MXGP

NEUQUEN (Patagonia Argentina) 03 March 2019 – The first round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season is in the books. The MXGP of Patagonia Argentina hosted MXGP for the fifth year and again provided amazing racing. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado each took double race wins to score the first respective MXGP and MX2 overall wins of the new year.

Saturday’s Qualifying set the stage for today’s Championship races where over 30,000 fans lined the beautiful Patagonian circuit. Even with the venue nestled between two lakes and along the Andes mountains all eyes were on the epic racing.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli was the favorite for the first MXGP round but it wasn’t an easy weekend by any means for the 9-time champion. Saturday’s Qualifying races left the #222 on the far outside gate after not finishing due to a bike issue yesterday.

When the racing kicked off Cairoli’s KTM was back better than ever, but Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber took the Fox Holeshot. The lead for Lieber was short lasted as Cairoli took over on the first official lap.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre, who came into the race as the qualifying race winner, was into second position by the end of the first lap leaving Lieber to fight for position with his Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Teammate Clement Desalle and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser. The pair also dispatched the #33 pushing him to 5^th.

During the next three laps Lieber dropped 2 more spots first to Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Gautier Paulin and next to fellow Belgian Jeremy Van Horebeek on his HONDA SR MOTOBLOUZ bike.

Tim Gajser was the rider on the move in race one though as he passed Desalle for second then reeled in Febvre and took 2^nd. With 5 laps remaining Cairoli was long gone in the lead but Gajser keep pushing to open a gap over Febvre.

The race win went to Cairoli in a dominating performance with Gajser, Febvre, Desalle, and Paulin rounding out the top 5. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Arminas Jasikonis and Pauls Jonass battled throughout the late stages of the race after both made it by Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer. Jasikonis eventually came out ahead of Jonass as the pair finished 8^th and 9^th and Seewer took the final spot in the top ten.

MXGP Race 2 started with another Fox Holeshot from Julien Lieber while Cairoli came out of the first turn around 5^th avoiding a crash that involved Paulin, Desalle, and Seewer. Seewer was the first get going coming across the first lap in 15^th while Desalle was 16^th and Paulin 19^th. Lieber lost the advantage earned by his holeshot when he fell on the opening lap as well getting back up in 18^th.

Febvre took over the lead from Lieber with Gajser giving chase and Cairoli closing in to the fight for the lead. BOS Factory’s Tommy Searle was in 4^th but dropped a spot to Van Horebeek early in the race while Standing Construct KTM’s Ivo Monticelli took 6^th from RFX KTM Racing’s Shaun Simpson.

Monticelli’s Standing Construct KTM Teammate Max Anstie took 6^th from the Italian on the 5^th lap and then sized up fellow Brit Tommy Searle for 5^th position. Meanwhile the battle for the lead turned into an all-out but short-lived brawl as Cairoli miraculously passed both Gajser and Febvre in the same section.

With Cairoli taking the spot from Febvre the Slovenian of Gajser found a way past the Frenchman as well. On the 14^th lap of 18 Febvre crashed out of the race in the roller section giving Van Horebeek 3^rd and moving Anstie and Searle into the top 5.

Desalle and Paulin worked forward together throughout the race after the first turn crash with Paulin taking 5^th from Searle with 3 laps to go while Desalle made a pass on the #100 in the last lap.

At the finish it was Cairoli who managed to hold of a consistently fast Gajser for the first MXGP overall victory of 2019 and his 16th consecutive season with a GP victory. Gajser’s pair of second place finishes took him to the podium as well while Van Horebeek surprised many with his 6-3 race finishes to earn 3^rd and his first podium since the 2017 season where he finished 3^rd at MXGP of Europe in Valkenswaard and 2^nd at this same venue prior.

Antonio Cairoli, “I am happy overall today because after yesterday I wasn't sure how I will do off the starts. The rhythm was high in the beginning but I was just trying to see where I could gain some time. I managed to have 2 good starts, both were in the top ten...I found some good lines and I had a good race taking the overall which makes me really happy. There are a lot of Argentinian fans who cheer for me all year on social media so it is nice to give them a win especially on this track which I have never had the chance to win at, I was close last year but it is always nice to race where people don't see us often and make them happy."

Tim Gajser, “It was good, I am really happy, yesterday I had a big crash and today I was a bit sore. In the first race I had a solid start inside the top ten and had to work hard to come through the pack but I finished 2nd which was good. In the second race I was a bit tight and didn't relax, then Febvre and Tony passed me. I tried to stay with them to see where I was loosing time then I passed Romain and with Tony we were about the same times, I tried to push but couldn't get closer. It was a nice race and I'm looking forward to the next round already."

Jeremy Van Horebeek, "It is still unbelievable, until two weeks ago I didn't know we would be here so it has been a crazy ride since last year. I am so thankful to this team for giving me the chance. I am thankful and I am going to keep on working to make this a great season."

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 34:41.270; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:06.253; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:09.838; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:11.464; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:14.030; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:32.226; 7. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:39.435; 8. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:49.752; 9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:50.285; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:59.164.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 34:56.475; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:02.386; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:37.829; 4. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:42.332; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:43.070; 6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:47.509; 7. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:49.602; 8. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:58.810; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:01.941; 10. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +1:03.513.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 50 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 44 p.; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 35 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 32 p.; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 26 p.; 7. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 22 p.; 8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 22 p.; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 21 p.; 10. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 21 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 50 points; 2. Honda, 44 p.; 3. Yamaha, 36 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 33 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 26 p.;

Main Photo: Antonio Cairoli

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser; 2. Jeremy Van Horebeek

MX2 Championship racing was the first to start off the day and as early as the first turn the unexpected happened with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle taking the Fox Holeshot in his first ever FIM Motocross World Championship race.

Vialle’s lead quick went to the defending MX2 World Champion Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s but the young French rider held his own as the race progressed. F&H Racing Kawasaki’s Henry Jacobi took second during lap 2 and then worked to catch Prado.

Saturday’s Qualifying winner, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen, spun off the gate and was fight his way forward from outside the top 5 in the early stages of the race. Between Vialle in 3^rd and Olsen was Honda 114 Motorsport’s Mitch Evans, Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen, and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts.

However, in only 5 laps Olsen moved up 4 positions to just behind Jacobi who was in second. During this time Prado had done damage to anyone else’s chance of winning by putting in 3 consecutive fastest laps of the race and growing a massive gap.

It took 3 laps for Olsen to make a pass on Jacobi stick as the Kawasaki rider didn’t let the spot go easily. Prado’s gap proved to be too big for Olsen to overcome and the Spaniard took the race win while Jacobi finished 3^rd, Vlaanderen 4^th, and MX2 rookie Mitch Evans took 5^th.

Race 2 was another Red Bull KTM holeshot but this time it went to Jorge Prado with Evans running in 2nd and Olsen 3^rd. Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson was off to a good start as well, but a handful of mistakes dropped him from 4^th to outside the top ten early.

Vlaanderen took over the 4^th position vacated by Watson and Vialle moved to 5^th while at the Prado again pulled a gap. Olsen was able to get by the #43 of Evans and closed slightly on Prado but still was several seconds behind.

F&H Racing’s Adam Sterry and Henry Jacobi were making progress as Sterry took 5^th from Vialle who then dropped another spot to Jacobi. Sterry stayed in 5^th for nearly 5 laps but crashed just before the challenging wave section. The fall gave Jacobi 5^th but dropped Sterry to 9^th where he would finish.

At the finish line it was Jorge Prado who took the overall win and 50 points allowing him to retain the red plate earned last season. Olsen took second overall matching his 2018 result in Patagonia while Australia’s Mitch Evans took 3^rd overall in what his first ever MX2 race!

Jorge Prado, “It was great to be back at the GPs, it is a long season but I have so much fun. Yesterday I had a good day but today I woke up and felt even better. I had 2 good starts which is very important because everyone is going fast and it is hard to make a difference. I am very happy with two firsts, for first overall, and points lead so it is a good start to the season."

Thomas Kjer Olsen, “The first race I did slide on the gate...I felt like a came through the pack pretty good but once I got to second Prado was already like 12 seconds ahead so I tried to save some energy for the second race. Again not the greatest of starts but we will go back and work on those for sure to be more consistent. Overall I feel my riding was good and I felt good on the bike so I'm happy about that and it is a great feeling at the start of the season."

Mitch Evans, “I couldn't be any happier, I didn't really know what to expect being my first GP.  I enjoyed every moment of it, it was awesome being here, the fans were awesome so I really enjoyed it. I knew the work that we put in during the off season and the preseason races that we had if I got good starts I could run with these boys."

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34:50.385; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:16.677; 3. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:23.565; 4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:25.535; 5. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:27.289; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:29.198; 7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:37.127; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:39.496; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:41.631; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:52.057.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 33:48.208; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:04.825; 3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:12.437; 4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:23.647; 5. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:30.601; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:31.623; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:34.405; 8. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:46.909; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:51.470; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:53.754.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 44 p.; 3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 36 p.; 4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 36 p.; 5. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 36 p.; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 27 p.; 8. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 25 p.; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 25 p.; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 22 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 50 points; 2. Husqvarna, 44 p.; 3. Honda, 38 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 36 p.; 5. Yamaha, 30 p.

Main Photo: Jorge Prado

Bottom Photos: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen; 2: Mitch Evans

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

MXGP PATAGONIA ARGENTINA – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1670m

Type of ground: dark soil

Temperature: 15°

Weather conditions: changeable

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 35,000

MXGP was be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

NEXT ROUND

The second round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship will take place on European soil on March the 24th for the the MXGP of Great Britain, Matterley Basin

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

NEUQUEN (Patagonia Argentina) 02 March 2019 -The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship has seen its first racing on the magnificent Neuquen circuit in Patagonia-Argentina. With blue skies, sunshine, and the perfect track conditions it was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen who took the first Qualifying race wins in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

The event on track started with the Free Practice sessions as motocross fans poured into the venue to watch the world’s best return to racing. From the paddock to the hillsides fans bustled about in anticipation of top notch motocross racing.

As a precursor to the MXGP Qualifying race the two practice sessions took place. In the MXGP Free Practice Team HRC’s Tim Gajser took the fastest time just ahead of the quick lap times by HONDA SR MOTOBLOUZ rider Jeremy Van Horebeek.

In the second Timed Practice Gajser again edged out Van Horebeek’s lap time but Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre bested all going 4 tenths of a second faster than the #243. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli was slightly off the pace coming in 5^th during both sessions.

When the time came to line up for the Qualifying Race Romain Febvre was first on the grid with his top time but when the gate dropped, and the field of riders rounded the first turn, he found himself in around fifth. Meanwhile Tim Gajser was in the early lead followed by Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Julien Lieber.

By the end of the first official lap Febvre was into third after passing Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino. Further back Antonio Cairoli was in 14^th and working his way forward but on the 4^th lap a mechanical issue forced him to leave the race. On the same lap Febvre took 2^nd away from the #33 of Lieber and put in two back to back fastest laps of the race. The quick pace of Febvre then put Gajser under pressure for the lead causing the Slovenian to lose traction and fall. Gajser remounted in 2^nd with Lieber still behind but a wild crash on the next lap threw the Honda rider off the bike and back to 8^th.

While Lieber inherited 2^nd, Van Horebeek moved into the top 3 with another Belgian, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle closing in. Standing Construct KTM’s Max Anstie chased KTM Sarholz Racing Team’s Max Nagl over 5^th for several laps but eventually took the position from the German.

At the finish Romain Febvre took an impressive win considering his last MXGP event was the MXGP of Turkey last season. The top five spots where filled out by the three Belgians of Julien Lieber, Jeremy Van Horebeek, and Clement Desalle, along with the Brit, Max Anstie. Early leader Tim Gajser finished 9^th behind the two Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP riders Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus but just ahead of new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Arminas Jasikonis.

Romain Febvre: “It is really good to start the season like this. I am really loose on the bike and I think it shows. We did a lot of hard work with the team to get better starts and finally now we can start in the front. I am really happy about my riding, but tomorrow is another day and I need to stay focused. It is my favorite track on the calendar even though I haven’t been on the podium here before but now I will turn things around.”

Antonio Cairoli, “I was trying to catch the guys in front and at one point the bike stopped completely and I couldn’t get it started again. I am not worried, and I know it is important to get a good start tomorrow but if I’m in the top 10 off the start I will be happy and I can attack. I am really fit, I had a really good winter, and I have had a good preparation… it is really important to stay healthy and stay safe in these first races. For sure I will attack because I want to win but it is really important to stay consistent all season.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), 24:21.194; 2. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:04.306; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:06.536; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:10.377; 5. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:13.962; 6. Maximilian Nagl (GER, KTM), +0:14.612; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:17.028; 8. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:24.790; 9. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:27.141; 10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:36.354

Main Photo: MXGP Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Romain Febvre; 2. Julien LIeber

MX2’s qualifying racing was just as exciting if not more so with an epic three-way battle for the win. The early practice sessions were dominated by Thomas Kjer Olsen while reigning MX2 World Champion, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado had the 5^th fastest times in each.

As the qualifying race came to life with the MX2 field barreling into the first corner it was the 2018 Fox Holeshot winner Jorge Prado leading. Prado was chased by his new Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Tom Vialle and F&H Racing Team’s Henry Jacobi.

Olsen was quickly into 5^th place where he pushed REVO Husqvarna UK’s Alvin Ostlund for 4^th. After getting by Ostlund, Olsen had Jacobi in his sights. Jacobi took over second position from Vialle who fell and then dropped to 8^th between Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts and Ben Watson. Watson then took 7^th from Vialle and then started to battle with Geerts before taking his 6^th spot as well.

Back at the front Jacobi closed in on Prado and made a move to the inside of the final corner setting the pair up for a drag race after the finish and alongside pit lane. Jacobi took the lead, but Prado reclaimed it and in less than half a lap later Jacobi dove back into first.

The entire time Olsen had a front row seat just behind the two leaders and took advantage with a quick pass on Prado. The Dane continued his charge and got Jacobi with three laps to go. Prado was still in the hunt however and took Jacobi wide on the final lap to finish second.

With Olsen taking the win his perfect day continued and he will have first gate pick in both of tomorrow’s championship races. Behind Prado and Jacobi it was Ben Watson and Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen 4^th and 5^th while the early frontrunner, Tom Vialle finished 11^th.

Thomas Kjer Olsen, “I felt really good on the bike all day this is the first time I have been first in everything even though it is only on a Saturday but it still feels good and gives me confidence for tomorrow.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 24:24.613; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:02.267; 3. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:03.547; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:18.925; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:26.119; 6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.658; 7. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:33.941; 8. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:35.687; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:36.072; 10. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:38.221

Main Photo: Thomas Kjer Olsen

Bottom Photo: 1.Jorge Prado; 2.Henry Jacobi

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

MXGP PATAGONIA ARGENTINA – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1670m

Type of ground: dark soil

Temperature: 19°

Weather conditions: sunny

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

TIMETABLE

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

NEUQUEN (Patagonia Argentina) 01 March 2019 -The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season has official been kicked off today in Neuquen with the opening press conference, signing session, and media event. While the racing starts tomorrow all the riders and teams were present on site today to not only build and test bikes but to join in the media events and amazing atmosphere created by the local fans.

The afternoon of events started at the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina media center where a presentation was held for both national and international media, a handful of riders, and several teams. The presentation was hosted by Youthstream CEO Mr. David Luongo, FIM CEO Mr. Tony Skillington, FIM/CMS Director Mr. Antonio Alia Portela, Local Organizer Mr. David Eli, and Major of Villa La Angostura Mr. Gullermo Caruso.

The first topic was the massive growth by Youthstream in terms of MXGP coverage during the 2018 season. The championship has grown in all areas over the past years from social media presence to television coverage, fan attendance and more.

Youthstream CEO Mr. David Luongo, “I want to thank again Mr. David Eli, for the great organization, it is always a great pleasure for all to start the season here in Neuquen, it is such a quality race and a great track. On the sport side I have to say that we never had a level quite like this. Last season was very very exciting and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Red Bud is still in fresh in everyone’s memory. I want to thank also the FIM, because the work we have done together over the last years, which was very positive continues to develop the sport. We still have many years in front of us and we are confident that it will be a very good season again in 2019. So, thank you all very much for being here and I wish all teams the best of luck for this season!”

FIM CEO Mr. Tony Skillington, “MXGP is a fantastic series and in this room we have a lot of people who invest an awful lot in MXGP. I would like to personally thank those people for their investments because without you we couldn't have what we have today which is a really fantastic series. My heart will always be in this sport and I think from that point of view, we have proven that we can do good work together. I hope that we continue in a very good way for 2019.”

FIM/CMS Director Mr. Antonio Alia Portela, “It is such a wonderful event here in Villa la Angostura. It is one of our favorite events in the series. Our lives are very easy down here and it's due to the incredible amount of effort that these people put into the event every single year. I would like to thank the local authorities because without their support this event would not happen. Thank you also to the magnificent crew that they have on the track which has made this circuit one of the favorites for riders, teams, and experts.”

Local Organizer Mr. David Eli, “I want to welcome everybody with us today, some of them for the first time, many others for the fifth time already. I want to say that I'm only the visible face of this event but behind me there is a big team working very well who have kept these events in a high consideration. This is the first event of the year here and it's not just the event that opens the season for MXGP but also for us as organizers.  Being here for the fifth consecutive year shows the excellent relationship we have not only with Youthstream but also with the FIM and the local authorities. This sport has found an important place in Neuquen, it almost feels as if it was for ever here, the atmosphere is great and people living in Villa la Angostura have taken this event as their own.”

Major of Villa La Angostura Mr. Gullermo Caruso, “My people always have a great party with this event, but this is because they are in love with MXGP. We were all very excited, we are eager to start, and we are also very proud of what we are doing, I want to thank all the people here.”

It was also announced that a new agreement has been signed between Youthstream and the local organizer ensuring the return of MXGP to Argentina for the next two seasons.

Watch the FULL Press Conference Video by clicking HERE

Following the words from the hosts MXGP and MX2 athletes joined in the conference, such Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Each of the riders expressed their excitement to return to racing this weekend and especially in Neuquen during their time on the microphone.

Just a few short hours after the press conference the riders and media made a trip to the center of nearby Villa la Angostura for an autograph signing with the fans. Several riders took the opportunity to meet with the locals including Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, Jorge Prado, and Tom Vialle, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle and Julien Lieber, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre and Jeremy Seewer, Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus, Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson and Jago Geerts, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser, Brian Bogers, and Calvin Vlaanderen, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass, Arminas Jasikonis, and Thomas Kjer Olsen, Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino, BOS GP’s Tommy Searle and Evgeny Bobryshev, VHR KTM’s Jordi Tixier, F&H Racing Team’s Adam Sterry and Henry Jacobi, Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei, Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori’s Maxime Renaux, Team Diga Procross’ Davy Pootjes, and BUD Racing Kawasaki’s Brian Moreau.

Countless fans watched as the riders were brought on stage before getting a chance to receive signed posters and programs from their heroes up close. The riders were welcomed by fans both young and old taking selfies and asking for autographs on everything from number plates to old race jerseys. The event wrapped up with an impressive and very entertaining freestyle MX show.

The series of events has brought the mood and hype for tomorrow and Sunday’s racing to a new high. All is set for the first gate drop of 2019 which will bring thousands of fans more to the hillsides of the Neuquen circuit over the next 48 hours!

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT-3)

Saturday: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 15:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

NEUQUEN (Patagonia-Argentina), 1 March 2019 - MXGP is back in action for the first round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season this weekend. The MXGP of Patagonia - Argentina will be the first chance to see the world’s best motocross riders fight for the early season advantage.

The circuit in Neuquen is among the most impressive on the calendar and with the views of Patagonia in the background riders will face not only each other but also the nerves of the opening round and the fast track with always changing conditions.

The MXGP of Patagonia Argentina will also be the first race of the new season broadcasted on worldwide television. Coverage will come from MXGP’s long list of 2019 TV partners including Live Sunday coverage this week end from FOX Sports in South America.

In Europe it will be Eurosport 2 who will broadcast the entire season either Live or with the same day slightly delayed. French MXGP fans can watch every weekend Live on either La chaine l’Equipe or Automoto la Chaine.

Also continued in 2019 will be Live or delayed coverage from NOS in the Netherlands, Sport TV in Slovenia, Sport TV in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, Bandsports in Brazil, RAI Sport in Italy, FOX Sports Asia and CBS Sports Network in both the US and Canada.

The entire event including Saturday’s Qualifying races will also be streamed LIVE worldwide from Patagonia Argentina on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com, and as in years past fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV or MXGP-TV on the Tuesday after each event.

LATIN AMERICA  

FOX Sports 3

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time – Live

FOX Sports

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 Local time – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 Local time – Live

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:30 ET – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 2 – 01:30 ET – Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 18:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 1

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 22:45 CET – Delayed

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Sunday 3 March – MX2 & MXGP Race 1 – 18:45 CET – Delayed

Sunday 3 March – MX2 & MXGP Race 2 – 20:40 CET – Delayed

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE 

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

ITALY

RAI SPORTS

Tuesday 5 March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:15 CET - Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live Streaming

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 5

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 GMT – Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 17:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 CET – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 1 – 09:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS SEA (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand)

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 1 – 09:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 1 – 10:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MX2 Race 2 – 11:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 4 March – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia)

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 00:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 02:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 03:00 HKT – Live

CHINA

FOX Sports China

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 1 – 23:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 00:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MX2 Race 2 – 02:00 HKT – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 03:00 HKT – Live

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 1 – 01:00pm – Brazil – Live

Sunday 3 March – MXGP Race 2 – 04:30pm - Brazil – Delayed

26mn “Behind the gate” partners:

USA – Canada: Motortrend // MAV TV

Europe: Motorsport TV – Motortrend

Croatia: Kreator TV

Finland: MTV

France: Automoto la Chaine

Italy: Automototv

Portugal: Sport TV

Netherland: RTL

Portugal: Sport TV

Slovenia: Sport TV

Spain: Movistar

Latin America: FOX Sports

Brazil: Bandsports

Caribbean: Flow Sports

Asia: FOX Sports

Africa: Sport connect

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

All the photos from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina will be available HERE

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT-3)

Saturday: 10:45 MX2 Free Practice, 11:15 MXGP Free Practice, 11:45, 13:20 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time, 15:25 Qualifying Race, 16:10 Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia Argentina

With the kick off of the 2019 season of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Patagonia this weekend, 31 stakeholders including MXGP & MX2 teams, suppliers and event organizer needed to get their motorbikes, spare parts and event material on time, in full and accurately at the Neuquén Motocross Circuit.

Team SEL delivered, as planned, 70 crates, racing fuels and tires, for a total weight of over 38.000 kg, to the Argentina circuit.

The main cargo, collected at the Teams’ locations all around Europe few days before the departure, was shipped via air freight from Luxembourg on February, 22. Only a small part, the suppliers’ racing tires, was sent by ocean freight.

Once in Buenos Aires, the 80 motorbikes, spare parts and rest of the materials, after the customs clearance operations, were loaded in trucks and transported to the Neuquén racing circuit, where they were delivered to the respective owners.

At conclusion of the races on Sunday evening, all the crates will be picked up by staff SEL in the paddock and prepared for the return to Europe.

The shipping will depart after completion of all weighing, palletizing, re-export and custom clearance operations.

Team SEL have been working since weeks in order to grant a safe and smooth handling of the logistics operations outward and return.

“As a long time partner, SEL is participating very actively in the development of the MXGP World Championship worldwide. The logistic to go to the Overseas Grand Prix is always a big challenge not only for the teams and riders but also for all the material related to the event itself (marketing, TV material, Time Keeping etc…) and the efficiency of SEL has been proved over the years. We want to thank them to continue to invest in MXGP and to believe in Motocross.” – stated David Luongo, Youthstream Vice President.

“We are very happy to continue supporting with our services MXGP teams and their stakeholders for the new season. We wish you all good luck for a great start!” – said Roberto Borio, Project Manager SEL Logistics.

Belgian Clement Desalle has won at least one GP every year since joining Monster Energy KRT in 2016 and will be team leader for the fourth year in a row after securing the bronze medal in the rider's championship of the highly competitive 2018 MXGP. 

Julien Lieber joins Desalle for the second consecutive year, and both will campaign the new Kawasaki KX450–SR which they have developed jointly throughout the winter together.

Embarking on a season that starts in Villa La Angostura in the Patagonian region of Argentina the world championship series encompasses nineteen worldwide events from South America to Asia.

Copyright: Photo & Video: Kawasaki Racing

NEUQUEN (Patagonia-Argentina), 28 February 2019 – ACERBIS will again be an Official Partner of Youthstream and MXGP for the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship. The brand’s visibility will be ensured by both banners on the track and in the paddock area, together with the presence of Acerbis’ iconic yellow track markers on circuits throughout the championship.

ACERBIS will also sponsor the teams of Team HRC, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, Honda 114 Motorsports, Standing Construct KTM and Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team by supplying their bikes with plastic and thus reinforcing Acerbis’ position as a leader in the field. The 15 ACERBIS supported riders will fight for the podium on some of the most challenging circuits around the world.

The season starts Saturday and Sunday the 2^nd and 3^rd of March with the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina being the first of 19 rounds across the globe. The regular season will conclude with a grand finale the 21^st and 22^nd of September in Hong Kong, for the first ever MXGP of Hong Kong.

As is the custom, the calendar includes the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, to be disputed at the Assen TT circuit on the 28^th and 29^th of September for the biggest motocross event of the year!

About Acerbis

ACERBIS is a manufacturer committed to find innovative solutions for the use of its plastics and technical sport gear in fields such as automotive, sport and racing.

The group is divided into three business units: Motorsport, Sport and OEM. It has three distribution centres (Italy, USA and UK), two production units (Italy and Czech Republic) and many logistic warehouses. ACERBIS exports its products in 90 countries and sells directly in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, UK and Austria.

About Youthstream

Youthstream is the company that manages the exclusive television, marketing and promotional world wide rights of the FIM Motocross World Championship, the FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship, the FIM Veteran's Motocross World Cup, the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the Motocross European Championship and the Motocross of European Nations.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Acerbis