MX2

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 12 July 2018 – Youthstream is proud to announce that for the 3rd year in a row the MXGP of Switzerland will be presented by iXS. The 16th round of the 2018 season is confirmed to take place the 19th of August at the same venue as the previous two years, the Schweizer Zucker track near Frauenfeld-Gachnang. The event has been one of the best of the past seasons and host incredible viewing for fans with a massive grand stand section.

iXS is a Swiss company that manufactures motorcycle gear, protective gear and sportswear for all forms of motorcycling and bicycling. The brand is part of the internationally active Hostettler Group and started out as a simple bicycle and motorcycle workshop in Wolhusen, Luzerne. The Swiss family owned company started in 1906 and since has grown into a diverse company with the iXS motorcycle gear brand added in 1979.

”Designed and born in Switzerland” iXS is also the proud gear sponsor of Swiss native and Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team’s Jeremy Seewer along with his Teammates Shaun Simpson and another Swiss rider, Arnaud Tonus who had a standout performance at the event last year.

Youthstream is proud to continue its partnership with the Swiss company and looks forward to returning to the Schweizer Zucker track in Frauenfeld-Gachnang for the 2018 MXGP of Switzerland presented by iXS.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE or to experience the MXGP VIP life click HERE and order VIP GOLD SKYBOX packages!

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

iXS

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 11 July 2018 - While the MXGP and MX2 motocross championships are well underway so too are the preparations for the 2018 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Horsham, Australia.

The event will host some of the best young riders in the world and Youthstream’s official partner for the event, Scott Sports, will provide the winners with some of the highest quality prizes.

SCOTT Sports, a worldwide leader in off-road apparel, goggles, bicycles, and sporting goods, based in Switzerland, have long been a FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and FIM 65cc World Cup sponsor.

Scott will award the 125cc & 85cc Junior World Champions as well as the 65cc Junior World Cup winner with a package including: a Prospect Goggle, 550MX Helmet, 450 jersey, 450 pants, 450 glove set, and Body Armor Softcon. The prizes are not only valuable but an extra bonus to sweeten the reward of claiming the Junior World title.

This year’s event will take place the 26th of August at Australia’s Horsham circuit. The 125cc and 85cc Junior World Championship classes will be combined the 65cc FIM Junior World Cup for a weekend of unforgettable racing.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

SCOTT Sports

23-year-old Jeffrey Herlings continues to do things nobody expected. After breaking his collarbone a month ago, it was expected he would limp through the two rounds in Indonesia and head to Loket in the Czech Republic without the red plate. Instead he went 2-1-1-1 and extended his lead over Antonio Cairoli to 24 points.

The tough Dutchman was as surprised as anyone to take two more Grand Prix victories, and make it 77 GP wins in his career, but no doubt his mental approach and determined mentality got him home. Flying home to Holland on Sunday night there is no doubt the three time World MX2 champion was smiling ear to ear.

“It is awesome” Herlings said. “I never expected to win, crashing before Ottobiano, and when I saw I had a bad crack and I had surgery and before Indonesia I couldn’t even lift my arm, I wasn’t sure if I could race, but I went home with 97 points and it’s a dream come true. We didn’t lose points but gained some. It wasn’t my normal speed or normal Jeffrey Herlings, but I hadn’t ridden for nearly a month. I am looking forward to Loket, it isn’t my favourite track, but it’s a nice atmosphere. I go to the doctor and see if my collarbone is okay and I didn’t bend the plate. I want to train again, and we have a Dutch race next weekend, but first I need to see if the  plate is okay.

Going 1-1-1 for the Saturday and Sunday in Semarang last weekend, really boosted the Red Bull KTM Factory rider’s confidence and knowing he can handle his rivals even with a major injury must give him a lot of joy heading into Loket in 10 days’ time.

“I don't think we could have dreamt of these results. We came to Indonesia totally unprepared but to go 2-1 last week and then even better today – with the Qualification Heat and both races – is absolutely awesome. We couldn't have wished for anything better. As I said, this is not the ‘normal’ Jeffrey Herlings yet but to leave Indonesia with two GP wins is a blessing. Red Bull KTM have done such an incredible job and I loved spending all this time with them. The team gave me a perfect bike and I would not be winning without them.”

So now let’s see what Herlings can do around the rock-hard Loket circuit, a circuit he has enjoyed good results, but for sure not a circuit like Lommel (the following round), where he is expecting to win easily. As far as his toughness, it might take a rifle to stop the Dutchman from taking his fourth Motocross World Championship in 2018, because at the moment, he is seemingly unbeatable.

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer

MXGP keeps running the FOX Holeshot competition trough the rounds of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season together with MXGP Partner FOX.

The way it works is that 1 point is awarded per MXGP or MX2 championship race. The first rider who cross the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be given a point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders – one per category - with the most FOX Holeshot points will win a mega prize.

At the MXGP of Asia that took place on July the 7^th and 8th^th in Semarang Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli took both FOX Holeshots in MXGP while his teammate Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado took both FOX Holeshots in MX2.

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

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 season in MXGP and MX2 classes, and has the most points, will be awarded.

At the MXGP of Asia held in Semarang KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass set the TAG HEUER fastest lap in MXGP and MX2 respectively

Here below you have the details:

MXGP: Jeffrey Herlings at Race 1 Lap 7 with 01.51:867

MX2: Pauls Jonass at Race 1 Lap 6 with 01.54:522

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

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 10 July 2018 - Youthstream announces a modification to the recently released provisional 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship calendar.

The venue of the  MXGP of France scheduled for the 16th of June 2019 has been updated to TBA (to be announced). The provisional calendar remains otherwise unchanged!

The 2019 Provisional Calendar Visual can be downloaded HERE & by clicking HERE you are able to download the grid  in PDF format. 

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

SEMARANG (Indonesia-Asia) 08 July 2018 - The MXGP of Asia in Semarang, Indonesia is complete and one to remember! The weekend was full of action all leading up to today’s racing where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado took their respective overalls while gaining ground in the championship standings.

From the first race of MX2 to the final race of MXGP the racing was incredible and challenged the world’s best riders. The MX2 title chase is now even with both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado tied at 550 points while the fights in MXGP continue with new faces battling for wins!

Starting off the Sunday at the new and massive Semarang circuit was a formal opening ceremony alongside the Skybox. The opening ceremony started with the national anthem, then hosted a traditional Semarang dance performance, and concluded with Youthstream Vice President David Luongo, FIM Asia President Mr. Stephen Carapiet, Chief of the IMI Mr. Sadikin Aksa and Mayor of Semarang Mr. Hendrar Prihadi, S.E. M.M. thanking the fans and showing their appreciation for the hospitality shown to MXGP.

Photos: from left to right: MXGP of Asia Organizer Alfonus Judiarto, Chief of the IMI Mr. Sadikin Aksa, Mayor of Semarang Mr. Hendrar Prihadi, Youthstream Vice President David Luongo, MXGP of Asia Speaker Anindya Putri and Executive Director for KTM and Husqvarna USA Selvaraj Narayana. 

The competitors in the 2018 MXGP World Championship are as tough as nails or in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings case tough as the plate and screws of his recently fractured collar bone. Herlings came into the Indonesian trip unsure of his situation but by the end has come away with 97 championship points of the 100 available.

At the drop of the gate for MXGP Race 1 Herlings was the fastest to the first turn but lost the Fox Holeshot and lead when he bobbled on the exit of the corner. Taking over the lead position and the Fox Holeshot was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin in 3rd and Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing’s Clement Desalle in 4th.

The opening lap action continued with Team HRC’s Tim Gajser making his way to third and second in front of Herlings briefly. Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber collided on the uphill triple which sent Seewer tumbling, neither rider was injured but Seewer did not rejoin the race.

Herlings struggled to keep momentum at the start of the race and was passed by both Gajser and Paulin on lap 2 with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre closing in as well. Cairoli’s lead was then taken by Gajser and Febvre was past Herlings who was immediately under pressure from Desalle.

Febvre and his fellow frenchman, Paulin, kicked off a battle for third swapping positions all in front of Herlings. Herlings took advantage of the battle and was into 4th past Paulin. Desalle then banged bars with Paulin eventually finding a way by the Frenchman.

Herlings made a move around the outside of Febvre and was then past Cairoli in the same lap. From that point Herlings gained time on Gajser and made a pass lap 13 just before Febvre crashed out of 4th. At the finish Herlings took the win with Gajser 2nd and Cairoli 3rd.

Race 2 was started with a second Fox Holeshot from Cairoli with Herlings, Desalle, and Seewer alongside. Febvre was back for Race 2 but fell on the start and had to fight back from dead last. Cairoli’s good start was short lived when he dropped 5 position in the first 3 turns back to 6th. Desalle was in the lead next but Herlings took it away in before the first lap was complete.

Cairoli lost more positions early in the race to Lieber and TM Factory Racing’s Max Nagl. Back at the front Desalle was charging to insides of Herlings and showing the red plate holder a wheel as Paulin crashed while under pressure from Lieber.

Seewer was also riding well and up in 4th while Cairoli made a pair of passes to take back fifth from Nagl and Lieber. On lap 13 Seewer would also lose his position to Cairoli whose forward progress wouldn’t be enough to catch Gajser in 3rd.

At the finish Herlings took his 2nd race win of the day with Desalle 2nd, Gajser 3rd, Cairoli 4th, and Seewer 5th. In the overall result Herlings took the clear win with 1-1, Gajser took 2nd with 2-3, and Desalle returned to the podium for the first time since winning the MXGP of Russia with 4-2 for 3rd.

Jeffrey Herlings: “To go home with 97 points from the 2 weekends is absolutely amazing, I didn’t expect that and it has been like a dream come true. Not only didn’t I lose any points but I actually gained some, not many but a few is good so I don’t want to take this for granted. The rest of the guys rode awesome I really had to fight in the first race with Tim and the second with Clement.”

Tim Gajser: “I was feeling good coming here, the track it was just amazing. I was pushing hard to pass Clement in race 2 but had to settle for 3rd to take 2nd overall, it was a good weekend.”

Clement Desalle: “It is good to be back on the podium. It has been a long time since I have been on the podium. I had good races today with two consistent races and two good starts which were really important.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 33:54.179; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:01.786; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:13.879; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:17.519; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:20.604; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:22.007; 7. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:35.278; 8. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:49.077; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:59.110; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +1:24.278

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:21.626; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:05.537; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:11.311; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:18.393; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:21.214; 6. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:25.998; 7. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:27.988; 8. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:29.546; 9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:32.666; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:40.658

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 42 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 40 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 38 p.; 5. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 28 p.; 6. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 27 p.; 7. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KAW), 26 p.; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 26 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 23 p.; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), 17 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 583 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 559 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 447 p.; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 410 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 400 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 389 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 329 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 295 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 280 p.; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), 227 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 647 points; 2. Kawasaki, 466 p.; 3. Yamaha, 446 p.; 4. Honda, 425 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 413 p.; 6. TM, 227 p.; 7. Suzuki, 217 p.

MXGP Photos

Main Photo: Jeffrey Herlings 

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser 2. Clement Desalle

The MX2 Championship fight is in full force after today’s MXGP of Asia in Semarang. Race one began with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado taking the Fox Holeshot ahead of his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Pauls Jonass.

Jonass had Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen just to his inside down the Pit Lane straight after the start and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Thomas Kjer Olsen to his outside. Vlaanderen grabbed a handful of front brake on the entry to the next turn resulting in him going down and just moments later Olsen was down. For Olsen his crash came from landing short on the next jump and he took out his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Thomas Covington in the process.

With some room to breathe early Jonass pushed to pass Prado but then fell himself after losing the front end. Quick to get up Jonass was still second ahead of Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson and Yamaha SM Action M.C. - Migliori’s Michele Cervellin. F&H Racing Team’s Adam Sterry was in 5th with Honda 114 Motorsport’s Bas Vaessen giving chase.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Anthony Rodriguez passed Vaessen on lap 3 and then got by Sterry on lap 6 for 5th. Vaessen continued to push but had a big crash just before the downhill triple and was slow to get going again before eventually pulling off the track.

Back at the front Jonass had again caught Prado with the help of lapped riders and mistakes from the Spaniard. Jonass made the impressive pass for the lead on lap 9 and then started to pull away. A few spots further back Rodriguez was searching for a way into 4th and eventually took the spot from Cervellin.

Also making big passes to finish the race was Vlaanderen who came back from last to finish 5th ahead of Cervellin and Covington. Winning the race was Jonass with Prado 2nd and Watson 3rd followed by his teammate Rodriguez in 4th.

Race 2 was off to another wild start with Jonass crashing in the first turn while Prado took the Fox Holeshot and lead. Vlaanderen had another strong jump off of the grid and kept the mistakes to a minimum in 2nd. Covington also rebounded from the bad luck of race 1 and found himself 3rd on the first laps followed by Watson and Olsen.

4 laps into the race Covington took 2nd from Vlaanderen, Jonass was up to 10th and Olsen made a pass on Watson for 4th on lap 5. Prado was able to manage his lead well as every time Covington gained ground Prado responded.

The top 5 remained unchanged for the next 10 laps until Vlaanderen made charge with 2 laps to go and reclaimed 2nd from Covington. In the meantime Jonass had clawed his way back to 6th in a massive effort. Crossing the finish first was Prado with Vlaanderen, Covington, Olsen, and Watson finishing out the top 5.

On the overall podium it was Prado by 7 points over Jonass and 9 ahead of Vlaanderen. Prado’s effort has tied the MX2 Championship standings at 550 points for both himself and Jonass. Jonass will however maintain the red plate with more race wins as the series heads to Loket for the MXGP of Czech Republic in 2 week time.

Jorge Prado: “It was a great weekend! I had to really fight every lap of the races but I was really happy taking two Fox Holeshots which made everything easier. I am really happy with my performance. Now Pauls and I are the same points so in 2 weeks we go to Loket.”

Pauls Jonass: “Actually the weekend went really good. I was feeling really good just in the second race I had a bad mistake in the first turn. I wanted to end the 2 weeks in Indonesia on a more positive note but we are looking forward to the next GP in Loket and we are going to work hard to gain more points on Jorge."

Calvin Vlaanderen: “It feels great to be on the podium again and go back to back. I had a good day and overall I’m happy. My mechanic showed me 3 laps to go in race 2 and that's when I took a deep breath, pushed the last few laps to make a pass and thats what happened."

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 34:59.013; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:04.137; 3. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:22.101; 4. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:41.937; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:43.971; 6. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:44.344; 7. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:57.170; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:03.984; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +1:14.133; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +1:23.303

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:13.784; 2. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:02.931; 3. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:05.084; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:21.652; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.770; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:40.860; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:50.117; 8. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +1:13.213; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +1:19.115; 10. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:28.895

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 47 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 40 p.; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 38 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 34 p.; 6. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 32 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 28 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 25 p.; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, HUS), 24 p.; 10. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 24 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 550 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 550 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 422 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 412 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 369 p.; 6. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 331 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 286 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 255 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 223 p.; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 218 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 628 points; 2. Husqvarna, 525 p.; 3. Yamaha, 446 p.; 4. Honda, 437 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 311 p.; 6. TM, 119 p.

MX2 Photos

Main Photo: Jorge Prado & Pauls Jonass 

Bottom Photos: 1. Calvin Vlaanderen 2. Ben Watson

Click here to obtain the complete results

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

MXGP of Asia – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1,750m

Type of ground: Red Clay

Temperature: 33°

Weather conditions: sunny

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 47,000

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

The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will take place on July the 22nd in Loket for the MXGP of Czech Republic.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Asia

Starting off the Sunday at the new and massive Semarang circuit was a traditional opening ceremony alongside the Skybox and the podium of the MXGP of Asia.

The opening ceremony started with the national anthem, then hosted a traditional Semarang dance performance, and concluded with Youthstream Vice President David Luongo, FIM Asia President Mr. Stephen Carapiet, S.E. M.M, and Chief of the IMI Mr. Sadikin Aksa and Mayor of Semarang Mr. Hendrar Prihadi, thanking the fans and showing their appreciation for the hospitality shown to MXGP.

Photo: From left to right: MXGP of Asia Organizer Alfonus Judiarto, FIM Asia President Mr. Stephen Carapiet, Chief of the IMI Mr. Sadikin Aksa, Youthstream Vice President David Luongo, Mayor of Semarang Mr. Hendrar Prihadi, Head Police Deputy of Central Java Area Brigjen Ahme Lutfi, BSB City Bp Timotius Dharmawan Harsono, MXGP of Asia Speaker Anindya Putri.

SEMARANG (Indonesia-Asia) 07 July 2018 - MXGP’s first race day at the MXGP of Asia in Semarang is complete. The massive hand crafted track hosted the biggest names in the FIM Motocross World Championship today but Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass took the MXGP and MX2 qualifying wins respectively.

The friendly MXGP of Asia host city of Semarang welcomed the riders and paddock throughout the week and came out to watch the riders early this morning. Unique soil on the track tested the riders today. The 1,750 meter long circuit was full of pristine jumps rising and dropping along with the natural elevation change which produced lap times of just under 2 minutes.

MXGP’s Qualifying race was led off of the start by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings after he lined up third from the inside gate. Lining up to his inside on the long left hand start was the only two riders faster in Time Practice, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser.

Gajser came out of the start in 2nd behind Herlings but just ahead of Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer. Febvre was 4th with fellow Frenchman, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin in 5th. Herlings championship rival and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Teammate Antonio Cairoli was 6th.

While Herlings led he came under pressure from Gajser who charged early in the race to battle for the win. Gajser showed Herlings a wheel on many occasions but Herlings responded every time. As Gajser tried to match the pace of Herlings for the lead Febvre was urgently looking to pass Seewer for third. The pressure from Febvre increased as Herlings and Gajser pulled a slight gap on the pair of Yamaha’s but to no success. Seewer responded to the charge of Febvre by catching Gajser.

Cairoli meanwhile had fought his way back into 6th after briefly being passed by Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle. The lead four had separated themselves from the rest of the field early and Cairoli was left fighting for 5th with Paulin. On lap 10 of 12 Paulin’s fight for the spot was lost when he fell on the entry to a corner. The mistake from the #21 allowed both Cairoli and Desalle to move forward a position. At the finish Herlings topped Gajser by over 4 seconds with Seewer 3rd, Febvre 4th, and Cairoli 5th.

BOS GP’s Evgeny Bobryshev and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber both crashed separately during the race but Bobryshev was unable to rejoin the race while Lieber got back up in 13th. Leiber eventually finished 21st however after being penalized along with Bike It DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle in 22nd and Standing Construct KTM’s Kevin Strijbos in 23rd. Also notable was the absence of the 2017 MXGP of Indonesia winner, Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Shaun Simpson.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I am feeling better every day I am riding. It was a good day, qualifying first I think the inside gate will be best even though today I started from gate three. We will see how it goes tomorrow, I think the start will be really important but I think the track is absolutely awesome.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff took 11th and later said: “Today I didn’t have a good start, I didn’t do well in Time Practice so I was very far outside on the gate. Overall though my feeling is good here, it is a beautiful track.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 24:08.172; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.011; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:04.592; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:04.931; 5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:24.354; 6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:26.475; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:27.857; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:29.174; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:30.881; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:34.576; 11

MXGP Photos

Main Photo: Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeremy Seewer 2. Romain Febvre

MX2’s Racing was a sight for the Indonesian fans as well with the 250cc bikes stretching out the massive jumps of the Semarang circuit. Off the start it looked as if Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson was about to take his first holeshot. Unfortunately for Watson Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado came out of the first turn with the lead.

Watson’s best start of the year put him third after the first lap with Prado’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Teammate Pauls Jonass also making it past the Brit. In 4th and 5th position were Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen and Thomas Covington.

Last week’s MX2 overall winner, Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen was in 6th with Yamaha SM Action - M.C. Migliori’s Michele Cervellin and Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Jago Geerts giving chase.

The first portion of the race Prado held a steady pace and lead over Jonass but just before the halfway mark Jonass started making up time little by little. Prado then reached the tail end of lapped traffic which allowed Jonass to close the gap to nearly nothing. With Jonass on the back wheel of Prado it took just over a lap to make a pass for the lead stick.

Another rider on a clear mission to forward was Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Anthony Rodriguez. Rodriguez looked comfortable on the track since Free Practice and showed impressive speed passing both Cervellin and Geerts in the race to take 7th.

The remainder of the race stayed relatively unchanged and at the finish Jonass kept Prado behind him to score his 4th pole position of 2018 with Watson 3rd, Olsen 4th, Covington 5th, and Vlaanderen matching his qualifying position from last week of 6th.

Pauls Jonass: “The qualifying went really good. I haven’t won a qualifying race in a while so it was good to win and go the gate first because here the start is very important. I think they did a really good job on the track.”

Calvin Vlaanderen: “The qualifying race was quite good, we got off to a good start and I was in 6th from the first laps. I just saved some energy for tomorrow…we just did our thing today but tomorrow hopefully we get 2 good starts so we can run up front and fight for the podium again.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 24:40.845; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:03.494; 3. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:13.480; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:19.305; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:29.844; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:32.118; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:33.955; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:39.748; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:52.387; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +1:02.610

MX2 Photos

Main Photo: Pauls Jonass

Bottom Photos: 1. Jorge Prado 2. Ben Watson

Click here to obtain the complete results

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

MXGP of Asia – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1,750m

Type of ground: Red Clay

Temperature: 34°

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 in Local Time (GMT+7)

Sunday: 10h25 MX2 Warm-up, 10h45 MXGP Warm-up, 12h15 MX2 Race 1, 13h15 MXGP Race 1, 15h10 MX2 Race 2, 16h10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Asia

SEMARANG (Indonesia-Asia) 06 July 2018 - The 2018 MXGP of Asia is less than 24 hours away from racing and the first events of the weekend have already taken place. The beautiful Semarang, Indonesia is the welcoming host venue of round 13 and today was the focus of 2 media events.

Starting from the Semarang circuit media, paddock members, riders, friends and family joined a tour of the Central Java capital city. Riders taking part in the tour were Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, Todd Waters and Calvin Vlaanderen, Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson, Jago Geerts and Anthony Rodriguez, F&H Kawasaki Racing Team’s Adam Sterry, LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes, and Honda 114 Motorsports Bas Vaessen.

Home to nearly 2 million people the tour first headed through the city with a dedicated tour guide to points of interest and explaining the history of the area. The guests were given traditional food and drink of Semarang as a welcoming gift.

Marking first stop of the tour was the Chinese temple Sam Poo Kong also known as Gedung Batu Temple. The Temple is the oldest of its kind in the area originating from the early 13th century. Though now a major tourist attraction the location is still a sight of worship. MXGP’s Tour members first took in the sights of the temple before watching a traditional Chinese lion dance (Barongsai) and Reog an Indonesian traditional dance. Joining together the riders took family photos before receiving a parting gift and continuing the tour.

From Sam Poo Kong the trip drove through China Town and continued to the Old Town of Semarang from its time as a Dutch Colony. Stopping in the heart of Old Town riders and guest walked through the streets to a creative gallery before a group photo in front of a landmark Protestant church founded in 1753 to close the tour.

The evening carried on and for the second event of the day the paddock headed to an upscale Semarang hotel for a welcoming meet and greet. The ballroom of the Gumaya Tower Hotel hosted an opening dance performance in traditional form with a video presentation and speeches from the officials in attendance such as Youthstream Vice President Mr. David Luongo, FIM Asia President Mr. Stephen Carapiet, FIM/CMS Director Mr. Tony Skillington, Mayor of Semarang Mr. Hendrar Prihadi, S.E. M.M, Chief of the IMI Mr. Sadikin Aksa and Executive Director of KTM/Husqvarna Mr. Selvaraj Narayana.

Adding to the list of notable representatives was the riders of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Glenn Coldenhoff, Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado, TM Racing Factory Team’s Max Nagl, BOS GP’s Evgeny Bobryshev, together with national riders.

To close the event all the riders and notable figures took the stage for a family photo before taking in a specially prepared dinner. The riders, teams, media, and thousands of welcoming fans now gear up for tomorrow’s highly anticipated Qualifying races at the new circuit of Semarang for the inaugural MXGP of Asia.

Top Main Photo: Youthstream Vice President Mr. David Luongo, FIM Asia President Mr. Stephen Carapiet, FIM/CMS Director Mr. Tony Skillington, Mayor of Semarang Mr. Hendrar Prihadi, S.E. M.M, Chief of the IMI Mr. Sadikin Aksa and Executive Director of KTM/Husqvarna Mr. Selvaraj Narayana, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Glenn Coldenhoff, Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado, TM Racing Factory Team’s Max Nagl, BOS GP’s Evgeny Bobryshev, National Riders, local Authorities, MXGP Presenters & Traditional Dancers

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

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT+7)

Saturday: 09h45 MX2 Free Practice, 10h15 MXGP Free Practice, 12h10 MX2 Time Practice, 12h50 MXGP Time Practice, 14h25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 15h10 MXGP Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10h25 MX2 Warm-up, 10h45 MXGP Warm-up, 12h15 MX2 Race 1, 13h15 MXGP Race 1, 15h10 MX2 Race 2, 16h10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Asia