MXGP

The 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship is ready for the Grand Finale that this year is taking place in Imola, at the famous Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari for the MXGP of Italy. While the MXGP Champion has been already declared in Assen, the MX2 Champion will be decided this weekend as well as the WMX and the EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing ones. Together with these 4 classes also the superfinale of the YZ125 Yamaha Championship bLU cRU will be held in Imola. 

Please find here below the timetbale and entry lists available for download in PDF format. 

TIMETABLE

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

YZ 125 bLU cRU Entry List

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Entry List

WMX Entry List

The team at Fox Racing is giving MXGP fans a chance to win 2 Paddock passes to this weekend’s MXGP of Italy at Imola with a contest on MXGP Instagram Page. The Paddock pass will not only give access to the venue, but it allows to get it the paddock where all teams and riders are located during the weekend. 

The Instagram contest is simple to enter and all that is required to be entered for a chance to attend the MXGP season finale is to like the posted photo and tag a friend in the comments!

Link to post: Fox Racing Instagram Contest

Contest will be up until Friday 28^th September at Noon and the lucky winners will be contacted Friday afternoon!

Click HERE and take your chance to enjoy Imola

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce the signing of Gautier Paulin to the Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team where he will race a YZ450F along side teammate Arnaud Tonus in the 2019 MXGP World Championship.

As one of the most talented riders in the world, Paulin already has an incredible list of achievements. The 28 year-old Frenchman has won 11 Grand Prix rounds, three in MX2 and eight in MXGP, and has stood on the podium 52 times, 18 times in MX2 and 34 in MXGP. He has claimed 19 race wins in total throughout that time, three were on a 250cc in the MX2 class, and 14 were aboard a 450cc inside the premier class, MXGP.

The incredibly talented Frenchman won the EMX250 Championship in 2007 and in that same year he made his FIM Motocross World Championship debut as a wild-card entry in the MX2 class at six of the 15 rounds where his best race finish was a fourth-place in Northern Ireland. His 2008 season was cut-short by injury meaning his first full term in MX2 was in 2009 where he won three rounds and finished the season as the bronze medalist.

In 2012, he stepped up to the premier class, formerly known as 'MX1' and now named 'MXGP', where he finished third in the championship classification in his rookie year.

In 2015, the French star finished as the runner-up in the MXGP World Championship behind his compatriot, YZ450FM mounted Romain Febvre, and added one more medal to his tally with yet another bronze inside the premier class in 2017.

In addition to his individual achievements, the French phenomenon has had the honor of representing his nation at the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations on nine occasions where he has played a vital role in the teams' success, that includes four gold medals, in 2014, '15, '16 and '17, and two silver medals, in 2009, and '11. He will represent Team France for a tenth time, alongside Yamaha Factory rider Dylan Ferrandis and Jordi Tixier, at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations that will take place on the weekend of October 7th at the Red Bud circuit in Michigan, USA.

Erik Eggens, Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Manager: "We are very excited to have Gautier back on Yamaha and in Paddock Blue. He has always been a rider that can fight for podiums and he is definitely capable of challenging for race wins as well, and we saw that a few years back when he joined Yamaha and won his debut Grand Prix on a YZ450F, which is an outstanding achievement and something that not many riders can say they have done. We believe that with the support of the Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP team he can still achieve these results, and this is something we look forward to. The team is very motivated and is a team that has shown great improvement and stability over the years, which is something a high caliber rider such as Gautier needs. With that said, we wish Gautier a warm welcome back, and we look forward to having him back on blue."

Louis Vosters, Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team Owner: “I am really happy to have Gautier join us for the 2019 season. He is a fantastic rider and I am sure that with the right structure and the tools and support that we offer, he can make it back to the top of the MXGP World Championship. Also, together with his teammate Arnaud Tonus, I am convinced that these two great riders will make each other better and bring the results that we are looking for."

Watch the first episode of Science of Scrub with Tim Gajser at this link https://youtu.be/EEvziZyezYk

Motocross racing is a very spectacular but demanding sport and unlike its asphalt counterpart it does not require a constant and meticulous repetition of lines, as the track changes underneath riders and their bikes after and during every single lap, session and race. Despite this continuing evolution of the surface, a tenth of a second or less can still make a huge difference in having the edge over your opponent or not.

Scrubbing is one, spectacular way to make up time: by carrying more speed heading to a jump and minimise the amount of air time, a rider can push their performance on the single lap to the limit in order to create some gap with his rivals and/or get the best gate-pick in timed practice.

Tim Gajser has become a master in the art of scrubbing aboard his Honda CRF450RW: few riders are able to scrub as effectively and spectacularly as he does. In this three-episode series, the Team HRC rider discusses the science behind scrubbing with two well-known former motocross riders of the Honda family: Roger Harvey (HRC World Motocross Adviser) and Gordon Crockard (Honda Motor Europe Off Road Manager).

Copyright: Photo: Honda Racing

Torsten Hallman is without question the greatest Swedish motocross rider, and one of the few riders to win four motocross world championships in the history of the sport. The former 250cc World champion, who won titles in 1962, 63, 66 and 67 was also the man who began the clothing company THOR, only to sell it and move onto other business projects.

Hallman also has 37 Grand Prix victories, and if you ask anyone in Europe or America, they all know the name Torsten Hallman.

While Hallman might never have won the Motocross of Nations (finishing second on a few occasions), he did win the Trophee des Nations on five occasions, in 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1968. An event that pitted the 250cc bikes against each other. Both events were as important as the other, but the Trophee des Nations ended in 1984, when they decided to combine the 500cc and 250cc bikes.

For the Swedish legend, the man who helped to introduce motocross to America, he missed out on racing a USGP, but he did enjoy big success on the World scene.

MXGP: Did you ever do a USGP and if you did, what was your experience?

Hallman: No, the USGP was not invented when I was racing! You must understand that when I came to the US during the first couple of years I always had to spell the word “motocross” to explain for people what I was doing!

MXGP: Motocross of Nations is the biggest race of the year and I noticed you never actually won it, even in the era of Sweden winning it often. Why was that?

Hallman: You have to look deeper in your history books! During my era, we had both Trophee des Nations (250cc) and MXoN (500cc). In that time, the same riders were picked to ride in both of the team races. I am quite satisfied with my result winning the Trophee des Nations five times and coming second in the MXoN three times! And I won individual three or four times! At my first MXoN race in 1963 in Sweden I was leading – and Team Sweden was in the lead – when my experimental Husqvarna 420cc bike suddenly stopped with ignition issues! Same in France 1966 when I was leading when the chain broke.

MXGP: How many MXoN did you do and what stood out for you at that event?

Hallman: Seven Trophee des Nations and five MXoN. It’s a special feeling to be standing on top of the box with all team members and all the fans following that event!

MXGP: Did you used to go to MXoN as a boy or have memories of the event as boy?

Hallman: No, I never attend any of the team races before I raced myself in Italy 1961.

Photo Credits: Husqvarna Image

Hello MXGP-TV member,

Log on to MXGP-TV.com now and watch the 26 Min Behind the Gate special feature from the Motocross of European Nations in Poland!

The 2018 Motocross of European Nations returned to Gdansk, Poland this year and the 26 Minute Behind the Gate feature from the event is online and available to watch now.

Many of Europe’s best riders represented their nations in teams for a battle of national pride. This year Team Italy took the win in impressive fashion in both the men’s and women’s racing!

Check out all the action with an inside look at the entire event from racing to practice and everything in between in the new upload.

Don’t forget this Behind the Gate feature is also one of the few that can be viewed on YouTube for free so be sure to share with friends and family or even on social media!

Click HERE and Watch it NOW!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 21 September 2018 - Youthstream and SCOTT Sports are proud to announce that a multi-year agreement has been reached for the sponsorship of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

SCOTT and Youthstream have been longtime partners in the promotion and development of junior motocross. Sponsoring the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship for several years SCOTT has been committed not only to the sport but its development and youth.

For 2019 Youthstream and SCOTT expand upon the partnership by sponsoring the MXGP season. The high level of commitment from SCOTT helps to bring both recognition and promotion of the brand but also to continue the support of previous junior riders as the climb through the professional ranks.

David Luongo, Youthstream’s Vice-President: “Youthstream is extremely proud to improve the visibility and collaboration with such a prestigious brand as Scott. The MXGP World Championship is the best platform to promote the brand worldwide and reach new markets with the diversity of the series and the international TV coverage provided. In addition the variety of the championship showcases not only the quality but the versatility of their products to a wide range of customers.”

Marco Galli, SCOTT Motosports Marketing Coordinator: “We’re extremely happy about this new extended partnership with MXGP. As a leading off-road brand being present in the pinnacle of motocross racing is extremely important to reach our target consumer and allow us to prove the quality of our products in the most demanding conditions.”

“Youthstream is a very reliable partner and after our three-years cooperation on the FIM Junior MX World Championship we decided to take our relationship to the next level by entering the MXGP World Championship as official partners.”

Based in Switzerland with American roots SCOTT Sports is known for their premium goggle optics but is also a worldwide leader in off-road apparel, bicycles and sporting goods. For more information about SCOTT, their products, or the FIM Motocross World Championship visit the link: www.scott-sports.com/global/en/country

Copyright: Photo: Scott Sports

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

SCOTT

For anyone that attended The MXGP of the Netherlands last weekend will know what I mean, and without question it was an historical moment not just for Dutch motocross, but World motocross. The Assen facility is what many people today want, and that is a modern infrastructure and comfortable seating.

When I drove into the MotoGP facility on Saturday morning I was happy to re-visit. For new motocross fans, or new sponsors in the sport, it is a big improvement on is without question gives the sport a very professional look.

With 40,000 people attending the event, and the local boy Jeffrey Herlings winning the GP and the World championship, the weekend ended with a lot of positives for the Dutch fans. Small children wearing a KTM jersey and standing in the cues for the riders’ autograph sessions is a very positive look for the sport, and with a packed VIP area, you just know some of those wealthy businessmen will look into getting more involved in the MXGP series, or motocross in general.

For new MXGP World champion Jeffrey Herlings, the whole weekend was something special:

“Yes,” Herlings said. “I try and be a role model, not just for children, but also for the sport. I think it is important because we can grow, we will probably never be like F1 or football, never get that big, but I try and make the sport grow and that would be good. Tony mentioned there were people who never had been to a motocross race before. You know it is better for the industry, better for the riders and hopefully more children will get a motorcycle instead of a pair of football boots. More talent will come and its good for many occasions.”

Antonio Cairoli, who has put the sport on the map in main-stream media in Italy knows the importance of bringing a professional look to the sport. With the last round at the famous Imola circuit in Italy in a little over a week’s time, the Italian legend knows how important these types of facilities are to improve the relationship between new fans and the spot of motocross.

“So many people came to me in Assen,” Cairoli said. “And many tell me they have never been to a motocross race before. In Italy the people are crazy, and I never see that before in Holland, so it is good. It means Jeffrey is a good ambassador and its good for the sport. I think maybe half the people in Assen were not motocross fans, and its good to bring new people to the motocross.”

So while there might still be some old-school fans who don’t get these road racing facilities, maybe Assen, or Imola will change their mind, because while we still love the old school circuits like Valkenswaard, or Trentino, for the sport to grow, we also need places like Assen and Imola.

Due to the injuries sustained at the MXGP of Turkey earlier this month, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP's Romain Febvre has decided to withdraw from the twentieth and final round of the MXGP World Championship that will take place at the famed Imola road-racing circuit in Italy on the weekend of September 30th.

As the injury has impacted his training and preparation for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where he was selected to represent the defending champions Team France along side Gautier Paulin and Monster Energy Yamalube Star Yamaha Factory Racing's Dylan Ferrandis, Febvre has decided to withdraw in order to give his team the best opportunity at claiming their fifth consecutive MXoN title. More details on the Team France’s replacement will be announced shortly.

Romain Febvre: I feel better, but not every day. The crash in Turkey was not a small one, it was a big impact and it is taking some time to heal. I have decided to not compete in Imola and at the 'Nations which is a shame. I am not normally somebody who quits easily, I will always do everything to ride, but this time I feel I cannot. I am honestly quite disappointed but the championship is more or less over for me. I wanted to be top-three, so if I finish fifth or sixth, it really does not make a difference to me. It is not where I want to be. Then for the 'Nations, I feel that I am not ready and if I miss so much time and riding on the bike then I will struggle to be prepared enough to fight for the win, which is what I expect from myself. It's a difficult time, but I need to take some time to heal up fully to be ready for 2019."

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing

We are now just over a week away from the MXGP season finale in Imola, Italy after 19 rounds of FIM Motocross World Championship racing. Today a presentation press conference was held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo & Dino Ferrari for the upcoming MXGP of Italy which it will host.

The presentation was made to onsite national and local media along with Imola City council, local police, representatives of the Italian federation (FMI), Formula Imola, the local organizer for the event.

Speaker of the Autodromo, Boris Casadio, hosted the event with guests Uberto Selvatico Estense the President of Formula Imola, WMX Rider Kiara Fontanesi, World SBK Rider Marco Melandri, and Maurizio Lelli, the Assessor of Sport and Events for the City of Imola on stage while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado joined from home via Skype from their training sessions.

The guests on stage shared their excitement to have the last stop of the 2018 Championship at the famous Italian circuit. Kiara Fontanesi expressed her joy to be racing close to home and in front of the Italian crowd for the final round where she will go for another WMX title. Jorge Prado, who will be fighting for his first ever MX2 title in just over a week mentioned that he will have busses of fans coming from Spain to see him participate in the event.

Ending with an aperitif the guests and media made a visit to the track giving many their first look at the track building where 25,000 cubic meters of soil has been moved in 11 days by more than 250 people working onsite.

Also highlighted was the fact that the venue hosted international motocross over 70 years ago and next Friday, prior to the GP, a gallery of 80 vintage bikes and photos will be inaugurated including the bike of Imola native and 1999 500cc World Champion Andrea Bartolini.

Tickets are available now and will remain online through Friday 28th for this special event. Don’t miss your chance to purchase yours, click HERE https://imola.motocross-tickets.com/en/22541-mxgp-of-imola/

Gp VIP at Imola! Click HERE for more details: https://imola.motocross-viptickets.com/en/21611-mxgp-of-imola/

Main Photo: From Left to Right: Uberto Selvatico Estense the President of Formula Imola, WMX Rider Kiara Fontanesi, World SBK Rider Marco Melandri, and Maurizio Lelli, the Assessor of Sport and Events for the City of Imola

Photos Credits: Isola Press