into EMX250 and Great Britain’s own Brad Anderson on his Verde Substance KTM in the 2t class.

The MXGP of Great Britain has long been on the MXGP calendar and the Matterley Basin circuit has hosted the event for the past years with some of the most intense racing of the championship taking place here time and time again. Last year the MXGP racing was one of the most memorable all year as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings went head to head with Antonio Cairoli in dramatic fashion.

This year Cairoli returns to Matterley Basin without the threat of Herlings but while the Dutchman recovers a swarm of other riders look to make their mark at the British venue. Among these top riders are the Brits themselves including BOS Factory’s Tommy Searle, Standing Construct KTM’s Max Anstie, and RFX KTM’s Shaun Simpson.

Cairoli’s track record at Matterley Basin is by far one of the most impressive with 4 overall victories in the 8 GPs he has contended here with his worst finishes being 7^th in 2013 and 6^th in 2016 while the other two occasions he finished 2^nd. Searle has raced here nearly as many times including 7 GPs and the 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where he and Anstie took team GB to the podium for the first time in years. While Searle has only won here once in MX2 he has been on the podium 2 other occasions and in the top 5 twice as well.

Max Anstie is the true hometown hero however and although he has only reached the top 5 twice in the seven GPs he raced at Matterley the most impressive performance in his career came here in 2017 when he went 1-1 at the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Aside from the Brits and the current point leader, Cairoli, the traditional list of podium competitors remains consistent with the addition of Honda SR Motoblouz rider Jeremy Van Horebeek. Van Horebeek’s performance at the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina was like that of David vs. Goliath as he made the last-minute privateer effort pay off for 3^rd overall. Van Horebeek has also been on the MXGP podium in Britain once before during the 2014 season.

The threats for the win at Matterley Basin are endless but other riders to watch are the always strong Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing team rider Clement Desalle and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, who is currently second in the championship after being the closest to Cairoli throughout the season opener. Desalle was 4^th last year and has been on the podium 3 times including his win here in 2013 while Gajser was 5^th last year but won the overall in 2016.

Additional riders of interest include Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Dean Ferris who fills in for the injured Romain Febvre plus the Rockstar Energy Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis and Pauls Jonass. Ferris has been confirmed in MXGP for the next three rounds and raced the Matterley Basin track in 2017 for team Australia in the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations event while Arminas Jasikonis had a strong debut of 6^th in Patagonia and Jonass, was the 2018 MX2 winner here.

2018 MXGP of Great Britain MXGP Top 3:

1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Antonio Cairoli
3. Romain Febvre

Between the two classes of MXGP and MX2 80 riders have entered into the weekends racing with both classes having a full gate of talented professionals. MX2’s younger line up is headlined by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado after taking both last season and this year’s MX2 season opener by storm.

Prado was second here at Matterley in 2018, the 2^nd place was however only to his teammate at the time, Pauls Jonass, who since moved into the MXGP category with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna.

The competition is hungrier now than ever though, with Jonass gone and Prado as the main protagonist, each of the remaining 39 riders on the gate want to make this weekend their time to shine.

Taking the spotlight in Patagonia was Honda 114 Motorsports Mitch Evans where he, as an MX2 rookie, made the podium. Evans’ speed surprised many including himself on a circuit which varied vastly from those in his native Australia or back in Europe where he has trained this off season. As the newest podium contender Evans will be looking to back up his first performance with another strong ride in Matterley.

Barely missing out on the podium at the first round to Evans was F&H Racing Team’s Henry Jacobi as he put on a strong showing after a long list of changes in the offseason from team and bike, to trainer Marc de Reuver. Jacobi was 6^th here in 2018 but if his Patagonian performance was any indication of what is to come, improvement is likely this Sunday.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen is expected to be the thorn in Prado’s championship defense this year and in Patagonia he showed blistering speed but lacked on the starts. This week’s long starting straight leads into another sweeping left turn just like Argentina, but if the Dane can start well he will be focused on not just a podium but the win as well.

While fellow riders such as Evans and Jacobi where impressive at Neuquen Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson was left with a less than stellar ride. The Brit will be under pressure as one of the most watched this weekend, expected by many to contended for the title and in addition, he is the home favorite.

Adding to list of British riders for the local fans to cheer for is F&H Racing Team’s Adam Sterry and Hitachi KTM UK’s Conrad Mewse. Mewse has shown his speed many times before and Sterry was battle for the top five in Argentina prior to a fall setting him back. In 2016 Mewse was inside the top ten with a 7^th overall but last year took 19^th while Sterry has finished 17^th both of the last 2 GP’s at Matterley.

Another rider not to forget is Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen who was one of the few riders to win a GP in 2018, he also took his Honda to the British podium following Jonass and Prado last season.

2018 MXGP of Great Britain MX2 Top 3:

1. Pauls Jonass
2. Jorge Prado
3. Calvin Vlaanderen

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT/UTC)

SATURDAY:

07:55EMX2T Free Practice, 08:20 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:45 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:20 EMX2T Qualifying Practice, 10:00 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 10:40 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 11:30 MX2 Free Practice, 12:00 MXGP Free Practice, 12:55 EMX2T Race 1, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:05 EMX250 Race 1, 15:55 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:40 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY:

08:45 EMX2T Race 2, 09:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 09:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 10:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Jorge Prado, who started the 2019 MX2 championship with a stunning 1-1 seems to have grown in the off-season, and not just in statue, but also in his race craft. His 2018 MX2 championship was something we’ve all waited for, and with Pauls Jonass now up in the MXGP class, the opposition isn’t like it was last year.

Of course, if Prado wins his second World Championship this year, then he will be ordered to move up to the MXGP class. While the Spaniard is still early in his career, there are many who feel Prado is already inside the top five riders in the world. While that second championship is still a long way off, the defending MX2 champion knows that a 450 move would be a tough one.

“First I want to win the MX2 championship,” Prado said. “We will see first. After that we will start thinking, the 450 class is very strong, and I have the best team-mate I could have, it is a very good reference for me, training with him, if one day I need to jump to 450 I know where I need to be. I mean, it depends how you ride the 450, and it’s aggressive, but you don’t need to ride it aggressive, at the same time you can ride it smooth, if you ride it aggressive that is when the problems start. You need to ride the 250 aggressive, really aggressive. Like you said, I am pretty slim, but we will see.”

It was a few weeks ago that Prado won in Argentina and it was a performance that made the champion very happy. Leaving Patagonia healthy and with a perfect score was important and now the focus moves onto round two at Matterley Basin this weekend.

“It’s great to be back at the GPs and I had a lot of fun. I had two really good starts and that was important for the racing. The priority was to get the first race done with good points and to be healthy and in the end, we managed a win in both races. I felt very good on the bike and physically very strong. I couldn’t start the season in a better way. We’ll keep working hard up to the next round in England.”

Now onto England, where Prado will try and repeat his perfect 1-1 from round one and put more pressure on his rivals to keep up with him. Around the lovely British circuit you can be sure that Prado will look good. You can also be sure he will be watching the 450 boys and wondering what might be in 2020.

For two very important men on the British motocross scene, this coming weekend’s MXGP of Great Britain means more than just a race. For Local Organizer Steve Dixon and Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager, and former GP winner, Gordon Crockard it is about the sport in Great Britain continuing its success of previous seasons.

Matterley Basin is a favorite with both fans and riders, no doubt with a good weather forecast for this weekend, we can expect a massive crowd to arrive and bring with them the atmosphere this amazing facility deserves.

“I remember in 2006,” Crockard said. “Matterley was great weather and a new track, the venue had been created by Steve Dixon and his team, it had so much potential for the future. I mean memorial Motocross of Nations there, and many Grand Prix’s. It is purely used for Grand Prix, while many other circuits are used for national level races, but Matterley is just for MXGP races. It is exclusive to the World Championship and nobody gets to ride it.

Dixon has enjoyed a lot of success at the circuit and continues to put 100% effort into making it a great experience for all involved. Having done it now for more than a decade, the British motocross legend knows what it takes to make it a success.

“As an organizer I did 2005 at Matchems,” Dixon said. “Then 2006 at Matterley, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, MXoN in 2017, 2018 and this year. So, this will be my 10th GP and 11th GP as an organizer. My 10th GP at Matterley, and the two MXoN events. You know we have had more GPs at Matterley than anywhere else during the last 20 or 30 years in the UK. Consistently running year after year, apart from maybe the 1980s, we have run more than anyone.

As for on the track, both Dixon and Crockard feel that the British contingent have a shot at bringing some success for the home crowd.

“I totally think we have British guys who can get on the podium at Matterley,” Crockard said. “Tommy Searle was very good in Argentina and I think he will bring good momentum to Matterley Basin. Also, Ben Watson, he wasn’t happy with Argentina, so he will be fired up and want to stamp his authority in the championship. This is the chance for all riders to get things right and I think there is a big build-up and anticipation from motocross fans. I hope Matterley Basin is supported well by the crowd, because it is such a magnificent event, but we need a crowd and I hope they put it right this year.

As for Dixon, he sees Max Anstie, Tommy Searle, and Ben Watson as riders who could surprise and take home a big position on the podium.

“I think Max can shine here and I think Tommy is pushing for it also, Shaun Simpson I don’t know, but I know Tommy and Max can pull it off. MX2 I think Watson can do well, plus Adam Sterry, and Conrad Mewse has won on a 85cc. I think we will see at least one British rider on the podium.”

So now as we turn into the final few days of this magic event, the spectators are working out their travel plans, and the riders are putting together their final preparation. You can be sure something special will happen in England this weekend and let’s hope the Matterley Basin circuit comes alive Sunday afternoon.