MXGP

PIETRAMURATA (Italy) 5 November 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is excited to announce a brand-new partnership with Top Events Group that will foresee the FIM Motocross World Championship in Oss, Netherlands, for the next five years.

The Dutch venue, located in the south of the country, in the province of North Brabant, first opened its doors in 1980 and was called De Witte Ruysheuvel. The track hosted its first Grand Prix in 1985, which saw former 125cc World Champion, Dave Strijbos claim victory that time around. Then in 1989 it was American, Mike Healy, who was victorious and in 1998 it was Alessio Chiodi who won at the circuit.

For many years, the track has been used as a regular stop of the Dutch Masters of Motocross, alongside some World Championship Sidecar races between 1980 and 2000.

The Local Organizer, Top Events Group, headed by Ebert Dollevoet, is an established reality in the Netherlands as experts of events and catering, already cooperating with important partners such as PSV Eindhoven (including the stadium concerts with Guus Meeuwis) and NAC Breda. Now the organiser will bring the Dutch circuit to the big stage, to host the fastest 250cc and 450cc riders of the FIM Motocross World Championship starting from the 2021 season.

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO: “It is fantastic to start a new project in the Netherlands with Top Events Group. We have been in discussion for a long time now and we are happy to engage the MXGP World Championship in a long term collaboration with Oss circuit. The experience of Ebert in professional events is strong and we are sure it will lead this Grand Prix to a big success.”

Ebert Dollevoet, Top Events owner: “We are very proud to announce the partnership with Infront Moto Racing. Top Events is looking forward to organizing such a big event for the people in our own backyard. This location is a real Motocross-hotspot and home base for much of the Dutch top riders, like Jeffrey Herlings, Roan van de Moosdijk, Glenn Coldenhoff and many others. For me personally, organizing this event is extra special because of my own affinity with Motocross and my work as manager for some professional riders like Roan van de Moosdijk. With our experience in events, catering and motocross I am convinced that we can organize an awesome weekend the next five years”.

More information on the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship MXGP will be released shortly.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Top Events

PIETRAMURATA (Italy) 5 November 2020 – MXGP is heading into the final round of what was one of the most unpredictable, crazy and intense seasons of the FIM Motocross World Championship to date.

Yesterday was a special day, as we finally witnessed the crowning of the 2020 MXGP and MX2 World Champions, Tim Gajser and Tom Vialle. This season Gajser really verified himself as the strongest competitor as he secured his 4^th world title in the opening race. It was a tough race for the Slovenian, who had to push through the field with an issue with his clutch, to eventually finish second. The second race was much better for the 4-time world champion, who got the Fox Holeshot and then led every lap to the finish and secured his 14^th race win of the year.

While for Vialle, the day was an emotional one, as he got his hands on the gold plate for the very first time, as he secured his maiden world title, to become this year’s MX2 World Champion, of what is his second season in the category. Much like Gajser, the day for the Frenchman came with its ups and downs. Vialle started the races last on the gate, though still managed to pull a big holeshot in the opening race to wrap up the championship with a race win. Then in the second race, the factory KTM rider struggled out of the start, before being hit by another rider, which caused damage to his bike. He eventually finished 23^rd.

Though the champions have already been decided ahead of the final round this weekend, the battles will continue nonetheless as the door is still open for the silver and bronze medals. On Sunday, we can expect a battle between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer, as just four points separate the pair. A race win and a third, gave Seewer a great advantaged over the Italian, which has allowed him to close in on the silver medal.

In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts has secured the second-place spot in the standings, though third is still up for grabs, as Yamaha SM Action MC Milgiori J1 Racing’s Maxime Renaux currently occupies the spot, 13 points ahead of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton.

In addition to the final GP of the season, this weekend’s action will also see the concluding rounds of the EMX2t Presented by FMF Racing and EMX Open. In the EMX2t Verde Substance KTM’s Brad Anderson was crowned European Champion for the third time, though there’s still the battle for second and third. Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii’s Federico Tuani is now up in second, in terms of the standings, with Loris Freidig a further 11 points back, ahead of Kade Tinkler-Walker who still has a chance to go for a medal this season, as he just 5 points off Freidig.

In EMX Open, the title is yet to be decided, as Karel Kutsar enters the final round with an 11-point lead over 137 Motorsports KTM rider Kim Savaste. Latvian, Toms Macuks also has a chance to climb higher, as he needs 18 points to pass Savaste in the championship and with a possible 50 points up for grabs, he could still do it.

While Gajser will head into Sunday’s races with the gold plate, there is no doubt that the Slovenian will be more motivated than ever to finish the season off by adding another overall victory to the 4 that he has already.

There is no doubt that we will see some nice battles this time around, as Seewer and Cairoli will be going for maximum points, in the chase for the vice-world champion spot. Seewer and Cairoli had a close battle in the opening MXGP race, yesterday, though Cairoli eventually crashed out while pushing to pass the Swiss and finished the race in 6^th, while Seewer took his third race win of the season. The factory Yamaha rider was third in race two, to finish second on the podium.

The second race, we saw Cairoli locked in a fight with Romain Febvre and Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team, but that time around he finished 5^th. Probably not a day he was hoping for, especially after his overall win, the previous time around. Though one thing is for sure that Cairoli has proven that he can battle well at the top end of the field around the Pietramurata circuit, and this weekend could be the day we see him finally take a race win here, this season.

Febvre had a good day yesterday, with some solid starts, which saw him battle at the top end in both races. The first race was a bit tough for the Frenchman as he had to work his way up to 5^th, while in the second race, a much better start allowed the Kawasaki rider to waste no time to make a pass for second and then spend the whole race chasing the race leader, Gajser. After several attempts and some good laps, as he kept the 4-time world champion very close, he eventually had to settle for P2 in the race, though that got him his 5^th podium of the 2020 season. Now with a positive result here in Italy, we could expect more from Febvre as we head into the final round.

Desalle also had another good day, with two consistent 4^th place finishes, which saw him miss out on the podium by just 4 points. The MXGP of Garda Trentino will be the final race for Desalle and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin, who will be hanging up their ‘MXGP boots’ after this season.

It’s also worth mentioning that the two Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing riders Alessandro Lupino had some good results in the races, with Lupino placing third in the opening MXGP race, while his teammate Brent Van Doninck finished 7^th. In the second races, the pair finished 11^th and 9^th, but will no doubt be aiming for more top 10 and top 5 results on Sunday.

MXGP of Pietramurata Top 3:

1.Tim Gajser

2.Jeremy Seewer

3.Romain Febvre

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 673 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 584 p.; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 580 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 525 p.; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 476 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 467 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 438 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 375 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 316 p.; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 282 p.

Main Photo: MXGP Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser; 2. Antonio Cairoli

In MX2, Vialle will enter his first Grand Prix as the new world champion, following an eventful day yesterday, which saw him win in the first race and then struggle in race two with some bike problems. Now with the championship wrapped up and the weight lifted of his shoulders, it will be interesting to see what the Frenchman will bring this time around and if we will see him make it 14 podiums and add an 8^th GP win this season.

While Geerts missed out on the title this season, the Belgian has given it his all in the last few rounds. Now with two overall victories here in Pietramurata so far, of course he will push to make it three on the bounce to finish the season strong and get ahead of the preparations for 2021.

For Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s, Ben Watson, the next GP will be one with mixed emotions, as the Brit prepares to bid farewell to the MX2 category and get ready for his rookie season in MXGP. Watson has been looking really strong in the second half of this season, having racked up 5 podiums, one in Mantova, three in Lommel, including his first overall, and one here in Pietramurata as he placed second overall yesterday. Unfortunately, he is no challenging for the top 3 in the championship, but either way will be looking for a strong end to his MX2 career.

The battle that will be important though, is the one between Renaux, Beaton and Thomas Kjer Olsen for the bronze medal this season. Renaux currently occupies third, with Beaton 13 pints behind him and Olsen a further 11 points down on his teammate. Olsen dropped down a position after a tough day yesterday which saw him finish 7^th overall.

Renaux was 4^th overall yesterday, with a 3^rd and 5^th in the races, while Beaton was close to an overall win, though eventually settled for the third spot on the podium. In the first race we saw Beaton charge for the win and then in the second one he pushed to pass Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing’s Thibault Benistant for third, which would’ve given him the overall victory. Now with important points up for grabs, there is no doubt that all three will want to have a good day at the final round, to secure a medal this season.

MXGP of Pietramurata Top 3:

1.Jago Geerts

2.Ben Watson

3.Jed Beaton

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), 35:10.371; 2. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:01.938; 3. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:05.532; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:06.614; 5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:25.616; 6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:27.440; 7. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:30.353; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:31.496; 9. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Honda), +0:43.914; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:47.092;

Main Photo: MX2 Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Tom Vialle; 2. Jago Geerts

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CET)

SATURDAY: 09:20 EMX Open Free Practice, 09:50 EMX2t Free Practice, 10:20 EMX Open Qualifying Practice, 11:00 EMX2t Qualifying Practice, 12:30 EMX Open Race 1, 13:20 EMX2t Race 1, 14:30 EMX Open Race 2, 15:25 EMX2t Race 2.

SUNDAY: 08:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 09:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 11:05 MX2 Race 1, 12:05 MXGP Race 1, 14:00 MX2 Race 2, 15:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Garda Trentino

PIETRAMURATA (Italy) 5 November 2020 - TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2014 and together with MXGP are running the fastest lap competition across each season.

The way it works is; at each and every round of the MXGP season, the rider that sets the best lap time in each class, MXGP and MX2, will receive 1 point in the TAG Heuer competition. The rider that has set the fastest lap at the most rounds throughout the year in both classes, and has the most points, will be award with the special prize!

The penultimate round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship was a day for champions, as we witnessed Tim Gajser and Tom Vialle crowned as this year’s MXGP and MX2 World Champions. The pair were also the fastest riders of the day, as they set the Tag Heuer Best Laps during the opening races. 

Gajser’s fastest lap time was 1.41:758 on the fifth lap of MXGP race one, while Vialle clocked his best time of 1.41:703 in MX2 race one, lap five, as well.

As it stands, Gajser leads the Tag Heuer Best Lap Award with 6 points, ahead of Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre, who have 3 and 2 points. In MX2, it’s Vialle and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts who are tied on f points, while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton is 3^rd with 2 points.

Find the details below:

MXGP: Tim Gajser – 1.41:758 – Race 1 Lap 5

MX2: Jed Beaton – 1.41:703 – Race 1 Lap 3

MXGP is super excited to continue with the FOX Holeshot competition, that is running throughout the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season, together with MXGP partner FOX.

The way the competition works is; during both MXGP and MX2 races, the rider who crosses the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be awarded 1 point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders, one per category, with the most FOX Holeshot points will win the mega prize!

The MXGP of Pietramurata saw Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer add a third Fox Holeshot, to his tally, as he led the rest of the pack into the first corner, on his way to a third race victory of the season. In MXGP race two though, it was the newly crowned 2020 MXGP World Champion, Tim Gajser of Team HRC who was the fastest into the first corner and continued to lead every lap of the race to secure his 14^th race win of the season.

Meanwhile in MX2, the first Fox Holeshot went to the 2020 MX2 World Champion, Tom Vialle of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, who got an incredible jump out of the far outside gate, to come around in first into the opening corner. He followed that up with a race win, which helped him secure his maiden world title in style. In race two, it was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts who got the holeshot the second time around, and while he was challenged by his teammate, Ben Watson, throughout the whole race, the Belgian managed to keep cool and claim the race win, along with his 6^th GP victory of the year.

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films from the MXGP of Pietramurata below. 

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

PIETRAMURATA (Italy) 4 November 2020 – It was the day for champions today, here in Pietramurata, Italy, as Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle claimed the MXGP and MX2 World titles, in the opening races of the MXGP of Pietramurata.

For Gajser, the 2020 season came with ups and downs. The Slovenian looked strong in the first two rounds in Matterley Basin and Valkenswaard, where he finished second both times. But then we saw him struggle in Latvia, as the season resumed, before he turned things around for the MXGP of Lombardia where he finally got his hands on the red plate. He then got his first overall victory two rounds later during the MXGP of Europe in Mantova, before following that up with a string of podiums and race wins. Today, the Slovenian turned the red plate gold, as he claimed his fourth world title with a fourth overall Grand Prix victory of the season, along with a 14^th heat win in race two. The stats for Gajser are pretty impressive in 2020, he has 13 podiums to his name, has led a total of 205 laps along with 8 pole positions this season, more than any other rider in the category.

Trentino is a circuit that Gajser knows how to win at, as he secured his first ever Grand Prix victory in Pietramurata back in 2015, the same year he asserted his first world title in MX2 and then followed it up with an MXGP world title in Charlotte, USA, during his rookie season in the 450cc class. Title number three came last season in Imola, as he wrapped things up three rounds early and now his fourth at the MXGP of Pietramurata during the penultimate round of the year.

Meanwhile in MX2, Vialle had a close battle with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts all season long. Geerts was the early championship leader, though by the second round Vialle was able to take over the spot and retain that position until today, as he swapped the red plate for a gold one. He confirmed his first world title with a confident race win, which saw him take the Fox Holeshot from the outside. This was his 13^th heat win of the season and while the Frenchman missed out on a spot on the podium, the only thing that mattered was the championship.

Last year, Vialle joined the Red Bull KTM Factory squad and was already a key player in the championship. His first podium in MX2 came in Uddevalla during the MXGP of Sweden, last season and he ended the season fourth, just 5 points down on Geerts. This season, the Frenchman entered as the leading factory KTM rider and he took on the role with confidence as he racked up a total of 7 GP wins, his first at the MXGP of the Netherlands, 13 podiums and led a total of 309 laps. He is also this year’s winner of the Fox Holeshot Awards with a total of 20 points, with one round remaining.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser sealed his fourth world title in style, with a 2-1 result that saw him take to the top step of the box. Following a tough start to the first race, Gajser was able to make a good recovery, passing Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Alessandro Lupino and Brent Van Doninck. The Slovenian caught up to the race leader, Jeremy Seewer of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing, who he pushed until the end, though could not manage to get around the Swiss. But a second-place finish was enough for him to secure the gold plate.

In race two (the re-run), Gajser was able to get a good jump out of the gate and grab the Fox Holeshot to then lead every lap of the race, despite immense pressure from Romain Febvre of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team, to claim his 14^th race win of 2020.

There was a re-start of the second MXGP race, due to a red flag which was caused by an incident involving Gajser and Honda SR Motoblouz rider Jeremy Van Horebeek, who was taken off track, but luckily walked back to the camper in decent conditions.

Seewer finished second overall today. The Swiss was looking strong all day, as he took his first pole position in time practice, then managed to grab the Fox Holeshot in race one and lead the race from gate drop to chequered flag. This was his 3^rd heat win of the year. Then in the second race, the factory Yamaha rider was able to grab another good start, though was quickly passed by Febvre for P2 and eventually finished the race in 3^rd, which gave him a solid overall result, to keep third position in the championship standings, just 4 points behind Cairoli.

Febvre was the last rider to claim a podium spot today, as he worked hard in race one to get up to 5^th and then in race two had a much better start, inside the top 5 and made some quick passes on the opening lap to get behind Gajser, where he kept him tight all race long. The Frenchman really applied the pressure onto the 4-time world champion, though in the end was forced to settle for 2^nd, which put him third overall.

With Gajser crowned champion, the door is now wide open for the vice-champion position. Today, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli had not such a bad day, though may not have been what he had expected, following an overall victory last time around. The Italian finished the first race 6^th after a crash while pushing Seewer for the lead, though he did try to re-group and had some nice battles with Lupino and Febvre. While in the second race we saw the 9-time world champion battle with Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing’s Clement Desalle though he could not get around the Belgian and had to settle for 5^th. This has allowed Seewer to close in, in terms of championship points, as there’s only 4 points in it, heading into the final round.

It was a good day for Alessandro Lupino who took a season best result in race one as he crossed the line in 3^rd. Race two was a bit tougher for the local rider, who finished 11^th which gave him 6^th overall.

Tim Gajser: “It feels just unbelievable. Like I said many times, winning one is incredible but now four is just…speechless. I’m really happy. It was a weird season, but anyway in the end everything came together, and we won another title. In the first race, I was already struggling with the clutch and was riding without the clutch the whole race, finishing second. Then in the second race, I had a nice battle with Romain [Febvre] who was really pushing and I’m super happy to win the title and the overall on the same day”.

Jeremy Seewer: “First pole position and then got a great start…I’ve been second many times in qualifying this year so it didn’t really matter for the start, it is just a good feeling to be on pole and then after an amazing first race, Tim [Gajser] had some technical problems, so hats off to him for riding that fast without a clutch and also congratulations on the world championship, he’s done great this year. Anyway, I’m really happy, solid results, second overall and good points for the championship, especially on this kind of track, where I kind of struggled the last few years and not got a podium here, not even in my MX2 days, so it felt great. I know it’s going to go between me and Tony [Cairoli] for the vice world championship, but honestly I hope for some more races like today. I mean my goal was to be up front and win, to be on the podium and I will hope to do the same on Sunday”.

Romain Febvre: “Last Sunday, I had a really bad first race, crashed at the start so I was last and then crashed two more times after that. Anyway, today in the first race, I didn’t really get the start and came back to 5^th, so I was really happy about my riding, but I knew they key was the start. We focused for the second start and I had a really good start, maybe third or something, and moved to second quick and battled with Tim [Gajser] for the whole race, congrats to him on the championship of course and today’s win, he was the best this year”.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), 34:52.423; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.307; 3. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Yamaha), +0:08.634; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:09.794; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:11.484; 6. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:16.094; 7. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +0:22.055; 8. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:25.167; 9. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:32.658; 10. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), +0:39.149.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:44.449; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:02.940; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:29.409; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:38.367; 5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:51.007; 6. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:56.175; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:59.864; 8. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, GASGAS), +1:02.902; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +1:07.102; 10. Valentin Guillod (SUI, Honda), +1:14.378.

MXGP - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 47 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 45 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 38 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 36 p.; 5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 31 p.; 6. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, YAM), 30 p.; 7. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 28 p.; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 26 p.; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 26 p.; 10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, GAS), 20 p.

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 673 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 584 p.; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 580 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 525 p.; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 476 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 467 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 438 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 375 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 316 p.; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 282 p.

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 733 points; 2. Honda, 710 p.; 3. Yamaha, 650 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 614 p.; 5. GASGAS, 473 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 360 p.;

Main Photo: Tim Gajser

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeremy Seewer; 2. Romain Febvre

While Vialle missed out on a podium finish today, the Frenchman still claimed his maiden world title in incredible fashion, as he took race 1 Fox Holeshot today from the outside gate, and then led every lap of the opening race, to cross the line with his 13^th race win but this time officially as world champion. The second race was the complete opposite for the factory KTM rider, who struggled out of the start and then was hit by another rider which damaged his gear lever. Vialle was forced into the pits for repairs, though did re-join the race to finish in 23^rd.

In terms of the podium though, it was Jago Geerts who made it two on the bounce with a 5-1 results, which saw him very narrowly take the overall win over his teammate, Ben Watson and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton. Geerts crashed out in the opening race, which meant he had to work hard, to get around the likes of Ruben Fernandez of SDM Corse Yamaha and Morgan Lesiardo of Honda 114 Motorsports, to come back to 5^th, though he had a nice battle with Renaux and Watson for a spot in the top 3. The second race was much better for the Belgian, who grabbed the Fox Holeshot and controlled the race from then on, despite the pressure from Watson throughout the entire heat.

Watson joined his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory teammate, to secure his 5^th podium of 2020, with a 4^th and a 2^nd in the races today. Watson pushed Geerts right until the end, as the pair finished the second race, separated by just 1.938 seconds.

Despite missing out on the top step of the box by just a single point, Beaton was third as he claimed his 3^rd podium of the season. Beaton had a much more consistent day, compared to the previous GP, as he finished the opening race in second, while in race two, he was fourth, after trying to push Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing’s Thibault Benistant for P3. Today’s solid results have also helped the Australian to get himself back into 4^th in the MX2 Championship standings.

With Vialle crowned champion, this leaves Geerts as the vice world champion, as Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori J1 Racing’s Maxime Renaux is 120 points down on the leader, in third. But it’s the battle for the bronze medal which will be the focus at the next GP, as Beaton is just 13 points shy of the third spot. Renaux had some solid races today, finishing 3^rd in race one, after a few laps behind Bailey Malkiewicz of Honda 114 Motorsports, who he eventually passed for the spot and 5^th in race two, which gave him 4^th overall, 4 points off a podium spot.

Jago Geerts: “In the first race, I had to come from outside the top ten, as I made a small mistake on the second lap, but my riding felt good and it was really difficult to pass, so could only finish fifth. In the second heat, I took the holeshot so I was really happy with that and then Ben [Watson] was chasing me the whole race, in the end, I could win, so I’m really happy with the day and the 6^th overall win of the season”.

Ben Watson: “First of all, I want to congratulate the whole team. Everyone works so hard and its really nice for me and Jago [Geerts] to give the guys a one-two on the podium. Everyone’s working really hard to be on the box again… Last Sunday was difficult, but I felt really good in my riding, I just had a few issues with one crash in the first race and then struggled in the start of the second one. It’s a little bit difficult to pass, but I’ve been feeling really good with the bike. Today I had a mediocre start in the first race but I could come through. Then in the second one I took a good start and it was a really nice race, battling with your teammate the whole time. I finished second and second overall and I’m really happy with it”.

Jed Beaton: “It’s really hard to pass out there. In the first race I was up there pretty good and got caught out a little bit in the second race, got to fourth and pretty much stayed there the whole race. But all in all, I’m pretty happy with my riding. For sure it’s still possible [to go for third in the championship], racing is racing, so I’ve just got to focus on myself and try to get some good starts on Sunday and get the best results I can”.

Tom Vialle: “It was really difficult this morning when I got the penalty, but I got the FOX Holeshot in the first race and it was fantastic. On the last lap of the first race, I was almost crying and feeling so strange but then to win the title is just fantastic. I didn’t get a great start in the second race and then somebody hit me from behind and I was stuck, so I had to go back to pitlane to fix it but I still finished. Thank you to All who supported me to win the MX2 title! ”.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 34:52.254; 2. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:05.885; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:09.567; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:10.554; 5. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:15.950; 6. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:23.606; 7. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:29.658; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:30.677; 9. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:37.072; 10. Morgan Lesiardo (ITA, Honda), +0:38.674.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), 35:10.371; 2. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:01.938; 3. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:05.532; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:06.614; 5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:25.616; 6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:27.440; 7. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:30.353; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:31.496; 9. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Honda), +0:43.914; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:47.092.

MX2 - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 41 points; 2. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 40 p.; 3. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 40 p.; 4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 34 p.; 6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 28 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 28 p.; 8. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 25 p.; 9. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 24 p.; 10. Alvin Östlund (SWE, HON), 20 p.

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 718 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 661 p.; 3. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 541 p.; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 528 p.; 5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 517 p.; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 506 p.; 7. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 454 p.; 8. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 338 p.; 9. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 332 p.; 10. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 259 p.

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Yamaha, 763 points; 2. KTM, 745 p.; 3. Husqvarna, 619 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 541 p.; 5. Honda, 382 p.; 6. GASGAS, 308 p.

Top Photos: 1. Tom Vialle; 2. Jago Geerts

Bottom Photos: 1. Ben Watson, 2. Jed Beaton

MXGP of Pietramurata – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 18°

Weather conditions: partly cloudy

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Pietramurata

PIETRAMURATA (Italy) 3 November 2020 – One GP done, two more to go here in Pietramurata, Italy. We continue the FIM Motocross World Championship this Tuesday and Wednesday with the MXGP of Pietramurata.

Things are getting exciting in MXGP and MX2, as Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle both have one hand on the titles, as they lead with a 73-point advantage, coming into the races on Wednesday. With such a gap, we could see both the Slovenian and the Frenchman seal the deal in the next race and claim those gold plates in Italy!

But the battle is far from over, as Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer still has a shot to go after the silver medal, as he is just 18 points down on the title contender, Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Meanwhile in MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts holds a comfortable gap to third in the standings, though Maxime Renaux of Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori J1 Racing needs to be careful as he is just 16 points ahead of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen who has managed to get himself into 4^th.  The only way to know how this championship unfolds, is by watching the races LIVE on www.MXGP-TV.com or via one of MXGP’s TV partners.

Home fans of the three MXGP title contenders, Tim Gajser, Antonio Cairoli and Jeremy Seewer will be able to enjoy the MXGP action LIVE on Tuesday via Sport TV in Slovenia, RAI Sport in Italy and CHSRF in Switzerland. Additionally, European audiences can enjoy great LIVE coverage of the MXGP and MX2 races on Eurosport 2, while in Asia, there will be LIVE coverage too on select FOX SPORT channels.

MXGP fans can also follow the races LIVE throughout the two race day’s on Tuesday and Wednesday, all you need to do is get your pass on www.MXGP-TV.com to watch the MXGP, MX2, EMX2t and EMXP Open action from anywhere in the world!

Find more details on how you can enjoy the MXGP of Pietramurata on TV this weekend below.

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 02:00 am ET Delayed 

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 03:00 am ET Delayed 

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV3 SPORT

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

VRT

Wednesday 4th November  – 20mn highlights

FINLAND

MTV SPORT 2

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

FRANCE

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE  

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET Delayed

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

EUROSPORT 2

Thursday 5th November – MX2 Race 1 – 07:00 CET Delayed

Thursday 5th November – MXGP Race 1 – 07:30 CET Delayed

Thursday 5th November – MX2 Race 2 – 08:00 CET Delayed

Thursday 5th November – MXGP Race 2 – 08:30 CET Delayed

ITALY

RAI SPORT 

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

RAI SPORT WEB

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE Streaming

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE Streaming

LATVIA

Best 4 SPORT TV 

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE Streaming

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE Streaming

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 5

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 GMT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 11:00 GMT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 GMT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 GMT LIVE

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

SWITZERLAND

CHSRF

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET Delayed

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – TBC

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – TBC

ASIA

FOX SPORT 2 SEA

Thursday 5th November – MX2 Race 1 – 17:30 HKT Delayed

Monday 2 November – MXGP Race 1 – 18:30 HKT Delayed

Monday 2 November – MX2 Race 2 – 19:30 HKT Delayed

Monday 2 November – MXGP Race 2 – 20:30 HKT Delayed

FOX SPORT 2 MALAYSIA

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 HKT LIVE

FOX SPORT SEA

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 HKT LIVE

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA 

Thursday 5th November – MX2 Race 1 – 17:30 HKT Delayed

Monday 2 November – MXGP Race 1 – 18:30 HKT Delayed

Monday 2 November – MX2 Race 2 – 19:30 HKT Delayed

Monday 2 November – MXGP Race 2 – 20:30 HKT Delayed

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 HKT LIVE

STAR SPORT CHINA

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 HKT LIVE

FOX SPORTS PHILIPPINES

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 HKT LIVE

ESG1

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 HKT LIVE

Wednesday 4th November – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 HKT LIVE

MXGP of Pietramurata MXGP-TV Schedule

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CET)

TUESDAY: 09:20 EMX Open Free Practice, 09:50 EMX2t Free Practice, 10:20 EMX Open Qualifying Practice, 11:00 EMX2t Qualifying Practice, 12:30 EMX Open Race 1, 13:20 EMX2t Race 1, 14:30 EMX Open Race 2, 15:25 EMX2t Race 2.

WEDNESDAY: 08:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 09:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 11:05 MX2 Race 1, 12:05 MXGP Race 1, 14:00 MX2 Race 2, 15:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Pietramurata