MXGP

One of the biggest shocks of the opening round of the MX2 class was a young Australian named Mitchell Evans. Evans making his MX2 debut, with Honda 114 Motorsports, claimed a podium spot and looked comfortable in doing so. Even after racing the 2016 and 2018 Motocross of Nations little could prepare Evans for the fast speeds and high tempo of the Grand Prix in Argentina. Funnily enough, it wasn’t so much the racing that caught him out, but actually climbing the podium on Sunday afternoon.

“Honesty I didn’t know what to expect (when climbing the podium),” Evans said. “I was more nervous standing on the podium than I was on the start line for the races. I remember racing MXoN in 2016 and I was on the line and the crowd was amping up the crowd and the same thing happened in Argentina. I remember saying to myself in 2016 that this is where I wanted to be, and for that to come true, three years later is amazing. I was speechless and tried to enjoy every moment of it.

Despite little International experience, the Aussie knew that MXGP was a place he wanted to be, and worked hard in Australia to make his goal happen. The MXoN held at the Maggiora circuit proved to be the right place to get his juices flowing for a move to Europe.

“In 2016, it was an eye opening, I was going to school at the time and had never raced a 30-minute race and I was not prepared. That moment made me put a plan together and three years later we achieved our goal and we are here. It is pretty cool that it came together.”

What is impressive about Evans that he gave up a chance to defend his Australian MX2 championship in 2018, so he could be picked in the Australian team for the MXoN event in America.

“1 big reason I moved to the MX1 class for 2018 in Australia, was so I could make the Australian team for the Motocross of Nations at Redbud. A lot of people doubted us going into the weekend, but we knew we had a solid team and I was stoked with my riding, it wasn’t the greatest, but I still put in some good results and battling with Ken Roczen in the second race was a huge confidence booster.”

And now, after a top three in Argentina, Evans is looking forward to heading back to Europe with circuits like Matterley Basin and Valkenswaard. Exciting times for the young Australian rider.

“I am looking forward to Matterley Basin, some big jumps there and I am looking forward to some deep ruts too. We have deep sand tracks in the Southwest of France, but everyone tells me it isn’t like Valkenswaard. I used to struggle in the sand and I worked on it last year and this pre-season. If we get good starts and I can run with the front boys, then I should be able to get better throughout the weekend.”

So be prepared world, this young kid from Cairns in Australia has now set his goals on a GP victory and a very consistent season in both Europe and around the world.

Photo Copyright: Bavo Swijgers

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 8 March 2019 - Youthstream is proud to announce the sixty-seventh issue of MXGP Mag is online after the following the 2019 MXGP season opener at the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina! The newest issue of MXGP Mag features the ICE1 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team with their new riders Pauls Jonass and Arminas Jasikonis. We also give a recap of the events on and off the track during the MXGP of Argentina Patagonia in our racing catch up feature plus the first Fox Holesot report of 2019. Afterwards we take a look at the past with André Malherbe's 1973/74 125cc World Championship Zundapp bike and then we feature motocross hall of famer Donnie Hansen!

Click here to read the sixty-seventh issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

Those 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

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MXGP MAG

When Antonio Cairoli DNFed the Saturday qualification race and Jorge Prado finished second to Thomas Kjer Olsen, many inside the GP paddock might have figured that the weekend might not be an orange wash after-all. Well, on Sunday, when Cairoli and Prado went 1-1-1-1 the competitions greatest nightmare arrived.

Just like in 2018, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team came into this season as the heavy favourites in both MXGP and MX2 and not even an off-season injury to defending MXGP champion Jeffrey Herlings could stop that favouritism.

For Cairoli, without the Dutchman on the start line didn’t change his mind-set and motivation to finally win at the beautiful circuit in Argentina.

“I am happy overall,” Cairoli said.  “Because after yesterday I wasn’t sure about the start. There isn’t much different on this track and it is hard to gain time. I got two good starts, both in top ten, first moto even five even. I fought hard in that second moto and I could watch some good lines from the guys in front and took the overall. I was looking forward to this win on this track. It was a high rhythm and I was there, trying to see where I could gain some time. I saw Tim and I was doing different lines and I didn’t want to do it, but decided to push in this part and I could stay close and make the pass. It was unbelievable. I can’t go around in the city and it’s even worse than in Sicily when I do the Italian championship. I like it a lot, but it is hard to match. I can’t walk around much and I can’t watch the track a lot, but I like it, and it’s great to have such a feeling so far from home.”

As for Prado, his starts were never an issue as he once again was inside the top three out of the gate and didn’t waste time in hitting the lead in both races and running away with his 1-1 result.

“It was great to be back at the GP’s and it’s a long off season. I woke up and felt great and the starts were important. Twice first and first overall, and leading the championship again. Saturday I felt good. I don’t need to win everything to win the championship, Saturday I felt good, but Sunday I woke up and felt way better. I had good starts and my rhythm was good in both moto’s and I did what I had to do, consistent lap times and having fun until the end. It is a track that everybody likes probably, because everybody can go fast you know. It is tough to make a gap or difference on this track. It is kind of a strange track, wide open everywhere. I don’t say I don’t like it, because in one way I don’t, because it is so hard to make a difference between your rivals, but it is so fun to ride.”

Now onto Matterley Basin in a couple of weeks’ time, and once again, the same mind-set remains for both Cairoli and Prado, hopefully another KTM domination.

Photo Copyright: Ray Archer

Following a heavy fall in Race 2 at the opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Patagonia, Argentina, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP's Romain Febvre will undergo surgery next week to repair a severely broken ankle. 

After taking the first Qualifying Race victory of the season, Febvre was looking in top form to put chase to his second MXGP World Title. The former World Champion finished third in Race 1 and was running in third-position in Race 2 when he unfortunately caught an edge in the wave section and was thrown from his YZ450FM. He landed heavily on his right ankle and was immediately taken to the Medical Centre for examination. While he was cleared from injury in Argentina, he was in an immense amount of pain and decided to see another doctor for a second opinion upon arrival in Belgium, the country in which the Frenchman resides. 

Earlier today, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP star went to the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) where top Orthopaedic specialist Dr. Geert Peersman confirmed he has broken his Talus (ankle) in two places. The injury requires surgical repair, which is scheduled for Tuesday 12th March, and is expected to take six weeks to heal after the date of the operation. 

An update on his return to racing will be shared on www.Yamaha-Racing.com and Yamaha's Official social media platforms when available.

Romain Febvre, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Rider, "Sad news today. I broke the Talus bone in my ankle. I feel really sad, not only for myself but for my entire team and all of the people involved. This is how it is; these things are part of our sport. Now I need to focus on getting it fixed with an operation next Tuesday, and then I can start my rehabilitation. I will try to be back on the bike as soon as possible, right now they are saying around six weeks more or less, but even when I get back on the bike I will have lost a lot of time and physical condition with no training. I will see when I am back on the bike how things are going and what I am focusing on, until then I can not say too much. The main goal is to get my foot fixed." 

Massimo Raspanti, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team Manager: "Obviously we are really saddened to hear this news, also for Romain. He worked really hard this winter. Things were looking really positive for him. In Argentina he was fast in both practice sessions and then he won the Qualifying Race so we were really excited for the races and the rest of the season. He was riding well in the races, he set the fastest lap of the GP, so he is very unlucky to crash and be in this situation now. Now we will focus on getting him healthy and back to 100% and hope to come back and finish the season strong." 

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 March 2019 – Youthstream is pleased to announce a renewed partnership with Athena for the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship. In 2019 Athena will again be an official partner of MXGP after seeing several years of success in promoting the brand throughout the world.

The Italian company with over 45 years of history and an international presence of 10 plants and subsidiary offices around the world, strengthens its focus on innovation, research and development within the motocross sector. Athena is a global leader for the design, development, and production of Engine Control Units (ECUs) under the brand name of GET, and excels in the manufacturing of high-quality motor parts such as gaskets, cylinder kits, pistons, connecting rods and clutch discs for the most modern racing engines.

David Luongo, Youthstream’s CEO, "On behalf of Youthstream, I would like to thank Athena and its top management for the great support and collaboration we have received over the past years. This renewal of partnership allows us and the MXGP World Championship to continue to grow and to touch more and more fans all around the world. Athena and GET are investing a lot into our sport with their improvement of the racing technology,”

“The partnership with Youthstream has proven to be extremely valuable over the years, Athena and GET have significantly grown their relevance worldwide,” says Stefania Vercesi, Head of Marketing at Athena. “With the kick off of the new season we are excited to see the feedback on our latest product launches within our electronic BU GET and the latest product updates on our Athena series. We will further collaborate with our team and riders to continually test our product and to gain knowledge and insight on new market needs.”

Athena will continue to have its logo displayed alongside the various tracks of the MXGP series and it will also sell its products in the commercial area. In addition, Athena’s engineers will be present inside the paddock to support the teams and riders with their products including the popular GET engine control units.

About Athena Spa

Athena, founded near Vicenza (Northern Italy) in 1973, is an international group with 10 manufacturing plants worldwide.

The company is made up of three divisions:

-Industries: designs and manufactures customized technical solutions for blanked products and innovative sealing systems.

-Parts & Electronics: develops innovative electronic and mechanical solutions for the motorized world, producing and distributing a wide range of selected technical aftermarket parts for motorbikes, cars, and industrial transportation sectors.

-Sportech & Lifestyle: Southern European distribution of highly innovative and appealing brands in sport, technology, and outdoor activities.

Athena’s mission is to always be the most reliable, competent, insightful, and rewarding partner by offering the best solution in terms of technology, product, and service to fit each individual need.

Follow Athena on Facebook and Instagram @AthenaMotorsport

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Athena

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 5 March 2019 – Youthstream announces that the fifth round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship foreseen as the MXGP of China in Shanghai has been rescheduled due to the terrible and exceptional weather conditions that occurred in the Shanghai region for the last 4 months with continuous heavy rain.

The change of date comes after the official requests of the Chinese National Federation CAMF and the local Organizer to FIM and Youthstream. The MXGP of China in Shanghai will be a major event in the annual calendar of the People’s Republic of China and up until today the exceptional non-stop period of rain completely blocked the work of preparing the venue and the build-up of the track. The forecast for the upcoming weeks is the same and those conditions could bring a high risk of cancelling the event.

The weather conditions forced the decision of holding the Shanghai Grand Prix on the 14th and 15th of September.

Meanwhile the organizing delegation for the event joined by high representatives of Shanghai region including Deputy Director General, Shanghai Administration of Sports Mr.Luo Wenhua and Deputy Mayor, Shanghai Fengxian District People's Government Ms.Yuan Yuan that have made a visit to the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina to experience the racing first hand and prepare to host their own round. Aside from enjoying the racing the delegation has toured the facilities and will take valuable information back to Shanghai as they continue to prepare for what will now be round 18 of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Group Photo Representatives: George Zhou Vp, H&H Sports Protection Group, Secretary of the Party Working Committee Shanghai Fengxian District Haiwan Tourism District Management Committee Li Qiudi, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee Shao Danhua, Member of Party Committee Tang Yiren, Deputy Director,Shanghai Fengxian District People's Government Office Zhang Ying, Deputy Section ChiefWang Ting, Deputy Mayor, Shanghai Fengxian District People's Government Yuan Yuan, Youthstream CEO David Luongo, Deputy Director General, Shanghai Administration of Sports LUO Wenhua, FIM CEO Tony Skillington, Deputy Chief of Sports Competition Dept., Shanghai Administration of Sports ZHENG Haobin, Vp, H&H Sports Protection Group Frank Zhu, Tony Amoriello GM, H&H Sports Protection SRL, Director, Sports Bureau of Shanghai Fengxian District  JIANG Hongjuan, Deputy Chief of Science, Education and Youth Sports Dept., Shanghai Administration of Sports YANG Wei, Interpreter, Shanghai International Sports Exchange Center LOU Jing

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP is happy to keep running the FOX Holeshot competition trough the 19 rounds of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season together with MXGP Partner FOX.

The way it works is that 1 point is awarded per MXGP or MX2 championship race. The first rider who cross the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be given a point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders – one per category - with the most FOX Holeshot points will win a mega prize.

At the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina taking place on March the 3rd in Neuquen Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber took both FOX Holeshot in MXGP, while in MX2 the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s duo of Tom Vialle and Jorge Prado took the FOX Holeshot in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively.

 Watch the FOX Holeshots Films HERE below.

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

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 season in MXGP and MX2 classes, and has the most points, will be awarded.

The gates dropped at the first round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship this weekend in Neuquen, Patagonia – Argentina and the season has officially started on March the 3^rd!

This weekend it was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre in MXGP class and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado in MX2 class who set the TAG HEUER best lap of the weekend.

Here below you have the details:

MXGP: Romain Febvre at Race 1 Lap 2 with 1.42:433

MX2: Jorge Prado at Race 1 Lap 5 with 1.43:370

Check out MXGP.com home page for the the Top 3 TAG Heuer Best Lap competition’s ranking.