MX2

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands) Saturday 17 March 2018 - The first day of the MXGP of Europe has wrapped up in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands where MXGP, MX2 along with EMX300 and EMX125 both presented by FMF Racing took to the demanding Dutch Circuit. Tricky conditions combined with cool temperatures would lead to a memorable day of racing. Heating up with their first pole positions of 2018 were Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

Alongside the MXGP and MX2 stars were the first round of the European Championships of EMX125 and EMX300 both Presented by FMF Racing. The group of 300cc racers was composed of both former champions and upcoming stars. Last year’s title competitors, Brad Anderson and Mike Kras, again found themselves at the front of the field but the young Belgian Greg Smets would take the lead from Kras early on his way to his first ever European Championship Race win as Kras and Anderson took 2nd and 3rd. In EMX125 class former 85cc Junior Motocross World Champion Rene Hofer also took his first European Championship race win against a field of more than 80 riders at the start of the day including Emil Weckman and Mario Lucas Sanz in 2nd and 3rd.

Off of the start of MXGP Qualifying Race Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek took the Holeshot but Dutch sand master, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings, passed the #89 almost immediately.

Behind Herlings and Van Horebeek was last year’s MXGP of Europe overall winner, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin and 2016 MXGP World Champion, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser. Gajser who is returning from an injury suffered only one month ago showed he wasn’t phased by the pressure or the conditions.

First to press onto the back wheel of Gajser was Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Shaun Simpson, however near crash and impressive save by Simpson allowed Gajser some space to breath. Though it was not long before Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli slid past a rattled Simpson and closed on the Slovenian.

Simpson would later make a mistake which could not be saved and so too did Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP’s Romain Febvre. However the most notable crash and mistake was the one of Jeffrey Herlings while leading. The #84 tucked the front wheel on the landing of a double resulting in a crash. Herlings once going again, pulled into Pit Lane convinced that he had broken his front wheel. As the mechanics of Herlings rushed to swap out the wheel Van Horebeek led.

Herlings in the press conference said: “There was something wrong, obviously I went down and came in (to Pit Lane). I thought I had a broken wheel, which it wasn’t, but it doesn’t matter, it is racing and things like that happen. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling strong so I just need 2 good starts tomorrow from that position and work from there.”

The other Dutch Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, Glenn Coldenhoff worked his way into 5th after passing Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team’s Jeremy Seewer. In the end Jeremy Van Horebeek took the Qualifying win ahead of Paulin, Gajser, Cairoli, and Coldenhoff while Herlings, who rejoined the race in 35th, qualified 19th.

Jeremy Van Horebeek in the press conference said: “The track suites me well, I feel good, and you know on this kind of track you just have to enjoy and ride smooth because if you ride too aggressive you won’t go fast. It was a good day, I had a good start and I think that is the key, just to start in the top three and ride your own race.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), 24:48.416; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:07.244; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:11.955; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:18.301; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:19.235; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:26.564; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:33.880; 8. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:40.318; 9. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:42.546; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:42.812.

The MX2 Qualification Racing at Valkenswaard was just as demanding and surprising as that of the MXGP class. At the start of MX2 Qualifying Race Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado flew off of the grid to a substantial Holeshot.

Pursuing the #61 was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington. Covington’s struggle to feel comfortable at the opening round of the season in Patagonia Argentina and the past two weeks of training was unnoticeable in his riding today.

Prado’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate, Pauls Jonass followed Covington as Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen chased Jonass.

2017 MX2 podium finisher, Brent Van doninck who now rides for the Husqvarna 8biano Motorsports team put in a solid race for 5th place to position himself well for a repeat of last year’s performance.

Back at the front a last lap error from Prado came up costly as tried to negotiate his way past lapped riders. Prado fell which let both Covington and Jonass get by before the finish allow Covington to score his first pole position of the new season.

Covington in the press conference stated: “The start was so important today…I am proud I got a good start behind Prado and I followed him for most of the race just trying to stay with him. He (Prado) was going pretty fast at the beginning but in the end we came into some lappers and I was able to capitalize on his mistake down the hill.”

Honda 114 Motorsports’ Hunter Lawrence struggled to bring his Argentinian success into the European qualifying race as he shifted between 8th and 9th position before sneaking into 6th at the finish.

Another rider who did well in Argentina but came up short during qualifying was BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei. Sanayei who led laps in Patagonia – Argentina will head the start in 16th tomorrow.

Sanayei in the press conference said: “After Argentina I got pretty sick, I am just kind of getting over that and thankfully I could train this week. I felt confident coming into this weekend but everything didn’t add up today.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 24:54.845; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:04.006; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:07.725; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:21.134; 5. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:39.236; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:52.116; 7. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:54.488; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:55.994; 9. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Yamaha), +0:56.666; 10. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +1:13.319.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Europe will be available HERE

MXGP EUROPE – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: sand

Temperature: -1

Weather conditions: overcast with snow

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; EMX125 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 Europe

Following the successful unveiling of the all-new YZ65, Yamaha Motor Europe is honored to introduce its youngest ever officially supported motocross team, the Grizzly Yamaha Junior EMX Team.

The team, launched at the MXGP of Europe, Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, earlier this evening, is made up of three young and talented Dutch riders. 11-year-old Damien Knuiman has been elected to challenge for the title in the EMX65 European Championship and will spearhead the team as the only rider that is already riding a Small-Wheel YZ85. Meanwhile, 11-year old Charlie van Nieuwland and 9-year-old Jayson van Drunen will be racing the highly competitive YZ65 all season long in both Open Dutch and EMX65 European Championship's.

The all-new YZ65 is one of the most exciting and technologically advanced youth race bikes in the world. Featuring an all-new engine and chassis, and benefitting from YZ450F-inspired styling, the YZ65 reaffirms Yamaha's total commitment to the youth motocross scene and the next generation of talent.

Yamaha now provides a complete starting point for young champions. With an ideal step up from the PW50 and TT-R bikes, the YZ65 opens up the wonderful world of motorcycling to younger riders and their families. By starting out with some of the best equipment, YZ65 riders will be able to achieve their real potential on the racetrack - and due to the availability of further YZ motorcycles, and also Yamaha's bLU cRU rider support program, riders can kick start their careers and progress through the ranks to reach the pinnacle of motocross racing. 

With the arrival of the YZ65, everyone can start out like a pro rider.

Welcome to the VictorYZone!

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands), 16 March 2018 - The second race of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season is upon us! The MXGP of Europe is the first stop on European soil and set to be epic as both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli will square off on a track both have seen much success on before.

The 2018 MXGP of Europe will receive WORLDWIDE television coverage from its traditional television partners including the MXGP’s partner for the last two years in the Netherlands, NOS, who will have a crew and commentator on site to cover the local hero Jeffrey Herlings along with the local TV channel Omroep Brabrant. 

The event, including the EMX125 and EMX300 Championships both Presented by FMF Racing, will as always be available LIVE to everyone worldwide from Valkenswaard 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 Europe:

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 18 March – MX2 Race 2 – 01:00 pm EST (10 :00 am PST) Delayed

Sunday 18 March – MXGP Race 2 – 02:00 pm EST (11.00 am PST) Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 18:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:15 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

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

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

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

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS 3

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

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

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 18:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:15 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

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

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

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

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Tuesday 20 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 13:00 CET time – Delayed

Tuesday 20 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 14:00 CET time – Delayed

ITALY

RAI Sports

Thursday 22 March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:50 (Friday 23) – Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

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

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

PORTUGAL

Sport TV

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

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

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

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

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

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

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

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

UK

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 GMT time – Live

ASIA

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

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 1 – 10:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 1 – 11:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 2 – 12:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 2 – 13:00 Asia time – Delayed

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA  (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand – Singapore – Indonesia)

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 1 – 22:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 2 – 24:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 2 – 01:00 Asia time – Delayed

CHINA

STAR Sports China (China – Korea)

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 1 – 21:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Delayed

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 18 March – MXGP Race 1 –  09:00 Brazilian time - Live

Sunday 18 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 Europe will be available HERE

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX300 Free/Time practice 09:00; EMX125 Group 1 Free/Time Practice 09:45; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Time Practice 10:30; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX125 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; EMX125 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX125 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 Europe

The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is landing in Europe. After the inaugural event in Patagonia - Argentina, the riders will be heading to the track in Valkenswaard, Holland, which will host the first appointment on the old continent on Sunday, March 18. The defending champion is Tony Cairoli who, after having come first in race 1 and second in race 2 in Patagonia, can already boast 47 points on the scoreboard, sharing the leading position with his competitor. Tony Cairoli is Fiat Professional brand ambassador and Fiat Professional will be the Official Sponsor of the championship for the third year. The Fullback Cross, the pick-up truck of the Fiat Professional range, will be by his side.

Not by chance, Fullback Cross is the "product hero" of the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship official fleet. The vehicle is perfect for any working requirements or for leisure. Robust, reliable and with impressive load capacity, it boasts a payload of more than a tonne and over three tonnes of towable weight. Furthermore, by implementing all-wheel drive and a 4WD electronic selector, it can easily tackle the roughest terrain in the toughest conditions, like when travelling off-road carrying a heavy load.

The partnership between Fiat Professional and the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is based on authentic shared values of enthusiasm, determination and constant commitment, all embodied by Tony Cairoli, who is bringing all his usual tenacity and courage to this season's world championships, reflecting all the love of a challenge central to the Fiat Professional mentality. After a very successful 2017, Fiat Professional is preparing for an exciting 2018, packed with innovations and new developments which will complement the range even further and flank the motocross scene and the various stages of the world championship.

Fiat Professional has created a special offer for all MXGP championship enthusiasts. Spectators to any one of the European stages of the championship will be offered five total years of warranty if they purchase a new commercial vehicle from the range.

There is no doubt, the opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship caught everyone’s eye. The battle between two legends of the sport, Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings was dramatic as it was sensational.

Herlings the three-time MX2 World Champion, with 68 Grand Prix victories came back from losing the Saturday qualification race and the opening MXGP race on the Sunday to win race two and take the red plate into Valkenswaard.

Cairoli, a nine times motocross world champion isn’t going to lay down and let the young Dutchman have his own way, which means battle stations this weekend in Holland.

Joel Smets, himself a five times motocross world champion knows both well, as he works for KTM, for him that opening round in Argentina was what the sport is all about.

“That is how motocross needs to be,” Smets said. “Heroic fights. I have seen these guys in training, in the pre-season and I know what they have to offer. Tony is never doubting himself and he knows what he can and what he can’t do. Jeffrey is always ready for the start of the season. Sometimes in the race he needs to come under speed and Antonio is fast early. Maybe Jeffrey is more of a diesel in the races.”

Another Belgian, and another former motocross champion, Jacky Martens feels the same as his countryman, he expects something special at Valkenswaard this weekend. The 1993 500cc champion can’t wait to witness the battle of experience and youth.

“Valkenswaard is a classic on the world championship calendar,” Martens said. “The crowd can get close to the action and everyone is very engaged with the top riders. Of course, there’s Jeffrey Herlings being the home rider, but Tony Cairoli is very well known too. And the Argentinian MXGP created a lot of anticipation!”

Australian rider Dean Ferris, a GP winner in the MX2 class sat and watched the opening Grand Prix from his home in Australia, and he was as excited as he was interested to see what happens as the season unfolds.

“Amazing,” Ferris said. “Wow, I was so impressed, and I am sure everyone else who watched also felt that. That was a hell of a ride, I got goose bumps watching it, just unbelievable. I don’t have a crystal ball. All I know is that those two KTMs will be going head to head all year and their speed is just above everyone else. It would have been good to see where Gajser was at, had he come in healthy. I think his speed is on par with those guys.”

Now onto Valkenswaard and let the MXGP boys once again give us goose bumps and thrills. Will it be Cairoli or Herlings, or will it be somebody else?

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands), 14 March 2018 - It is time for the 2nd round of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship, the MXGP of Europe. After the epic season opening race in Patagonia Argentina the MXGP and MX2 riders are ready to take on the first European stop of the season. For several contenders this will be there first race as both MXGP and MX2 have 40 riders entered. The dark sand of Valkenswaard will also host the first round of the European Motocross Championship’s EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing.

The EMX classes have a massive number of entries this weekend, to be exact 90 in EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and 50 in EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing. There are many new names to both classes but also be sure to watch out for the returning faces such as Brad Anderson or Mike Kras in 300cc.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass will go to Valkenswaard with the first GP victory in the pocket. While Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, who is tied for the lead in the MXGP point standings, among other top contenders well look to take the overall win.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings comes to Valkenswaard on the heels of an epic comeback and last lap pass for the win at the opening round of 2018. Herlings has been extremely successful on the Valkenswaard circuit in the past and the track is not only his home GP but sand as well making him a force to reckon with this weekend.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli is tied in the points standings after swapping wins with Herlings last time out. With the 9-time champ losing out on the overall in Patagonia he is without doubt looking to beat Herlings at home. Cairoli has claimed the GP overall in Valkenswaard an impressive 6 times and 5 of those have been in the premier MXGP class. While it has been now 3 years since the Italian saw the top step here, perhaps this weekend could be his turn once again.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle has never won in Valkenswaard but showed great speed with his 3rd overall to start the season. The Belgian is joined by fellow countryman, Julien Lieber, under the factory Kawasaki awning. Lieber rode to an impressive top ten in his MXGP debut and is certainly a rookie to watch.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin was under the weather the week of the first GP but still managed to place in the top ten. A healthy Paulin will be hard to deal with seeing he won the MXGP of Europe at Valkenswaard last year.

2016 Valkenswaard winner, Team Monster Energy Yamaha’s Romain Febvre and his teammate, Jeremy Van Horebeek who placed 3rd here last year, both had solid showings to start the season not only by battling up front but also by giving the Factory Yamaha 2 top 5 finishes.

Joining the list of riders who call Valkenswaard a home GP is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff. Coldenhoff is looking to bounce back from a troublesome weekend in Argentina where he fell hard in Saturday’s Qualifying and then struggled to place well Sunday.

The 2015 MXGP World Champion, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser was forced to miss the first round with an off season injury but he is slated to return to action this weekend. Gajser will be the first MXGP rider to line up for Team HRC this year.

TM Factory Racing’s Max Nagl could impress this Sunday after scoring a top ten in Patagonia with his new team. The German also was on the podium here in 2016.

Jeremy Seewer, the newest addition to the Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Team, has already shown he has the speed to compete in the MXGP class after racing in the front of the field during his rookie race in Patagonia-Argentina. Second here in Valkenswaard last year the #91 was one of the strongest of MX2 competitors.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 47 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 47 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 40 p.; 4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 34 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 30 p.; 7. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 24 p.; 8. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 22 p.; 9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), 21 p.; 10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 21 p.

2017 MXGP of Europe MXGP Top 3

            1. Gautier Paulin

            2. Jeffrey Herlings

            3. Jeremy Van Horebeek

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass is continuing 2018 where he left off in 2017 which as at the top of the standings. Jonass didn’t lead every lap in Argentina but perhaps more impressive was his ability to real in many consider to be his title contender this year, Honda 114 Motorsports’ Hunter Lawrence.

All things considered though Lawrence was impressive in his own way last weekend, not only did he hint was he dealing with unknown personal issues but it was his first race on a new team and new bike. Lawrence took the first FOX Holeshot of the season and will likely be a contender for the win this weekend.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen rode to an impressive 2nd overall to start the season and now that he is no longer a rookie he has matured. Last year we saw an inconsistent version of the #19 but this weekend will give us the first hint on if he can have two strong finishes back to back.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson surprised many in Argentina as he battled for the spot on the overall podium before coming up just one point shy. Another surprise was Watson’s teammate, Vsevelod Brylakov, who jumped right back into the top ten in his first race back after being injured at the Valkenswaard circuit last year.

LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes will be one to watch this weekend as well. For Pootjes this is his home GP where he will look to replicate the Fox Holeshot of the last round and fight for the podium.

Other riders to mention include Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei and Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen who both saw bad luck in one of the two opening races, a bike issue for Sanayei and a start crash for Vlaanderen. However both showed resilience with strong finishes to pair with their lack of luck.

Hunter Lawrence isn’t the only privateer to watch this weekend though as Brent Van doninck had a break out ride here last year with a 3rd overall. The Husqvarna 8biano Motorsport rider from Belgium is no stranger to the sand and more than capable of a top five if not another podium this year.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 50 points; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 42 p.; 3. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 37 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 27 p.; 6. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, YAM), 24 p.; 7. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 21 p.; 8. Darian Sanayei (USA, KAW), 20 p.; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20 p.; 10. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, HON), 19 p.

2017 MXGP of Europe MX2 Top 3

            1. Pauls Jonass

            2. Jeremy Seewer

            3. Brent Van donick

All the photos of the MXGP of Europe will be available HERE

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX300 Free/Time practice 09:00; EMX125 Group 1 Free/Time Practice 09:45; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Time Practice 10:30; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX125 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; EMX125 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX125 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 Europe

After a long and serious winter time where BUD Racing Monster Energy Kawasaki and riders have worked hard to be ready for the 2018 Racing season, MX2 rider Brian HSU had a small crash during training in Italy few days ago where his shoulder became dislocated !

The shoulder came back in place immediately but the pain is too high to race this week-end in Valkenswaard and Brian, 'the violin rider' will have to make more exams during the week to know exactly what must be done and the delay to recover and come back to racing.

However, the 2 other young Team members Brian MOREAU 225 “EMX125 champion 2017” and the new recruit Pierre Goupillon 720 who will race the full EMX250 European championship starting from Red Sand at the MXGP la Comunitat Valenciana next week are super motivated.

More news on Brian HSU’s recovery will be up shortly. 

Youthstream is happy to let fans know that the team at Twin Air, proud sponsor of Jeffrey Herlings, has joined forces with MXGP for a Facebook LIKE & SHARE competition! All that you have to do is LIKE and SHARE this post for a chance to win the ultimate Twin Air goodie kit including a PowerFlow Kit, an MXGP-TV Season Pass and a copy of MXGP3 The Official Motocross Videogame!

What are you waiting for? Like and share NOW and enter the draw to WIN amazing prizes!