MXGP

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team is excited to reveal its new livery ahead of the 2023 FIM MX2 World Championship season. The YZ250FM, which will be raced by MX2 title favourites Jago Geerts and Thibault Benistant as well as Yamaha's hot young rookie Rick Elzinga has a sleek black and blue base with an aggressive twist featuring a splash of grey and the new Monster Energy claw logo. 

The look, that will also be utilised by the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 and MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 teams in 2023, emulates the same bold and edgy design that will be used by the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory teams across the board in MotoGP, MXGP, Supercross and ProMotocross.

Sardinia was the place to be for Yamaha Factory MX2 and Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 riders and team members during the month of January. The island in the Mediterranean Sea, located just off the coast of Italy, has long been a hub for elite motocrossers during the winter period, with each year seeing hundreds of riders flock to its sandy tracks. 

During the teams’ time on the island, the riders dedicated two days to Yamaha Racing’s media production, where the official photography of the teams in 2023 livery was obtained.

Click here to view the official 2023 Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team gallery featuring Factory YZ250FM riders Jago Geerts (93), Thibault Benistant (198) and Rick Elzinga (44).

Click here to view the official Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 team gallery featuring its GYTR kitted YZ250F riders Andrea Bonacorsi (32), Karlis Reisulis (47) and Ivano van Erp (432). 
 

And, while the rest of the world may be shivering in the cold, we're gearing up for a season of red hot, or shall we say 'blue hot' racing! Both teams are set to open their account at the first pre-season outing in Ponte e Egola, Italy, on February 12th

Photo Credits: fullspectrummedia

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 3 February 2023 - Infront Moto Racing together with the FIM are pleased to share the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship Regulations which were approved by Infront Moto Racing, the MXGP Manufacturers and the FIM.

The regulations are defined by the Motocross Commission, composed of Messrs. Antonio Alia, Chairman (FIM Motocross Commission Director), David Luongo (Infront Moto Racing CEO), Biense Bierma (MSMA Secretary General) and the Permanent Bureau composed of Messrs. Jorge Viegas (FIM President) and Giuseppe Luongo (Infront Moto Racing President) who unanimously approved the 2023 FIM MXGP / MX2 / Women’s / Junior World Championships and MXoN Regulations on January 26, 2023. 

Being a pioneer back in 2010 when we launched the Qualifying Races as part of the weekend format of the FIM Motocross World Championship, MXGP is excited to present a significant update to the Saturday’s qualifying heats which will feature a brand-new scoring points system from now on.

First of all, the top ten qualifying riders from both classes MXGP and MX2 will score points as follows: the rider who wins the Qualifying Race will receive 10 points, the 2^nd will receive 9 points and so on, in a sliding scale down to 1 point for the 10^th position.

Points gained during the Qualifying Race will count for the MXGP and MX2 Championships standings, as well as Manufacturers’, but they’ll not be considered for the GP overall results. The Grand Prix overall results will still only count the points coming from the combination of the two main races.

After the Qualifying Race on Saturday, the Championship points leader will display the front red number plate on the bike with white numbers during both races on Sunday.

Another important update is about the number of MXGP riders admitted to an event as we’ll open the opportunity to participate to more than 40 riders to the MXGP category. The wildcard riders will compete in an additional qualification time practice where the fastest will be able to join the OAT riders in the main MXGP Qualifying Race. Two additional riders will remain as reserve riders and can step in, whenever one of the qualified riders cannot participate.

Additionally, MXGP will officially present its brand-new Paddock Show, where fans will be able to meet stars of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship series closer than ever. The paddock show will feature interviews, giveaway, music and much more, and will give fans the possibility to have an exclusive paddock experience the whole weekend. In order to celebrate the Winners of the Qualifying Races, top qualifying riders as well as the red plate holders will be part of the Paddock Show held on Saturday after the races.

Moreover, in order to support the participation of riders in these challenging times, the entry fees foreseen for wildcard riders participating in the MXGP and MX2 classes have been significantly reduced while the freight allowance for the non-factory teams attending the overseas rounds will increase to cover all their transportations’ needs.

All of these novelties are made with the aim to always develop the MXGP series. Allowing more riders to participate and travel overseas the MXGP World Championship will get more and more global while the new format featuring riders who earn points in Qualifying Races will offer heightened competition for the greater enjoyment of every motocross fans who will witness even more motocross action during the race weekend.

All Qualifying Races on Saturdays will be also broadcasted exclusively on MXGP-TV throughout the season.

Please find the complete 2023 FIM MXGP / MX2 / Women’s / Junior World Championship and MXoN Rules HERE.

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will enter the 2023 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship with an amplified four-rider line-up through both MXGP and MX2 classes and have shown off their new race colors and machinery for the first time.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 2 February 2023 – Infront Moto Racing is glad to announce that the tickets for the MXGP of France are now online! 

Villars sous Ecot will host the FIM motocross World Championship this season on the 20^th and 21^th of May! 

The French track was first introduced to the World Championship in 1982 and went on to host the 1988 MXoN. The 2023 edition will mark the comeback of Villars sous Ecot to the MXGP calendar six years after the last MXGP event in 2017, and this time the circuit returns with an 80% renovated track which will be an added challenge for the riders. 

In 2017, in Villars sous Ecot, we saw Jeffrey Herlings clinching the victory in front of Tim Gajser and Max Anstie. The anticipation for the 2023 MXGP of France will be great and promised to deliver a great show with a renovated track, two champions determined to win a 6^th World Title and many riders ready to fight for the crown! 

Along with the MXGP and MX2 races, spectators will also have the chance to see the supporting classes from the Women's Motocross World Championship and the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and categories.

Take this opportunity to come and watch a thrilling weekend full of action and get your tickets HERE! Even better, there is a discount on tickets for the MXGP of France until the 15^th of February, so don’t wait any longer to get yours!

Thinking of upgrading to VIP? Go with the VIP GOLD SKYBOX pass HERE!

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MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 1 February 2023 - Infront Moto Racing would like to announce updates to the 2023 calendar of the FIM Motocross World Championship and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

The Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations previously scheduled on October 22^nd in Ernée, France, will be brought forward to October the 6^th,7^th & 8^th. This decision was tough to take but thanks to FIM, Infront Moto Racing, FFM, and the Motoclub of Ernée we were able to take the right action. The great collaboration between Infront Moto Racing, MX Sports and Feld was key to align with worldwide racing calendars, after the end of the racing season in the United States had to reshuffle.

The updated date foreseen for the MXoN will allow the best riders based and competing in the USA series to participate to the event, as the desire to create the top conditions for an epic MXoN show is crucial for the greater enjoyment of the fans. The Monster Energy FIM MXoN is the most important Off Road event of the season with the aim to offer the best experience for motocross fans, with the best riders from all over the world.

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO: “The date change of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations to the 7/8th of October occurred to ensure the best show to Motocross fans, because with the calendar modifications of the various championships around the world it appeared that some riders and Federations would have difficulties in attending the biggest Off Road event of the year and we had to find a solution. Our objective is always to deliver the best show possible to the public and therefore I would like to thank the Motoclub d’Ernee, the FFM and the FIM to have reacted positively and rapidly to this change. Now we can all focus on making the 2023 edition of the MXoN as one of the best events ever in the history of Motocross”. 

Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing, producers of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship Series: "After many great talks with Infront Moto Racing we strongly agree with the complicated decision to change the date of the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, France, to earlier in October. Due to an unexpected scheduling conflict at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the new SuperMotocross World Championship playoffs and Finals, the date of the final round was moved from October 14 to September 23, which meant that the AMA season would end nearly a month before the MXoN was set to be run at Ernée. We believe that the Monster Energy FIM MXoN is extremely important to the entire global motocross community and fans deserve and expect to see the best riders from each nation compete together this one time every year. 

"Moving the date closer to the end of the AMA schedule will help secure the participation of a very strong Team USA, as they seek to successfully defend the Peter Chamberlain Trophy for the first time since 2011," added Feld Motor Sports' Dave Prater, Vice President-Supercross. "Last year's winning Team USA lineup of Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper have all expressed interest in returning to defend their title. This change of date also helps ensure that other AMA-based riders like Hunter and Jett Lawrence of Australia, Germany's Ken Roczen, French heroes like Dylan Ferrandis, Marvin Musquin and Tom Vialle, Japan's Jo Shimoda, Sweden's Fredrik Noren and more would then be available to participate in the '23 MXoN, if chosen by their respective home countries."

"Infront Moto Racing, Feld Motor Sports, and MX Sports Pro Racing are committed to working together to make sure we can deliver the best events for the crowd and also help to make sure the fans at Ernée will get to watch the best riders in the world compete in the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations," added Coombs. "And when the event comes back in the near future to the U.S., we will all work together to continue to make the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations the exceptional competition that it always is, as well as a huge annual celebration of motocross for fans from all over the world." 

Infront Moto Racing also wishes to give a special thanks to the organiser, the Motoclub Ernée for their great cooperation and responsiveness towards this update.

Consequently, the rescheduling includes a date change of the MXGP of Great Britain which will be held in Matterley Basin and will also be brought forward to September the 30^th and October the 1^st, along with the supporting classes of EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX250.

Meanwhile, the Motocross of European Nations is set to take place on October the 14^th and 15^th with the venue to be announced.

Importantly, together with the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, also the Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Superfinale will be held on the weekend of October the 8th. All the tickets already bought for the Monster Energy FIM MXoN will of course be valid for the new date. Tickers are available HERE with a special offer running until February the 28^th.

Infront Moto Racing would like to thank the FIM, FIM-Europe, the organisers and federations along with all the parties involved in MXGP for the commitment to bring another impressive season of racing!

Click HERE to download the updated 2023 calendar

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The Teatro Galli in Rimini hosted yesterday the Motosprint's Caschi d’oro.

For this occasion, the organiser of the event Motosprint, invited a number of special guests including riders and champions from several motorcycle disciplines, along with the legends of the sports.

40 riders, 10 legends and 15 World Champions such as Antonio Cairoli, Michele Rinaldi, David Philippaerts, Giacomo Agostini, Max Biaggi, Pecco Bagnaia, Andrea Verona and much more were present at the ceremony.

There also was Team Italy of Antonio Cairoli, Mattia Guadagnini and Alessandro Lupino who were invited on stage to receive their ‘Caschi d’oro’ for their Monster Energy FIM MXoN historic victory in 2021 in Mantova.

The successful event was a great celebration of motorcycles sports and was a nice occasion to bring together many riders, champions and legends of the sports.

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MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 31 January 2023 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to announce that the coveted VIP Gold Skybox for the MXGP of Switzerland is now online!

Here it is! MXGP Fans can now purchase their VIP Gold Skybox pass for the Grand Prix in Frauenfeld on the 8 -10 April. Celebrate the return of the MXGP of Switzerland to the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship with an unbelievable experience that will put you at the heart of the action.

The VIP Gold Skybox pass offers the possibility to buy this unique and exciting experience for 1 day,2 days or the whole 3 days of the weekend races!

This will give you access to the most exclusive areas:

• The MXGP Venue 
• The MXGP Paddock where it all starts and where you can feel and be part of the amazing atmosphere surrounded by riders, teams, stores and many other activities that you won’t want to miss!
• The VIP Gold Skybox Restaurant located near the track, where you will enjoy gourmet food and drink without missing on the races.
• The most exclusive Skybox Terrace which can be found behind the starting gate, giving you stunning views of the waiting zone and front-row look of the starting grid and podium! 
• It also includes the VIP Gold SkyBox Car Parking Pass.

You can also purchase the VIP Gold Camping pass, which allows you to park your camper/motorhome close to the paddock throughout the weekend.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to live special moments closer to your favourite riders, teams and many activities that will truly make the GP of Switzerland an even more incredible event and feel the MXGP atmosphere from within! 

Don’t wait any longer and click HERE to get your hands on the VIP Gold Skybox pass! 

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VIP Gold Skybox

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 30 January 2023 – Infront Moto Racing is glad to announce the renewal of the long-time partnership with SEL – Sport & Events Logistics, official carrier and travel agency partner for the next 3 years.

This agreement marks the 22 consecutive years of a successful and efficient collaboration between the two companies. 

SEL, as Official Carrier of the FIM Motocross World Championship, will continue to manage the logistics operations for the overseas stages of the series, handling motorcycles and equipment for teams, suppliers, and authorised personnel as well as technical equipment for television production and timing and scoring services for broadcasters and stakeholders.  

SEL Travel department will also be involved for the next 3 years as Official Travel Agent, supporting Infront Moto Racing along with the whole paddock collective with the booking of flight tickets, accommodations and transport during the non-EU MXGP events. 

Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: “SEL has been next to us for many years and they have been a very important stakeholder of the worldwide development of MXGP. The logistics behind an Overseas event is very complex and SEL has always found the best and the most efficient solution to facilitate our travel around the world. Even during the COVID pandemic and all those restrictions we had to face, they were very agile to navigate with us through those challenges. We are very happy to continue our relationship for the years to come”.  

Pier Carlo Bottero, CEO of SEL: “We could not be prouder of the trust Infront keeps putting in us and this partnership is the demonstration of the pristine service our Team has been offering to our partners for more than 20 years. It is rare to develop such successful, long-lasting relations and I look forward to carrying on our mutual commitment”

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SEL

The enduring union between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and multi FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings will continue beyond the 2023 MXGP campaign and stretch on another two years.

The 28-year-old inked another contract extension with the decorated factory crew after visiting the Motorsport headquarters in Munderfing, Austria last week.

Herlings initially signed for Red Bull KTM early in 2009 to make his FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship debut as a fifteen-year-old for the 2010 season. During a thirteen-year competitive period to-date the KTM stalwart has won 99 Grands Prix with both 250 and 450 SX-F machinery and gathered three MX2 titles (2012, 2013 and 2016) and two MXGP crowns (2018 and 2021), including one of the most dominant displays in MXGP history in ’18 and with a last-round-last-race success in ‘21 where three riders still had a chance of the #1 plate during the final laps of the event in Mantova, Italy.

Herlings, the most successful Dutch rider in the history of the sport, missed the entire 2022 MXGP schedule due to a pre-season injury but is now in the throes of training and testing preparation for the 2023 calendar that will begin on March 12th at Neuquen in Argentina. #84 will face his seventh term in the MXGP class and with the 450 SX-F.

The fresh renewal for 2024 and 2025 will take Herlings from the age of 14 to 30 in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors and elongate a memorable partnership to a total of seventeen years at the highest level.

Jeffrey Herlings: “We’ve been together for a long time and I believe I am now the longest-serving Red Bull KTM athlete as this will be my fifteenth year and from when I first signed in 2009. We now have another two years together and maybe more to come. It’s great. Me, Pit and Robert have been very close during this time and have a great connection and together with Valentina [Ragni, Team Coordinator] these have been the people around me since the beginning and for all those fifteen years. We’ve been working really good together and we all want the same goals. I’m happy and thankful to extend the contract again and it’s great after a dark period  in 2022 that the team and the company still have trust in me. I didn’t want to move, I’m happy where I am, and I love the group.”

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Of course I’m really happy that Jeffrey has re-signed with the brand and the team. He’s a big star for us and for the sport so it’s really nice that such a big talent stays in KTM. He will come into the season after a difficult year so we will have to build into 2023 but Jeffrey is such a big champion and will win again, like he did in the past. I don’t think any team could wish for a better rider and we’re pumped to continue.”

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsports Offroad: “2022 was a hard season for Jeffrey and our team but we set our sights on this year and the future and it is fantastic to keep that #84 in Red Bull KTM colors for two more years. Jeffrey is one of the fastest riders and racers on the planet. He hasn’t always had the best luck but his desire to win and to set new landmarks seems the same as when he made such a strong impact in the team as a teenager. He will lead a young crew of guys for the next couple of seasons and his work ethic will be the ultimate example for them to learn. Jeffrey also has his own goals of course and with 99 GP wins, a strong KTM 450 SX-F and the thirst to be back at the top of MXGP, we hope 2023 and the next couple of years are going to be pretty special.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Our journey with Jeffrey is epic. There have been many highs and some big lows and we have watched a passionate and determined young kid become one of the best riders we have ever seen in the sport.
Jeffrey is Dutch but I’m sure there is another part of him that is ‘orange’ because he has been a KTM guy passing through two decades and from that very first GP in Bulgaria in 2010. There are still some chapters to write in our story together, and 2023 will be a ‘comeback’ season for him and for us in the MXGP class. I’m really happy we will push again all the way up to 2025.”

Photo Credit: KTM Factory Racing

Recently Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo was invited at the KNMV Motorsport Gala which took place at Studio 21 in Hilversum. During the prestigious event WMX World Champion Nancy van de Ven and EMX250 Champion Rick Elzinga were invited to receive exclusive awards for their achievements. van de Ven received the Hans de Beaufort Cup, the most prestigious Dutch prize in motorsport while Rick Elzinga was given the award for talent of the year.

Since 1947 the Hans de Beaufort Cup is given to Dutch riders who deliver a world-class performance and are ambassador of the sport off track, van de Ven not only got eventually a very much deserved WMX title, but also the Hans de Beaufort cup, as the first solo lady.

Nancy van de Ven: “I didn’t see this coming. But, when the band started playing Natural Woman I thought ‘no, it couldn’t be for me’. But it was!”

The EMX250 Champion Rick Elzinga, who will make his debut in MX2 in Monster Energy Yamaha Factory team,  received the Ben Major Trophy for talent of the year during the gala by Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: “Champions are the core of our sport. They give young riders a dream and a purpose. That’s why successes need to be celebrated with evenings like this. Rick you really deserve this award.” David Luongo said.

Rick Elzinga: “It was great to become European Champion, I have always worked for this. The team, my family, the bike, the feeling… Everything has to be right to put down such a season. The next step is of course to become World Champion. Hopefully I can do that in the future.”

Photo credits: Carla Gorter/KNMV