MX2

Standing Construct KTM is pleased to announce they have reached a multi-year agreement with leading off-road motorcycle manufacturer KTM that will see the team continue to represent the Austrian brand in the FIM Motocross World Championship as a Factory Supported team in the years to come. The team which is currently in its rookie season inside the premier class, MXGP, has been recognized for its hard work and dedication, that insures that its riders can compete at the highest level and on the best machinery in the toughest and most demanding motocross series in the world. The contract was signed at the Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia, in Ottobiano, Italy on the weekend of June 17^th.

Tim Mathys – Standing Construct KTM manager: “I am delighted to have signed a long term deal with KTM as I have experienced once more how great it is to work with them. I think we are one of the highest performing “non-full factory” teams in the MXGP paddock and have proven in the past to be able to get good results on different levels. When the work we do is appreciated by the brand we represent then of course this is a special feeling and is very rewarding. With the extended support we will only become stronger in the future.”

Robert Jonas – KTM Vice President Motorsports Offroad: “Standing Construct KTM has proven to us that they are worth the confidence and support we have given them. We are convinced that with this new and extended contract the team will continue to develop further and will help us to consolidate our presence in MXGP on the highest level.”

MXGP’s favorite gear bags have just gone on sale for the summer!

The well known OGIO brand is used by the MXGP crew, top riders throughout the paddock such as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, and several other teams!

Now at 50% OFF, the special summer sale includes several OGIO bag categories from gear bags to backpacks and is only while supplies last!

Check out the massive deals and get your new bags before they are gone HERE

For more information on OGIO items follow the MXGP - OGIO website http://www.mxgp-ogio.com/en

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 Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia that took place on June the 17^th in Ottobiano Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and KTM Silver Action’s Kevin Strijbos took the FOX Holeshot in MXGP while Rockstar Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass took both FOX Holeshots in MX2 race 1 and race 2.

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

Asia has always been an exotic stop for the FIM Motocross World Championships. With countries like Australia, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia all involved we have seen some classic rounds of the toughest motocross series in the World. Searing heat, thick mud, or dry hard pack circuits, that part of the world has it all.

With news last week that we will visit China and Hong Kong in 2019, the Asian love affair with Grand Prix motocross continues. It is a relationship that started way back in 1991 when American Mike Kiedrowski won the Japanese 125cc GP, the same year another American Jeff Stanton won the 250cc GP of Japan. A year later in 1992 Dutchman Pedro Tragter won the 125cc of Japan. Japan followed the GP scene for a number of years, with Kiedrowski winning a 250cc GP in 1992, Alex Puzar, Yves Demaria and Stefan Everts also added 250 GP wins in Japan in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

While Japan held seven GPs in the 1990s, Indonesia and also played its part, starting in 1995 with French rider Sebastien Tortelli the 125cc Grand Prix, and the Frenchman backed up his success in Asia, with another win in 1996, before Alessio Chiodi won the final 125cc GP in Indonesia in 1997 and Yves Demaria added to his Japanese GP win in 1994, with a victory in Indonesia in the 250cc class in 1997.

Indonesia returned to the premier class 20 years after that victory by Demaria, and this time, in 2017, in the thick mud of the Pangkal Pinang circuit, it was Shaun Simpson who got the win, and Jeremy Seewer won in the MX2 class.

Of course, in recent times, Thailand also joined the Asian partnership, with Antonio Cairoli winning the first one in 2013, the Italian taking the MX1 overall, and in MX2 it was Jeffrey Herlings who took victory in Thailand. Cairoli added another win in 2014 in MX1 as did Herlings in MX2.

2015 and Ryan Villopoto pulled off his only GP victory with a massive win in the searing heat of Thailand and Herlings picked up his third straight Thailand win in MX2. Romain Febvre won in MXGP in 2016 and that man Herlings won again in MX2, taking his fourth straight win in Asia.

Australia held motocross GP’s in 1993, when Andrea Bartolini won the 125cc in the deep sand of Manijump, and Broadford held MX1 and MX2 rounds in 2000 and 2001.

Now in a little over a week’s time, we return to Indonesia, for the two rounds in Pangkal Pinang and Semarang. Both will be exciting affairs as Jeffrey Herlings goes for his fifth win in Asian, and Cairoli his third. No doubt, the warm weather and the tropical conditions will make life tough for the MXGP and MX2 competitors, but that is why this series is considered so diverse and difficult.

Copyright: photo: Ray Archer

The sixth 2018 issue of a monthly motorcycle sport magazine with some of the best interviews, features and Blogs from the heart of MotoGP, MXGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and WorldSBK as well as tests and reviews of bikes and products from the motorcycling industry. In OTOR #176: Race Pics & Blogs; the best photos and insight from MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross & WorldSBK thanks to the views and keyboards of people in the heart of the paddock. Using the future; 4 reasons why LitPro is still some of the most advanced tech inside off-road racing. We speak to the creators of the ultimate learning tool for MX and their Supercross project. Racing the Paddock; A conversation with Steve Dixon; one of the last innovators and envelope-pushers in MXGP. The Brit talks engines, riders, decisions, budgets, concepts and more. Bagnaia & Kawasaki; we head into the inner sanctum of the World Superbike champions during a race weekend and also get closer to Moto2 championship leader Pecco Bagnaia.

Read the OTOR issue HERE

Max Anstie is riding the rollercoaster of motocross. One day a hero in front of his countrymen at the 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, to a guy pushing hard to make the top ten in the World. Welcome to the MXGP championship, the toughest motocross series in the world.

Down in 13^th place in the MXGP championship points the British rider finally showed his MXoN form last weekend in Italy and finished on the podium.

“It’s awesome to be back up here on the podium,” Anstie said. “It has been such a difficult start to the season with things seemingly going from bad to worse. I felt so strong at the beginning of the year, especially after finishing 2017 on a high, so it’s great to get a finish like this and to be battling on track with the other top guys. It’s going to be another tough race in two weeks’ time in Indonesia so hopefully I can get a similar result there.”

A week earlier at the St Jean d’Angly circuit in France, Anstie didn’t feel that comfortable, and 17-16 wasn’t anything like the Husqvarna rider wanted and more hard work was expected to try and get him to fire in the 450 class.

“I keep doing my best but two bad starts this weekend made it all a lot harder. Track conditions were quite demanding during the two final races and every little mistake cost a lot. Getting 17th in the first race and then 16th in the second race is the best I could do this weekend. I take it as it is and move on. We’ve just reached the halfway point for the season and there’s still plenty of racing to be done. The work continues, and the goal remains to keep getting better and better every weekend.”

Returning to Matterley Basin, the circuit that saw him go 1-1 at last year’s MXoN didn’t produce the same performance, but he did get to race in front of his beloved countrymen, and 10^th overall, but it was an improvement on what has been a very mixed season, with injuries and poor results.

“I’ve had some great memories at this track and I really wanted to do my best in front of the British fans. The speed was there throughout the weekend but unfortunately, I could not get the best of starts in either of the two races. Starting from the back of the pack in both races I ended up getting 13th in race one and 12th in race two for 10th in the overall. We will keep working hoping for some improved results in the next GPs.”

Anstie will now head to Indonesia, for the two fly-away rounds, and with his positive performance in Ottobiano, the always smiling British rider must be confident that his top three finish last weekend will bring him some better results come the Asian leg of the 2018 MXGP championship.

Copyright: Photo: Husqvarna Racing

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 Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia held in Ottobiano Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado set the TAG HEUER fastest lap in MXGP and MX2 respectively

Here below you have the details:

MXGP: Antonio Cairoli at Race 1 Lap 8 with 01.40:411

MX2: Jorge Prado at Race 1 Lap 2 with 01.41:919

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

OTTOBIANO (Lombardia, Italy) 17 June 2018 - The 11th round of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship has wrapped up at the Ottobiano circuit in the Lombardia region of Italy. The Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia hosted one of the most important races of the 2018 season so far with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado taking the overall wins and gaining precious championship points in the process.

Italy’s Ottobiano circuit was challenging for the best riders in the world with rough, technical, and sandy sections testing both rider fitness and ability. In addition to the track taking its toll on the riders’ energy so too did the high temperatures but thousands of Italy’s wildest motocross fans encouraged the MXGP and MX2 stars as they fought. Rewarded with a win from the Italian motocross superstar, Antonio Cairoli, the fans filled the hillside and starting straight for podium celebrations.

MXGP Race 1 was scripted perfectly for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli as he took the Fox Holeshot after taking the 7th gate pick equal to his Saturday qualifying result. Cairoli’s start was indicative of the following 19 laps where he jumped in front of the field and never looked back.

In second place from the beginning was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre but 8 laps into the race the Frenchman fell and dropped 2 positions to Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie. Two laps later another mistake from Febvre allowed Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin and TM Racing Factory Team’s Max Nagl past.

Anstie had his teammate Paulin closing in which pushed him to catch Desalle. All the while Romain Febvre was back on a mission and took 5th from Nagl who was having a season high ride. On the last laps Anstie was all over Desalle for second but on the final lap he lost the front end in a turn and had to settle for third.

Cairoli took the race win with dominance, Desalle was second, then Anstie, Paulin and Febvre. Team HRC Tim Gajser made a pass on the next to last lap, after crashing in the first turn, to take 6th from Nagl.

Race 2 was another strong start from Cairoli in 3rd while Standing Construct KTM’s Kevin Strijbos took his first Fox Holeshot and Desalle was second. By the third turn Cairoli was past Desalle and only one turn after that he took the lead from Strijbos.

Gajser was fourth behind Desalle but by lap 2 was past the Belgian and into 3rd. Nagl was off to another good start to the race in 5th with the two French riders of Paulin and Febvre giving chase. Cairoli however went down on lap 2 while leading, lost 3 spots, and gave Strijbos the lead. Gajser would however only allow Strijbos one lap at the front before making his way into the lead.

Cairoli went back to work quickly after his fall and made one pass a lap for each of the next 3. Cairoli’s third pass was the one which gave him back the lead and it was done just in front of the home fans along the fence.

Desalle then fell in a corner losing positions to Paulin, Nagl, Febvre, and Anstie. Desalle’s race just got worse from then on as he caught a kicker and swapped out through the roller section and was narrowly missed by Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team’s Jeremy Seewer. Desalle was lucky to come away unharmed but had to pull into to Pit Lane to have his bike repaired. Later rejoining the race Desalle took 20th position for only 1 championship point.

At the finish it was another strong win from Cairoli ahead of Gajser, Paulin, Anstie, and Seewer. In the overall standings Cairoli’s perfect 1-1 scored the maximum 50 points while Paulin and Anstie tied at 38 points a piece with Paulin taking 2nd and Anstie 3rd. The final result has cut the championship lead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings to only 12 while both Paulin and Anstie achieved their season best results.

Antonio Cairoli: “Overall it was a good weekend. I’m taking home 50 points which is very important for the championship. We are looking forward to Indonesia, it will be a hot race which I like so hopefully we will be back on the podium which is always the goal.”

Gautier Paulin: “I feel good, most of the track is tough but I like it. Today was not easy, I had two bad starts, and had to come from the back of the pack. I had a good feeling and I’m happy to go back home with a second place.”

Max Anstie: “It’s nice to have got it done today and turn the page, hopefully now we can keep the ball rolling and it is just nice to be here on the podium with the guys. Overall I’m pleased with the riding… I’m looking forward to Indonesia"

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 34:04.005; 2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:11.624; 3. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:21.192; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:27.214; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:33.700; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:35.927; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:39.137; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:52.351; 9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:00.663; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, KTM), +1:08.131.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 34:38.105; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:03.560; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:08.496; 4. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:16.600; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:19.628; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:32.708; 7. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +0:35.614; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.022; 9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:52.311; 10. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:01.851.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 50 points; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 38 p.; 3. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 37 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), 26 p.; 8. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 23 p.; 9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), 21 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 486 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 474 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 374 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 354 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 334 p.; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 332 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 289 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 255 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 240 p.; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), 203 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 547 points; 2. Kawasaki, 393 p.; 3. Yamaha, 379 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 352 p.; 5. Honda, 347 p.; 6. TM, 203 p.; 7. Suzuki, 183 p.

Just like in the MXGP class the MX2 title chase is tightening up between the two main protagonists. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass leads the points but his younger teammate Jorge Prado has again cut into the lead this weekend.

Race 1 started with the now typical Fox Holeshot from Jorge Prado with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington, Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson, and STC Racing Husqvarna’s Henry Jacobi chasing in that order. Jonass was around 7th place but was up to third after a pair of passes on Watson with the second finally sticking.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen moved into 6th past LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes on lap 4 and continued on to make a pass on Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts for 5th.

Olsen teammate, Covington, chased Prado for the first 7 laps but then he started to see the Spaniard making mistakes and took the opportunity to claim the lead. Covington then controlled the race and gapped Prado who had Jonass giving chase while also holding off Watson in 4th. Across the finish Covington won the race 5.8 seconds ahead of Prado, Jonass, Watson, and Olsen.

MX2’s second race looked nearly identical out of the first turn with Prado taking the FOX Holeshot and Covington second. Olsen found himself 3rd in opening lap ahead of Jonass and Jacobi. Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen came from around tenth to pass Jacobi for 5th on lap 5. 3 laps later Watson took the spot away but Vlaanderen fought for the spot back on the next lap. The pair’s battle resulted with Watson holding the position.

Meanwhile at the front of the field Prado’s lead was too far gone and Covington soon lost positions to Olsen and Jonass. At the finish of Race 2 Prado won both the race and the overall with Olsen 2nd, Jonass 3rd, Covington 4th, and Watson 5th. Covington was second in the overall behind Prado but ahead of Jonass. Prado’s victory cuts the championship lead of Jonass to only 9 points as the series will head to Indonesia in two-week time.

Jorge Prado: “It was a really good weekend for me, I could manage to take the win going 2nd and 1st so I’m really happy about that. Last year here wasn’t the best but this year made it to the podium and took the win.”

Thomas Covington: “The weekend overall felt really good starting on Saturday, I just had a nice flow around the track and I felt really comfortable with the bike. It was awesome.”

Pauls Jonass: “This weekend didn’t really go as good as I wanted, I really struggled on the track. In free and time practice I felt good but in the races I couldn’t find my flow or a rhythm so I was really fighting with the track. Physically I felt really good but it was just difficult to hang on. It is still a long season and we still have 9 races to go so nothing is over… for sure it is going to be a fun championship because anything can happen.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 34:46.265; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:05.820; 3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:09.170; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:10.570; 5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:20.494; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:25.861; 7. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:29.474; 8. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:38.965; 9. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:48.240; 10. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:53.579.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:11.237; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:07.520; 3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:13.522; 4. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:15.657; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:20.559; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:33.829; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:45.623; 8. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +1:03.780; 9. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +1:10.120; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:22.739.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 47 points; 2. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 43 p.; 3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 38 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 27 p.; 8. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 24 p.; 9. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 21 p.; 10. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, HUS), 20 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 474 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 465 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 366 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 339 p.; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 286 p.; 6. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 254 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 246 p.; 8. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 216 p.; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 206 p.; 10. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 200 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 536 points; 2. Husqvarna, 448 p.; 3. Yamaha, 373 p.; 4. Honda, 354 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 265 p.; 6. TM, 119 p.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia will be available HERE

Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1,575m

Type of ground: Sand

Temperature: 31°

Weather conditions: sunny

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 30,000

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 in Pangkal Pinang, Indonesia on July the 1^st.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIAT Professional MXGP of Lombardia

OTTOBIANO (Lombardia, Italy) 16 June 2018 - The 2018 Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia is underway below the sun at the sandy Ottobiano circuit. Today’s unpredictable racing was as exciting as it was impressive with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington claiming their respective Qualifying Race wins!

The summer heat along with the sandy circuit of Ottobiano gave the riders difficult conditions but gave the fans amazing racing! Both the MXGP and MX2 Qualifying races were full of action but adding to the racing of the premier classes was the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and FIM Europe’s EMX250 Championship.

The Italian fan favorite from the Women’s racing was without a doubt MXFONTARACING Yamaha’s Kiara Fontanesi. Leading the race early was Larissa Papenmeier followed by Fontanesi, Altherm JCR Yamaha’s Courtney Duncan, and Nancy van de Ven. At the end however it was Fontanesi taking the home race win over Duncan, Van de Ven, and Papenmeier with Shana van der Vlist 5th.

EMX250 Race 1 was a perfect performance from Team DIGA-Procross’ Dylan Walsh. Walsh took the holeshot and led every single lap. Behind Walsh was Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Mathys Boisrame, BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Brian Moreau, and ASTES4-TESAR YAMAHA’s Roan van de Moosdijk. With 3 laps complete Moreau crashed while chasing Boisrame and gave third to van de Moosdijk. Later Boisrame closed to the back wheel of Walsh but a strong response from Walsh gave him the race win with Boisrame 2nd, and van de Moosdijk 3rd.

Starting the weekend many eyes where on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli. From the Italian fans to media and more Cairoli was the center of attention but at the start of the MXGP Qualifying Race it was Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team’s Jeremy Seewer who stole the show. The MX2 overall winner from last year took the holeshot and lead while Cairoli was buried towards the back of the pack.

Chasing Seewer was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Standing Construct KTM’s Kevin Strijbos. The opening lap was a struggle for Cairoli who not only had a bad start but also clipped another rider and went down. Rejoining the race in last position Cairoli had to work hard to achieve decent gate pick for tomorrow’s pair of championship races.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle was fourth at the beginning of the race and had both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders, Max Anstie and Gautier Paulin chasing him. First to make a move was Paulin who pushed past his teammate for fifth as Febvre started to pressure Seewer for the lead.

On lap 5 Febvre took over the lead from Seewer and Desalle took 3rd from Strijbos. During next lap Strijbos lost 2 more positions to Paulin and Anstie. Around the same time Cairoli moved past Gajser after a short battle over 16th.

Cairoli continued his charge forward for the next seven laps. With the final turn to go the Sicilian was 9th but with his fighting spirit managed to pass both Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek and BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle before the finish for 7th.

Romain Febvre claimed the qualifying win with Seewer in second and Desalle took third after a last lap battle with Paulin.

Romain Febvre: “I’m feeling very good, I’m getting better and better every week so that’s really important. Today I was good all day long, I was third in time practice and took a good start, it was almost the holeshot and then after three laps I took the lead from Jeremy Seewer.”

Antonio Cairoli: “It was a very difficult qualifying race and I had one little crash and a big one at the end of the waves on the first lap. I struggled a little bit to come back to 7th but I’m already really looking forward to tomorrow.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), 23:45.610; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:03.260; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:04.700; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:06.325; 5. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:08.975; 6. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +0:16.010; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:20.156; 8. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:20.330; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:20.331; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:24.015.

Just as MXGP’s Qualifying race was difficult for Cairoli the MX2 Qualifying race was a challenge for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington however had the perfect race. Covington scored the holeshot and checkout from the field within the first laps.

Also strong off the start was LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes in second position. Behind Pootjes was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and then, after a series of passes during the opening lap, Pauls Jonass. By the end of lap 2 Jonass was passed Prado and pressuring Pootjes for second.

On lap 6 both Jonass and Prado where past Pootjes who then lost another pair of spots in the next two laps to Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson.

On the 9th lap Jonass could be seen restarting his bike and in the meantime lost positions to Prado, Vlaanderen, and Watson. At the finish line it was Covington who took the qualifying race win, his 3rd this season and second in row, with Prado 2nd, Vlaanderen 3rd, Watson 4th, and Jonass 5th. Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate, Thomas Kjer Olsen, fought his way up to 9th following a crash on start.

Thomas Covington: “Every weekend this is how you plan for a race to go but it is pretty rare for it to actually happen. Two consistent starts and being strong at the end tomorrow is going to be really important.”

Yamaha SM Action M.C. Migliori’s new rider, Michele Cervellin, took 13th during today’s qualifying which is his 2nd home GP of the season. Michele in the press conference said: “This is home GP… I will try to do my best and tomorrow is for sure going to be difficult with two longer races but we will fight for a good result.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 23:58.093; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:07.842; 3. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +0:13.121; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:15.931; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:23.208; 6. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:24.636; 7. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:25.513; 8. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:27.659; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:27.869; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:35.619.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia will be available HERE

Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1,575m

Type of ground: Sand

Temperature: 29°

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+2)

Sunday: 09h45 WMX Race 2, 10h25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10h45 MXGP Warm-Up, 11h30 EMX250 Race 2, 13h15 MX2 Race 1, 14h15 MXGP Race 1, 16h10 MX2 Race 2, 17h10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

FIAT Professional MXGP of Lombardia

OTTOBIANO (Lombardia, Italy) 16 June 2018 - Today’s Fiat Professional MXGP of Lombardia hosted amazing racing and followed by the important announcement of a new stop for the series next year, the 2019 MXGP of Hong Kong.

The announcement, made just after the qualifying races, was given by Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo, who was joined by FIM Europe President, Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM/CMS Director, Tony Skillington, Moonmoto Hong Kong CEO & organizer of the MXGP of Hong Kong, Ashley Sauk, and Moonmoto Hong Kong Partner, Pier Carlo Bottero.

The event that will be in the MXGP Calendar for 3 years starting from 2019 was announced as one of the twenty rounds planned for the 2019 season and will be scheduled together with the 2019 MXGP of China in Shanghai. Known as a strong economic, trade, and financial center in the world’s largest motorcycle market, Hong Kong is a great location to add to the list of spectacular venues of the FIM Motocross World Championship. The collaborative effort made by Youthstream, the FIM, and the organizer insure that the new round will be among the top events in the 2019 calendar.

Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream President: “MXGP is growing in many aspects, racing is amazing, facilities and paddock are more and more outstanding and the interest from national organizers is increasing year by year showing the rise of our Championship all over the world. I’m really pleased about the agreement we reached Ashley Sauk for the Organization of the MXGP of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the greatest places in Asia and to bring MXGP in this fantastic city is something unique. I wish to thank Moonmoto Hong Kong and Ashley Sauk for the Organization of this prime event.”

Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President: "It’s always a big pleasure to be here with Youthstream to announce these big events. South East Asia is growing and the interest in motocross is getting amazing there, to be there with Motocross World Championship is incredible. From experience we know the cooperation will bring to big success especially for the growth of the sport. This is why I’m very happy to be here with all of you to make this great event possible."

Tony Skillington, FIM/CMS Director: "We are a World Championship Sport and it is very important to go to this new country. This is a fantastic place to be. On behalf of the FIM I wish to congratulate our promotion partner Youthstream for its great job. We are very excited to go there next year and I wish the best to all of the people involved for this new challenge."

Ashley Sauk, Moonmoto Hong Kong CEO & organizer of the MXGP of Hong Kong: "I’m very happy to be here in Italy attending this MXGP in Ottobiano and I’m very proud to announce MOONMOTO LTD will host MXGP in Hong Kong, the wildest sport in one of the best areas in the world. MOONMOTO is working hard to make the best event ever in Hong Kong, we are expecting a lot of public and attention from local authorities. The MXGP of Hong Kong will be a huge event and people from Hong Kong will simply be enthusiastic. The Support for all riders and teams will be immense and all foreigners will enjoy our hospitality. A special thanks goes to Giuseppe Luongo, Wolfgang Srb and Tony Skillington to believe in our project. If you dream it you can make it."

Pier Carlo Bottero, Moomoto Hong Kong Partner: "The MXGP of Hong Kong will be definitely a great event. Hong Kong hosts Formula E and Motoccross as Motorsports events, so we could choose the best location for this MXGP. I wish to thank Giuseppe Luongo, Ashley Sauk and the FIM to make all this possible."

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe