MXGP

Great news MXGP fans, the official 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship season review is now available on www.MXGP-TV.com!

Re-live a historic season and one of the most disputed titles fights in MXGP as we take a look back on some of the best moments of the year, including some very close race battles, awesome victories and of course the crowning of the world and European Champions – all in the 52-minute special!

The season review also takes a more in depth look at the title fight between Jeffrey Herlings, Romain Febvre and Tim Gajser, along with Maxime Renaux’s rise to success in MX2. The end-of-season special also features the best moments from the Monster Energy FIM MXoN and exclusive interviews with the 2021 MXGP and MX2 World Champions, as well as a sit-down with Antonio Cairoli as he talks us through his incredible racing career and his decision to retire. 

So, join us, as we take a look back on another fantastic year of MXGP! All you need to do is register/login to MXGP-TV.com and then you can watch the best moments of the 2021 season for free by clicking HERE.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 7 December 2021 – This year’s FIM Awards has concluded an exciting season of the FIM Motocross World Championship as the 2020 and 2021 MXGP, MX2, Women’s Motocross World Champion and Junior Motocross World Champions celebrated their success during what was a unique night as World Champions in motorcycling from the past two years gathered at the Sporting Monte-Carlo venue and were joined by S.A.S. Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

An audience of around six hundred gathered for the biggest night in motorcycling which included World Champions, motorcycling legends, representatives from national federations, various members of the FIM, championship promoters, manufacturers and team representatives, sponsors and other invited international guests – among them was Infront Moto Racing along with 2020 and 2021 World Champions Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Maxime Renaux, Tom Vialle, Courtney Duncan, Haakon Osterhagen, Mattia Barbieri and Peter Nårsa.

The winners of the night were presented with their medals by FIM President Jorge Viegas and S.A.S. Albert II, Prince of Monaco. Mr Viegas also presented the Team prizes that included the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations winners as Team  Italy.

Tim Gajser: “You have to work hard. If you have dreams you need to believe, follow your dreams and just hope that one day that dream will become a reality” shared Gajser when reminiscing on his 2020 title.

Jeffrey Herlings: “It was an intense battle; I had some great battles with the guys and I am very happy to be here,  to have won this championship it means a lot for me. We are ready for next year and hope to repeat it but for now let’s enjoy this one” added Herlings when speaking about his success this season.

While the night celebrated the World Championship winners, there was also a special occasion taken to celebrate legends and those who has contributed to motorcycling sport in a big way. One of the biggest surprises of the evening came when Infront Moto Racing President Giuseppe Luongo was awarded the FIM Promotors Legend of 2020 prize for his outstanding work carried out over the years and especially in 2020.

Additionally, the FIM Awards gala also admired the astonishing career of the 9-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli who was also a recipient of a special prize for his incredible achievements.

To officially close the ceremony, FIM President Jorge Viegas concluded by saying the evening  “Tonight has been a truly memorable occasion, after what everyone has lived through over the last two years it was wonderful to have the entire FIM family back together again and to finally celebrate all our 2020 and 2021 FIM World Champions at this wonderful venue in Monaco and in the presence of Albert II, Prince of Monaco”.

Main Photo: 2020-2021 FIM World Champions © Good-shoot

Bottom Photos: 1. Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo & 2021 MXGP Champion Jeffrey Herlings; 2. 2020 MXGP Champion Tim Gajser © Good-shoot

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FIM

After a long and exciting 2021 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship, the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing team are quickly turning their attentions to the 2022 season. The season is scheduled to get underway in the UK at Matterley Basin on the 19th and 20th of February. It means a short turn around and less of a winter preparation than normal, but the team are excited to get the new season underway.

Heading into the 2022 season, the team are delighted to announce that Calvin Vlaanderen will be staying with the team in what will be his third year under the team's awning. Joining Vlaanderen in what will be a very strong line up will be Lithuanian talent, Arminas Jasikonis. Vlaanderen has agreed a one-year contract extension with the team while Jasikonis has also inked a one-year deal.

Jasikonis has been a full factory rider representing Husqvarna in the MXGP paddock the past three years and the team are delighted to welcome him to the Yamaha family and are looking forward to the 24-year-old reaching his full potential.

Calvin Vlaanderen: I’m very happy to be continuing my relationship with Gebben Van Venrooy Racing for the 2022 season. We have grown a lot as a team in the last two seasons and I expect nothing less for next season. Although we are a small team, we work really well together, and I believe we have the full package to do well. My plan is to put in a solid off season this winter preparing with the team and to come out next year fighting for podiums.

Arminas Jasikonis: After a long time of waiting, we can come out with the official news. It's been a stressful time because all is so late, but I'm really grateful to be riding for this team. I'm super motivated for next year and it's a really warm feeling that the team is so motivated and working so much with everything. This gives me confidence to say that we will do great things next year. I've rode the Yamaha and I haven't been riding since the last GP but the feeling was really really nice. I rode straight away at a sandy and bumpy track, but the bike felt really stable and really listening to me.

Klaas Hattem (Gebben Van Venrooy Racing - Team Manager): I am happy and delighted with the rider line up for the 2022 MXGP season. Calvin Vlaanderen has extended his contract and is entering his third season with the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha team. New to the team is Arminas Jasikonis. Despite their young age, both riders already have the necessary experience on the 450cc bike. I am very confident that we will surprise with the current package in 2022 and look forward to the season ahead. 

Kawasaki confirms that Ben Watson will be the new teammate of Romain Febvre next season, joining the Frenchman in the Kawasaki Racing Team assault on the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship.

Considered one of the most-promising British youngsters of recent years Ben Watson had a solid MXGP rookie season this summer, gaining in experience as the year went on in this highly competitive class to culminate his season with the MXGP gold medal at the Motocross of Nations. Ben eventually just missed the top-ten in the final MXGP series rankings by a couple of points, but he finished top-ten at no less than ten rounds with a fifth overall as his best result at the Dutch round of the series.

The twenty-four-year-old native of Nottinghamshire, England, first appeared on the international stage when he contested the European series as a ten-year-old, winning his very first race in the 65cc class. He progressed through the classes and has impressed throughout his adult career, starting with a fifth place in EMX250 and victory at the world-famous Enduro du Touquet in the Junior class. Ranked top five in the MX2 World Championship in both 2018 and 2020, he proved his ability on all surfaces in the closing stages of the latter season with GP victories on the vastly-different tracks of Lommel in Belgium and Pietramurata in Italy before switching to the premier MXGP class in 2021.

Kawasaki Motors Europe Racing Manager Steve Guttridge is convinced that Ben will be a strong teammate to Romain Febvre: "It was a tough decision-making process to work through along with the project leaders in Japan regarding whom should finally take the second seat inside our factory MXGP team. We have a clear focus on Romain to challenge for the title, but the future arrives fast and a younger teammate who can grow into the MXGP programme is very important also. The duo already have a close relationship as they have often trained together in the past and Ben has already experienced a solid rookie season in the MXGP class which takes a big extra learning curve for riders coming up from MX2 to succeed within these days. Inside the Kawasaki Racing Team we believe the staff can help Ben make that step in his career in 2022."

Ben now has a little over two months to prepare for the opening round of the 2022 World Championship which will start in his native UK on February 20th at Matterley Basin. “I’m really looking forward to this fresh start. I’ve been with another couple of brands almost all my life and Kawasaki is one I’ve never ridden before, so to have this fresh start with new colours is definitely something I need at this stage of my career. I’ve had some ups-and-downs during my MXGP rookie season this year but I think I proved on numerous occasions like the Nations and several other GPs that I have what it takes to race up front. I was just missing a few things but I’m joining a group of guys and a bike I really believe will help me. I’m really excited to put my leg over the KX450-SR. The plan is to get used to the bike before Christmas; to get a feeling for the handling, the power delivery and sort out a few small things like seat height, position of the bars and so on. I’m looking forward to working with Romain and all the team and I think this is exactly what I need as a package to make the next step. It’s going to be a tough couple of months leading up to the opening GP at Matterley in February but wow, what a start to my Kawasaki career at the home GP with all the British fans cheering me on!” says Ben.

Photo Copyright: Kawasaki Racing

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 7 December 2021 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to share that tickets can now be purchased for the Monster Energy MXGP of France taking place at the legendary Ernèe circuit.

The Raymond Demy venue will finally return to the MXGP calendar in 2022 on the 4^th and 5^th of June after a five-year drought, as it will host the 10^th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship with the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX250 support classes also there for the occasion.

Ernèe has always hosted exceptional races with the first dating back to 1990. Since then, the French circuit has seen 12 Grand Prix’s and 2 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations events that are simply unforgettable to this day!

Past winners include the likes of Marnicq Bervoets, Mickael Pichon, Stefan Everts, Livia Lancelot, Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Clement Desalle among others and there is no doubt that the MXGP and MX2 riders will be keen to add their name to the winners list.

Throughout December, January and February there is a special Christmas offer available for the tickets to the event, so don’t miss your chance to witness some awesome races in 2022, get your tickets for the Monster Energy MXGP of France HERE!

Photo: 2015 Monster Energy FIM MXoN Race 3 Start

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 December 2021 – Over the weekend, the annual MXGP Organisers Meeting took place at the Marriott Hotel in Monaco, where organisers of the upcoming 2022 MXGP events gathered in order to get prepared for a great season. 

Infront Moto Racing’s Marketing Director Marionna Leiva opened the event by introducing the officials which included Infront Moto Racing President Giuseppe Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing COO Daniele Rizzi and Infront Moto Racing Director Nikos Gounaris, as well as the whole Infront Moto Racing Departments Manager present at the meeting plus from the FIM, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, MXGP Race Director Ingo Partsch, FIM Technical Director Andrew Summers and FIM Medical Director David McManus among others.

Organisers of the 2022 MXGP rounds of Sweden, Orlyonok, Latvia, France, Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Great Britain, Trentino and Czech Republic and much more were present for the occasion to get prepared for another fantastic season ahead!

Infront Moto Racing President Giuseppe Luongo welcomed all of the officials and organisers to the event and shared his gratitude for the work carried out over the last two years: “Thanks to all parties, the FIM and the organisers, we managed to deliver one of the best seasons ever. I have worked in motocross for more than forty years and we have never had a season like this when the title went down to the last second. Thank you to the FIM, especially the FIM staff in the field of motocross for their excellent work, great support and partnership that we have had for many years. Also thank you to Infront Moto Racing staff because it has been two difficult years in terms of travel and organisation to work against the virus but despite this, we have made two wonderful seasons of racing. And of course without our organisers, the work that Infront Moto Racing has carried out would not have been possible and thanks to these efforts we have done together we could put on 18 races. You, Organizers, have helped to keep the sport alive on the top level and to be ready for re-start. We are very optimistic 2022 will be a normal year, if not we will ask you to fight again with us until we can arrive at this stage”.

FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela also thanked everyone for a fantastic season by saying “You’ve seen all the images shown what happened throughout the last two years but this year in particular, like Giuseppe said it has been the pinnacle of all motocross events so far. It’s been great to have three title contenders until the end. Of course, a championship like this demands a lot of work behind the scenes that most people cannot see because it’s not shown on TV. It goes without saying that without your collaboration and co-operation this cannot be achieved. Infront Moto Racing has put in a lot of effort to organise the calendar and making you understand that this way will be the best way to go about these events to safeguard the championship, it has been the right thing to do and the result have been incredible. I would like to thank all the organisers, you are representing all the people right behind you, all volunteers and those that come to help you, every little thing helps makes a difference. This is what we are also asking you for in 2022. Thank you very much”

The welcome speeches were followed by the presentation of the key departments of MXGP which included the aspects to focus on for the upcoming season. Each department highlighted the novelties and important points which included, paddock requirements, circuit preparation, infrastructure for medical centre, tv, media, marketing and more, including the return to the usual MXGP race format which features the support classes race 1 and qualifying races taking place on Saturday and the support classes race 2 plus the MXGP and MX2 races on Sunday. The presentation was followed by a an introduction of selected 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship venues which introduced the return of some of the favourite circuits to next year’s calendar as well as the comeback of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations to Red Bud, USA.

Then the FIM Representatives took to the microphone to speak on behalf of the FIM to overview some important points on the work carried out by the FIM onsite at each event. They thanked organisers for their co-operation over the years and gave them some more tips on how to make sure the events run at the highest level.

The meeting was concluded with an official presentation from MXGP official ticketing partner Platinum Group, followed by the official 2022 MXGP teaser video, which declared the 2022 season countdown.

The weekend was then finished off with the 2020-2021 FIM Awards with the World Champions of these two years receiving their FIM medals. Among those in attendance was the 2021 and 2020 MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser, 2021 and 2020 MX2 World Champions Maxime Renaux and Tom Vialle as well as the 125cc Junior World Champion Haakon Osterhagen and 85cc Junior World Champion Mattia Barbieri.

Also being celebrated was the three-time Women’s Motocross World Champion, Courtney Duncan and Snowcross World Champion Petter Narsa among other champions in motorcycle sport.

Overall, the meeting was a great success with fantastic feedback from the organisers which allowed us all to go through numerous details together in order to prepare for the upcoming season.

LINKS

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FIM

It is with a heavy heart that Infront Moto Racing must share the tragic news of the passing of one of its bright stars, Rene Hofer.

Hofer was no doubt one of the happiest guys in the paddock, always seen with the biggest smile on his face. The Austrian had a bright future ahead of him and he showed a glimpse of what was to come when he claimed the 85cc Junior World Championship and European titles in 2016 and of course his incredible performance this season, including his first race win and Grand Prix victory in Pietramurata, along with the overall victory in the MX2 class at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where he represented Team Austria.

Infront Moto Racing and the entire MXGP family expresses their deepest condolences and sends all their strength to Rene’s family, friends and the whole Team at KTM at this incredibly difficult time.

Without a doubt, the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship will forever be remembered as ‘that season’ or like an episode of Friends, ‘The one where…’ after that turned out to be the most captivating title chase in recent history.

And, whilst we didn’t want it to end, there could only ever be one winner and that winner is now a five-time World Champion, so let’s take a closer look at the season of Jeffrey Herlings in a little more detail. Read more in the latest issue of MXGP Magazine HERE!

You can find all this plus more in the 99^th issue of MXGP Mag, which you can download for FREE on the Apple Store or Google Play. Read it HERE!

Users who have already downloaded other issues on their iOS device can automatically download the new 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 app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid.

After one of the toughest and most intense seasons in motocross history, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser had little chance to really reflect on what had happened. Finishing the campaign with eight races in six weeks meant every moment was focused on racing, but now that the dust has settled on a championship where Gajser ended up third overall, the Slovenian rider has now been able to talk about last season and also what he expects from the upcoming 2022 MXGP calendar.

What are you up to now, and what have you done since the season finished?
I’m actually having a little break in Croatia, just to recharge the batteries a bit and let my body recover from what was a very tough end to the 2021 season. I also had a little bit of testing to do with some things for a few days after the last round so now I’m just trying to relax and spend a bit of time off the bike, so that when I do start training again for 2022, I’ll be fresh.

How would you sum up your 2021 season?
The 2021 season was definitely a tough one, both mentally and physically. All the riders went through a lot and we were all pushing until the very end. Of course, I wasn’t able to become world champion, so I wasn’t able to achieve my goal but there were a lot of good moments. It was difficult to come so close and not make it happen but I will use that as motivation for next year and try to keep improving on those small details.

What were your best memories of the year?
Obviously, it started really well in Orlyonok, going one-one and then I had some really good races after that. Winning on the last lap in Matterley Basin with a great battle and then there were some excellent races in Turkey. Probably the most important was in Germany, when I was able to come back after my injury and win the second race and the overall and just show everyone that I was ready to really fight for the championship. It was also great to share these moments with Team HRC as they have always believed in me, even when I was struggling. It was also good to have fans back at the races as we can see how much they add to the events. The races in France, Spain and then the last ones in Italy really showed how awesome a motocross race atmosphere can be so I hope that even more fans can come and support the riders next year.

And what about things you wish you could change?
It was just a lot of really small things really. Of course, I wish I hadn’t have got hurt after Turkey as I was around 30 points clear in the championship and riding really well and controlling the series when it happened. The crash in Loket when the lever got stuck in the handguard was unlucky and that cost me a lot of points and just a few other things that didn’t go to plan. Nothing really too big but when the championship comes down to a small number of points, it is those little things that add up.

What do you think of the calendar for 2022?
I haven’t focused too much on the calendar for next year. The last two years have taught us to prepare for changes so I won’t really get ready for any specific rounds. However, starting in late February doesn’t give us a lot of time off this winter, so I have to make sure I do what I need to do in order to be ready for that.

Are there any events that stand out for you?
It is nice to see some overseas races back on the calendar again. These rounds are always interesting to go to and it is important for it be a proper ‘world’ championship. They are also important for Honda and all their sponsors so I’m glad that we will go outside of Europe a few times. I am also excited for any new rounds we have on the calendar as it is nice to go to different places. Keeping things fresh is important and gives everyone a new start at a track that they haven’t seen before.

What are your hopes for 2022?
The aim every year is to become world champion. It is what every rider wishes and especially for me, having won some in the past and having come so close this year, it is what I will be focusing on for every gate drop. Of course, I know it won’t be easy as the class is getting more competitive every year and I believe a lot of riders will keep improving, so I need to keep improving as well but I am confident that I can come out on top, especially with the support of everyone at Team HRC who continues to work extremely hard making sure everything possible is done to get me to perform at my best. I am also looking forward to having Mitch Evans back alongside me, after he missed 2021 through injury. I got on well with him and he is fun to have around and I hope that he can show everyone his real speed in 2022.

Photo Copyright: Honda Racing

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 30 November 2021 - Infront Moto Racing and Milestone are pleased to release MXGP 2021, new chapter of the beloved and iconic series of the official FIM Motocross World Championship available digital only for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC Steam.

MXGP 2021 allows players to compete in the official 2021 Championship, playing with more than 40 riders from MXGP and MX2 categories. The Career mode is the starting point: from MX2 championship aiming to reach the MXGP and marking the history, this year the Career Mode offers enhanced immersion thanks to the Real Transfer windows, Contracts, Personal Team, Challenges and additional activities, in which players find both official and new tracks.

For nostalgic players who want to race in the avenue of memories, MXGP 2021 is enriched by four Legacy Tracks, iconic races coming from the legacy of the series. They are Ottobiano (Italy), Ernée (France), Leon (Mexico) and Agueda (Portugal) are available both in Single Player and Multiplayer.

Waypoint enhance the game with the possibility to race on the Playground, create custom challenges and share it with friends. Additionally, players can download other tracks from the community’s database.

The Multiplayer offers many improvements, featuring also qualifications in online lobbies. Players now can even choose from different kinds of experiences such as Custom Tracks,  in which they can create a race and share it online with other players.

The Track Editor closes the circle. Players can create tracks using the powerful tools of the feature, expanding the gameplay experience without any limits, making their track-designer-dreams come true. All the creations are sharable and/or downloadable with the global community.

MXGP 2021 is available digital only for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC Steam.

Watch the launch trailer HERE

About Milestone

Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest established racing game developer in the world.  The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™ and MXGP – The Official Motocross Videogame, Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame series as well as own IPs Ride and Gravel. Milestone is fully privately owned and independently self-funded. For more information please visit www.milestone.it and www.mxgpvideogame.com

 MXGP2021 - The Official Videogame © 2021 Published and Developed by Milestone S.r.l. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2021 Infront Moto Racing - All rights reserved.

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