MXGP

VALKENSWAARD (Netherlands) 18 March 2018 - Valkenswaard’s Eurocircuit has staged the opener of the 2018 European Motocross Championship with the EMX125 and EMX300 2-stroke classes both Presented by FMF Racing. 

FMF Racing, Flying Machine Factory, has supported the two often called “smoker” classes of the European motocross scene since 2011. Both categories are key stepping-stone divisions for young riders to graduate to the higher ranks of the World Motocross Championship. Particularly so the 125cc European Motocross series that perfectly bridges the crucial gap for youth riders between the 85cc 2-stroke machines and the more powerful 250cc four-stroke ones. 

Youthstream, FMF Racing, and FIM Europe together strongly believe in the importance of two-stroke motocross motorcycles for a proper development of young prospect talents such that they can best be ready when approaching the bigger, more challenging, and significantly powerful four-stroke motocross bikes.

First to take on the track and claim wins this Sunday before the MXGP and MX2 stars where the FIM Europe racers of Greg Smets and KTM Junior Racing’s Rene Hofer.

Belgian Greg Smets proved he had put in the effort over the off season to improve his riding when he took the lead early in Saturday’s race one from 2017 title contender, GL12 Racing’s Mike Kras. Kras tried to regroup and take the spot back from Smets but in the end was gapped by over 17 seconds.

Last year’s Champion running the number 1 plate on the Verde Substance KTM, Brad Anderson, started race one at the front of the field and moved into third past fellow Brit, GL12 Racing’s James Dunn. Finishing in 5th was Mathias Plessers after battling with Tom Meijer.

Race 2 was the first race on the track on Sunday where we again saw Smets and Kras at the front of the action with Anderson and Dunn following while the #57 of Plessers crashed out of the second race during the first laps.

The real action was between the Belgian Smets and the Dutch rider Kras. A whole new day and different track conditions played into the favor of Kras as he was able to match the speed of Smets.

While Kras had the speed and battled with Smets lap after lap shifting positions back and forth the deciding factor would be a mistake by Kras as chased Smets. The mistake not only allowed Smets to secure his first ever overall win but also allowed Anderson into second overall.

Smets in the press conference: “I was actually hoping to at least finish one time on the podium this year, so I succeeded at that, but to start up with two race wins was beyond my imagination.”

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), 30:54.405; 2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:17.801; 3. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:50.762; 4. James Dunn (GBR, KTM), +1:10.515; 5. Mathias Plessers (BEL, KTM), +2:14.099; 6. Tom Meijer (NED, Yamaha), +2:14.359; 7. Daymond Martens (BEL, Yamaha), -1 lap(s); 8. Nikolaj Skovgaard Christensen (DEN, KTM), -1 lap(s); 9. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), -1 lap(s); 10. Joshua van der Linden (NED, Yamaha), -1 lap(s).

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), 29:58.353; 2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:06.399; 3. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:23.680; 4. James Dunn (GBR, KTM), +0:38.589; 5. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:39.120; 6. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:54.853; 7. Kay Ebben (NED, Yamaha), +1:00.172; 8. Joshua van der Linden (NED, Yamaha), +1:10.600; 9. Erik Willems (BEL, Husqvarna), +1:13.069; 10. Manuel Iacopi (ITA, Yamaha), +1:21.009.

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top Ten: 1. Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), 50 points; 2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 42 p.; 3. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 42 p.; 4. James Dunn (GBR, KTM), 36 p.; 5. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 28 p.; 6. Joshua van der Linden (NED, YAM), 24 p.; 7. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 23 p.; 8. Nikolaj Skovgaard Christensen (DEN, KTM), 22 p.; 9. Manuel Iacopi (ITA, YAM), 21 p.; 10. Kay Ebben (NED, YAM), 18 p.

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top Ten: 1. Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), 50 points; 2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 42 p.; 3. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 42 p.; 4. James Dunn (GBR, KTM), 36 p.; 5. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 28 p.; 6. Joshua van der Linden (NED, YAM), 24 p.; 7. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 23 p.; 8. Nikolaj Skovgaard Christensen (DEN, KTM), 22 p.; 9. Manuel Iacopi (ITA, YAM), 21 p.; 10. Kay Ebben (NED, YAM), 18 p.

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 50 points; 2. Yamaha, 29 p.; 3. Husqvarna, 23 p.; 4. Gas Gas, 3 p.

At the start of the weekend the 125cc class had 80 riders competing but that number would be narrowed to 40 for the races and only one would win.

That luck rider was KTM Junior Racing’s Rene Hofer as he became the first overall winner of the 2018 season and did so in complete control by winning both of the two races. Hofer not only won both races but held every lap in the process.

Hofer’s strongest competition came from KTM DIGA Junior Racing’s Emil Weckman in race 1 but the #11 of Hofer still won by over 8 seconds. Behind the front two was a close race for 3rd between F4E Racing KTM’s Mario Lucas Sanz and Filip Olsson.

Race two was another run away race for Hofer who topped Filip Olsson by nearly 30 seconds. Right behind Olsson at the finish of race 2 was JD 191 KTM Racing Team’s Petar Polak. Polak who failed to pass sound testing after race 1 finished the weekend in 6th overall.

Race 1 runner up, Emil Weckman, took 8th in race two for 4th overall behind Hofer, Olsen and Lucas Sanz.

Hofer in the press conference said: “It was a perfect weekend, I got the fastest time in qualifying and won both starts. I took both hole shots which was definitely key and rode my own race so I’m happy about it.”

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 31:57.510; 2. Emil Weckman (FIN, KTM), +0:08.509; 3. Mario Lucas Sanz (ESP, KTM), +0:41.429; 4. Filip Olsson (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:43.912; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +1:01.345; 6. Brian van der Klij (NED, TM), +1:02.203; 7. Emilio Scuteri (ITA, KTM), +1:03.395; 8. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), +1:07.323; 9. Lion Florian (GER, KTM), +1:31.405; 10. Raf Meuwissen (NED, KTM), +1:34.890.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 31:17.508; 2. Filip Olsson (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:29.812; 3. Petr Polak (CZE, KTM), +0:33.831; 4. Raivo Dankers (NED, KTM), +0:43.272; 5. Kjell Verbruggen (NED, KTM), +0:47.022; 6. Mario Lucas Sanz (ESP, KTM), +0:51.069; 7. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:52.204; 8. Emil Weckman (FIN, KTM), +0:53.120; 9. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), +1:14.615; 10. Raf Meuwissen (NED, KTM), +1:24.343.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top Ten: 1. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 50 points; 2. Filip Olsson (SWE, HUS), 40 p.; 3. Mario Lucas Sanz (ESP, KTM), 35 p.; 4. Emil Weckman (FIN, KTM), 35 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 30 p.; 6. Petr Polak (CZE, KTM), 27 p.; 7. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 25 p.; 8. Emilio Scuteri (ITA, KTM), 24 p.; 9. Raf Meuwissen (NED, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Raivo Dankers (NED, KTM), 18 p.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top Ten: 1. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 50 points; 2. Filip Olsson (SWE, HUS), 40 p.; 3. Mario Lucas Sanz (ESP, KTM), 35 p.; 4. Emil Weckman (FIN, KTM), 35 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 30 p.; 6. Petr Polak (CZE, KTM), 27 p.; 7. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 25 p.; 8. Emilio Scuteri (ITA, KTM), 24 p.; 9. Raf Meuwissen (NED, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Raivo Dankers (NED, KTM), 18 p.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 50 points; 2. Husqvarna, 40 p.; 3. Yamaha, 30 p.; 4. TM, 15 p.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Europe will be available HERE

MXGP EUROPE – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: sand

Temperature: 1°

Weather conditions: variable

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 22,000

EMX Championships were available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. 

NEXT ROUND

The second round of the EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Championship will take place in Red Sand, Spain on 24^th and 25^th March while the next round of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Championship will be held in Trentino on April the 7^th and 8^th.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM Europe

MXGP of Europe

VALKENSWAARD (Netherlands) 18 March 2018 - The 2018 MXGP of Europe at the famous Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard has finished in epic fashion. The dark Dutch sand was as unforgiving as it was testing for the top MXGP and MX2 riders in the world. While the conditions were vastly different from the season opener in Patagonia Argentina the result was much the same with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass taking the overall wins and maintaining their Red Plates.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings came to Valkenswaard with his first ever red plate in MXGP and left it with his first ever points lead in the premier class. At the start of the weekend Herlings struggled when he fell in qualifying then rejoined the race in 35th position. Luckily for the “Bullet” he turned his weekend around on Sunday. Luckily for the “Bullet” he turned his weekend around on Sunday even with 19th gate pick.

When MXGP race 1 started Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli took the Fox Holeshot and led the way for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek along with his Dutch Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Teammates Glenn Coldenhoff and Jeffrey Herlings.

After a quick pass on Coldenhoff, Herlings switched his focus over to the Belgian, Jeremy Van Horebeek. As Herlings chased Van Horebeek, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser was passed for 5th by the other Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP bike of Romain Febvre.

Gajser then threw away his goggles and soon after came under pressure from the pair of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders, Max Anstie and Gautier Paulin. Just after Anstie and Paulin made their way past Gajser, Jeffrey Herlings moved into the second spot.

Cairoli then started to lose time to Herlings as Anstie and Paulin passed Febvre. As Jeffrey inched closer to Cairoli the Italian lost balance in a rut and went down. From there Herlings took the lead and never looked back as Cairoli took second and Van Horebeek third.

Race 2 began with another Fox Holeshot from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli as Coldenhoff and Herlings chased. Cairoli then sprinted at the start of the race to grow a gap over Coldenhoff and Herlings. Herlings found his way around Coldenhoff on lap 3 and at nearly the same time race one’s 3rd place finisher, Van Horebeek, crashed out of the race but came away uninjured.

Herlings then started his charge to catch the distant Cairoli. Cairoli’s lead was near 13 seconds but dropped lap after lap, at one point Herlings gained 4 seconds in a single lap. As Herlings came closer Cairoli sensed the #84 looking back on several occasions. When the time finally came Herlings made the pass look easy as he out braked Cairoli into the turn just after the finish line. Cairoli tried to retaliate but would cross the checkered flag 3.8 seconds after Herlings.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser’s return to MXGP was a challenging one as he crashed twice in race 2, even so he managed to finish 9th overall.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings in the press conference said: “We can back strong and we managed to win both races today. It is a little bit of a shame from yesterday that we didn’t have such a good start position but it’s ok. I’m looking forward to Red Sand next weekend, I have been there a lot during the winter so I kind of know the track!”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli in the race press conference stated: “The weekend was good, we knew that at this race we would struggle a little bit because it has been a long time since I’ve trained in Belgium or Holland. Jeffrey was very fast and we knew that on this track he would be, but we managed to finish on the podium and a second place is good for the championship.”

Finishing on the podium was Gautier Paulin who also took third overall after tying with Coldenhoff in points while Febvre scored his 2nd top 5 of the season.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin in the press conference admitted: “We managed to have a good setup on the bike and I was really happy with the bike and I put myself in the right position. That’s the first podium of the season, we are working hard but the speed wasn’t there today so we need to continue because I want to battle with those guys.”

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:25.408; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:17.536; 3. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:29.712; 4. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:35.842; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:39.777; 6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:41.582; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:41.778; 8. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:00.045; 9. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +1:07.341; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:15.242.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:46.875; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:03.882; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +1:06.699; 4. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:09.303; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +1:15.542; 6. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:17.843; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:46.947; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:54.337; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +1:56.307; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +1:57.072.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 34 p.; 4. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 34 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 30 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 27 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 24 p.; 9. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 20 p.; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 20 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 97 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 91 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 67 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 65 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 64 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 55 p.; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 54 p.; 8. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 45 p.; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 39 p.; 10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 38 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 100 points; 2. Yamaha, 72 p.; 3. Husqvarna, 68 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 67 p.; 5. TM, 38 p.; 6. Honda, 35 p.; 7. Suzuki, 19 p.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass is showing everyone exactly why he was MX2 World Champion in 2017. Jonass admitted that he wasn’t riding or feeling his best but nevertheless the #1 took double race wins today.

Race 1 started with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing bikes of Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado at the front with a Fox Holeshot from Jonass. Behind the KTM’s was another Austrian made bike, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing #19 of Thomas Kjer Olsen.

Having a breakthrough performance was Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Jago Geerts. Geerts who race the EMX250 championship last season ran 4th early in the race.

The local MX2 rider from the LRT KTM team, Davy Pootjes was followed by Honda 114 Motorsport’s Hunter Lawrence. Later when Lawrence tried to pass Pootjes on the outside he instead had the door closed and clipped the back of the KTM sending him to the dirt. Pootjes later dropped to 8th while Lawrence got back up to 6th just behind Hitachi KTM UK’s Conrad Mewse. Meanwhile Jonass took the win followed by Prado, Olsen, and Geerts.

Race 2 started just as did race one with a FOX Holeshot from Jonass just ahead of Prado and a Husqvarna. However this time the Husqvarna in 3rd belonged to the STC Racing Husqvarna rider Henri Jacobi. Jacobi ran in third for 8 laps before crashing and then pulling of the track.

Assuming third was again Olsen as Jorge Prado was doing everything he could to catch his teammate Jonass. Prado would gain time on Jonass one lap and the Jonass would reply with his own gains the next.

In 4th and 5th was Conrad Mewse and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington. Covington who won Saturday’s qualifying race finished 7th in race 1.

At the finish Jonass crossed the line only 0.38 seconds ahead of Prado while Olsen was another 37 seconds back in third.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass in the press conference said: “It is nice to go 1-1 again, today both races went perfect, I got 2 FOX Holeshots and led every single lap which is pretty nice.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado in the press conference stated: “I felt great the whole weekend since free practice so it was fun to ride. I was riding good but I just could pass him (Jonass), we were pushing hard the whole race but I’m pretty happy with the first podium.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen in the race press conference: “I’m happy to be on the podium for the second week in a row. I am really satisfied with my riding and fitness right now.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 35:38.265; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:09.342; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:16.508; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:22.579; 5. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:25.932; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:42.179; 7. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:49.290; 8. Jed Beaton (AUS, Kawasaki), +0:53.611; 9. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:58.452; 10. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:00.167.

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 35:35.397; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:00.381; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:37.477; 4. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:39.263; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:46.360; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:47.057; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:51.600; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:05.208; 9. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +1:08.867; 10. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +1:10.665.

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 50 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40 p.; 4. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 34 p.; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 30 p.; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 30 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 26 p.; 8. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 25 p.; 9. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 24 p.; 10. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 18 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 100 points; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 82 p.; 3. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 67 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 63 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 61 p.; 6. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 51 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 46 p.; 8. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 44 p.; 9. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 44 p.; 10. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, YAM), 42 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 100 points; 2. Husqvarna, 82 p.; 3. Honda, 68 p.; 4. Yamaha, 68 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 60 p.; 6. TM, 11 p.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Europe will be available HERE

MXGP EUROPE – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: sand

Temperature: 1°

Weather conditions: variable

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 22,000

MXGP was 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 third round of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship will take place in Red Sand, Spain on 24^th and 25^th March for the MXGP of Comunitat Valenciana.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Europe

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands) Saturday 17 March 2018 - The first day of the MXGP of Europe has wrapped up in Valkenswaard, the Netherlands where MXGP, MX2 along with EMX300 and EMX125 both presented by FMF Racing took to the demanding Dutch Circuit. Tricky conditions combined with cool temperatures would lead to a memorable day of racing. Heating up with their first pole positions of 2018 were Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

Alongside the MXGP and MX2 stars were the first round of the European Championships of EMX125 and EMX300 both Presented by FMF Racing. The group of 300cc racers was composed of both former champions and upcoming stars. Last year’s title competitors, Brad Anderson and Mike Kras, again found themselves at the front of the field but the young Belgian Greg Smets would take the lead from Kras early on his way to his first ever European Championship Race win as Kras and Anderson took 2nd and 3rd. In EMX125 class former 85cc Junior Motocross World Champion Rene Hofer also took his first European Championship race win against a field of more than 80 riders at the start of the day including Emil Weckman and Mario Lucas Sanz in 2nd and 3rd.

Off of the start of MXGP Qualifying Race Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek took the Holeshot but Dutch sand master, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings, passed the #89 almost immediately.

Behind Herlings and Van Horebeek was last year’s MXGP of Europe overall winner, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin and 2016 MXGP World Champion, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser. Gajser who is returning from an injury suffered only one month ago showed he wasn’t phased by the pressure or the conditions.

First to press onto the back wheel of Gajser was Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Shaun Simpson, however near crash and impressive save by Simpson allowed Gajser some space to breath. Though it was not long before Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli slid past a rattled Simpson and closed on the Slovenian.

Simpson would later make a mistake which could not be saved and so too did Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP’s Romain Febvre. However the most notable crash and mistake was the one of Jeffrey Herlings while leading. The #84 tucked the front wheel on the landing of a double resulting in a crash. Herlings once going again, pulled into Pit Lane convinced that he had broken his front wheel. As the mechanics of Herlings rushed to swap out the wheel Van Horebeek led.

Herlings in the press conference said: “There was something wrong, obviously I went down and came in (to Pit Lane). I thought I had a broken wheel, which it wasn’t, but it doesn’t matter, it is racing and things like that happen. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling strong so I just need 2 good starts tomorrow from that position and work from there.”

The other Dutch Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, Glenn Coldenhoff worked his way into 5th after passing Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team’s Jeremy Seewer. In the end Jeremy Van Horebeek took the Qualifying win ahead of Paulin, Gajser, Cairoli, and Coldenhoff while Herlings, who rejoined the race in 35th, qualified 19th.

Jeremy Van Horebeek in the press conference said: “The track suites me well, I feel good, and you know on this kind of track you just have to enjoy and ride smooth because if you ride too aggressive you won’t go fast. It was a good day, I had a good start and I think that is the key, just to start in the top three and ride your own race.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), 24:48.416; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:07.244; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:11.955; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:18.301; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:19.235; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:26.564; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:33.880; 8. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:40.318; 9. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:42.546; 10. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +0:42.812.

The MX2 Qualification Racing at Valkenswaard was just as demanding and surprising as that of the MXGP class. At the start of MX2 Qualifying Race Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado flew off of the grid to a substantial Holeshot.

Pursuing the #61 was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington. Covington’s struggle to feel comfortable at the opening round of the season in Patagonia Argentina and the past two weeks of training was unnoticeable in his riding today.

Prado’s Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate, Pauls Jonass followed Covington as Covington’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Thomas Kjer Olsen chased Jonass.

2017 MX2 podium finisher, Brent Van doninck who now rides for the Husqvarna 8biano Motorsports team put in a solid race for 5th place to position himself well for a repeat of last year’s performance.

Back at the front a last lap error from Prado came up costly as tried to negotiate his way past lapped riders. Prado fell which let both Covington and Jonass get by before the finish allow Covington to score his first pole position of the new season.

Covington in the press conference stated: “The start was so important today…I am proud I got a good start behind Prado and I followed him for most of the race just trying to stay with him. He (Prado) was going pretty fast at the beginning but in the end we came into some lappers and I was able to capitalize on his mistake down the hill.”

Honda 114 Motorsports’ Hunter Lawrence struggled to bring his Argentinian success into the European qualifying race as he shifted between 8th and 9th position before sneaking into 6th at the finish.

Another rider who did well in Argentina but came up short during qualifying was BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei. Sanayei who led laps in Patagonia – Argentina will head the start in 16th tomorrow.

Sanayei in the press conference said: “After Argentina I got pretty sick, I am just kind of getting over that and thankfully I could train this week. I felt confident coming into this weekend but everything didn’t add up today.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 24:54.845; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:04.006; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:07.725; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:21.134; 5. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:39.236; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:52.116; 7. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:54.488; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:55.994; 9. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Yamaha), +0:56.666; 10. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +1:13.319.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Europe will be available HERE

MXGP EUROPE – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1550m

Type of ground: sand

Temperature: -1

Weather conditions: overcast with snow

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: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX125 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Europe

Following the successful unveiling of the all-new YZ65, Yamaha Motor Europe is honored to introduce its youngest ever officially supported motocross team, the Grizzly Yamaha Junior EMX Team.

The team, launched at the MXGP of Europe, Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, earlier this evening, is made up of three young and talented Dutch riders. 11-year-old Damien Knuiman has been elected to challenge for the title in the EMX65 European Championship and will spearhead the team as the only rider that is already riding a Small-Wheel YZ85. Meanwhile, 11-year old Charlie van Nieuwland and 9-year-old Jayson van Drunen will be racing the highly competitive YZ65 all season long in both Open Dutch and EMX65 European Championship's.

The all-new YZ65 is one of the most exciting and technologically advanced youth race bikes in the world. Featuring an all-new engine and chassis, and benefitting from YZ450F-inspired styling, the YZ65 reaffirms Yamaha's total commitment to the youth motocross scene and the next generation of talent.

Yamaha now provides a complete starting point for young champions. With an ideal step up from the PW50 and TT-R bikes, the YZ65 opens up the wonderful world of motorcycling to younger riders and their families. By starting out with some of the best equipment, YZ65 riders will be able to achieve their real potential on the racetrack - and due to the availability of further YZ motorcycles, and also Yamaha's bLU cRU rider support program, riders can kick start their careers and progress through the ranks to reach the pinnacle of motocross racing. 

With the arrival of the YZ65, everyone can start out like a pro rider.

Welcome to the VictorYZone!

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands), 16 March 2018 - The second race of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season is upon us! The MXGP of Europe is the first stop on European soil and set to be epic as both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli will square off on a track both have seen much success on before.

The 2018 MXGP of Europe will receive WORLDWIDE television coverage from its traditional television partners including the MXGP’s partner for the last two years in the Netherlands, NOS, who will have a crew and commentator on site to cover the local hero Jeffrey Herlings along with the local TV channel Omroep Brabrant. 

The event, including the EMX125 and EMX300 Championships both Presented by FMF Racing, will as always be available LIVE to everyone worldwide from Valkenswaard on www.MXGP-TV.com both Saturday and Sunday.

Plus you can watch the 26min Behind the Gate in Europe on motorsport.tv & MotorTrend two days after the event. It can also be viewed in the USA/Canada on BeIn and MAV TV, Finland on MTV 3, Croatia on Kreator TV, South America on FOX Sports, Asia on FOX Sports, China on Fox Sports and SINA, and the Africa on Africa XP.

Check the guides below to find out how you can watch the MXGP of Europe:

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 18 March – MX2 Race 2 – 01:00 pm EST (10 :00 am PST) Delayed

Sunday 18 March – MXGP Race 2 – 02:00 pm EST (11.00 am PST) Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 18:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:15 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS 3

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 18:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 19:00 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 19:30 CET time – Delayed

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 20:15 CET time – Delayed

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE

Tuesday 20 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 13:00 CET time – Delayed

Tuesday 20 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 14:00 CET time – Delayed

ITALY

RAI Sports

Thursday 22 March – MXGP Race 2 – 00:50 (Friday 23) – Delayed

NETHERLAND

NOS

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

PORTUGAL

Sport TV

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET time – Live

UK

Motorsport.tv

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 GMT time – Live

Sunday 18 March  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 GMT time – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS  SEA (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand – Singapore – Indonesia)

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 1 – 10:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 1 – 11:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 2 – 12:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 2 – 13:00 Asia time – Delayed

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA  (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand – Singapore – Indonesia)

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 1 – 22:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 2 – 24:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 2 – 01:00 Asia time – Delayed

CHINA

STAR Sports China (China – Korea)

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 1 – 20:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 1 – 21:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 Asia time – Delayed

Monday 19 March – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 Asia time – Delayed

BRAZIL

BANDSPORTS

Sunday 18 March – MXGP Race 1 –  09:00 Brazilian time - Live

Sunday 18 March – MXGP Race 2 –  11:00 Brazilian time -Live

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 of the MXGP of Europe will be available HERE

TIMETABLE

Saturday: EMX300 Free/Time practice 09:00; EMX125 Group 1 Free/Time Practice 09:45; EMX125 Group 2 Free/Time Practice 10:30; MX2 Free Practice 11:30; MXGP Free Practice 12:00; EMX125 Last Chance Qualifying Race 13:00; MX2 Time Practice 14:00; MXGP Time Practice 14:40; EMX300 Race 1 15:25; MX2 Qualifying Race 16:25; MXGP Qualifying Race 17:10; EMX125 Race 1 17:55.

Sunday: EMX300 Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX125 Race 2 11:30; MX2 Race 1 13:15; MXGP Race 1 14:15; MX2 Race 2 16:10; MXGP Race 2 17:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Europe

The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is landing in Europe. After the inaugural event in Patagonia - Argentina, the riders will be heading to the track in Valkenswaard, Holland, which will host the first appointment on the old continent on Sunday, March 18. The defending champion is Tony Cairoli who, after having come first in race 1 and second in race 2 in Patagonia, can already boast 47 points on the scoreboard, sharing the leading position with his competitor. Tony Cairoli is Fiat Professional brand ambassador and Fiat Professional will be the Official Sponsor of the championship for the third year. The Fullback Cross, the pick-up truck of the Fiat Professional range, will be by his side.

Not by chance, Fullback Cross is the "product hero" of the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship official fleet. The vehicle is perfect for any working requirements or for leisure. Robust, reliable and with impressive load capacity, it boasts a payload of more than a tonne and over three tonnes of towable weight. Furthermore, by implementing all-wheel drive and a 4WD electronic selector, it can easily tackle the roughest terrain in the toughest conditions, like when travelling off-road carrying a heavy load.

The partnership between Fiat Professional and the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is based on authentic shared values of enthusiasm, determination and constant commitment, all embodied by Tony Cairoli, who is bringing all his usual tenacity and courage to this season's world championships, reflecting all the love of a challenge central to the Fiat Professional mentality. After a very successful 2017, Fiat Professional is preparing for an exciting 2018, packed with innovations and new developments which will complement the range even further and flank the motocross scene and the various stages of the world championship.

Fiat Professional has created a special offer for all MXGP championship enthusiasts. Spectators to any one of the European stages of the championship will be offered five total years of warranty if they purchase a new commercial vehicle from the range.

There is no doubt, the opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship caught everyone’s eye. The battle between two legends of the sport, Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings was dramatic as it was sensational.

Herlings the three-time MX2 World Champion, with 68 Grand Prix victories came back from losing the Saturday qualification race and the opening MXGP race on the Sunday to win race two and take the red plate into Valkenswaard.

Cairoli, a nine times motocross world champion isn’t going to lay down and let the young Dutchman have his own way, which means battle stations this weekend in Holland.

Joel Smets, himself a five times motocross world champion knows both well, as he works for KTM, for him that opening round in Argentina was what the sport is all about.

“That is how motocross needs to be,” Smets said. “Heroic fights. I have seen these guys in training, in the pre-season and I know what they have to offer. Tony is never doubting himself and he knows what he can and what he can’t do. Jeffrey is always ready for the start of the season. Sometimes in the race he needs to come under speed and Antonio is fast early. Maybe Jeffrey is more of a diesel in the races.”

Another Belgian, and another former motocross champion, Jacky Martens feels the same as his countryman, he expects something special at Valkenswaard this weekend. The 1993 500cc champion can’t wait to witness the battle of experience and youth.

“Valkenswaard is a classic on the world championship calendar,” Martens said. “The crowd can get close to the action and everyone is very engaged with the top riders. Of course, there’s Jeffrey Herlings being the home rider, but Tony Cairoli is very well known too. And the Argentinian MXGP created a lot of anticipation!”

Australian rider Dean Ferris, a GP winner in the MX2 class sat and watched the opening Grand Prix from his home in Australia, and he was as excited as he was interested to see what happens as the season unfolds.

“Amazing,” Ferris said. “Wow, I was so impressed, and I am sure everyone else who watched also felt that. That was a hell of a ride, I got goose bumps watching it, just unbelievable. I don’t have a crystal ball. All I know is that those two KTMs will be going head to head all year and their speed is just above everyone else. It would have been good to see where Gajser was at, had he come in healthy. I think his speed is on par with those guys.”

Now onto Valkenswaard and let the MXGP boys once again give us goose bumps and thrills. Will it be Cairoli or Herlings, or will it be somebody else?

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer