MXGP

FAENZA (ITALY) 5 September 2020 – The dust has settled on at the Monte Coralli circuit here in Faenza following some intense races in the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Championships.

Fantic Racing’s Andrea Bonacorsi had a perfect day going 1-1 in the EMX125 class, meanwhile Brad Anderson of Verde Substance KTM has grabbed an early lead in the EMX2T championship following a 2-1 result.

In race one of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing class, it was the KTM Kosak Racing rider Constantin Piller who grabbed the early lead in the race, followed by Guillem Farres and Gerard Congost of the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team, as well as Bonacorsi.

Moments later championship leader Liam Everts of KTM Liamski crashed out of fourth place, though he did eventually re-join in ninth.

As Piller continued to lead, Farres was just a further two seconds down, and was being chased down by Bonacorsi in third position, with the top three nicely bunched together, this was the start of a nice battle for the lead.

On lap four the race leader found himself in trouble, as Piller dropped out of the lead allowing Farres and Bonacorsi to move up a position. Meanwhile Everts was making a slow recovery as he passed into seventh.

Round 1 podium finisher Florian Miot from KTM DIGA Junior Racing, was having a tough race as he battled down in 18^th, not where he had hoped to be following his success in Matterley Basin earlier in the season.

At the front of the field though, the battle for the race win was truly underway as less than a second separated Farres and Bonacorsi. On lap 7 Bonacorsi was able to find a way through into P1 and quickly went on to extend his lead as he set the fastest lap of the race the following time around.

As Bonacorsi doubled his lead by the next lap, Everts was making a good recovery as he got back up into 4^th place, which made it easier for him to retain the red plate into race two.

In the end it was Bonacorsi, Farres and Piller, who were the top three finishers in the opening race.

In race two, it was Valerio Lata of Marchetti Racing Team KTM who was flying out of the gate and was one of the first riders to exit the first corner. Though David Braceras of the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team wasted no time as he moved into the lead, with Pietro Razzini and Farres right behind.

Meanwhile race 1 winner, Bonacorsi was down in 4^th at the opening laps, though by lap 4 he was already in 3^rd and breathing down the neck of Razzini. Though as Bonacorsi moved up a position, our attention was quickly drawn to the moment between Lata and Quentin Prugnieres as the two came together which almost saw Lata down on the floor, though the Italian managed to hold on and carry on with the race.

By lap 7, the fight for the lead was on, as Razzini and Bonacorsi chased down the GasGas of Braceras. As Bonacorsi closed in on the two riders ahead, he quickly found a way past Razzini and then Braceras and was now the rider to beat.

Towards the later stages of the race, disaster struck Everts, as he crashed out of 7^th and did not carry on the race. Though out front it was Bonacorsi who took his second race victory on the Fantic machine, followed by Razzini and Braceras.

The overall went to the home rider, Bonacorsi who had a perfect day going on to win both races, while Guillem Farres and David Braceras made it on to the podium as the two riders representing the RFME GasGas MX Junior Team!

As it stands, despite a DNF in race two, Liam Everts continues to lead the championship, though he is tied on points with today’s winner Andrea Bonacorsi. With Bonacorsi picking up a DNF in Matterley Basin, which gave him 34^th place, and Everts not finishing in race two today, he has the advantage in terms of positions as he placed 31^st in the second race.

Kevin Brumann from iXS MXGP Team is third in the championship a further three points back and will be looking to pick up some solid points on Tuesday for round three of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing series. 

Andrea Bonacorsi: “It’s been a perfect day for me with two wins. In the first race I took the first place and then I took a bit of a gap between the other riders, but then in the second race it was a little bit harder, but I won again and I’m really happy about it. I’d like to thank my team, my sponsors and the Fantic guys because they do an amazing job. Now I’m on the same points as first place so I’m also really happy about that and hoping for some good races in the next two rounds”.

Guillem Farres: “I’m feeling really good and really happy. We have been working a lot with the team during the summer and it’s great to see that all this work has paid off here in Faenza. The track is really good with some hills and I think it fits my style, I’m really happy about the podium and in the next days I feel I can do good and hopefully finish on the podium again”.

David Braceras: “I’m really happy with my riding today. We are working really hard with the team and I’m happy that the work is paying off. In the first race I had a bad start and I came back to fourth. I know I can battle for the win. In the second race I changed the gate and I got a good start, I was leading until the last five laps. I rode quite stiff but I’m happy with my riding and it’s my first time on the podium and now we will work hard for the win”.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Fantic), 29:43.028; 2. Guillem Farres (ESP, GASGAS), +0:13.830; 3. Constantin Piller (GER, KTM), +0:16.691; 4. David Braceras (ESP, GASGAS), +0:20.423; 5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), +0:29.081; 6. Gerard Congost (ESP, GASGAS), +0:32.313; 7. Max Palsson (SWE, KTM), +0:33.814; 8. Pietro Razzini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:35.021; 9. Rasmus Pedersen (DEN, KTM), +0:39.883; 10. Kevin Brumann (SUI, Yamaha), +0:40.352;

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, Fantic), 29:23.706; 2. Pietro Razzini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:02.343; 3. David Braceras (ESP, GASGAS), +0:05.962; 4. Guillem Farres (ESP, GASGAS), +0:09.742; 5. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KTM), +0:12.421; 6. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), +0:24.173; 7. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), +0:25.752; 8. Saad Soulimani (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:26.442; 9. Gerard Congost (ESP, GASGAS), +0:26.985; 10. Andrea Rossi (ITA, KTM), +0:38.753;

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Overall Classification: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, FAN), 50 points; 2. Guillem Farres (ESP, GAS), 40 p.; 3. David Braceras (ESP, GAS), 38 p.; 4. Pietro Razzini (ITA, HUS), 35 p.; 5. Gerard Congost (ESP, GAS), 27 p.; 6. Constantin Piller (GER, KTM), 27 p.; 7. Quentin Marc Prugnieres (FRA, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Saad Soulimani (FRA, HUS), 21 p.; 9. Valerio Lata (ITA, KTM), 20 p.; 10. Max Palsson (SWE, KTM), 20 p.;

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Championship Classification: Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 66 points; 2. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, FAN), 66 p.; 3. Kevin Brumann (SUI, YAM), 63 p.; 4. Guillem Farres (ESP, GAS), 54 p.; 5. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), 49 p.; 6. Pietro Razzini (ITA, HUS), 46 p.; 7. David Braceras (ESP, GAS), 46 p.; 8. Saad Soulimani (FRA, HUS), 36 p.; 9. Florian Miot (FRA, KTM), 35 p.; 10. Rasmus Pedersen (DEN, KTM), 33 p.

Main Photo: EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Andrea Bonacorsi; 2. Guillem Farres 

In the opening race of the EMX2T class, it was Loris Freidig who was the early race leader, followed by the Verde Substance KTM of Brad Anderson and Federico Tuani of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii.

Drama followed as the riders reached the first corner with Andero Lusbo and Manuel Iacopi from JK Racing Yamaha coming together and subsequently both being forced out of the race.

Back with the leaders and Freidig was already leading by a nice 4 seconds in the opening stages of the races, as Anderson came under fire from Tuani who was breathing down his neck. Though Anderson was quick to respond and by the following lap had more of a gap between him and third place.

Kade Tinkler-Walker was having a good ride in 5^th position, as Jonas Nedved also pushed Eugenio Barbaglia down another position as he followed Walker and claimed 6^th.   

While Freidig continued to lead Anderson by roughly 5 seconds, Gianluca Deghi was starting to apply the pressure on to Tuani, with the two riders battling for third place in the race.

Throughout the race, Freidig was able to keep a consistent gap between himself and Anderson, though with a few laps to go, the British rider picked up the pace as he chased his first race win of the season.

Despite several attempts, it was Freidig who claimed his first EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing win, as Ando crossed the line just 0.469 seconds behind the race winner. Tuani was the third rider to cross the line followed by Deghi and Walker.

In the second race, it was Barbaglia who got a flying start and was one of the first riders to reach the first corner. He led Mario Tamai, Tuani and Nedved. Meanwhile further down the field Alexandre Marques lost 6^th to Marco Lolli as he moved up a position.

Keen to take the overall, Anderson wasted no time when chasing the lead and by lap 4 was already 9.681 seconds ahead of Tamai who had slipped past Barbaglia during the lap.

Following an unlucky crash in the opening race, Iacopi was having a much better start to the second heat as he moved into 11^th and chased the riders in front of him.

As Barbaglia lost a position to Tuani, Iacopi was also making good passes as he moved up the order and into 7^th place. Ahead of him was Lolli, Deghi and Barbaglia.

For the remainder of the race the top three didn’t change, as Anderson continued to ride a race of his own, while Tamai and Tuani were keeping behind him in P2 and 3. In the end it was how the top three remained, with Anderson taking his first race victory of the series.

Overall it was Anderson who claimed the top step of the podium, with Tuani second and Loris Freidig making a good recovery in race two and occupying the third step of the podium with a 1-7 result.

With it being the opening round of the championship, the podium is also how the series standings look, with Anderson as the early leader, and Tuani and Freidig in 2^nd and 3^rd.

Brand Anderson: “In the first race I came around to the last corner and tried to make a move on Freidig who won it, just made a little mistake after passing him and he got me back but it was a good battle. I didn’t expect to come away with the red plate this early on as there are so many strong Italian riders here. But I am over the moon and thank you so much to everyone who helped us get here”.

Federico Tuani: “I started both races in tenth and came back to third in both races so I’m super happy. I made my first podium, so I feel amazing and I’m looking forward to Tuesday. Thanks to my team and the people who follow me and that have helped me during the tough times”.

Loris Freidig: “For the first race, for sure I am happy. I was feeling pretty good and had a good start, found my flow and could win. The second race was tough, I had a bad start and then crashed in the first lap, then I had to come from the back but in the end I felt strong I could finish seventh for third overall and it’s nice to be on the podium for sure”.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing - Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Loris Freidig (SUI, Yamaha), 30:35.815; 2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:00.469; 3. Federico Tuani (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:23.617; 4. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), +0:25.859; 5. Kade Tinkler-Walker (CAN, Suzuki), +0:28.679; 6. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +1:01.288; 7. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:19.720; 8. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +1:21.400; 9. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:56.022; 10. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, KTM), +1:56.514.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing - Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 29:21.822; 2. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +0:10.617; 3. Federico Tuani (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:22.201; 4. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:34.174; 5. Manuel Iacopi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:38.268; 6. Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:40.985; 7. Loris Freidig (SUI, Yamaha), +0:43.235; 8. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), +1:22.327; 9. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, Husqvarna), +1:25.933; 10. Martin Michelis (EST, KTM), +1:28.626.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Overall Classification: 1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 47 points; 2. Federico Tuani (ITA, HUS), 40 p.; 3. Loris Freidig (SUI, YAM), 39 p.; 4. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), 37 p.; 5. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, HUS), 32 p.; 6. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), 31 p.; 7. Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 28 p.; 8. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, HUS), 24 p.; 9. Martin Michelis (EST, KTM), 18 p.; 10. Paolo Ermini (ITA, HUS), 17 p.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing – Top 10 Championship Classification: 1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 47 points; 2. Federico Tuani (ITA, HUS), 40 p.; 3. Loris Freidig (SUI, YAM), 39 p.; 4. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), 37 p.; 5. Eugenio Barbaglia (ITA, HUS), 32 p.; 6. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), 31 p.; 7. Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 28 p.; 8. Sebastian Zenato (ITA, HUS), 24 p.; 9. Martin Michelis (EST, KTM), 18 p.; 10. Paolo Ermini (ITA, HUS), 17 p.

Main Photo: Brad Anderson

Bottom Photos: 1. Federico Tuani; 2. Loris Freidig

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CEST/GMT+2)

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM Europe

MXGP of Italy

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 5 September 2020 – Good news MXGP fans – the 85^th issue of the MXGP Magazine is now online!

The September cover stars the current EMX250 Championship leader Thibault Benistant of Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing. The special feature inside includes an overview of the red plate holders successful run in Latvia, that saw him consistently on the top step of the podium.

Additionally, the 85^th issue includes a summary of the Latvian triple-header with a look at the GP’s ahead this month in the Racing Catch-Up section, plus an extra look at the FOX Holeshot competition and the current standings.

Finally, this month’s Hall of Fame will take a look at Mike Healey’s racing career, with more on Bob Moore’s 1994 Yamaha YZ125 in the vintage bike section.

Click HERE to read the 85^th issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

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.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP Mag

FAENZA (Italy) 4 September 2020 – The FIM Motocross World Championship continues this weekend in Faenza, Italy, with the MXGP of Italy for round six of the 2020 championship!

The MXGP of Italy is the first of three back-to-back races scheduled to take place over the next 10 days. Following the success of the Latvian Grand Prix’s, including the new racing format and the mid-week races, MXGP carries the momentum with more triple-headers to come this season!

Located in the Emilia Romagna region, known for its passion for motorsports, the hard-pack circuit of Faenza first hosted the FIM Motocross World Championship back in 1979, with the last time being 2012 that saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings victorious in MXGP and MX2.

After an 8-year break, the MXGP is back for three epic events that will see three rounds of the MXGP and MX2 Championships, as well as the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX 2T Presented by FMF Racing.

The Italian GPs will run the same format as at the previous round, with the EMX races taking place on Saturday and the MX2 and MXGP riders racing on Sunday – including their Time Practice Session which will run Sunday morning.

Fans in Italy will be able to support their local heroes, Antonio Cairoli, Ivo Monticelli, Alessandro Lupino, Michele Cervellin and more, with LIVE coverage of the MXGP races on RAI Sport and RAI Sport Web this Sunday.

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 09:00 am ET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 10:00 am ET LIVE

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV3 SPORT

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE 

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

FINLAND

MTV SPORT 1

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 local time LIVE

MAX2

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 19:35 local time Replay

MTV SPORT 2

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 21:55 local time Replay

FRANCE

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE  

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:30 CET Delayed

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:20 CET Delayed

EUROSPORT 2

Monday 7^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 06:30 CET Delayed

Monday 7^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 07:00 CET Delayed

Monday 7^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 07:30 CET Delayed

Monday 7^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 08:00 CET Delayed

ITALY

RAI SPORT 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 CET Delayed

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE 

RAI SPORT WEB

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

LATVIA

Best 4 SPORT TV 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE 

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 CET Live stream

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET Delayed

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 3

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 GMT+1 LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 GMT+1 LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 GMT+1 LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 GMT+1 LIVE 

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET LIVE

ASIA

FOX SPORT SEA

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 1 – 17:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 1 – 18:45 HKT Delayed 

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 2 – 19:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 2 – 20:45 HKT Delayed 

FOX SPORT 2 SEA

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 1 – 17:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 1 – 18:45 HKT Delayed 

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 2 – 19:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 2 – 20:45 HKT Delayed 

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA 

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 (local time) LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 19:00 (local time) LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MX2 Race 2 – 21:00 (local time) LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 22:00 (local time) LIVE

STAR SPORTS CHINA

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 1 – 17:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 1 – 18:45 HKT Delayed 

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 2 – 19:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 2 – 20:45 HKT Delayed 

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 1 – 17:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 1 – 18:45 HKT Delayed 

Monday 7 September – MX2 Race 2 – 19:45 HKT Delayed

Monday 7 September – MXGP Race 2 – 20:45 HKT Delayed 

BRAZIL 

Bandsports

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 1 – 08:00 (local time) LIVE

Sunday 6^th September – MXGP Race 2 – 11:00 (local time) LIVE

Like always, the entire event including the MX2 and MXGP Free/Timed Practice along with all the races from EMX 2T, EMX125, MX2 and MXGP will also be streamed LIVE worldwide from the Montecoralli Motocross World Circuit on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com, and as usual fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV partners or MXGP-TV.

MXGP of Italy MXGP-TV Schedule

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CEST/GMT+2)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMX 2T Free Practice, 09:30 EMX 125 Free Practice, 10:35 EMX 2T Qualifying Practice, 11:10 EMX 125 Qualifying Practice, 13:00 EMX 2T Race 1, 13:50 EMX 125 Race 1, 15:00 EMX 2T Race 2, 15:55 EMX 125 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2.

Photo: Antonio Cairoli - Faenza 2012

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Italy

FAENZA (Italy) 4 September 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to announce that SPORT TV Slovenia will continue their coverage of the FIM Motocross World Championship until 2025.

SPORT TV is Slovenia’s first sport only public broadcasting channel that launched in October of 2006. The channel provides Slovenian fans with the best coverage of their favourite sports, including motocross.

Since 2010, SPORT TV and MXGP have been working together in order to bring the best coverage of the motocross world championship to the Slovenian mx fans and after 10 years, the popular sports channel will continue to showcase their national treasure, the three-time World Champion Tim Gajser.

This is great news for local fans, who will get to see more of the most competitive motocross championship in the world and get to follow their national treasure as he defends his title this season.

We now look forward to continuing one of the most exciting seasons of the Motocross World Championship, with the MXGP of Italy this weekend at the famous Faenza circuit, which fans in Slovenia will be able to enjoy with SPORT TV!

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Sport TV Slovenia

Australian Kyle Webster (24) will stand in for JM Honda Racing’s Benoit Paturel starting with the MXGP of Lombardia on September 27. Paturel sustained a broken tailbone and back injury during the final MXGP round in Kegums last month.

Webster, the 2019 MX Nationals MX2 runner up, has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting riders on the Australian motocross scene. The Western Australian was born in South Africa but also lived in the UK as a kid.

Kyle represented his country at last year’s Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Holland and surprised many with his speed in difficult conditions. The CRF mounted Australian recorded a strong third in the MX2 qualifying race after circulating in second for most of the race. Although Webster was unlucky on Sunday, he went on to finish 6^th overall in the MX2 class, equal on points with Jago Geerts.

Kyle Webster: “I’m super stoked to go racing in the MXGP World Championship with JM Honda Racing. Everything happened pretty quickly but I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. Let’s hope that third time is the charm after racing in the mud in Indonesia in 2017 and last year in Assen! I’d like to thank my team Penrite Honda Racing for granting me the chance to go over to Europe and do this.”

Jacky Martens, JM Honda Racing team manager: “On the hand Benoit was very unlucky to crash in Kegums; on the other hand, we’re grateful that his injuries were not too bad. Unfortunately, he’ll have to stay from the bike for six to seven weeks. I’m happy we can offer Kyle this opportunity to race on the world stage. He’s already proven at home and in the Motocross of Nations what he’s capable of. The last few months have been really difficult for us with Julien Lieber’s retirement followed by the injury of Paturel but we’re very grateful for the support of Penrite Honda Racing and Honda in this matter.”

Honda Australia’s Penrite Honda team owner Yarrive Konsky appreciates the opportunity JM Honda Racing are providing Kyle. “Jacky and the team run a professional program and the opportunity they have extended to Kyle is fantastic. It’s great that Honda works together globally to support their riders. Jacky is a world champion and will give Kyle opportunities most riders only dream of." 

Photo Copyright: JM Honda Racing Team

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 2 September 2020 - MXGP continues the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season with a trip across Europe to the beautiful Italian area of Faenza, for a trio of races in Italy for the MXGP of Italy, MXGP of Città di Faenza and the MXGP of Emilia Romagna.

Following the success of the Latvian Grand Prix’s, including the new racing format and the mid-week races, which offered a 10-day full of incredible actions, MXGP carries the momentum with more triple-headers to come this season!

Located in the Emilia Romagna region, known for its passion for motorsports, the hard-pack circuit of Faenza first hosted the FIM Motocross World Championship back in 1979, with the 500cc Championship which that weekend was won by the four-time World Champion Heikki Mikkola.

Over the years, numerous MXGP events have taken place in Faenza, with past winners including the likes of Eric Geboers, Max Nagl, Gautier Paulin and Antonio Cairoli.

2012 was the last time that the Italian circuit saw a world championship race and that time around it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli who was the overall winner in MXGP (then known as MX1) with Christophe Pourcel and Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki MXGP joining Cairoli on the podium in second and third.

Meanwhile in MX2, it was Jeffrey Herlings from Red Bull KTM Factory who was victorious, followed by Tommy Searle in second and Jeremy Van Horebeek on the third step of the podium that weekend.

Though a lot has changed since then and following an eight-year break from the MXGP calendar, Faenza will welcome back the MXGP and MX2 riders, with the added bonus of the EMX125 and EMX2t Championships Presented by FMF Racing running alongside, for an even more action-packed week in Italy.

The Italian races have always been among the top favourites for the teams, riders and fans and with such fierce competition this season in MXGP and MX2, Faenza will be no exception as fans will be treated to three times the fun, as the world’s top riders battled it out for top positions.

The EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing riders will take to the track in Faenza for round two of the championship and championship leader, Liam Everts of KTM Liamski will be looking to extend his Championship lead over Kevin Brumann of iXs MXGP Team.

While it has been a while since the opening round of the 125 European Championship, Everts has had plenty of race practice, having competed in the EMX250 division at the Latvia triple header. With some solid results under his belt, he will be feeling confident and ready to go to Faenza as he chases more race wins and podiums.

Brumann has also been training hard during the last 5 months with the help of Max Nagl, who has kept the youngster fit and made sure he’s ready to challenge for the title.

KTM DIGA Junior Racing’s Florian Miot is currently third in the championship and another rider to look out for in Faenza. He had a strong ride in Matterley Basin with a 6-3 result, proving himself as a strong competitor in harder conditions.

Though a rider like Meico Vettik could get in the mix of things at the Italian round. Following his podium finish in Latvia a couple of weeks earlier in the higher 250cc class, Vettik will be feeling confident and hoping to impress in the EMX125 class in order to move up the ranks in the championship.

Haakon Osterhagen from Creymert Racing is another rider who could make things interesting this weekend. He finished 4^th overall at round one, just a few points off the podium and had some good battles within the top 10 and even scoring a 4^th in race two.

Meanwhile in EMX2t Presented by FMF Racing the championship is going to see a new winner with Mike Kras not there to defend his title. And with Kras out of the picture the door will be open for a new contender to battle with Brad Anderson of Verde Substance KTM for the golden plate.

Anderson will be the favourite going into this round, following a close battle for the championship last year, which he missed out on by just a mere point. This season he will be determined to seal the deal and there is no doubt that he will be charging in Faenza this weekend.

Andero Lusbo could also be a strong contender this season, as he has already had some race practice in, having competed in the EMX Open class in Latvia. During the first round in Kegums he finished 3^rd on the podium, which has undoubtably given him the confidence to challenge at the front.

Another rider to look out for is Gianluca Deghi. The Italian rider will begin the series at home in Italy and having competed in the series last season, where he finished 7^th, he sure will be keen to put on a good performance and score some valuable points for the championship.

Johannes Klein is a rider who had a solid 9-8 result in Lombardia last season in the group, so it will be exciting to see whether he can push for some more top 10 results this time around in Faenza.

Though with some fresh faces to the group, it will be good to see who the real challengers for the championship this season really are, as we kick off the EMX2t championship.

As we head into the first Italian event of the 2020 season, there is no doubt that Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli will be looking to impress at his home Grand Prix. Having won his first GP of the year in Latvia at the previous event, the 9-time world champion will for sure be hoping to add a few more race wins while at home. 

While his team-mates, Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado will be looking for their own success on Italian soil, as Herlings will continue to push in order to extend his championship lead in MXGP and make up for lost ground in Latvia, while Prado will be aiming for more strong starts and races in order to get back on the podium, following a tough start to the season.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser will be looking for redemption following a tough time in Latvia. Crashes and technical issues cost the Slovenian vital championship points, as he enters round six of the series. Though having proven to be strong on hard-pack throughout his career, for Gajser it will be a case of getting out of the gate and staying on his bike through the race, in order to get back on top.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis will be able to carry on strong as he did previously in Latvia, as he claimed his first race win and his best podium finish of second overall at the MXGP of Kegums. Though known to be strong in the sand, the different track conditions in Faenza could be a test for the Lithuanian, who is currently third in the championship, just four points off the defending world champion, Gajser.

It will also be interesting to see whether Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki MXGP will be able to excel in Faenza, having previously placed on the podium back in 2012. Desalle has always been strong on hard-pack and was looking really strong in Latvia, so the MXGP of Italy this year could be the GP we see Desalle back on the MXGP podium.

The Kawasaki MXGP squad have a strong line-up for the upcoming events in Faenza, as Romain Febvre is also another promising rider. His season debut in Latvia was a good one, with a podium and some top five results in the races. Being from France, Febvre is also no stranger to the hard-pack circuits and could see him perform well in Italy this time around.

It will be interesting to see whether Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin, of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing squad, could get up in the mix and finally get their opportunity to lead the field.

Both Tonus and Paulin have placed well at Faenza in previous years, with Paulin winning a GP in his MX2 days back in 2009. Though for him it will all depend on whether his recent broken finger will play a part in the races.

In 2012 Tonus placed 5^th overall in Faenza and despite some mistakes at the previous round this year in Latvia, he showed some potential. Though his team-mate Seewer has also been pushing this season, as he chased for the race win several times in Kegums, so it could be a matter of time before we see another factory Yamaha on the podium.

Local riders Alessandro Lupino of Gebben Van Venrooy Racing, Samuele Bernardini of Racing S.S.D S.R.L, Michele Cervellin from SDM Corse Yamaha and Standing Construct GasGas MXGP’s Ivo Monticelli will be looking for their own success as they aim to impress at home. For Monticelli, he will be keen to keep his momentum going after his achievements in Latvia, with two FOX Holeshots and some strong battles in the top 5.

Fellow Standing Construct GasGas MXGP rider Glenn Coldenhoff could be another threat for the podium during the first Italian triple-header. Coming off the back of his first GP victory of 2020 in Latvia, Coldenhoff is looking strong for the rest of the season, despite having a moment in Kegums that saw him pull out of a race.

Last season he also performed well on hard pack going on to take a double race victory and the overall in Imola and then again in Sweden the following round, with a 1-2 result which also handed him another GP win. Having proven that he can perform well on the hard surface as well as sand, it will be interesting to see what he can do in Italy this year.

2012 MXGP of Europe (Faenza) MXGP Top 3:

1.Antonio Cairoli

2.Christophe Pourcel

3.Clement Desalle

MXGP - World Championship Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 213 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 167 p.; 3. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 163 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 163 p.; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 146 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 134 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 131 p.; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 129 p.; 9. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 120 p.; 10. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 104 p.

Main Photo: Faenza Air view 2012 

Bottom Photos: 1. Antonio Cairoli Faenza 2012; 2. Jeffrey Herlings 2020

Meanwhile in MX2, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Tom Vialle will aim for more race wins as he takes to the hard-pack circuit, a familiar terrain for the Frenchman. Though Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts will sure put up the challenge as he will aim to close down that 8-point gap between him and Vialle who currently leads the championship. Despite growing up in the sand, Geerts’ strong performance in Matterley Basin was enough to show that he can be a threat on the harder surfaces too, and going into the Italian trio of races with two GP victories in his pocket from Latvia, he sure will be feeling confident and be pushing for those race wins.

All eyes will also be on Roan Van de Moosdijk and Mathys Boisrame of F&H Kawasaki Racing to see whether the pair can respond and return to the podium following their string of podium appearances in Kegums. Over the winter Boisrame has put in the hours on the sand to improve his sand riding, as he has always been known to be a good hard pack rider. So, for him, Faenza should be a good suit.

The third rider of the Kawasaki squad, Mikkel Haarup, has had a tough time during the recent trip in Latvia. Though having shown good speed in Matterley Basin earlier this season, where he took 3^rd overall, hopefully these last few weeks off have given the Dane enough time to re-group and come back strong in Faenza.

Another rider who can make things interesting and get in the mix is Maxime Renaux of SM Action M.C Migliorini Yamaha J1 Racing. Last season the Yamaha rider claimed his maiden GP podium, finishing 3^rd overall in Imola and has been on the podium once already this year and has comfortably been battling in the top 5 during the last few races as well.

For the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing duo of Jed Beaton and Thomas Kjer Olsen the next few races will be a time to make up for lost ground in Latvia. Beaton showed speed in the Time Practice sessions, though in the races it seemed like luck wasn’t on his side. And it was the same for Olsen, who has found himself injured once again. Though with these past few races in the rear-view mirror, it will be good to see the team move forward towards some more positive results this weekend.

Then there’s the SDM Corse Yamaha rider Ruben Fernandez, who without a doubt was the hard charger in Latvia. He clearly had the speed in Kegums and coming from a country known for its hard surface tracks (Spain) for Fernandez it will be the case of whether he can tie it all together in Italy and have some solid races.

Meanwhile, Alberto Forato from Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna will also be pushing for top results on home soil, following some top 10 results in Latvia. This season he has shown some promising moments and had some strong battles with the top runners of the championship. The closest hard pack race that we’ve had this season has been at the MXGP of Great Britain, where Forato had two solid races, finishing 6^th overall.

Though if the last few races in both MXGP and MX2 have taught us anything, is that predicting an outcome for the races is really hard and anything can happen.

2012 MXGP of Europe (Faenza) MX2 Top 3:

1.Jeffrey Herlings

2.Tommy Searle

3.Jeremy Van Horebeek

MX2 - World Championship Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 217 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 209 p.; 3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 153 p.; 4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 149 p.; 5. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 148 p.; 6. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 128 p.; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 127 p.; 8. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 101 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 95 p.; 10. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 92 p.

Main Photo: MX2 Start

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

Don’t forget to tune in to MXGP-TV.com this weekend and find out who will finish on top at the MXGP of Italy!

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CEST/GMT+2)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMX 2T Free Practice, 09:30 EMX 125 Group 1 Free Practice, 10:00 EMX 125 Group 2 Free Practice, 10:35 EMX 2T Qualifying Practice, 11:10 EMX 125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:45 EMX 125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:00 EMX 2T Race 1, 13:50 EMX 125 Race 1, 15:00 EMX 2T Race 2, 15:55 EMX 125 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Italy

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Jorge Prado has struggled somewhat in the MXGP class, with a couple of serious injuries prior to the season starting, and then having to race against riders who were 100% fit. The Spaniard though showed his potential when he picked up a podium finish at the final MXGP round in Latvia last month.

Prado was very emotional on the podium after his top three finish, and it was clear the injuries made his preparation nearly impossible, but due to hard work and his amazing determination he was quickly on the pace of the leading MXGP competitors.

“I mean,” Prado said. “I was an emotional day. Not so many people know how I had to fight to get that podium in Latvia. I had two bad injuries and every single day I put my maximum in every single training, and I put in 100% and it paid off. This is the highest category in motocross and to finish on the podium is very special. Now going home, it is relief.”

The demands of his two races showed for the two-time MX2 World champion and he had to really push himself to another level as his body slowly started showing signs of his lack of race fitness.

“The road up until the restart of MXGP has been very tough with two injuries. The femur was horrible and then the collarbone injury. It meant hardly any time on my bike. This year has been crazy and despite the lack of the training and the riding I could still manage a 3rd overall here. It was a very hard day. I felt good in the first race but at the beginning of the second I was suffering. I went very, very deep. I’m super-happy to keep that position to make the podium and to come away from these races without any crashes. I hope to keep going like this.”

Despite the Kegums circuit being very demanding, it was clear Prado wasn’t about to back down despite his race condition. Fortunately, Kegums was a track Prado enjoyed racing on, and found that extra bit of energy to end with his top three finish.

“It is a track I like, a nice track, a little sandy and tough physically, and that is why I struggled. I didn’t have much time on the bike, but Kegums was very physical. It is hard to say, but I am about 70% fitness wise. The level in MXGP is very high and it increases every year. It is tough up there. For me, it is easy (having a break between Latvia and Italy). I didn’t have much time on my bike, and I need to keep training hard and physical training. When we get back racing I need to be in better shape.”

So now going into the Faenza triple header you can be sure the extra few weeks of training for Prado will help him fight even harder for another podium finish, or maybe even a Grand Prix win. With names like Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser and Antonio Cairoli all showing good form, you can count on the Spanish rider to work harder than ever to beat his championships rivals.

Photo Copyright: Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 31 August 2020 – Infront Moto Racing and Formula Imola are pleased to announce the opening of online ticket sales for the MXGP of Emilia Romagna, that is due to take place in Faenza, Italy, at the Montecoralli Motocross World Circuit on the 12^th/13^th of September 2020!

Despite all efforts put in place by Infront Moto Racing to have the MXGP circuit open to spectators for the first Italian triple-header featuring the MXGP of Italy, MXGP of Città di Faenza and the MXGP of Emilia Romagna, it has not been possible to do so. However, MXGP has been able to confirm the presence of the public at the last of the three back-to-back races, where fans will get to enjoy the best action from the FIM Motocross World Championship during the MXGP of Emilia Romagna.

This is a special occasion for Italian fans to witness their heroes, such as the 9-time FIM Motocross World Champion Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Antonio Cairoli, on track and show their support for their favourite riders at the circuit in Faenza for the first time this season!

In accordance with the Italian regulations of spectators for outdoor events, a total of 1,000 tickets per day will be available to purchase. Tickets can only be purchased online, via Ticketone.it website. There will be no tickets for purchase at the track.

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public will not be able to access the paddock area, in order to preserve the safety of all the teams and riders as well as the local fans. Though you supporters will be able to enjoy the awesome racing from a designated public area!

In addition, while spectators will be expected to wear a face mask covering the mouth and nose, the public area will have different divisions to comply with social distancing rules. There will be stewards onsite to ensure that all regulations are respected.

Don’t miss out on an exciting weekend of racing as Italy welcomes back the FIM Motocross World Championship! Click HERE to purchase your ticket NOW!

Further information is available at MXGP.com and on Formula Imola’s website http://www.autodromoimola.it

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Online Ticketing MXGP of Emilia Romagna

MXGP of Emilia Romagna