MX2

NEUQUEN (Patagonia Argentina) 02 March 2019 -The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship has seen its first racing on the magnificent Neuquen circuit in Patagonia-Argentina. With blue skies, sunshine, and the perfect track conditions it was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen who took the first Qualifying race wins in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

The event on track started with the Free Practice sessions as motocross fans poured into the venue to watch the world’s best return to racing. From the paddock to the hillsides fans bustled about in anticipation of top notch motocross racing.

As a precursor to the MXGP Qualifying race the two practice sessions took place. In the MXGP Free Practice Team HRC’s Tim Gajser took the fastest time just ahead of the quick lap times by HONDA SR MOTOBLOUZ rider Jeremy Van Horebeek.

In the second Timed Practice Gajser again edged out Van Horebeek’s lap time but Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre bested all going 4 tenths of a second faster than the #243. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli was slightly off the pace coming in 5^th during both sessions.

When the time came to line up for the Qualifying Race Romain Febvre was first on the grid with his top time but when the gate dropped, and the field of riders rounded the first turn, he found himself in around fifth. Meanwhile Tim Gajser was in the early lead followed by Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber.

By the end of the first official lap Febvre was into third after passing Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino. Further back Antonio Cairoli was in 14^th and working his way forward but on the 4^th lap a mechanical issue forced him to leave the race. On the same lap Febvre took 2^nd away from the #33 of Lieber and put in two back to back fastest laps of the race. The quick pace of Febvre then put Gajser under pressure for the lead causing the Slovenian to lose traction and fall. Gajser remounted in 2^nd with Lieber still behind but a wild crash on the next lap threw the Honda rider off the bike and back to 8^th.

While Lieber inherited 2^nd, Van Horebeek moved into the top 3 with another Belgian, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle closing in. Standing Construct KTM’s Max Anstie chased KTM Sarholz Racing Team’s Max Nagl over 5^th for several laps but eventually took the position from the German.

At the finish Romain Febvre took an impressive win considering his last MXGP event was the MXGP of Turkey last season. The top five spots where filled out by the three Belgians of Julien Lieber, Jeremy Van Horebeek, and Clement Desalle, along with the Brit, Max Anstie. Early leader Tim Gajser finished 9^th behind the two Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP riders Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus but just ahead of new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Arminas Jasikonis.

Romain Febvre: “It is really good to start the season like this. I am really loose on the bike and I think it shows. We did a lot of hard work with the team to get better starts and finally now we can start in the front. I am really happy about my riding, but tomorrow is another day and I need to stay focused. It is my favorite track on the calendar even though I haven’t been on the podium here before but now I will turn things around.”

Antonio Cairoli, “I was trying to catch the guys in front and at one point the bike stopped completely and I couldn’t get it started again. I am not worried, and I know it is important to get a good start tomorrow but if I’m in the top 10 off the start I will be happy and I can attack. I am really fit, I had a really good winter, and I have had a good preparation… it is really important to stay healthy and stay safe in these first races. For sure I will attack because I want to win but it is really important to stay consistent all season.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), 24:21.194; 2. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:04.306; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:06.536; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:10.377; 5. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:13.962; 6. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:14.612; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:17.028; 8. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:24.790; 9. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:27.141; 10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:36.354

Main Photo: MXGP Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Romain Febvre; 2. Julien LIeber

MX2’s qualifying racing was just as exciting if not more so with an epic three-way battle for the win. The early practice sessions were dominated by Thomas Kjer Olsen while reigning MX2 World Champion, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado had the 5^th fastest times in each.

As the qualifying race came to life with the MX2 field barreling into the first corner it was the 2018 Fox Holeshot winner Jorge Prado leading. Prado was chased by his new Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Tom Vialle and F&H Racing Team’s Henry Jacobi.

Olsen was quickly into 5^th place where he pushed REVO Husqvarna UK’s Alvin Ostlund for 4^th. After getting by Ostlund, Olsen had Jacobi in his sights. Jacobi took over second position from Vialle who fell and then dropped to 8^th between Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts and Ben Watson. Watson then took 7^th from Vialle and then started to battle with Geerts before taking his 6^th spot as well.

Back at the front Jacobi closed in on Prado and made a move to the inside of the final corner setting the pair up for a drag race after the finish and alongside pit lane. Jacobi took the lead, but Prado reclaimed it and in less than half a lap later Jacobi dove back into first.

The entire time Olsen had a front row seat just behind the two leaders and took advantage with a quick pass on Prado. The Dane continued his charge and got Jacobi with three laps to go. Prado was still in the hunt however and took Jacobi wide on the final lap to finish second.

With Olsen taking the win his perfect day continued and he will have first gate pick in both of tomorrow’s championship races. Behind Prado and Jacobi it was Ben Watson and Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen 4^th and 5^th while the early frontrunner, Tom Vialle finished 11^th.

Thomas Kjer Olsen, “I felt really good on the bike all day this is the first time I have been first in everything even though it is only on a Saturday but it still feels good and gives me confidence for tomorrow.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 24:24.613; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:02.267; 3. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:03.547; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:18.925; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:26.119; 6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.658; 7. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:33.941; 8. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:35.687; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:36.072; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:38.221

Main Photo: Thomas Kjer Olsen

Bottom Photo: 1.Jorge Prado; 2.Henry Jacobi

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

MXGP PATAGONIA ARGENTINA – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1670m

Type of ground: dark soil

Temperature: 19°

Weather conditions: sunny

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

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

NEUQUEN (Patagonia Argentina) 01 March 2019 -The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season has official been kicked off today in Neuquen with the opening press conference, signing session, and media event. While the racing starts tomorrow all the riders and teams were present on site today to not only build and test bikes but to join in the media events and amazing atmosphere created by the local fans.

The afternoon of events started at the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina media center where a presentation was held for both national and international media, a handful of riders, and several teams. The presentation was hosted by Youthstream CEO Mr. David Luongo, FIM CEO Mr. Tony Skillington, FIM/CMS Director Mr. Antonio Alia Portela, Local Organizer Mr. David Eli, and Major of Villa La Angostura Mr. Gullermo Caruso.

The first topic was the massive growth by Youthstream in terms of MXGP coverage during the 2018 season. The championship has grown in all areas over the past years from social media presence to television coverage, fan attendance and more.

Youthstream CEO Mr. David Luongo, “I want to thank again Mr. David Eli, for the great organization, it is always a great pleasure for all to start the season here in Neuquen, it is such a quality race and a great track. On the sport side I have to say that we never had a level quite like this. Last season was very very exciting and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Red Bud is still in fresh in everyone’s memory. I want to thank also the FIM, because the work we have done together over the last years, which was very positive continues to develop the sport. We still have many years in front of us and we are confident that it will be a very good season again in 2019. So, thank you all very much for being here and I wish all teams the best of luck for this season!”

FIM CEO Mr. Tony Skillington, “MXGP is a fantastic series and in this room we have a lot of people who invest an awful lot in MXGP. I would like to personally thank those people for their investments because without you we couldn't have what we have today which is a really fantastic series. My heart will always be in this sport and I think from that point of view, we have proven that we can do good work together. I hope that we continue in a very good way for 2019.”

FIM/CMS Director Mr. Antonio Alia Portela, “It is such a wonderful event here in Villa la Angostura. It is one of our favorite events in the series. Our lives are very easy down here and it's due to the incredible amount of effort that these people put into the event every single year. I would like to thank the local authorities because without their support this event would not happen. Thank you also to the magnificent crew that they have on the track which has made this circuit one of the favorites for riders, teams, and experts.”

Local Organizer Mr. David Eli, “I want to welcome everybody with us today, some of them for the first time, many others for the fifth time already. I want to say that I'm only the visible face of this event but behind me there is a big team working very well who have kept these events in a high consideration. This is the first event of the year here and it's not just the event that opens the season for MXGP but also for us as organizers.  Being here for the fifth consecutive year shows the excellent relationship we have not only with Youthstream but also with the FIM and the local authorities. This sport has found an important place in Neuquen, it almost feels as if it was for ever here, the atmosphere is great and people living in Villa la Angostura have taken this event as their own.”

Major of Villa La Angostura Mr. Gullermo Caruso, “My people always have a great party with this event, but this is because they are in love with MXGP. We were all very excited, we are eager to start, and we are also very proud of what we are doing, I want to thank all the people here.”

It was also announced that a new agreement has been signed between Youthstream and the local organizer ensuring the return of MXGP to Argentina for the next two seasons.

Watch the FULL Press Conference Video by clicking HERE

Following the words from the hosts MXGP and MX2 athletes joined in the conference, such Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Each of the riders expressed their excitement to return to racing this weekend and especially in Neuquen during their time on the microphone.

Just a few short hours after the press conference the riders and media made a trip to the center of nearby Villa la Angostura for an autograph signing with the fans. Several riders took the opportunity to meet with the locals including Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, Jorge Prado, and Tom Vialle, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle and Julien Lieber, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Jeremy Seewer, Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus, Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson and Jago Geerts, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, Brian Bogers, and Calvin Vlaanderen, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass, Arminas Jasikonis, and Thomas Kjer Olsen, Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino, BOS GP’s Tommy Searle and Evgeny Bobryshev, VHR KTM’s Jordi Tixier, F&H Racing Team’s Adam Sterry and Henry Jacobi, Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei, Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori’s Maxime Renaux, Team Diga Procross’ Davy Pootjes, and BUD Racing Kawasaki’s Brian Moreau.

Countless fans watched as the riders were brought on stage before getting a chance to receive signed posters and programs from their heroes up close. The riders were welcomed by fans both young and old taking selfies and asking for autographs on everything from number plates to old race jerseys. The event wrapped up with an impressive and very entertaining freestyle MX show.

The series of events has brought the mood and hype for tomorrow and Sunday’s racing to a new high. All is set for the first gate drop of 2019 which will bring thousands of fans more to the hillsides of the Neuquen circuit over the next 48 hours!

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT-3)

Saturday: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

NEUQUEN (Patagonia-Argentina), 1 March 2019 - MXGP is back in action for the first round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season this weekend. The MXGP of Patagonia - Argentina will be the first chance to see the world’s best motocross riders fight for the early season advantage.

The circuit in Neuquen is among the most impressive on the calendar and with the views of Patagonia in the background riders will face not only each other but also the nerves of the opening round and the fast track with always changing conditions.

The MXGP of Patagonia Argentina will also be the first race of the new season broadcasted on worldwide television. Coverage will come from MXGP’s long list of 2019 TV partners including Live Sunday coverage this week end from FOX Sports in South America.

In Europe it will be Eurosport 2 who will broadcast the entire season either Live or with the same day slightly delayed. French MXGP fans can watch every weekend Live on either La chaine l’Equipe or Automoto la Chaine.

Also continued in 2019 will be Live or delayed coverage from NOS in the Netherlands, Sport TV in Slovenia, Sport TV in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, Bandsports in Brazil, RAI Sport in Italy, FOX Sports Asia and CBS Sports Network in both the US and Canada.

The entire event including Saturday’s Qualifying races will also be streamed LIVE worldwide from Patagonia Argentina on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com, and as in years past fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV or MXGP-TV on the Tuesday after each event.

LATIN AMERICA  

FOX Sports 3

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time – Live

FOX Sports

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time – Live

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:30 ET – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 2 – 01:30 ET – Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 1

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 22:45 CET – Delayed

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday 3 March – MX2 & MXGP Race 1 – 18:45 CET – Delayed

Sunday 3 March – MX2 & MXGP Race 2 – 20:40 CET – Delayed

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE 

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

ITALY

RAI SPORTS

Tuesday 5 March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:15 CET - Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live Streaming

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 5

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 GMT – Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 1 – 09:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS SEA (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand)

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 1 – 09:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

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

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 00:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 02:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 03:00 HKT – Live

CHINA

FOX Sports China

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 00:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 02:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 03:00 HKT – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 01:00pm – Brazil – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 04:30pm - Brazil – Delayed

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.

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT-3)

Saturday: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 11:45, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time, 15:25 Qualifying Race, 16:10 Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

With the kick off of the 2019 season of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Patagonia this weekend, 31 stakeholders including MXGP & MX2 teams, suppliers and event organizer needed to get their motorbikes, spare parts and event material on time, in full and accurately at the Neuquén Motocross Circuit.

Team SEL delivered, as planned, 70 crates, racing fuels and tires, for a total weight of over 38.000 kg, to the Argentina circuit.

The main cargo, collected at the Teams’ locations all around Europe few days before the departure, was shipped via air freight from Luxembourg on February, 22. Only a small part, the suppliers’ racing tires, was sent by ocean freight.

Once in Buenos Aires, the 80 motorbikes, spare parts and rest of the materials, after the customs clearance operations, were loaded in trucks and transported to the Neuquén racing circuit, where they were delivered to the respective owners.

At conclusion of the races on Sunday evening, all the crates will be picked up by staff SEL in the paddock and prepared for the return to Europe.

The shipping will depart after completion of all weighing, palletizing, re-export and custom clearance operations.

Team SEL have been working since weeks in order to grant a safe and smooth handling of the logistics operations outward and return.

“As a long time partner, SEL is participating very actively in the development of the MXGP World Championship worldwide. The logistic to go to the Overseas Grand Prix is always a big challenge not only for the teams and riders but also for all the material related to the event itself (marketing, TV material, Time Keeping etc…) and the efficiency of SEL has been proved over the years. We want to thank them to continue to invest in MXGP and to believe in Motocross.” – stated David Luongo, Youthstream Vice President.

“We are very happy to continue supporting with our services MXGP teams and their stakeholders for the new season. We wish you all good luck for a great start!” – said Roberto Borio, Project Manager SEL Logistics.

Belgian Clement Desalle has won at least one GP every year since joining Monster Energy KRT in 2016 and will be team leader for the fourth year in a row after securing the bronze medal in the rider's championship of the highly competitive 2018 MXGP. 

Julien Lieber joins Desalle for the second consecutive year, and both will campaign the new Kawasaki KX450–SR which they have developed jointly throughout the winter together.

Embarking on a season that starts in Villa La Angostura in the Patagonian region of Argentina the world championship series encompasses nineteen worldwide events from South America to Asia.

Copyright: Photo & Video: Kawasaki Racing

NEUQUEN (Patagonia-Argentina), 28 February 2019 – ACERBIS will again be an Official Partner of Youthstream and MXGP for the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship. The brand’s visibility will be ensured by both banners on the track and in the paddock area, together with the presence of Acerbis’ iconic yellow track markers on circuits throughout the championship.

ACERBIS will also sponsor the teams of Team HRC, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Honda 114 Motorsports, Standing Construct KTM and Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team by supplying their bikes with plastic and thus reinforcing Acerbis’ position as a leader in the field. The 15 ACERBIS supported riders will fight for the podium on some of the most challenging circuits around the world.

The season starts Saturday and Sunday the 2^nd and 3^rd of March with the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina being the first of 19 rounds across the globe. The regular season will conclude with a grand finale the 21^st and 22^nd of September in Hong Kong, for the first ever MXGP of Hong Kong.

As is the custom, the calendar includes the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, to be disputed at the Assen TT circuit on the 28^th and 29^th of September for the biggest motocross event of the year!

About Acerbis

ACERBIS is a manufacturer committed to find innovative solutions for the use of its plastics and technical sport gear in fields such as automotive, sport and racing.

The group is divided into three business units: Motorsport, Sport and OEM. It has three distribution centres (Italy, USA and UK), two production units (Italy and Czech Republic) and many logistic warehouses. ACERBIS exports its products in 90 countries and sells directly in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, UK and Austria.

About Youthstream

Youthstream is the company that manages the exclusive television, marketing and promotional world wide rights of the FIM Motocross World Championship, the FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship, the FIM Veteran's Motocross World Cup, the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the Motocross European Championship and the Motocross of European Nations.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Acerbis

Fox Racing is proud to announce their newest athlete partnership with Jeremy Seewer for 2019 and beyond. Jeremy joins the Fox global athlete roster with the first ever exclusive goggle contract in company history and will contest the MXGP World Championship in Fox’s innovative VUE Goggle.

Swiss born Seewer made the jump to the MXGP class in 2018 after four successful seasons in MX2 that included two consecutive runner-up results in the 2016 & 2017 championships. The 2019 MXGP season brings all new opportunity for Seewer as he joins the highly coveted Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team.

“We are super stoked to have Jeremy as part of our program. We take a lot of pride in celebrating individuals at Fox, and Jeremy is a great fit for our brand. Plus to bring him into the family as the first exclusive goggle athlete speaks volumes for what we are doing on the product level with our new VUE goggle. I speak for all of us when I say we are excited for our future with Jeremy and can’t wait to get the season started in Argentina.” – Austin Hoover, FOX MX Category Marketing Manager.

“It is an honor for me to be part of the FOX family. As well being the first goggle only athlete makes it unique and very special.” – Jeremy Seewer.

Seewer will begin his attack on the 2019 MXGP World Championship at the season kick-off, March 3^rd in Neuquén, Argentina.

For more information, and to view the full range of Fox products, visit a local Fox Dealer or ‪www.foxracing.com 

About Fox  
For over 4 decades, Fox Racing has been the global leader in motocross and mountain biking gear and apparel. Fox outfits the world’s best competitive action sport athletes and enthusiasts with products that combine innovation and style, rooted in the brand’s original competitive motocross spirit. The company is based in Irvine, California, with offices, retail stores, and an international roster of sponsored athletes, located around the world.

NEUQUEN (Patagonia-Argentina), 27 February 2019 – The time has come and the first round of the 2019 MXGP season is ready to start this weekend. The Neuquen circuit of Patagonia Argentina returns as the opening venue of the 19 round FIM Motocross World Championship. The amazing track is set between vibrant lakes and snowcapped mountain peaks and earns its title as one of the best tracks during the season.

The beauty of the location will however come second to the world class racing expected as the best riders from both the MXGP and MX2 categories will test their off-season preparation against one another and battle for the first time! The volcanic and somewhat sandy soil of the Argentinian track combined with the natural elevation changes will demand the concentration and skill of even the most veteran riders.

First visited in 2015 Neuquen has seen its fair share of battles and epic racing with last year’s season opener being one of the most memorable. At the inaugural race back in 2015 the now KTM Sarholz Racing Team rider Max Nagl took the win. Since Nagl’s win in 2015 Patagonia has seen two other victors with Team HRC’s Tim Gajser taking 2 back to back wins in 2016 and 2017 while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings rallied for an impressive overall last year.

This year Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli is perhaps the biggest favorite with his 2018 rival and the eventual MXGP World Champion, Jeffrey Herlings, currently out of action due to an off-season foot injury. Cairoli narrowly missed taking the GP win here and later the title in 2018 in one of the most competitively fought championships seasons ever seen. The 9-time champion has been fueled by the desire to improve throughout the winter and he has already seen preseason success leaving many to believe that he enters Patagonia more fit and prepared than ever before.

Though Cairoli could become the 4th winner in the history of the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina so too could a handful of other riders. For starters Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle who was on the podium here in 2018 and the only rider other than Herlings or Cairoli to win an overall last year. Desalle has been discreetly training and testing all winter with Kawasaki’s all new 2019 KX450F-SR. Sometimes overlooked as a strong title contender Desalle can without a doubt put in amazing rides consistently earning him 3rd in the 2018 championship. Desalle has also never been outside the top ten in Patagonia with two podium results, one the previously mentioned 3rd from 2018 and the other being 2nd in 2015.

One of the strongest competitors for the win this weekend is Team HRC’s Tim Gajser who finished the 2018 season 4th overall after struggling in the early stages of the with a jaw injury. Now healed and with a winter of training on his Honda Gajser’s track record of success in Patagonia could improve even further. The Slovenian’s style meshes well with the circuit here in Neuquen and after over a year without a GP to his name the former World Champion is more than ready to return to the top of the podium.

Many riders have made changes since the end of last year some with training programs and others with teams or even categories. Among one of the most notable changes is that of the veteran rider and Frenchman Gautier Paulin who returns to Yamaha this year aboard the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team. Paulin’s new surrounding and crew could be just what he needs to make podium appearances commonplace. Paulin has raced here in Neuquen on three occasions scoring 5th in 2015, 4th in 2017, and 6th in 2018.

Fellow Frenchman Romain Febvre remains with the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team for the new year and after finishing the 2018 season standings in 6th he knows as a former MXGP World Champion that he is capable of much more. Febvre has been looking fast in the few glimpses we have caught of him riding leading up to this weekend. Febvre’s best finish in Neuquen is 4th and with a pair of 5th place finishes the last 2 years another top five is well within his reach if not a podium. Joining Febvre on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team is Jeremy Seewer for 2019.

Other riders to look out for in MXGP this weekend are Standing Construct KTM’s newest member Max Anstie, former MXGP of Patagonia winner Max Nagl, and MXGP rookie Pauls Jonass, who won in MX2 class here in 2018, along with Arminas Jasikonis both on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team. All 4 of the above riders find themselves in new situations or teams for 2019 with each having the ability to produce some of the most impressive and unexpected results.

In short, the MXGP season opener in Patagonia Argentina will be the most exciting, unpredictable, and intense race possible to start the 19 round FIM Motocross World Championship.

2018 MXGP of Patagonia Argentina MXGP Top 3:

1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Antonio Cairoli
3. Clement Desalle

Main Photo: MXGP Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Antonio Cairoli; 2. Clement Desalle

With proven veteran riders filling the MXGP line up the MX2 category may be overlooked but in reality, it will likely host the most action packed and unpredictable racing of all. The classes combination of youth, speed, and hunger to win can leave even the most rehearsed fan curious as to who to watch.

The obvious answer for most is to look toward the 2018 MX2 Champion Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado which is a great start as he was dominant last season with the biggest challenge coming from Pauls Jonass who now joins the MXGP category. Prado took 11th in Neuquen last year but was at the time battling through the pain of a preseason injury. Having Prado as a favorite for the win is understandable but the harder task is to determine who could challenge him.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen is a strong contender as a challenge to anyone on the track. The Dane impressed last year on the Patagonian soil with a second overall and a win at the MXGP of Latvia for the second year in a row. The winning speed has been there on several occasions for Olsen and the experience he has gained over the past 2 seasons may be the difference maker for him in 2019.

Team HRC’s MX2 rider Calvin Vlaanderen started 2018 as a newly recruited factory rider and proved he was deserving of the spot by taking his first ever overall victory at the MXGP of Indonesia. Vlaanderen’s skill was shown on several other occasions as he fought for podiums throughout the rest of the season. Now in his second year with the factory Honda team Vlaanderen starts the season more prepared and eager to score more wins.

British rider Ben Watson will be one to watch on the Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team. Watson took 4th in the 2018 MX2 Championship and consistently fought in the top five plus he just missed the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina podium last year which will give him even extra motivation this weekend.

One rider that is currently flying under the radar, but a serious podium threat is Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei. Sanayei was battling at the front of the field in Neuquen last year but a mechanical in race one hindered his 3rd place in race 2 for 8th overall.

The two newest factory recruits in MX2 are Tom Vialle on the Red Bull KTM Racing Team and Mikkel Haarup for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. Both Vialle and Haarup will make their MX2 World Championship debuts in Neuquen this weekend.

2018 MXGP of Patagonia Argentina MX2 Top 3:

1. Pauls Jonass
2. Thomas Kjer Olsen
3. Hunter Lawrence

Main photo: MX2 Start 

Bottom photos: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen; 2. Jorge Prado

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT-3)

Saturday: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 11:45, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time, 15:25 Qualifying Race, 16:10 Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina