MXGP

VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Argentina) 8 March 2024 – Excitement is building for everyone involved with the 2024 MXGP World Championship season as the flight cases have been unpacked, the bikes assembled, and the initial Press Conferences held at the Villa La Angostura circuit in Patagonia, Argentina. 

The first Opening Press Conference of the 2024 season was held today with Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, and Organiser of the YPF INFINIA MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina David Eli who all welcomed everyone to Villa La Angostura.

The Press Conference began with an acknowledgement of the work carried out by the organizers of YPF Infinia MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina as well as an expression of how exciting it is to have so many leading contenders fit and ready for the start of what should be an incredible season.

Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: "We had a fantastic season last year with a great World Champion in each of the classes, and an amazing Motocross of Nations that will stay in the memory of everyone for decades. We reached the record of spectators at a single event in the history of the sport. MXGP reached 700,000 spectators in the full season, which was also a record of attendance for a season of MXGP. But this is not the end of our target or our will of developing the sport. We will have a very long and demanding season of 21 events, across the nations of the EU but also seeing China back on the calendar, which is very good news for the globality of this World Championship.  Our figures show that Europe is still with us but many more big countries are now following the sport.  For sure Argentina and Brazil but also Australia, India, Indonesia, and China, so we have to go to these countries for the fans and in terms of the sport’s development, and in terms of the markets for the manufacturers also.”

Mr Luongo then made an announcement to include an exciting new addition to the series in the very near future:

“We saw in the last few months and years that have been many developments into the electrification of bikes, so I think that it’s a good moment to put down the base of a new support class that will be fully dedicated to electric bikes.  We don’t want to mix things [with regular machines], but to create a path for this technology to develop and continue to grow, and we will see how it develops.  In the last few months many things have started without clear guidance on where it will go. I think that as the best and most modern platform for Motocross in the world, that MXGP should also embrace this new technology.  

So we want to announce that in 2026 we want to create a new support race, in collaboration with the FIM and with the manufacturers, for a fully dedicated Electric World Championship that will be held alongside MXGP. We aim to run five or six races in Europe for this, so we have two years to work with the FIM and the manufacturers on the rules for the bikes and to define exactly what it shall be.  It will help to complete the package of an MXGP weekend, and also help the manufacturers with a very professional platform to help develop these products which are already on the market to complete the portfolio for a manufacturer.”

FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela:  “I wish to welcome everybody once again to Argentina and really thank everybody who has put in a lot of work to enable us to be here.  As David said, we are working towards a new class for electric bikes to run alongside MXGP, and this shows the interest of new manufacturers who will have an opportunity to join the paddock, which is very important.  This will also create new opportunities for riders, it will create new jobs and allow them to develop their products. We are reaching higher levels, which without the organisation that David puts into place would be very, very difficult to do. It’s very demanding to reach the standards we have achieved, and we ask the organisers to go beyond, to better the product and to offer us better facilities.  It all goes in a flash, and on Monday most of us will be flying home again. It’s a pleasure to be back here again and I would like to wish you all the best for the season.”.

The Rider’s Press Conference then took place, featuring Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings, Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP’s Romain Febvre, and Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP rider Maxime Renaux in the first group, as they spoke about the challenges of the new season with such a deep pool of talent to compete with.  Then the table was taken by MX2 World ChampionAndrea Adamo of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, MRT Beta Racing Team’s Ben Watson,Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team rookie Jago Geerts, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay de Wolf, Fantic Factory Racing’s new rider Glenn Coldenhoff, and Monster Energy Triumph racing’s Camden McLellan.

Following the Press Conference, the usual FIM briefing took place with the Team Managers of the Motocross World Championship teams, to go through the new rules and regulations for the upcoming season.  This included the new Start Practice session which will take place on Friday afternoon at each round, and today was appreciated by the teams as a chance to fine-tune their machines on the actual ground that they will be racing on come the weekend.

The day ended with the amazing event held in the city centre of Villa La Angostura where the crowd was very excited to meet the MXGP and MX2 riders, with the Monster Girls joining the party and the Monster Athletes for a sensational atmosphere full of local spectators. 

Now with the opening events complete, fans super excited, riders will now focus on tomorrow’s RAM Qualifying Races to kickstart this enthralling season!  Let the fight begin!

Click HERE to watch the Welcome Press Conference while clicking HERE you can watch the Opening Press Conference featuring MXGP and MX2 riders.

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC-3)

SATURDAY: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina
 

VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Patagonia-Argentina) 9 March 2024 - The 2024 official guide is packed with comprehensive details about the upcoming season, offering a deep dive into the rich history of the FIM Motocross World Championship and providing many insights into each venue featured on the 2024 race calendar.

Included within the guide are portraits of the reigning champions across MXGP, MX2, WMX, and EMX categories, alongside the list of 2024 OAT Officially Approved Teams. Beyond these highlights, the guide also includes many more additional information such as statistics, our official partners for the 2024 campaign, global TV coverage, and much more.

In addition to focusing on the MXGP and MX2 World Championship classes and presenting the updated FIM rules for the new season, the guide offers many more information on the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, the Women’s Motocross World Championship, and the European Motocross Championships.

To access the guide, please click on the link HERE.

VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Argentina) 8 March 2024 – The opening round of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship blasts into life this weekend at Villa La Angostura for the YPF Infinia MXGP of Patagonia_Argentina.  Like the Argentine Tango, Motocross is a mixture of passion and pain, so see below for the details of how to watch these racers fire into the new season, wherever you are in the world!

The 2024 season sees an incredible array of Motocross legends line-up to do battle, with reigning World MXGP Champion Jorge Prado trying to defend his #1 plate – which he will wear for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing – against two riders, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, who both have five world titles to their name. For the first time in Motocross history, we have two five-time World Champions under the age of 30 battling for title number six at the same time!

And they are not alone as the ravenous Romain Febvre of the Kawasaki Racing Team continues his nine-year quest for a second world crown, and his young compatriot Maxime Renaux is highly motivated to add the premier-class title to his 2021 MX2 success for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team.

Add to that the cauldron of the MX2 World Championship, where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Andrea Adamo arrives as reigning World Champion, with a hot mix of established contenders and fire-breathing rookies looking to dethrone him! These include Simon Laengenfelder and Marc-Antoine Rossi of Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, Kay de Wolf and Lucas Coenen of Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga, and Andrea Bonacorsi for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MX2, and young star Ferruccio Zanchi for the new MX2 Team HRC effort.

This Grand Prix will also see the World Championship Motocross debut of the new Monster Energy Triumph Racing team, with the sleek black TF 250-X machine from the legendary British manufacturer looking to get amongst the established elite.

As always, there will be LIVE and delayed coverage broadcast across the planet, which includes Eurosport, Direct TV, Rai Sports, More Than Sport, CBS Sports Network, Play Sports Open, Go3, Automoto TV La Chaine, Sport TV1, Champions TV, Stan Sports, and more.

Below you can find a list of TV channels that will air LIVE and delayed action of the YPF Infinia MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina, as well as the 26min Behind-the-Gate magazine featuring the best moments from the races, exclusive interviews and more.  All of this footage will be available on MXGP-TV.com and via our TV magazine partners following the Grand Prix.

As always, MXGP fans can follow the races LIVE throughout the weekend. All you need to do is log onto www.MXGP-TV.com Saturday and Sunday, from wherever you are in the world.  Come and join us for what promises to be an incredible 2024!

USA CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 20:30 ET – Delayed

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 21:30 ET – Delayed

LATIN AMERICA

Direct TV

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00  Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time - LIVE

ARGENTINA 

Direct TV

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00  Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time - LIVE

FOX SPORTS 2

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00  Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time - LIVE

BRAZIL

Bandsports

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 Brazil time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 Brazil time - LIVE

MEXICO

FOX SPORTS Mexico

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00  Local time – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time - LIVE

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 08:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 09:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 11:30 CET - Delayed

AUSTRIA

MORE THAN SPORT 

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS OPEN

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

ESTONIA

Go3

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

FINLAND

MAX

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 – Finnish timing - LIVE

FRANCE

AUTOMOTO TV LA CHAINE 

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – LIVE Stream

EUROSPORT 2

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 08:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 09:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 11:30 CET - Delayed

GERMANY

MORE THAN SPORT 

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

ITALY

RAI SPORTS

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 23:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 00:00 CET – Delayed

RAI SPORT Play

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – LIVE Stream

EUROSPORT 2

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 08:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 09:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 11:30 CET - Delayed

LATVIA

TV3 Sport Open

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

LITHUANIA

Go3

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – LIVE Stream

SLOVENIA

Sport TV1

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

ASIA

Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

EUROSPORT ASIA

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 08:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 09:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 11:30 CET - Delayed

INDIA and Subcontinent (Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives)

VIACOM  - Jio Cinema

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 20:30 IST – Streaming

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 21:30 IST – Streaming

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 22:30 IST – Streaming

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:30 IST – Streaming

INDONESIA

CHAMPIONS TV

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

MOJI

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

VIDIO

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday March 10 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET - LIVE

PACIFIC / AUSTRALIA

STAN SPORTS

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 1 – 02:00 Aus. timing – LIVE

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 1 – 03:00 Aus. timing – LIVE

Monday March 11 2024  – MX2 Race 2 – 05:00 Aus. timing – LIVE

Monday March 11 2024  – MXGP Race 2 – 06:00 Aus. timing – LIVE

26min Behind-the-Gate Magazine Partners:

AMERICA

Latin America               Direct TV                         Thursday after each MXGP 8:30pm

Mexico                          FOX Sports                     Thursday after each MXGP 8:30pm

USA                              BEiN USA                        TBA

EUROPE

Albania                         GP1                                  Thursday after each event at 20:15

Austria                          GP1                                  Thursday after each event at 20:15

Baltics                           TV3 Sport Open               Thursday after each MXGP

Belgium                         Play sports                       tba

Belgium                         SPORT TEN                    tba

Bosnia                           GP1                                 Thursday after each event at 20:15

Croatia                           GP1                                 Thursday after each event at 20:15

Finland                           MTV                                 During the week after the event

Hungary                         GP1                                 Thursday after each event at 20:15

Kosovo                           GP1                                 Thursday after each event at 20:15

Montenegro                    GP1                                 Thursday after each event at 20:15

Northern Macedonia       GP1                                 Thursday after each event at 20:15

Portugal                          SPORT TV                       Tuesday after the event  

Romania                         Look Sport                        Wednesday after each event

Serbia                             GP1                                  Thursday after each event at 20:15

Slovenia                          Sport TV                           Tuesday after the event

ASIA
INDIA and Subcontinent (Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives)

                                        VIACOM 18                     Wednesday after the event

INDONESIA                    Champions TV

                                        Moji

                                        Vidio

AUSTRALIA

Australia                         Stan Sport                         Wednesday after each event

WORLDWIDE

Worldwide                     Motorvision                         During the week after the event

Worldwide                     Redbull TV                          Race Craft and Vlog

Worldwide                     YouTube – MXGP TV         16 days after the event.

WATCH LIVE!

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina LIVE MXGP-TV Timetable

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC-3)

SATURDAY: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina

Factory MXGP rider Glenn Coldenhoff talks his mindset and goals going into the FIM Motocross World Championship 2024 kicking off with the first of 20 rounds this upcoming weekend in Villa La Angostura (Argentina). 

Glenn, on just your second outing on the Fantic, you clinched your first overall victory in the new colours at Hawkstone Park – making history for the Italian brand with its first 450 win on international level. A promising start to the new season.

Yes, we did a lot of work this winter to get the bike ready for the season. We spent most of the time in Spain and went to Italy as well later. We did the first pre-season race in Riola and we showed some good things, the starts were really good straight away. The last few weeks we kept on working and I must say I feel really comfortable on the bike at the moment, with the suspension as well as on the engine side, and I think you could see that in UK. The speed was good, my fitness was good and I think all is falling into place.

A lot of work went into it the last few weeks and UK was good, even though I did not win a single moto. I did three times second, which was a little disappointing because I felt like I was the fastest out there at least in the second and third moto. I was able to put quite a lot of pressure on Jeffrey Herlings in these two motos which is not too bad. I was on his back all the time and I was pushing hard to get a win. It did not work out in the end but speed-wise it was really good and I took the overall victory – the first win for Fantic and the first win of the season against some big names as well.

Of course, you know the Wilvo squad very well, you have already won together in the past but you switched colours and start a new chapter with Fantic in 2024. Does it take a bit of pressure off to get that first win already in the pre-season and to know that you can be up there fighting for the top spots right from the start?

Yeah, I am quite confident but at the same time I am not going to put too much pressure on myself. The most important thing for me is that I feel good myself and I feel good with the bike. And when I feel good and when I am happy, I believe that the results will come. I know that we did a really good job over the winter. I feel more than ready to go.

You also have a new teammate with Roan van de Moosdijk, a rookie in the MXGP class. Does that make you feel more responsibility, do you feel like the team leader with all your experience? 

I think so, yes. Roan is a rookie in the class, of course I know him as he is also Dutch. We get along really well and have a lot of fun together. I hope he will be good to go for Argentina. It is good to have him around. I also have new mechanics this year and I am very happy with them as well. There are some new things but I feel like we are all in a good spot for the moment.

You turned 33 recently and you have basically spent half of your life competing on the highest level of arguably one of the toughest sports in the world. 2024 marks your tenth season in the premier class and, through GP wins and setbacks, you have seen it all. Can you describe your love for the sport and what keeps you motivated to continually challenge yourself and push your limits day after day?

You know, I still think this is the best thing in life. I still love racing, I still love to ride my bike and push myself. Even though I am getting older now I am still pushing hard. The drive is coming from great results and it is especially about winning. I am still very motivated to win and I still believe I can do it which is very important as well. I believe with the right people and the right bike, if everything falls into place, I am still able to win. For example, in the beginning of last year I was struggling a bit and not having great results, then I have to admit I don’t enjoy it. But when you get the results and step on the podium, that really makes it fun.

Does it also bring fresh motivation to start a new season in new colours?

It sure does. I think it is quite nice because I won GPs on Suzuki, GasGas, KTM and Yamaha – so now it is time to get a win on the Fantic. I can be part of the Fantic history and I am really looking forward to doing that and giving them some nice results this year.

With the new MXGP season only a few days away, do you still feel that special excitement going into the first round in Argentina?

I am still very excited going into the first round and also a little nervous, I would say. It is the first time again; everybody is healthy and fit and ready to do good. The first one is also kind of crazy, they go wild. I think it is important to just ‘survive’ the first one, to be around the top 5 would be good.

We are expecting a very long, demanding and highly competitive season with a stacked MXGP field. How do you approach the first GP and do you think that changes a bit with experience?

Sure. It is important to be there, to be fit for the first one and have decent speed but you don’t win it on the first GP. I had years when I was coming back from injury and finished 18th or 19th at the first round in Argentina – but still finished third over the season. You don’t have to worry too much about the first one but, of course, I prefer to be up there with the guys, get a good feeling and some confidence for the rest of the season.

I have got some experience over the years. I know what I need to do to stay healthy while still pushing at the same time. That is important too, to be there on every weekend. The amount of risk in our class is quite high and I believe you need to find a good balance for that.

Is there something you want to improve on yourself this season, do you still find something to work on year after year?

Yes, sure, we always look on the past years, we evaluate things and make new plans. We have changed small things already, with the goal to get as many wins as possible. We also have Kevin Strijbos as our new team trainer. We are good friends and at the same time, we think in a similar way about how I should train as a motocross athlete. I believe it is working well so far. Being just days away from the season opener, I feel really strong physically and when you feel strong physically it reflects straight away on the mental side as well. It is good to have him around, he has a lot of experience after 20 years in MXGP and I think it is good to have this experience in our team.

Talking about mental aspects, you also became a father last year. Did that change the way you look at racing and bring a different perspective on life in general?

I am a very, very structured guy. I like to follow a plan. Last year around this time, actually my daughter was born one and a half days before I left for Argentina, that was also kind of tough to manage. But yes, it definitely changed me a little bit, because sometimes I am over-focused. That also doesn’t work, if I want it too much. I believe now I have a good match between still following the plan and being a bit more relaxed at the same time. I think it is positive for me.

In one year from now, what would make you proud looking back on your first season as a Fantic Factory rider? What is your goal for the MXGP season 2024?

I think to get a medal, so top 3 overall, that is always the goal. Obviously, the goal is to be world champion but we need to be realistic as well. It is very, very tough. My goal will always be to have a medal and it is crazy what you need to do for that. I work hard every single day, we are trying to get better every day, with the team and myself. I am doing everything right so I don’t have to blame myself or anyone afterwards. I feel like we all have the same spirit at the moment. The goal is definitely to get a medal at the end of the season and to do that, I believe a lot of podiums and hopefully many wins are needed.

Photo Credit : ShotByBavo

VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Patagonia-Argentina) 6 March 2024 – The 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship blasts into action at the opening round of the 20-GP season, taking place at Villa La Angostura for the YPF INFINIA MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina. 

This will be the 8th time that the circuit has hosted an MXGP event and the 4th time that it has kick-started the season! The first time MXGP went to Villa La Angostura was in 2015, which consecutively hosted the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina since then and only missed the 2020 and 2021 years due to Covid. The track and venue are amongst the favourites with the whole paddock, with everyone enjoying the incredible welcomes from the Argentinian people and the scenic Andean backdrop. 

In 2023, Villa La Angostura hosted the first round of the campaign and saw the first ever RAM Qualifying Races that counted for points towards the World Championships on the Saturday afternoon. It was suspected that the rule change to make the Saturday RAM Qualifying Race count for points would benefit Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado, whose amazing starting technique put pressure on his title challengers all season long, and the Spaniard met those expectations with the Saturday race win to instantly fit the Championship leader’s red plate onto his machine.

Team HRC’s Rubén Fernández won the overall Grand Prix on the Sunday with 5-1 finishes compared to Prado’s 1-6 scores, but Jorge kept the red plate due to his advantage from Saturday.  That would go on to be a regular occurrence all season!

The 2024 season starts with an amazing line-up.  For only the second time in history, two five-time World Champions will start the season together to race for a sixth title, and for the first time ever, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Team HRC's Tim Gajser, they are both under 30 years old! Also, unlike 2004 with Stefan Everts and Joel Smets, neither one of them is reigning Champion as Prado will carry the #1 plate on the only MXGP Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing machine.

Gajser and Herlings have both stayed on the same machinery, HRC Honda for the Slovenian, and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the Dutchman.  Frenchman Romain Febvre, second in last year’s Championship despite winning 6 Grands Prix to Prado’s 2, remains with KRT and continues his nine-year quest for a second world crown after winning in 2015.

Romain is joined in Kawasaki Racing Team team by 2023’s 3rd-placed rider, Jeremy Seewer. With 5 Silver medals to his name as well as the Bronze from last year, he will be hoping that the green machine will make the difference to finally get some Gold on his shelf.

While Herlings is the sole MXGP rider for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Team HRC continues with Ruben Fernandez, who never got to the top step again in 2023 but still managed 5th in the series.  Glenn Coldenhoff, changes machinery but is effectively with the same team as Louis Vosters’ Dutch outfit takes over the reins of the Fantic Factory Racing effort, alongside fellow Dutchman and MXGP rookie Roan van de Moosdjik.  If Coldenhoff were to win a Grand Prix on the Fantic, he would become only the third rider in Motocross history, after Yves Demaria and Alessandro Puzar, to win Grands Prix on five different brands of motorcycle throughout his career.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP promote third-year MXGP man and 2021 MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux to team leader after the Frenchman won his second GP on a 450, before a foot injury put him out of title contention.  He did come back in time to represent Team France at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, winning his class and helping his nation to a famous home victory.

He is joined on the team by the most successful non-Champion on the grid, four-time MX2 Championship runner-up Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jago Geerts. With 24 GP wins to his name (the same total as both Antonio Cairoli and Tom Vialle managed in their MX2 careers), Geerts made a superb showing at the 2022 Monster energy FIM MXoN, his 450 debut and he is likely to be a threat!

The third rider on the squad is two-time GP winner Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Calvin Vlaanderen, who moves onto factory machinery for the first time in his career. Can it bring him into regular podium contention? The Dutchman will be hoping so!

Sadly, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing have lost their MXGP rider Mattia Guadagnini to a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season testing.  The MRT Racing Team BETA squad once more field British hope Ben Watson, this time with the returning Ivo Monticelli under the same awning. The Italian who didn’t race the MXGP series last year missed being in the big leagues! The Swiss rider Valentin Guillod remain with Team Ship To Cycle Honda Motoblouz SR, who also welcome Norwegian Kevin Horgmo up from MX2, where he took his first heat win last season.

Standing Construct Honda MXGP hold onto our sixth World Champion in the line-up, 2017 MX2 title winner Pauls Jonass, but welcome the popular Italian Alberto Forato to the squad after he finished 7th in the 2023 Championship.  JM Honda Racing continue with Brent van Doninck, whilst Swedish star Isak Gifting moves up to the 450 with JK Racing Yamaha.  Shaun Simpson’s Gabriel SS24 KTM squad will join the series full-time with Josh Gilbert also making his first attempt at a full Grand Prix season.  Slovenian Jan Pancar moves up from MX2 on his own Tem JP253 KTM Racing Team effort.

Main Photo: 2023 MXGP Start Patagonia-Argentina

Bottom Photos: 1. 2023 MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado; 2. Jago Geerts, 2023

2023 MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina MXGP Top 3:

1. Ruben Fernandez 
2. Jeffrey Herlings
3. Jorge Prado

6 World Champions – 16 Titles between them!

Jeffrey Herlings – 5 titles - 2012-13 & 2016 MX2; 2018 & 2021 MXGP

Tim Gajser – 5 titles – 2015 MX2; 2016, 2019-20 & 2022 MXGP

Jorge Prado – 3 titles – 2018-19 MX2, 2023 MXGP

Romain Febvre - 1 title – 2015 MXGP

Maxime Renaux – 1 title – 2021 MX2 

Pauls Jonass – 1 title – 2017 MX2

In MX2 last year, Jago Geerts dominated the GP by winning all three races.  Andrea Adamo surprised on his debut for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with two third places for 2nd overall with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team’s Thibault Benistant rounding out the podium.

MX2 saw four first-time GP winners in 2023, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Liam Everts claiming 3, eventual champion Adamo claiming two, and Husqvarna pairing Kay de Wolf and Lucas Coenen taking one apiece.

In 2023, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing once more brought in riders to the team and turned into GP winners and gained yet another Championship, their 20th in MX2, with Andrea Adamo.  Liam Everts put up a spirited chase towards the end of the season with three GP wins.  Both riders return for the team in 2024, as does Sacha Coenen, but Liam has picked up a thumb injury in February which will keep him out of Argentina, possibly returning for round two in Spain. 

Thibault Benistant stays with Yamaha Factory Racing MX2, as does 2022 EMX250 Champion Rick Elzingaand his successor to that title, Andrea Bonacorsi. Bonacorsi was amazing on a 450 at the Monster Energy FIM MXoN, claiming 3rd in the Open class and helping Italy onto the podium.

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing have a fast line-up with GP winners Kay De Wolf and Lucas Coenen, both returning for the team and looking to carry their speed into 2024, after injury hampered both of their title campaigns last season. De Wolf was one of several riders who got hurt just as they started to hit their stride. Coenen could also be the real threat, often looking faster than anybody in the class last year, especially in the sand. 

The third Austrian factory squad, Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, has its own title contender in Simon Laengenfelder. He eventually claimed the Bronze medal right at the final round from Everts, and sits on three GP wins like the Belgian. He’ll be hoping to do his talent some justice in 2024. He's joined by a French rookie with some star power, the mercurial Marc-Antoine Rossi.  A multiple winner in EMX who took a fine 8th as a wildcard at his home round MX2 GP debut, his swagger and personality could prove to be a big hit in GP racing.  

Another rookie, Italian Ferruccio Zanchi, joins the mighty Team HRC on their new MX2 project, and he has already shown great speed in the pre-season with a surprise win.  Yet another rookie, French kid Quentin Prugnieres, races for F&H Racing Team in 2024 after also impressing at the French GP last year.

The exciting news on the team front is the first new project from a British side in decades, with Monster Energy Triumph Racing bringing their new TF250-X machine to Grand Prix racing.  With promising Dane Mikkel Haarup and South African Camden McLellan, a former EMX85 Champion, they have a solid rider line-up, and Haarup has been right amongst the established contenders in pre-season internationals.  The slick new black machines could very well be a successful package!

The Fantic Factory Racing Team graduates to GP racing after several years in EMX, and they field second-year Spaniard David Braceras alongside fast but unfortunately recently injured Dutch teenager Kay Karssemakers. 

Among a very hot young pack of MX2 stars, the all-English-speaking Bike It Kawasaki squad of Floridian Jack Chambers and Englishman Bobby Bruce could also be ones to watch on what should be the leading green machines in the paddock.

Main Photo: 2023 MX2 Start Patagonia-Argentina 

Bottom Photos: 1. 2023 MX2 World Champion Andrea Adamo; 2. Simon Langenfelder, 2023

2023 MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina  MX2 Top 3:

1. Jago Geerts
2. Andrea Adamo
3. Thibault Benistant

6 Grand Prix Winners – 13 Wins between them!

Liam Everts – 3

Simon Laengenfelder – 3

Thibault Benistant – 3

Andrea Adamo – 2

Lucas Coenen – 1

Kay De Wolf – 1

The races will be broadcasted LIVE on MXGP’s streaming service www.MXGP-TV.com, while results throughout the weekend will be available  HERE.

All the photos from the YPF INFINIA MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina will be available HERE.

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC-3)
 

SATURDAY: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina
 

Infront Moto Racing is saddened by the recent passing of Lincoln Miranda Duarte, the former President of the Confederaçao Brasileira de Motociclismo (CBM) from 1995 to 2007.

In addition to his three terms as President of the CBM, Lincoln also served as the President of the Motorcycling Federation of the State of Minas Gerais, President of the Latin American Motorcycling Union and President of the Motocross Commission of the Latin American Motorcycling Union.

He was also a long-standing part of the FIM family, having been a member of the Motocross Commission from 1998 to 2002, President of FIM Latin America and FIM Board Member from 2003 to 2006. 

Furthermore, Mr Duarte played an instrumental role in bringing several MXGP events to Brazil and was a true icon of two-wheel sport in his home country.

Infront Moto Racing offers heartfelt condolences to Lincoln's family, his numerous friends and the CBM. His absence will be deeply felt by the entire MXGP Family.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 March 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is proud to announce a new partnership with AFAM as official sponsor for the FIM Motocross World Championship and Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, with a multi-year agreement set to begin in 2024. 

Established in 1978, AFAM stands as the pioneer in motorcycle transmissions. AFAM differentiates itself by maintaining complete control over the entire design and production process for both chains and sprockets. This unique advantage allows AFAM to craft transmissions with unmatched precision that elevates motorcycle performance to the maximum. 

AFAM’s globally renowned transmission kits, trusted for over 40 years, set the industry standard. By covering over 18,000 models and offering more than 250,000 unique kit combinations, AFAM ensures a tailor-made solution for every rider. Trust AFAM's commitment to the perfect fit, the ultimate choice in transmission for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond transmissions, AFAM is a leading European specialist in Motorcycle Batteries and Oil Filters. 

Right Photo: Infront Moto Racing Marketing Director Marionna Leiva, AFAM GROUP General Manager Rolf Verhagen

As well as becoming a new official partner for the MXGP World Championships and Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, AFAM are proud to disclose its full 2024 MXGP line-up, sure to be challenging at the top of each class during the 2024 season.

FANTIC FACTORY RACING 

• Glenn Coldenhoff MXGP 
• Roan van de Moosdijk MXGP 
• Kay Karssemakers MX2 
• David Braceras MX2 
• Alexis Fueri EMX250

JWR HONDA MX Racing 

• Alvin Östlund MXGP 
• Noel Nilsson EMX250

JM RACING HONDA MXGP 

• Brent van Doninck MXGP 
• Hakon Osterhagen MX2 
• Maximilian Werner EMX250

YAMAHA DE BAETS RACING 

• Benoit Paturel MXGP 
• Lotte van Drunen WMX 
• Dex Kooiker EMX125 
• Tyla van de Poel EMX125 
• Brent van de Walle EMX125

VRT YAMAHA Yamaha Motor Official EMX250 Team 

• Ivano van Erp EMX250 
• Karlis Reisullis EMX250 
• Janis Reisullis EMX250

MJC YAMAHA Yamaha Motor Official EMX125 Team 

• Dani Heitink EMX125 
• Jarne Bervoets EMX125 
• Mano Faure EMX125

SR MOTOBLOUZ HONDA 

• Valentin Guillod MXGP 
• Kevin Horgmo MXGP

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

AFAM
 

VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Patagonia - Argentina) 6 March 2024 – The 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship kickstarts in Argentina as MXGP arrives at Villa La Angostura for the opening round of the series on 09-10 of March!

Checkout the Timetable and entry lists for the YPF INFINIA MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina below:

TIMETABLE

MXGP ENTRY LIST

MX2 ENTRY LIST