MX2

FUNCHAL (Portugal), 8 October 2015 - The Motocross Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs Giuseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream, Tony Skillington, Director of the CMS/FIM and Takanao Tsubouchi, Motorcycle Sport Manufacturers’Association (MSMA) Secretary General, met in Ernée (France) on 28 September.

The Motocross Grand Prix Commission adopted by a majority the following changes to the 2016 Regulations:

• Riders will have the possibility to use a second motorcycle after the sighting lap.
• In the event that a race is stopped after at least two laps have been completed and before 51% of the racing time has elapsed, there will be a re-start from the pit lane. Riders will start in order of their positions in the lap preceding the stopping of the race. The race will be continued for the time remaining at the moment the leader completed the lap preceding the stopping of the race.
•  The MXGP and MX2 Qualifying Races will not only decide on the starting positions for the Races but also award points (Position 1: 5 points; pos. 2: 4 pts; pos. 3: 3 pts; pos. 4: 2 pts; pos. 5: 1 pt). The overall winner of the event will be the rider who gained the highest number of points after the points from the Qualifying Race, Race 1 and Race 2 have been added, irrespective of the number of Races he finished.

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FIM

When looking at this year’s MXGP and MX2 world champions Romain Febvre and Tim Gajser we should be surprised by their victories, and of course if somebody had told us at the start of the season they would be world champions by the end of the year we would have probably laughed.

It isn’t a laughing matter though as it has been clear for some time these two have huge talent. Febvre the 2011 EMX250cc champion and Gajser the 2012 junior 125cc and EMX125cc champion.

23 years old Romain Febvre shocked the world in 2015 with a season that rivalled anything any of the legends have performed in the past. An MXGP championship in his rookie year, 1-1 at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, and victory against the Americans in US at the USGP. Nobody could have asked such a season from somebody with so little experience on the 450cc machine.

“It was like a dream and I don’t want to wake up from this dream,” Febvre said recently. “I could never expect this to happen in my first year in the MXGP class, but I am really excited that it did and very happy for myself and Yamaha.”

While Febvre might have surprised us, we shouldn’t have been. In his rookie season in MX2 he started the season with 4-3-2-2 results before getting injured. He would end the season in 12^th place, amazing for a rider with so little GP experience.

Of course in 2014 he finished third in the MX2 championship points, finishing top three in nine moto’s, winning a moto and a GP. His end of season results showed he was in a hurry to reach the next level.

And what of Gajser. The 18 year old with massive talent and the HRC factory behind him is also something of a surprise, but then again, maybe not.

In 2014 he was top three in 11 moto’s, and won two of those moto’s. Finishing fifth in the MX2 point’s standings Honda were quick to sign his name. His victory in the fourth round of this year’s MX2 championship, where he beat Jeffrey Herlings straight up was things legends are made of.

This year though has been very up and down for the teenager, and of course with youth on his side mistakes will come, and he will learn from them. When he stood on top of the podium in Glen Helen holding the MX2 championship trophy the smile on his face said it all.

“It’s hard to believe, winning a world championship so quickly,” Gajser said. “I am as surprised as everyone else, but I am also very proud, we worked hard and had many problems and big crashes this year.”

Now moving into 2016 anything is possible with these two as Febvre defends his MXGP title against one of the greatest of all time Antonio Cairoli, and Gajser possibly joins the MXGP ranks. At just 18 years of age he is hungry to learn from the best and the best are in the MXGP class.

Photo: Honda Pro Racing

Before the gates had even dropped we predicted it would be the most epic season ever. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto was going to be the one to challenge the eight-time FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli and it was going to be brilliant. The excitement and anticipation of seeing two heroes of the sport go head-to-head stole all the headlines going in, but both of the riders that everyone was focused on crumbled, which left room for others to bloom.

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80,000 people in a seething roaring shouting mass, that’s the sort of audience madness that a Rugby World Cup Final would dream about, and it’s coincidentally the sum total for spectator attendance from the 2015 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée.

90% of 80,000 people stayed at the very lively campsites spread across the Pays de la Loire countryside, and of those 90% almost all of them stayed up from dawn TO dawn to cheer on the local warriors of Team France from well before first practice on Saturday morning to well after the chequered flag fell on Sunday night. 

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FUNCHAL (Portugal), 02 October 2015 - Youthstream presents the twenty-fifth issue of the MXGP Mag, which is jam-packed with a lot of good reading material. This edition features an exclusive insight on the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations champions, Team France, as well as blow-by-blow coverage of what happened that weekend.

It also reflects on the final two rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship, which took place in Mexico and the USA, and includes a special feature on Nick Kouwenberg, the 2015 European EMX250 Champion.

Click here to read the twenty-fifth issue of the MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play. The iOs and Android versions contain exclusive videos and several photo galleries, and once the MXGP Mag has been downloaded, the reader does not need to be connected on the Internet to go through the content.

Those users who have already downloaded the other issues on their iOs device can automatically download the twenty-fifth issue by opening the News Stand and clicking on the cover of the MXGP Mag. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this new app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP MAG

One of the most exciting riders in the MX2 class of MXGP - Aleksandr Tonkov - will next year be in Standing Construct Yamaha Yamalube 'blue' and armed with a YZ250F for what will undoubtedly be another thrilling campaign watching the slight Russian push the limits of speed and performance. The Belgian team reached an agreement with the 23 year old who will step onto the pegs vacated by Valentin Guillod for 2016 with the Grand Prix winning Swiss remaining with the Yamaha crew but moving into the MXGP category with the YZ450F.

Tonkov initially steered a YZ250F at the beginning of the decade and his first laps and outings in the EMX250 European Championship. He now returns to the brand after having learnt and developed in four seasons of Grand Prix and having obtained several podium finishes. He also starred at the 2014 Motocross of Nations in Latvia. 'Alex' had been challenging for moto victories in 2015 - obtaining his first in the mud of Maggiora - until a crash disputing the lead at the Grand Prix of Germany this summer led to a shoulder injury and counted him out for the rest of the term.

Now recovered and entering his preparation phases for 2016 he has a fresh challenge for what will be his last in the MX2 division before he hits the age ceiling of 23. "The last two seasons have been good for me but not great and I really feel a strong connection with Standing Construct Yamaha Yamalube and I believe it is where I need to be to go to the next level," he said. "I know together we have a great chance. I know it will not be easy at all to go for the top but with such a strong crew behind me I do know I will be ready for the challenge."

"Aleksandr had a good feeling with Yamaha before and he was happy when we spoke with him for 2016 because he had planned to approach us! I think he is a rider that has developed a lot and is an exciting prospect," commented Team Owner/Manager Tim Mathys. "We know he has the potential to be in contention for wins and podiums right away. It is another strong sign for our team that riders of his calibre want to race for us and be a part of what we are developing with Yamaha." 

"With Valentin moving to MXGP for 2016 we're excited that we could secure a strong rider like Aleksandr to join the Standing Construct Yamaha Yamalube team," said Yamaha Motor Europe MX Manager Erik Eggens. "He took his first moto win this season and showed that he is one of the fastest in the class. Together with Julien on the YZ250F it means we can again count on strong presence in MX2 and expect to be pushing for some great results." 

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing

ERNÉE (France), 29 September 2015 – After the celebration of the 69^th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, Youthstream and the FIM met with the teams and manufacturers in a very positive atmosphere to make a summary of the 2015 season and discussed the improvements to be made for 2016.

Everyone agreed that it has been an excellent year for MXGP and they all shared their will to keep on cooperating to continue making the sport grow.

Mr Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream’s President, used the opportunity to present a new big event which will be launched in 2016: the Riders and Manufacturers Cup, an event that will take place in the well-known Veltins Arena in Germany on the 8^th October 2016.  Every manufacturer will take part with their 2 best MXGP riders and their best MX2 rider, the concept will be similar to the MXoN but instead of the riders riding for their country they will ride for their manufacturer.  The format will be 3 races with the 3 riders per manufacturer in each race, and the race track will be built with riders’ safety as priority while providing a great show for the fans.  The event will be televised worldwide with a television coverage similar to the MXGP World Championship.  Financial support will be given to the manufacturers and substantial prize money will be available for riders and manufacturers.   This new project will be organized and promoted by Youthstream, be sanctioned by FIM, in cooperation with ADAC and DMSB and have the participation of all the Motocross manufacturers and all the best Motocross riders in the world.

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Youthstream

FIM

ERNEE (France), 25 September 2015 - The 69^th edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations has already taken center stage and judging by the liveliness in and around the paddock, it is bound to live up to the great expectation laid upon it.

Earlier this evening Youthstream President, Mr. Giuseppe Luongo, FIM Europe President, Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM/CMS Director, Mr. Tony Skillington and President of Motoclub Ernée Mr. Philippe Lecompte welcomed everyone to the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations here in Ernee, France. Mr. Luongo opened the press conference expressing his gratitude to the motoclub Ernee saying “since the great success of the motocross of nations in 2005 you can see that the organizer has done a fantastic job at improving everything here in Ernee. It is incredible.”

“You can see the investment Youthstream has made, the organizer has made and the French federation too. You can see how far the industry has come, there are so many different hospitality units, the atmosphere is incredible, you can tell it will be very full and I think it will be a great event.” Mr. Philippe Lecompte followed in saying “we have worked very hard on this event for the last 1.5 years, I want to thank the volunteers, there is around 1200 of them and they have done a great job. We have made some changes to the track and had good feedback from the riders and this is something we are very proud of”

Mr. Lecompte wrapped up his speech in thanking Youthstream and everyone involved. On behalf of the FIM Mr. Tony Skillington and Dr. Wolfgang Srb shared their enthusiasm and expressed how proud they are of how far our sport has come. They also shared their excitement for what is sure to be a great weekend of racing.

Nine of the thirty-six nations entered also joined the press conference. The defending champions Team France with Gautier Paulin #1 Marvin Musquin #2 & Romain Febvre #3 were the first to take to the stage. An excited Paulin said “last year was the perfect year for the French team, especially myself because I won all the races. This year we have a strong team and I know the public will be amazing.” Musquin said “I am really looking forward to be part of the team after my best season in the US.” Febvre, the FIM Motocross MXGP World Champion, will wear a Team France jersey for the first time in his career, “It’s my first one and I am very excited. I don’t know what to expect here at the motocross of nations, but for sure the goal is to win some motos if possible.”

The vice MXoN champions Team Belgium were next where the captain Jeremy Van Horebeek #6, who is making his seventh MXoN appearance and has never finished off of the podium said “we are the underdogs but our team, Ken De Dycker #4 and Julien Lieber #5, is still as strong as the original selection and I am confident we will do well.”

Looking to reclaim the Chamberlain Cup just as they did here at Ernee in 2005, Team USA, Justin Barcia #7, Jeremy Martin #8 and Cooper Webb #9, were confident with their manager Roger De Coster saying “we didn’t come all this way to follow.”

The team famous for their string of fourths, Team Great Britain, Shaun Simpson #10, Max Anstie #11 and Dean Wilson #12, were extremely enthusiastic about the track and are confident they have a team strong enough to get on the box, meanwhile Team Germany, Max Nagl #13, Henry Jacobi #14 and Dennis Ullrich #15 said they are aiming for a top 10 finish.

Team Italy, Ivo Monticelli #16, Michele Cervellin #17 and Samuele Bernardini #18, Team Switzerland, Valentin Guillod #19, Jeremy Seewer #20 and Andy Baumgartner #21, and Team Russia, Evgeny Bobryshev #22, Ivan Baranov #23 and Maksim Nazarov #24, were also presented with Team Estonia Priit Ratsep #25, Harri Kullas #26 and Tanel Leok #27 bringing the presentation to a close. Leok has the record for the most MXoN appearances with this weekend being the fifteenth consecutive time he will represent Estonia at the motocross of nations.

Putting a wrap on an ambient day, Monster Energy hosted a super fun pit bike race on the start straight where all the journalists and photographers covering this incredible event could bash some bars and get their adrenalin pumping ready for the most epic weekend of the year.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy FIM MXoN

 The gates dropped at the eighteenth and final round of the FIM Motocross World Championship at the Monster Energy MXGP of The USA in Glen Helen, America where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli set the fastest lap time for the weekend in MXGP while Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Red Bull KTM’s Jessy Nelson set the fastest time over the weekend in MX2.

At the end of the season, the overall looks like this; Yamaha Factory Racing Yamalube’s Romain Febvre and Team HRC’s duo of Gautier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryshev all tied for the win in the premier class while in MX2, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings was the undeniable winner.

If you don’t know about this competition, the way it works is; he who sets the fastest lap time in each MXGP or MX2 over the weekend at each round of MXGP this year will be awarded 1 point towards the TAG Heuer sponsored ‘fastest lap’ competition. At the end of the season, the rider who has the most points will be awarded an elegant gift of prestige, a TAG Heuer watch.

If you scroll down on the main page at MXGP.com you will see the TAG HEUER Fastest Lap results grid which is situated directly underneath the FOX Holeshot results grid.

American rider Cooper Webb put together a very solid performance at last weekend’s USGP. So much so that he has given Team USA something to get excited about moving into this weekend’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations. Webb who scored 2-3 results for third overall and showed the world he can race a 450cc machine in tough conditions.

“Overall I was really happy,” Webb said. “It was a new experience of me a new format and a machine I just got on not so long ago. I got to see how these guys race, and I am looking forward to next weekend. I feel like I benefited a lot from doing this event. It is a good warm-up and I didn’t want to get crazy and hurt myself and be out of the MXoN.”

Of course it was the first time Webb had even ridden the 450 machine and he came out of the weekend with a big smile on his performance. Fighting with Febvre in both moto’s and showing blistering speed at times.

“Racing the 450 is totally different and harder than practice, and I know better now what it’s like. I have now seen these guys instead of just on television. I think I will be more relaxed and more confident and I didn’t know where I would sit, but to be on the podium at the USGP was awesome. It was awesome racing with Romain.”

And heading to Europe for the first time is something he is looking forward to and feels a little better prepared now that he knows the speed of the GP riders. It could be bad news for the other teams as Webb looks very confident leading into the MXoN.

“Glen Helen is nothing like the track at Ernee. What was positive from the USGP is I usually struggle with my starts, but I got great starts at the USGP. I surprised myself a little, I had no idea (how I would go) and I knew this track would be fast, and I had no idea how they (the GP riders) would do. I knew Romain was fast and some guys coming back from injury. I knew the GP guys would be on the gas and I just wanted to be in the battle.”

So now it’s onto Ernee, France this coming weekend, where Webb along with his team-mates Jeremy Martin and Justin Barcia will try and win the biggest motocross race of the season.