MX2

REDSAND (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain), 24 March 2018 - The third round of the 2018 MXGP Championship is off to a roaring start at Spain’s Redsand circuit. The first time MXGP host is providing excellent racing conditions thus far as the Qualifying races were full of action. Team HRC’s Tim Gajser is back at the front of the MXGP field while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass remains the top contender in MX2 after they each won their respective qualifying races!

On top of the MXGP and MX2 racing the first race of the 2018 EMX250 championship season took to Redsand along with the second round of EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing. In the opening 250cc race of the year REVO Husqvarna UK’s Mel Pocock took the race win over Tom Vialle and BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Pierre Goupillon in a competitive battle only 3 seconds separated the top three at the finish. In the first race of the second round of EMX300 presented by FMF Racing it was GL12 Racing’s Mike Kras who took the win after an early battle with Verde Substance KTM’s Brad Anderson as iFly JK Racing’s Manuel Iacopi and A1M Husqvarna’s Andre Lusbo took second and third.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser is no stranger to leading the MXGP field but recent injuries had held the Slovenian back until today. Gajser took the lead from the start grabbing the holeshot by holding the tighter line over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie.

Joining Gajser at the front was another MXGP World Champion, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre. Febvre was in second immediately after the start and continued to apply the pressure on Gajser for the remaining 13 laps.

Behind Gajser and Febvre was the #21 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine of Gautier Paulin. Paulin had a miraculous save on the opening laps of the race when he got his foot over the scrub jump. Luckily for the French rider he didn’t lose much time and was able to settle into third.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders of Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli both started outside of the top 5 and each had to come through riders throughout the race. One of the riders that proved toughest to pass was Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team’s Jeremy Seewer.

Herlings followed the Swiss MXGP rookie for 4 laps before finding a way past to take 4th. Seewer showed he had the speed to keep up with Herlings even closing back in on the #84 before missing his line and allowing Cairoli to squeeze by.

Cairoli was then on a mission to pass Herlings and with 2 laps to go the Sicilian charged past his KTM teammate for 4th. At the finish Gajser was too tough for Febvre to pass as Paulin hung on for third with Cairoli and Herlings rounding out the top 5.

With 4 former World Champions in the top 5 racing is expected to be even more intense tomorrow.

Gajser in the press conference stated: “Today I felt eventually good after my injury, I am just so happy to get this qualifying race win. Hopefully tomorrow we can have good races with a good start, the speed is there so I just need to be consistent and not make any mistakes.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 25:30.475; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:03.427; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:06.893; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:07.364; 5. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:13.205; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:14.396; 7. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:16.355; 8. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:24.314; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:32.123; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:38.246

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass is continuing in his winning ways this weekend. The Latvian again saw the toughest competition from his Spanish Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jorge Prado. Prado took the holeshot but was passed by Jonass before the first complete lap was registered.

Fastest in both the Free and Time practice sessions was Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei. Sanayei carried his speed into the qualifying race with a good start placing him just behind F&H Racing Team’s Adam Sterry during the opening laps.

Sanayei passed quickly making his way to third ahead of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen. It was also a good qualifying race for Honda 114 Motorsport’s Hunter Lawrence as he finished in 5th only 4 tenths of a second behind Olsen.

At the front Jonass tried to inch away but Prado wasn’t having it, keeping both Jonass and the fans on their toes. While Prado chased Jonass the #57 of Sanayei was right on the pair of KTM bikes in what was a 3 way battle for the win!

At the finish line less than 1.2 seconds separated the top three and only 4 seconds separated the top 4. Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Ben Watson took 6th 22 seconds off the pace of the top 4.

Jonass in the press conference said: “The start will be the key tomorrow…I hope they keep the track rough so it will be more technical. It was a good race, another close and I enjoy it.”

Prado in the press conference said: “It is nice to see all the Spanish fans and for sure they give me extra motivation once I pass in front of them they go crazy. I am really happy to have another Spanish GP especially here at Redsand, it is a really cool track and the organization is very good.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 24:03.034; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:00.633; 3. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:01.168; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.618; 5. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:04.088; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:21.981; 7. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:23.228; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:26.988; 9. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:29.001; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, Kawasaki), +0:31.222

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana will be available HERE

MXGP COMUNITAT VALENCIANA – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1730m

Type of ground: sand

Temperature: 19°

Weather conditions: sunny

Racing will be close as ever tomorrow and the stage is set for an action packed day, don’t miss any of the action and don’t forget that the time will change to GMT+2 Sunday due to daylight savings!

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: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX250 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana

REDSAND (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain), 23 March 2018 - Round 3 of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season is here! The MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana and the circuit of Redsand will host the best riders in the world this weekend including Jeffrey Herlings, Antonio Cairoli, Tim Gajser, Clement Desalle, Gautier Paulin, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Pauls Jonass, Spanish star Jorge Prado and many more!

The 2018 MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana will receive worldwide television coverage from its usual television partners including LIVE on Eurosport. The MXGP & MX2 Races as well as the Qualifying Heats, and including the EMX250 and EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing, will as always be available LIVE worldwide from Spain on www.MXGP-TV.com both Saturday and Sunday.

Plus you can watch the 26min Behind the Gate in Europe on motorsport.tv & MotorTrend two days after the event. It can also be viewed in the USA/Canada on BeIn and MAV TV, Finland on MTV 3, Croatia on Kreator TV, South America on FOX Sports, Asia on FOX Sports, China on Fox Sports and SINA, and the Africa on Africa XP.

Check the guides below to find out how you can watch the MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana:

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Monday 26 March – MX2 Race 2 – 07:00 pm EST (04:00 pm PST) Delayed

Monday 26 March – MXGP Race 2 – 08:00 pm EST (05.00 pm PST) Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS 3

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

BULGARIA

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Tuesday 26 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:45 CET time – Delayed

Tuesday 26 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:45 CET time – Delayed

ITALY

RAI Sports

Thursday 29 March – MXGP Race 2 – 18:30 – Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live streaming

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live streaming

PORTUGAL

Sport TV

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

UK

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS SEA (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand – Singapore – Indonesia)

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

FOX SPORTS ASIA (Cambodia – Mongolia – Myannar – Papua New Guinea – Vietnam)

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

BRUNEI

STAR Sports Malaysia

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

CHINA

STAR Sports 2 China

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

MALAYSIA

STAR Sports Malaysia

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

PHILIPPINES

FOX SPORTS Philippines 

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 25 March – MXGP Race 1 –  09:00 Brazilian time - Live

Sunday 25 March – MXGP Race 2 –  11:00 Brazilian time –Live

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 of the MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana will be available HERE

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX300 Free/Time practice 09:00; EMX250 Group 1 Free/Time Practice 09:45; EMX250 Group 2 Free/Time Practice 10:30; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX250 Last Chance Qualifying Race 13:00; MX2 Time Practice 14:00; MXGP Time Practice 14:40; EMX300 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX250 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX250 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana

RED SAND (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain) 22 March 2018 - MXGP is very glad to announce an update to the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar. This season will now include the return of former GP host Sevlievo, Bulgaria for the MXGP of Bulgaria on August 25th and 26th, 2018.

Last visited in 2014, the beautiful Sevlievo circuit is full of natural terrain circuit and has seen the World Championship 12 times since 2002. TM Racing’s Max Nagl, Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing’s Clement Desalle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin have all won in Bulgaria with Cairoli, Herlings, and Paulin having done so twice.

The MXGP of Bulgaria will also include the EMX classes of EMX250 and EMX300 presented by FMF Racing.

The updated 2018 calendar is available below and you are able to download it in PDF format including support classes by clicking HERE

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Youthstream is excited to inform fans that new MXGP partner, GreenlandMX, has sponsored this weekend’s Facebook LIKE and SHARE contest! All that you have to do is LIKE GreenlandMX on Facebook then LIKE and SHARE this MXGP post for a chance to win big prizes including a GreenlandMX reinforced tent with 3 walls, an MXGP-TV Season Pass, and a copy of MXGP3 The Official Motocross Videogame!

What are you waiting for? Like and share now! and WIN MXGP and GreenlandMX amazing prizes

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 22 March 2018 – Youthstream is proud to announce that Vertex has renewed its agreement to partner with MXGP for the 2018 season of racing.

Vertex Pistons has a long history in both the production of pistons and as a partner of MXGP. It has been for more than 10 years in a row the Italian based company has partnered with the FIM Motocross World Championship which shows their long term dedication to the highest level of racing.

Founded in 1953 Vertex has its roots firmly planted in agriculture but have grown into an international company, one of the largest aftermarket piston companies in power sports, and also a top supplier to some of the largest European OE manufacturers. Youthstream is happy to continue its strong relationship with the brand and looks forward to many more years of racing with Vertex.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Vertex

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing are pleased to announce the extension of their partnership with Moto-Master Brake Systems. The agreement will see Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s MXGP, MX2 and Rally teams benefit from the high-performance brake systems through to the end of the 2019 season.

Founded in 1997, Dutch-based Moto-Master have built a solid reputation as one of the world’s leading aftermarket brake system manufacturers. Introducing many innovations to the market, Moto-Master have always been at the forefront of technology and continue to set the highest standards in braking performance. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will continue to enjoy using products from Moto-Master such as their brake kits and distinctive Flame brake discs for the next two full seasons.

Diego Clement – Head of Motorsport at Husqvarna Motorcycles: “We are extremely pleased to continue our working relationship with Rolf Verhagen and the Moto-Master company. Our decision to continue the partnership with Moto-Master is based on the quality and performance of their braking systems. Their components have proven to be highly effective and extremely reliable in all kinds of racing conditions. We are looking forward to working together for the next two years.”

Rolf Verhagen – CEO of Moto-Master: “It gives us great pleasure to be able to continue our valued partnership with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing through to the end of the 2019 season. Moto-Master are very proud to be part of the continued success of Husqvarna’s official motocross and rally teams. We are very excited to supply our range of brake discs and components to all official team riders. With this opportunity to partner with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, we look forward to further developing our championship-winning brake technology alongside some of the world’s best racers.”

RED SAND (Comunitat Valenciana, Spain) 21 March 2018 - MXGP has set sail for Spain as the 3rd round of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship moves from the cool climate of the Valkenswaard to the warmth of Red Sand. The MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana will be the first ever MXGP to take place at Spain’s Red Sand MX & Enduro Track, a facility that is a training favorite for many MXGP and MX2 teams situated in Valencia Region. Last time the FIM Motocross World Championship was set to take place in Spain it was back in 2016 at the circuit of Talavera de la Reina.

The new stop on the calendar will also host the first round of the European Motocross Championship’s EMX250 series along with the second round of EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing. The weekend will be full of action with 92 riders entered into the EMX250 class, 39 in EMX300 presented by FMF Racing, and 79 between the two premier classes of MXGP and MX2 including MXGP and MX2 Red Plate holders Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings has 2 overall wins in 2 races during 2018 but teammate and reigning MXGP Champion Antonio Cairoli has been right alongside. This weekend we may very well see another great battle between the front two although Herlings may have the slight advantage as he has trained on the sandy circuit while for Cairoli it will be a new experience.

One rider for the pair to watch out for is Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek who had impressive speed in both Argentina and last week before a crash ended his weekend finishing 10^th overall.

Van Horebeek’s Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP teammate Romain Febvre has been consistent so far with two top 5 finishes. In a season that has started much better than last one, Febvre will be shooting for a podium come Sunday.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, who was the winner of the 2016 edition of the MXGP of Spain, will compete in his second race back from injury after he showed impressive speed after a month off in Valkenswaard along with pure grit following two crashes finishing 9th and 13th for 9th overall.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin appears determined to battle with the likes of Herlings and Cairoli after his first podium at the MXGP of Europe. While Paulin along with many others struggled not to make mistakes at the trying Valkenswaard circuit, he will need to find a faster pace if he wants to contend for the win.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle is another rider who has been consistent and currently sits third in the points. Desalle has yet to find the podium but with his speed and ability to have consecutively strong finishes it is not a matter of if but when and the Belgian could very make it happen this Sunday.

Last but not least Marchetti Racing Team KTM’s Jose Butron will join 920 Fly Group’s Ander Valentin as the only MXGP riders to call La Comunitat Valenciana a home GP.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 97 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 91 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 67 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 65 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 64 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 55 p.; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 54 p.; 8. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 45 p.; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 39 p.; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 38 p.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass has won every points paying race so far this year and led every lap after double holeshots at the MXGP of Europe last weekend. With 100 points to his name he already has an 18 point lead in the standings after just 2 rounds.

The young Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate of Jonass, Jorge Prado, challenged the #41 last week and only finished 3 tenths of a second after Jonass in Race 2. Prado  would like nothing more to win at Red Sand and will definitely have the fans on his side this weekend in what will be his first ever home GP.

Second in the MX2 standing after two consistent weekends of racing with a second in Patagonia and a 3rd in Europe is Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen. Olsen has one GP win to his name but it came last year on a similar surface, the sand of Latvia’s Kegums circuit.

Honda 114 Motorsports’ Hunter Lawrence had an impressive season opener but struggled to find the speed necessary to compete for a podium or even a top five last week. Lawrence remains a rider highly capable of the win in Spain but it will be interesting to see how performs after last weekend’s subpar finish.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington admitted to struggles at the start of the season but managed to put together a strong qualifying race at Valkenswaard only days ago. Covington’s and his team have trained and tested at the Redsand circuit over the winter and may surprise again when the gate drops.

Others to watch out for are the pair of Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team riders, Ben Watson and Jago Geerts, both had strong result so far this year for Watson a 4th in Argentina and Geerts took 4th in race 1 at Valkenswaard.

The Spanish Delegation in MX2 is more than attractive with 3 other Spaniards joining Jorge Prado in their home GP, F&H Racing Team’s Ruben Fernandez, Husqvarna 8Ottobiano Motorsport’s Iker Larranaga, and Team Ausio Yamaha Yamalube Maxxis’ Jorge Zaragoza.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 100 points; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 82 p.; 3. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 67 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 63 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 61 p.; 6. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 51 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 46 p.; 8. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 44 p.; 9. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 44 p.; 10. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, YAM), 42 p.

All the photos of the MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana will be available HERE

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX300 Free/Time practice 09:00; EMX250 Group 1 Free/Time Practice 09:45; EMX250 Group 2 Free/Time Practice 10:30; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX250 Last Chance Qualifying Race 13:00; MX2 Time Practice 14:00; MXGP Time Practice 14:40; EMX300 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX250 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX250 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of La Comunitat Valenciana

Defending world MXGP champion Antonio Cairoli might not have won a Grand Prix just yet, but after two rounds of the 2018 MXGP championship he is a solid second in the series points and confident good things will happen this season.

In Argentina for the opening round, Cairoli won the Saturday qualification race and the opening race on Sunday. While leading the second race, and looking like a sure thing to win the Grand Prix overall, he was passed by Red Bull KTM team-mate Jeffrey Herlings.

“First of all I have to say that I’m really happy to be on the podium,” Cairoli said. “We improved a lot from last year, when I was only seventh. This year we almost make it to the perfect weekend with the victory of both, the qualifying race and the first race, but in the second race, even if I had again a good start and a good gap, I didn’t get the final first place. Unfortunately when I found some lapped riders, I changed some lines and I made a few mistakes, coming out of the berms a couple of times, so I slowed down a little bit and Jeffrey could close very quickly the gap. He was stronger than me at the end and in the last two, three laps I was too tired and I was making some mistake. But as I said I’m happy, my 450 SX-F is fantastic, KTM is working very well and it’s improving the bikes a lot and is really nice that we took 1-2 at the opening round or the year. I’m really looking forward for the continuing of the season that will be really interesting for the fans.”

In Valkenswaard last weekend, Cairoli again had to concede to Herlings, but he proved he has the speed and race craft to beat the Dutchman. Going 2-2 was enough for second overall and a solid start to the season.

“The weekend was good, even if it was really cold! We knew that we were going to struggle a little bit on this track because it has been such a long time since we last rode here in Holland, but actually I was pleasantly surprised about my speed. Unfortunately I had arm pump when I was leading in both races and this cost me a lot. I also made two mistakes resulting in two crashes, losing the rhythm that I needed to win. Anyway, we need to keep this momentum going, as it’s very important for my Championship hopes that I always finish on the podium. We showed today that Jeffrey and I have a different kind of speed compared to the rest of the field and we now look forward to the next race in Spain, hoping for another good result.”

Now onto Red Sand in Spain, a track Cairoli is yet to have ridden, but one that should suit his style. Victory is always on the mind of the Italian legend, but you can count on him putting together another consistent weekend and remain solid for his championship defence.

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 21 March 2018 - Youthstream’s new partner 6D Helmets was welcomed to the series at the MXGP of Europe in Valkenswaard this last weekend. Just after the conclusion of the Qualifying press conference 6D’s CEO and Co-Founder Bob Weber along with Standing Construct KTM’s MXGP rider, Valentin Guillod, took the stage to present the newest innovations from the American based helmet manufacturer.

It was in 2013 when 6D released their first helmet, the ATR-1, which revolutionized brain protection with it’s Omni-Directional Suspension system (ODS). Now years later, countless hours of research and development have resulted in new revelations and superior helmet design.

6D’s newest product, the ATR-2 Helmet, was the focus and star of the presentation. The new ATR-2 helmet features an updated and advanced ODS system which allows 30% more travel between the liner and the shell to significantly decrease impact at low, mid, and high velocity accelerations. Another one of the new features is that of a replaceable EPS liner which allows a rebuild of the helmet after impact opposed to the traditional method of purchasing an entirely new helmet. Everything from the internals of the helmet to the geometry of the shell has been reconsidered and improved all towards 6D’s goal of producing the safest and most technologically advanced helmet on the market.

For more on the ATR-2 Helmet and 6D visit www.6Dhelmets.com

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

6D Helmets