MXGP

The 2019 MX2 World Championship is looking like it might have some interesting stories. Jorge Prado will be defending the championship he won as a 17-year-old, and while a handful of leading MX2 riders won’t be in the class next year, there is enough talent to make his job a difficult one.

Prado knows that defending his MX2 championship won’t be easy but taking the approach of just enjoying his racing might take some of the pressure off. Also starting his second full season as a professional should make a big difference for his confidence.

“2018 was my first year being a professional racer,” Prado said. “I could train better and also, I could get some rest. The previous years I was not professional, and that has been a big change. This last season and being 100% professional meant I could train more.”

As for trying to win more GP’s or titles than anyone else, Prado isn’t looking at breaking records, but just having fun at the races.

“I don’t look at records. I just want to ride and that is what I like, if I get some titles, that is great, because I work for that. I try to enjoy it every time I get on the bike, doesn’t matter if its racing or training and if you enjoy it you ride better and its easier and you ride more comfortable. If you are just thinking about having fun there is no pressure. That is true for sure.”

Australian rider Jed Beaton will go into the 2019 season with a lot of confidence. Despite a big injury this year, when he broke both his ankles, the new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider knows that having a factory bike will change a lot, but still he isn’t getting ahead of himself

“I have my own personal goals,” Beaton said. “The goal now is to be really solid, always in the mix. This year I was sometimes in the mix and then I would get a shit start and not be in the mix and I couldn’t catch up to the lead group. If I got a good start, I could stay with them and some races Jorge was faster than everyone. My goal is to be solid and build on the podiums, that is a goal of mine, to be on the podiums several times throughout the year.

Henry Jacobi from Germany moved into the ride Beaton vacated, with the F&H Kawasaki Racing team. For Jacobi it is also an upgrade in teams, and he thinks he will be at the front once again, just like he was often in 2018.

“I think I will be racing with the same guys,” Jacobi said. “I think it will be like Olsen, Prado, I think the KTM factory have somebody coming up and Jed (Beaton), so there are many guys, the top five will be much the same. Also the Revo Husqvarna guys, Ostlund, there are many in the top ten that will be there in the top five on a good day.”

No doubt many names will appear on the MX2 podium in 2019, from these three, but also names like Thomas Kjer Olsen, Calvin Vlaanderen, and Ben Watson. Whatever happens next year, expect the unexpected.

The eleventh 2018 issue of a monthly motorcycle sport magazine with some of the best interviews, features and Blogs from the heart of MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and WorldSBK as well as tests and reviews of bikes and products from the motorcycling industry. In OTOR #181: The magic ingredient: Confidence

Just how do MXGP riders find confidence, what happens when it vanishes and how important is it for their Grand Prix performance. Goodbye ‘18 MotoGP: Valencia; Fantastic images of the last race of the season, MotoE latest, a farewell to Dani Pedrosa and the first reactions from the opening laps of 2019. Words of a Wonderkid; 21 year old Moto2 World Champion Pecco Bagnaia talks a milestone 2018 season, his Ducati MotoGP future and his VR46 Academy environment. 2018 MX2 Top Five verdict; who made the rundown for 2018 & why? We also take a look at the hottest bikes from EICMA & provide the best Blogs you can find.

Read it HERE

Exciting French youngster Tom Vialle has been chosen to compete for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing alongside World Champion Jorge Prado in the 2019 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship.

The 18 year old will join Jorge Prado on the factory KTM 250 SX-F after catching the eye with a moto victory, five top-three race finishes and three podiums in the 2018 EMX250 European Championship. Vialle, son of former Grand Prix rider Frederic, was competing in EMX250 from the confines of his own set-up before drafted into the LRT KTM squad in the latter phase of the season.

Vialle will come under the stewardship of Motocross Manager and five times World Champion Joel Smets and MX2 Team Manager Dirk Gruebel as part of the Red Bull KTM set-up and will fill the awning next to MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings for 2019.

Tests and training with Tom have already begun this month.

Tom Vialle: “I want to thank all the people who have helped make this opportunity with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing possible. It is a great to be joining the best team in the world for my first year in MX2! Being next to champions and race winners like Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado doesn't bother me because I know it is a perfect chance to be learning from the fastest. I cannot wait to get started and to progress as much as I can.”

Joel Smets, Red Bull KTM Motocross Manager: “We keep a close watch on the EMX125 and 250 series’ and to see who might be the next outstanding talent to come through in the way Jeffrey and Jorge have in the last years. We felt that Tom was one of the brightest from that EMX250 ‘pool’ this season. We initially spent two days working together and I was convinced that this kid has potential both with his technical skills and bike handling as well as his physical possibilities to show us something special. A factory ride is just the start ‘of the journey’ but we’re excited about what we could see in 2019 with Tom as part of the team.”

Copyright: Photo: KTM Racing

FOX RACING, the global innovation leader in motocross racewear product is proud to announce the extension of their partnership with Team HRC for competition in the FIM Motocross World Championship MXGP & MX2 Classes. HRC’s riders including Tim Gajser, Brian Bogers and Calvin Vlaanderen will use FOX products from head to toe, including the V3 Helmet, Instinct Boots, VUE Goggles and an assortment of premium Flexair and 360 Racewear. In addition the entire Team Staff will continue to use Fox’s Red Plate pitwear collection.

FOX first aligned with the factory Honda effort in Europe in 2014, and the two industry heavyweights have enjoyed a great relationship with much success ever since. The program was elevated with the addition of HRC support in 2015, then celebrated an MXGP World Championship with Tim Gajser in 2016.

The long-term extension of this partnership further solidifies the relationship and goals of both brands and they look forward to sharing many more victories together.

“We are super excited to continue our partnership with FOX for the coming years. Since 2014 we have really grown together as a single unit and experienced a lot of success along the way. Fox is always working to maintain their position as apparel & protection side, just like we are with our racing efforts. So to work together is as natural as it comes.” – Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager – MXGP

Having worked together with FOX for several years already, it is a great pleasure to be able to announce the extension of our agreement. The goals of our two companies are very similar, which makes the association very strong and even stronger for the future.” – Roger Harvey, HRC Motocross Advisor

“We are extremely proud to have had the FOX name associated with the very premium HRC brand for many years. We share a common vision of excellence and performance, and our partnership goes far beyond the supply of racewear and team equipment. We test, develop and vet our products with the HRC team and Athletes. It has been a mutually beneficial collaboration for many years already, which makes the extension of our agreement very exciting.” – Matthieu Bazil, FOX Executive Vice President Global Regions, Product & Marketing.

About Fox Racing: For over 4 decades, Fox Racing has been the global leader in motocross and mountain biking gear and apparel. Fox outfits the world’s best competitive action sport athletes and enthusiasts with products that combine innovation and style, rooted in the brand’s original competitive motocross spirit. The company is based in Irvine, California, with offices, retail stores, and an international roster of sponsored athletes, located around the world.

Copyright: Photo: FOX Racing

Following a successful display of speed, skill and determination, paired with a fantastic attitude off the track at the 2018 bLU cRU Masterclass, Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that 14-year-old Swiss rider Kevin Brumann is the winner of the 2018 YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup and will join Florian Miot and Luca Diserens on the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team where the trio will contest the 2019 EMX125 Championship onboard GYTR kitted YZ125 machines.

Brumann was one of five bLU cRU Masterclass graduates who won his chance to attend the 2018 bLU cRU Masterclass after a dominant performance at the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale, which took place at the on the world stage at final motocross Grand Prix of the year in Imola, Italy on the weekend of September 30th, where he won both races in spectacular style.

The Masterclass took place on November the 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Latina, Rome. Similar to last year’s Masterclass, it was an exclusive event that brought together a group of bright young Yamaha Racing talents from both on and off-road racing disciplines. The event ran to a schedule that has been mindfully designed to encourage, nurture and develop aspiring professional riders. It also offered representatives from Yamaha Motor Europe, and the already acclaimed bLU cRU Ambassadors such as Arnaud Tonus, Kiara Fontanesi, Michael van der Mark and Niccolò Canepa, the chance to observe the promising young riders for more than just their talent and flair on a motorcycle.

After exposing an impressive skillset on the bike, showing maturity in media interviews and exhibiting a polite and friendly attitude off-the-bike, Kevin Brumann has been chosen as the lucky winner of the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup where he will receive support from the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team, Yamaha Motor Europe and the entire bLU cRU in 2019.

The YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup is an official European project designed to support young teenagers with a passion to race. Riders aged between 12 and 16 years old that race a YZ125 in one of the fifteen FIM-approved national championships may enter. The top-scoring riders registered for the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup in each national championship will be invited to the 2019 SuperFinale which will take place at the most prestigious event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Assen, The Netherlands on the weekend of September 29th.

In addition to the YZ125 FIM Europe bLU cRU Cup and following the amazing reaction and enthusiasm for the all-new YZ65 and updated YZ85 earlier this year, the 2019 bLU cRU program has expanded and from 2019 onwards will be made up of three classes, YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 where one rider in each class will support from Yamaha for the following year. All three classes will line up for the SuperFinale at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

For more information on the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup click here.

Kevin Brumann, 2018 YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup Winner: "I am so happy to have won this cup. It is so exciting, I really want to race the EMX125 Championship and I am looking forward to that. My goal will be to finish inside the top-10."

Maartin Brumann, Kevin Brumann's Father: It is great to have received this news. At first it need to sink-in and then it was like my heart stopped, it was incredible. I have to thank everyone for the support from Yamaha, from the bLU cRU, the MJC team and from everyone. It was an incredible weekend in Latina at the Masterclass, it was fantastic for learning, even for me, I learned a lot watching other kids and their parents and how they are working with their children. I look forward to watching Kevin grow in his career. For me school is still very important, so I would like him to finish school and then from that moment, it would be nice if he has a career in motocross, but we will see what happens. Again, I want to say a big thanks to the bLU cRU and everyone at Yamaha."

Alberto Barozzi, bLU cRU Racing Manager Yamaha Motor Europe: "Focus, determination, effort and education have been the keys to the 2018 bLU cRU Masterclass and the pure essence of the incredible atmosphere we had there at the event. A lot is also attributed to the incredible job of our bLU cRU ambassadors Arnaud, Kiara and Loic, the MJC Yamaha team principal and the support they gave all of the bLU cRU Masterclass finalists. In the end, it was not easy to choose only one winner, especially with such a strong group of riders. All of the five bLU cRUboys showed good skills and progression, but it was Kevin that caught the title and opportunity to take a part in the Official Yamaha team for the next EMX125 season where he will start his experience in the European field on the world stage and will be supported by us in order to give him the confidence to succeed in true bLU cRU spirit. I would like to compliment and thank all that were involved."

Loïc Le Foll, MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team Owner: This was the third Masterclass and I have to say that the level this year was fantastic. It was a great pleasure to work with the whole group of riders and their families and I would like to thank them all for their time and presence at the Masterclass. Kevin had already impressed me at the SuperFinale which took place in Imola, Italy, with his determination and attitude. Sometimes it's hard to see what a rider really offers on race day which is why we set-up the Masterclass to get some better insight on the riders technique, speed and focus, but also to see what the rider is like off the bike, the way he works with his family and peers. We were happy with what we saw in Kevin and I am happy that we have selected him to join my team where we will work hard together to succeed next season. I cannot wait to start working with him. "

Copyright: Photo: Redeye

Tim Gajser has had the final surgery on the jaw injury that, to a greater or lesser extent, troubled him throughout his 2019 MXGP campaign with Team HRC.

Gajser suffered the double lower jaw fracture just two weeks before the start of the Grand Prix season. With a period of enforced rest he missed the opening round of the season in Argentina to return in Valkenswaard, but had missed crucial pre-season training time.

The injury continued to play a part in his season, coupled with the disadvantage of starting on the back foot, but in typical gritty Gajser fashion he soldiered on to bring home podium finishes on the #243 CRF450RW.

In Slovenia on 6 November 2018, Gajser had the final surgery to remove the titanium plates and metalwork that had been providing strength to his jaw since February, paving the way for a return to full strength for the 2019 MXGP season.

As of today, Friday 9 November, he has been medically cleared to start riding again immediately.

Tim Gajser: “It’s good to have had the final surgery to remove all the metalwork from my jaw – I don’t think people realised I had that many brackets and screws holding my jaw together all season! It was a big crash in Mantova so I feel lucky to have got away with it with just the jaw, but it was still a big injury that did affect me all season – we started by losing training time and time on the bike in the pre-season and then missing Argentina, and that had a knock-on effect throughout the season. For a long time I couldn’t even eat properly, so I suffered that way too. 

“Now I have had this operation it will take a little time for me to return to normal because there is some pain in the jaw, which is normal after such surgery, but I’m so pleased that it all went well and we can now leave it totally behind. By doing it now we have time to make sure we’re back to 100 per cent on the bike for next season, and I can’t wait.”

Copyright: Photo: Honda Racing

With the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in the books the off season begins and the focus switches to the upcoming year. Fittingly, Youthstream is excited to announce the OPENING of online ticket sales for the 2019 edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations being held at the famous Assen TT Circuit in the Netherlands on September the 28^th and 29^th.

Home of both the 2017 and 2018 MXGP Championship crowning moments the upcoming 2019 visit to Assen will be for the single biggest motocross race in the world. The Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Assen will be the “Cathedral of Speed’s” only off road event – surely one of the biggest in their calendar - and it is well suited for the challenge.

The now available general admission tickets will provide top of the line racing views from the famous and massive trackside tribune. Take advantage of the early bird prices by clicking HERE!

Youthstream is also proud to announce the OPENING of the VIP Gold Skybox sales at the immaculate Assen facility. Sold out months in advance for the 2018 edition you don’t want to miss your chance to attend the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations as a VIP Gold Skybox Guest!

For more information and to purchase your tickets to the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Assen visit the link the below:

Monster Energy FIM MXoN Tickets: https://assen.motocross-tickets.com/en/12091-motocross-of-nations-the-netherlands/

VIP Gold Skybox for the Monster Energy FIM MXoN: https://mxon.motocross-viptickets.com/en/2364-the-netherlands-motocross-vip/

On the opening day of the annual EICMA Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, Italy, Team HRC confirmed its rider line-up for the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship, MXGP.

Brian Bogers was present at the traditional Honda factory motorsport announcement, joining the likes of World Champions Marc Marquez and Toni Bou, although both Tim Gajser and Calvin Vlaanderen were forced to miss the annual presentation – Gajser because of a final scheduled surgery to his jaw after the injury he suffered at the start of this season, and Vlaanderen because his strict training routine has taken him back to his native South Africa for the off-season.

Team HRC’s 2019 line-up is unchanged, with 2015 MX2 and 2016 MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser remaining on the #243 CRF450RW alongside Brian Bogers on the #5 machine in the larger-capacity class, and 2018 Grand Prix winner Calvin Vlaanderen on the #10 CRF250RW, remaining in the smaller-capacity class for another season.

Team HRC are testing throughout the off-season in preparation for the opening round of the 2019 MXGP series at the beginning of March.

Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager – MXGP: “Retaining the same line-up for 2019 means we maintain consistency and can build upon the progress made in 2018, when Brian and Calvin joined us. Calvin had a strong first season with Team HRC taking his maiden Grand Prix victory and although Brian’s season was struck by injury, he’s fully recovered now and is preparing for 2019 fully fit. Tim’s injury before the GP season got underway hampered his title challenge this year, but with the final surgery he’s undergoing now we’ll have a team at full strength for next season, and our preparations are already well underway to fight at the front in both MXGP and MX2.”

Tim Gajser: “Everyone knows I have a long and great relationship with HRC – the team feels just like family so I’m very happy to be returning in 2019. We had a few knocks this season including my injury during the pre-season, and the final surgery is why unfortunately I’m having to miss being at EICMA this year, but it means we’ll be going into 2019 stronger than ever. When you look at all the HRC riders together at EICMA it’s an impressive show of strength so I’m sad to miss it this year, but wish all my fellow riders all the best for more success in 2019!”

Brian Bogers: “I’m excited for my second year with Team HRC, which to be honest is like my first again because I lost eight months in 2018 with my pre-season ankle injury. Now I’m back to 100% again after that time off the bike, so my 2019 pre-season has started well, I’m feeling very comfortable and I’m looking forward to really showing what we can do next year. Right now I’m so happy to be back on the bike again and I’m confident that we’ll be well-prepared for 2019.”

Calvin Vlaanderen: “I’m really excited to be working with HRC again in 2019, racing my CRF250RW in the MX2 World Championship. We had a successful 2018 with finishing 6th overall in MX2 with five podiums and a Grand Prix win. We will take that experience and build on that for the upcoming season. In 2019 I will do my best to be fighting for podiums each weekend but my main goal will be the world title.”

Copyright: Photo: Honda Racing

Standing Construct KTM is pleased to announce the signing of Max Anstie to contest the 2019 MXGP World Championship onboard a KTM450SX-F. British prodigy Max Anstie already has an impressive list of achievements. The 25 year-old was the bronze medalist in the MX2 World Championship back in 2015, which he followed up with a fourth overall the following year. 

In 2017, he stepped up to the premier class, MXGP, and stunned many as he challenged the top-three, and landed on the podium at multiple Grand Prix rounds.
After wrapping up his rookie season at the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations with a double race victory that led Great Britain to the podium for the first time in two decades, Anstie, who had a challenging 2018 season with 3 podium places, has returned to full fitness and health and is predicted to strengthen Standing Construct KTM’s 2019 MXGP World Championship campaign. 

Anstie will complete the teams’ exciting three-man line-up as he joins teammates Glenn Coldenhoff and Ivo Monticelli on KTM Factory supported Standing Construct KTM450SX-F machinery.

Max Anstie: "
I’m really looking forward to 2019.
The Standing Construct KTM team are a great crew, we have great material, and a solid program.
We will be ready to perform in 2019!
I’m very grateful to KTM and Tim for making this happen and giving me this opportunity." 

Tim Mathys, Standing Construct KTM Team Manager: "
I am very happy to have signed Max to ride for our team in 2019.
Already in our MX2 period we were seriously interested in Max and also earlier this season we showed interest in him. With the support of KTM we managed to find an agreement and I think that we have a strong team heading into the 2019 MXGP season."

There is no doubt, the MXGP class is tough, it is tough for every single rider competing, including guys like Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli. The toughest series in the World is demanding, and the older you get, the tougher it becomes.

Just like any big series in the World, winning or being a podium guy is how many teams gauge a rider’s success. For veteran riders like Shaun Simpson, who has won a handful of GPs’ in his career, and is now 30 years old, the story is different. Working hard, and being good with his sponsors, fans and the media has seen the Scotsman pick up a solid ride for 2019, and it’s a situation, for this period of his career that will see him be competitive for top tens and maybe the odd podium.

“I am 30 years old,” Simpson said. “The main goal is to support my family and it is my job, but I still have this deep sense that I want to achieve more in MXGP. Tony is 33 now and he is still riding at a top level, and I have always been a slow burner, and still feel, somehow, my best years are still in there. I just need to find the correct environment to get that out.”

With big support from British based company RaceFX, Simpson will go racing next year, and feels more than comfortable with the situation and his short-term future.

“RFX or RaceFX is a massive distribution company in the UK, and they have been upping their game in recent years. They started with two or three brands and it has just gotten bigger and bigger. FLY racing is involved, Bell helmets, so some big brands. On the other side they do levers, parts and so much other stock. It’s a place you will be able to just go in, get your parts, like a motorcycle supermarket.”

The former GP winner and constant top ten rider has also returned to KTM, a brand that saw him have a lot of success in both his MX2 and MXGP career. He has won championships with the orange army and will head into 2019 with a bike more than capable of getting him up front.

“Obviously we have done a deal with KTM and I am really happy to be back on board with KTM. It is the brand I have probably most enjoyed riding and the brand I have probably had the most success. KTM are a brand who don’t hold a grudge if you leave them and come back. I know a lot of the guys in Austria and the UK, and it feels like I am coming home.”

Now, with his RFX KTM team all sorted and the winter to get his machine and team fully sorted, Shaun Simpson can go into the new season with as much excitement as he did when he joined the GP scene a decade ago.