MX2

(OTTOBIANO) Lombardia, Italy, 24 June 2017 - The hot sands of Ottobiano were tamed today during the qualifying rounds of the FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia. The two riders claiming pole were Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington.

In addition to MXGP and MX2 today’s racing included EMX250, EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing. Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Morgan Lesiardo, the current points leader, claimed race 1 of EMX250 in front of the home crowd marking his best result on the new team. In EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing it was Ice One Husqvarna Team’s Mikkel Haarup wining by over 34 seconds. For EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing GL12 Racing’s James Dunn beat out Brad Anderson.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli started qualifying with good drive into the first corner but he was a slightly to inside, which caused him to nearly crash. Cairoli rebounded from near 15th to pass for the lead with less than 2 laps remaining. Holding the lead to the finish and Qualifying Race win Cairoli in the press conference said: “I got closer to the lead every lap and I saw there was places that I could make a pass and moved into the lead. It is going to be a very difficult race but I think it will have good racing and I hope to see a lot of fans Sunday. It is a good track and the fans will play a good role, they push me and it’s always good to race a home GP.”

One rider who seems to have the sandy and rough soils figured out is Suzuki World MXGP’s Arminas Jasikonis. Jasikonis’s prior noticeable performance came at the sand of Valkenswaard for the MXGP of Europe. Jasikonis had a decent start today and made his into the lead a few laps later. Eventually passed by Cairoli, Jasikonis finished 2nd but could be fighting for a top 5 overall tomorrow.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders put on a show. While Gautier Paulin would fall on the start his teammate Max Nagl took the holeshot! Then Paulin while working his way back through the pack had a speculator fall dropping him even further in the ranks finishing 18th. Meanwhile Paulin’s other teammate Max Anstie had a strong race and fought his way to 4th at the finish, just one behind Nagl in 3rd.


Returning from injury this weekend is HRC’s Tim Gajser. Gajser, though not 100% recovered, still impressed today when he ran second for much of the race before dropping to 5th. Perhaps conserving energy for tomorrow Gajser will salvage as many points as he can.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings was battling in the top three before a front wheel issue took him into pit lane, once replace the #84 rejoined the race in 26th but after a few passes will head to the gate 20th tomorrow.

In his first race back from injury Wilvo Yamaha MXGP’s Shaun Simpson lined up 12th after timed practice but went down off of the start with a group of other riders, Simpson, shaken up from the crash pulled off and headed to the pits in a disappointing return.

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 24:22.997; 2. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Suzuki), +0:03.241; 3. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:07.401; 4. Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:13.745; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:16.354; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:21.994; 7. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:22.190; 8. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:26.537; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:34.928; 10. Jordi Tixier (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:36.480

MX2’s qualifying race winner Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington did so in convincing fashion, pulling the holeshot and following it up with the win after leading every lap with pressure behind him. Covington, who won the second qualifying race of the season, in the press conference said: “The race went exactly as planned, I pulled the holeshot, tried to sprint a few laps, and after that found my rhythm and I found some pretty good lines out there. Jonass was keeping me honest the whole race, we had pretty much the same gap the whole time.”

Setting himself up well to gain more points tomorrow is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. The MX2 points leader kept Covington at bay running second the entire race. Pauls has his sights set on the championship and so far has played it smart, we will see if he does the same on a circuit that can catch event the best off guard tomorrow.

Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen has proved fast on the sand already this year and came in third today. Though Olsen’s start was not on par with the others in the top three a good start tomorrow and he is one to watch for the overall.

Hitachi KTM UK’s Ben Watson achieved a career best 4th in qualifying today. The British rider started the race strong battling in the top 3 before being passed. Watson used his solid start and kept his KTM in the top 5 for his first time ever.

One rider who was charging through the field was Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel. Paturel showed a wheel to many on his way to fifth including Watson. Though he passed several Watson wasn’t one of them and the #6 will to try take the holeshot after his top 5 gate pick.

Though Paturel charged forward the hardest charger was Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer after issues on  the start put him outside the top 20, he worked his way all the way to 6th.

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 24:34.827; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:05.390; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:11.132; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, KTM), +0:14.098; 5. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +0:17.607; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), +0:24.125; 7. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:27.022; 8. Bas Vaessen (NED, Suzuki), +0:32.958; 9. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +0:41.950; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:45.801

All the photos of the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia will be available here

Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1575m

Type of ground: Sand

Temperature: 36°C

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. Here below the MXGP-TV LIVE Program and by clicking here you can check the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

TIMETABLE

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 08:45; EMX125 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

Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia

(OTTOBIANO) Lombardia, Italy, 24 June 2017 - Today after the qualifying press conference at the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia, Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington, President of the Italian Federation Giovanni Copioli and Formula Imola President Uberto Selvatico Estense were on stage to announce one round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will take place at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in 2018.

Youthstream and Formula Imola are pleased to announce the FIM Motocross World Championship will be held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on the provisional date of 29^th and 30^th September 2018, the final GP of the 2018 season.

Imola was born with Motocross in 1948 where it would host motocross international races until 1965. After 70 years the FIM Motocross World Championship is back for an event which will have a huge impact on Motocross as a whole.

Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo said: "Today we have something fantastic to announce. We are delighted to have come to an agreement with the “Autodromo Internazionale ‘Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ Imola”, and to be bringing Motocross to the temple of 2 and 4 wheels in Imola is something fantastic, this will help our sport grow even more, and it enables us to present our sport to a wider public thanks to the circuit’s outstanding infrastructures and reputation. Together we plan to organize an extraordinary MXGP event, offering a unique show in Italy and the world. We would like to thank the staff of the “Autodromo ‘Enzo e Dino Ferrari’ Imola” and in particular its President, Uberto Selvatico Estense, for the trust they have shown towards our company and our sport.”

Formula Imola President Uberto Selvatico Estense stated: We are very proud of this announcement. We have motocross in our DNA as it was part of Imola events from 1948 to 1965 and 70 year anniversary of his first race next year with this comeback. All the public and media in Imola are proud to have Motocross back. I’m sure the venue will be perfect to host the spectacular FIM Motocross World Championship. For us this agreement is something we are very proud of. Today that we sign the agreement I wish to thank all of the team that has believed in this project, thank you to Youthstream, the International and the Italian Federations to make this dream true”

FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington: On this very warm day I have to say it’s an honor to be part of this announcement. The FIM is very proud and very excited of all the achievements the Motocross World Championship has reached and about his program. This shows the improvements of Motocross. This is a new generation of facilities and organization.

President of Italian Federation Giovanni Copioli: The Staff at Imola are all friends and they already host great events. They are a milestone in the Italian scenario of events. They have a great professionalism, for them motocross is a big challenge but I’m sure they can satisfied all expectations.

The circuit will be built between paddock 2 and Rivazza hill. Please find here below a Preview of the track Map.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

One of the most well known stars of American Supercross, Malcolm Stewart (Bartow FL, USA - 1992), landed in Italy to visit the the factory of Gaerne. He made the journey from the United States to check out the headquarters and examine the research and development and production departments.

“It’s great to be here” he said, “I put my full trust in Gaerne boots to protect my ankles so I am curious about every technical aspect of what goes into each boot. To see how my SG12 boots are made and to understand the technologies and secrets that are required to make them so exceptional is an incredible opportunity.”

Malcolm Stewart was able to personally part take in the creation of a pair of boots that were made today inside of the factory. Since the boots are handmade, he was able to carry out some of the steps himself. This is only possible due to the true “Made in Italy” statement and guarantees top notch quality, something Gaerne has taken pride in for the 55 years of existence.

“Now it’s all clear,” stated Malcolm at the end of his visit, “there was already no question about the quality, but now I have a real understanding of where the quality comes from. These boots are the result of so much passion and professionalism. Behind each piece that comes off the line is a product that has been made by many experienced people. My feet are in their hands and it is undoubtedly easy to put my trust in this brand. The trust helps me make my job easier.”

The special partnership between Malcolm Stewart and Gaerne is strengthened after an experience like this. The marketing manager of Gaerne, Marta Gazzola expresses her gratitude by saying, “Malcolm is one of our precious stars and a cherished talent and along with our products, make a un-defeatable team. With the help of Malcolm, our design team can stay ahead of the ball in terms of creating forward thinking products.”

Malcolm Stewart is preparing for an big weekend out at the 2nd MXGP race, where you can see him at the Gaerne booth. Saturday and Sunday (June 24,25), Malcolm can be found signing autographs and taking pictures for most of the day.

Copyright: Photo: Gaerne

For the MXGP and MX2 Grand Prix riders a new GP venue stands before them this weekend at the Ottobiano circuit in the north of Italy.

While this is a circuit that many have ridden, it hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground. Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings raced there in the winter, as his preparation for the 2017 season, but it didn’t end well. Herlings picked up an injury, but doesn’t go to Ottobiano with any negative feelings.

“You can crash anywhere at any track, at any time. That was just bad luck and I just had a small crack in my hand. I am not scared to go back there, in fact I am really motivated. I feel I am on a bit of a roll, being on the podium three of the last four rounds, and obviously in France we had bad luck, but we showed we can ride the winners speed. I think we will attack the track, and we are improving my starts and with KTM, it’s great to work with the same goal. We are a great level, but we want to be better and we want to stay number one.

For MXGP series leader Antonio Cairoli, the Ottobiano circuit has been kind to him. He often raced at this facility, and won there in the pre-season. Going to his home GP with a large points lead gives the Italian legend a lot of confidence.

“I’m happy with the championship standings and that’s what really matters at the moment. Now I’m looking forward to the next round in Ottobiano, a track that I really like and where I will get to meet the Italian fans once again.”

Another Dutchman, Brian Bogers, who finished on the podium at the last Grand Prix in Russia, enjoys racing sand, and he has experience around Ottobiano.

“We rode there in the winter. I rode there twice and I like the track. I heard they changed it and I am looking forward to that race, and seeing how we can do. Last few months I haven’t been riding the sand, so I need to get used to it, but I am quicker getting used to the sand than many others, because we are born on the sand.”

Arminas Jasikonis also has a liking for sand circuit. The Suzuki Factory rider just loves making his way around Europe, and enjoying the different cultures and experiences. Italy brings him another stop in his 2017 season.

“I mean being in Europe, I love Europe. Being in my camper and everything. It’s a good feeling, but of course it’s also cool to go to the other places. I mean it’s nice to see, but still, my feeling isn’t the same as when I am in Europe.”

So a couple of days ago all these riders, and another 100 or so, have arrived in Italy, and tried to get a feel for the new look Ottobiano. Who comes out on top we don’t know, but you can be sure, many of the competitors will enjoy this current run of warm weather, after the rain and mud of Russia.

Copyrigyht: Photo: Ray Archer

(OTTOBIANO) Lombardia, Italy, 23 June 2017 - The 2017 FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia welcomed riders today in a media event and autograph signing session. The event was hosted at the beautiful center of Piazza Ducale in Vigevano.

To start off the GP weekend Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, Team HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen, Husqvarna 8Biano Racing’s Rui Goncalves, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team’s Romain Febvre, Team Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer and Bas Vaessen, Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Alvin Ostlund, Benoit Paturel and Brent Van Doninck, Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei, Honda Red Moto Assomotor’s Alessandro Lupino and F&H Racing Magne Klingsheim all took part.

The event began with a parade where the riders rode together with Monster Energy Girls in the back of several FIAT Professional Fullback vehicles through the streets of Vigevano. Afterwards the amazed Italian fans then took the opportunity to meet the riders for an autograph signing. With many fans and spectators expected for the weekend all eyes are set on racing kicking off tomorrow.

All the photos of the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia will be available here

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 07:00; EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 07:45; EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 08:30; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 09:15; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 10:00; EMX125 Last Chance Race 10:55; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX250 Last Chance 12:55; EMX300 Race 1 13:40; MX2 Time Practice 14:15; MXGP Time Practice 14:45; EMX125 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX250 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 08:45; EMX125 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

Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia

Sidi is excited to invite you the SIDI stand, Sunday at 11:30 a.m., where “special guest” Antonio Cairoli will be present to sign autographs and pose for pictures with his fans as he presents the CROSSFIRE 3 SRS TC222 Limited Edition boots dedicated to him by Sidi.

The champion's boot will now be available to every MX enthusiast. Cairoli will be accompanied by his team mate Glenn Coldenhoff. During the week-end at the stand they will alternate with even more riders from the Sidi team for pictures and autographs. Don't miss it! 

(OTTOBIANO) Lombardia, Italy, 23 June 2017 - MXGP is back racing after the weekend break and this weekend the 11th MXGP stop of the year is at the renewed Ottobiano Circuit for the FIAT Professional MXGP of Lombardia. In MXGP’s last visit to Italy we saw an amazing comeback from current points leader and Italian native Antonio Cairoli along with a career first MX2 Overall for Jorge Prado. The FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia will receive the normal television coverage from its traditional partners and as usual the GP will be broadcasted LIVE to everyone worldwide from Ottobiano on www.MXGP-TV.com both days.

Plus don’t forget you can always watch MXGP’s 26min Behind the Gate in Europe on motorsport.tv & MotorTrend two days after each round of the MXGP series. 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 Middle East and Africa on BeIn.

Check the guides below to find out how you can watch the FIAT Professional Fullback MXGP of Lombardia:

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday  25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 05:30 pm EST (02.30 pm PST) Delayed

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2  – 02:00 pm EST (11.00 am PST) Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

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

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

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

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

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS

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

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

ÉEN

Sunday 25 June  –MXGP 15mn highlights – 19:45

BULGARIA

BNT HD

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 Bulgaria time

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 Bulgaria time

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

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

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

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

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

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 CET time – Delayed

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

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

ITALY

RAI Sports

Thursday  29 June – MXGP Race 2 – 18:00 – Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

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

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

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

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

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

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

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

SPAIN

Open Sport

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

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

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

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

UK

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 UK time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 UK time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 UK time – Live

Sunday 25 June  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 UK time – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 –  10:00 Brazilian time - Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 2 –  12:00 Brazilian time - Live

MIDDLE EAST – AFRICA

BEIN

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

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

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

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

ASIA

FOX SPORTS 3

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 1 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MX2 Race 2 – 01:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MXGP Race 2 – 02:00 Asia time – Live

CHINA

STAR Sports 2 China

Sunday 25 June – MX2 Race 1 – 22:00 Asia time – Live

Sunday 25 June – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MX2 Race 2 – 01:00 Asia time – Live

Monday 26 June – MXGP Race 2 – 02:00 Asia time – Live

MXGP will available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Here below the MXGP-TV LIVE Program and by clicking here you can check the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

Click HERE to watch the Track Preview

All the photos of the Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia will be available here

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 07:00; EMX125 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 07:45; EMX300 Free/Timed Practice 08:30; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 1 09:15; EMX250 Free/Timed Practice Group 2 10:00; EMX125 Last Chance Race 10:55; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX250 Last Chance 12:55; EMX300 Race 1 13:40; MX2 Time Practice 14:15; MXGP Time Practice 14:45; EMX125 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX250 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 08:45; EMX125 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

Fiat Professional FULLBACK MXGP of Lombardia