MXGP

Youthstream is happy to present the timetable for the highly awaited and opening round of the 2018 season, the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina taking place on March the 4th in Neuquen. This 2 day event will be packed with racing action and will set the tone for what is sure to be another season of bar to bar completion.

The full weekend Timetable can be download in PDF format by clicking this link HERE!

Strengthening their strategy for 2018, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. will officially support two teams and a total of five riders inside the world's premier class, MXGP. Spearheading the effort and set to take the YZ450FM to the top of the podium, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team remains unchanged for a third consecutive season where they hope to toast success once again with 2015 MXGP World Champion Romain Febvre and 2014 MXGP vice World Champion Jeremy Van Horebeek.

The Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team will enter their second season on YZ450Fs inside the top-tier class with a dynamic three-man team. Last year's challengers Arnaud Tonus and Shaun Simpson remain under the 'Wilvo' awning and will be joined by one of MXGP's hottest rookies, two-time MX2 vice-World Champion Jeremy Seewer.

In MX2, the Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 outfit has had a total reshuffle with the introduction of three new riders. Heading the line-up, the British Motocross MX2 Champion Ben Watson will be joined by blisteringly fast Russian prodigy Vsevolod Brylyakov and young Belgian mega-talent Jago Geerts. The trio will be manning YZ250F machinery.

Also armed with YZ250F technology, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. is proud to support three teams and riders inside the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship. Leading the charge is none other than the reigning WMX World Champion FontaMX Yamaha Official WMX's Kiara Fontanesi, and looking to dethrone her are fellow Yamaha Riders, Altherm Yamaha Official WMX's Courtney Duncan and NoFear Yamaha Official WMX's Nancy van de Ven.

In the European Motocross Championship, the ASTES4-TESAR Yamaha Official EMX250 Team returns with Dutchman Roan van de Moosdijk who remains on the team for a second term where he will be joined by American ace Tristan Charboneau and Italian hopeful Nicolas Lapucci. Meanwhile, in the youngest class that is only open to riders under the age of 17-years-old, the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team holds onto French talent Thibault Benistant and Dutchman Rick Elzinga, who have welcomed with open arms the winner of the 2017 YZ125 bLU cRU Cup, Estonian Jörgen-Matthias Talviku.

Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Manager: "We are in for a very exciting year. This year we didn't focus on quantity, adding more riders, but instead we focused on the quality of riders that we will support in 2018. This year we aim to further establish the existing teams from 2017, one Factory Team in MXGP and at least one Official Team in every single class, MXGP, MX2, EMX250, EMX125 and WMX. I am excited to see what the boys and girls can do. I believe our line-ups are very talented, very strong and very stable, and that the riders are all highly motivated to achieve their goals.

The winter has been a successful one for the boys with not too many issues to speak of, which is an achievement as we have fifteen male riders, but it could have been slightly better for our three female athletes as Courtney spent some time recovering from a knee surgery, while Nancy broke her leg training in Spain. Nevertheless, I am confident that both girls will be fit to join the five time WMX World Champion Kiara Fontanesi at the first round, while the boys are sure to be on top of their game and prepared to fight for a good place at the opening rounds of the FIM MXGP and MX2 World Championships, and the EMX250 and EMX125 Championships."

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 09 February 2018 - Youthstream is proud to announce that the fifty-fourth issue of MXGP Mag is now online. In the new issue of MXGP Mag we feature the young Kemea Yamaha group as team of the month and highlight their changes coming into 2018. Also included in Issue #54 we give a preview of some of the main contenders in the soon to start 2018 season, plus we provide more information on MXGP’s return to Turkey in a special feature, and afterwards we throw it back to the past with a write-up on the 1982 Gillera 125cc and Corrado Maddii plus an article on Hall of Famer of the month Marcus Hansson.

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

Those users who have already downloaded other issues on their iOS device can automatically download the new issue by opening the News Stand and clicking on the cover of the MXGP Mag. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP MAG

When the dust settled on the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship season, two young Australian men stood on top of a Grand Prix podium. At the Gran Prix of Pays de Montbeliard, played out at the Villars-Sous-Ecot circuit in France, Hunter Lawrence and Jed Beaton made Australian motocross history.

Finishing second and third in the GP behind American Thomas Covington, the two Aussies had done what had never been done before, not when Australian motocross legends Jeff Leisk, Chad Reed, Andrew McFarlane or Dean Ferris rode Grand Prix motocross.

All four previously mentioned Australians all won at Grand Prix level, but none stood on a GP podium with a countryman by his side. While both Lawrence and Beaton win a Grand Prix, you get the feeling 2018 might change all that, and who knows, maybe that double podium can be duplicated again this year.

For Lawrence the final two races of last season showed what we can expect in 2018, as he finished second in that final Grand Prix of the season in France, winning a race and being just four points off winning the French Grand Prix. He then turned up at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations and pulled off a big shock, by winning the MX2 class against American 250 champion, Zach Osborne.

“I am looking forward to the season,” Lawrence said. “Pre-season doesn’t mean much, and a lot can change when we get to round one, but it gives us good direction and something to work on, and I am going to just keep my head screwed on for the rest of the series. Any win changes your confidence, that is normal. I mean that is how it is. That was cool (MXoN performance), and it was a weekend I will never forget, but I didn’t feel like I rode over my head or anything. I just think I pulled that ride from nowhere, but really, after Germany last year, or even Valkenswaard, things were going in the good way. Then I hurt my back in Russia and things went off a little, but we went to the end of the season and we got two more podiums.”

As for Beaton, his 2017 season was very up and down, and his EMX results not really what he expected, but once he picked up a ride on the HRC factory bike, he showed what he was capable of, finishing third in that very same French Grand Prix that his fellow countryman finished second. Two Aussies on a GP podium, and Australian motocross history made.

“Yes,” Beaton said. “It was pretty cool (getting on the GP podium). It didn’t actually sink in until after the podium, but when it did sink in it was pretty special. I didn’t take any notice of who else was on the podium, afterwards Hunter said he thought it might be the first time two Aussies were on the podium, so it was nice to make some Aussie history. I don’t know, I have been working hard and I will be competing in a new class (for a full season). I came early to be better prepared, much better than last year. So, on that side of things. Obviously, it’s my first full year in MX2, I have done some races, so I know what to expect. I am looking forward to it and same goal as last year, see where I am at in the early rounds, and take it from there.”

Now onto Argentina, for the opening race of the 2018 MX2 championship. Standing in the way of the two Australian youngsters will be defending World MX2 champion Pauls Jonass, on a Red Bull KTM Factory machine. If they can top the Latvian in Argentina, then they could be heading to something else no other Australian has been able to achieve on the Grand Prix scene, and that is a Motocross World Championship. 

Copyright: Photo: Bavo Swijgers

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 February 2018 – Youthstream is very pleased to have recently welcomed Indonesian Officials to its office in Monaco. The important visit comes just one month shy of the 2018 MXGP season opener in a year of racing that will visit the country of Indonesia twice. The 2 races scheduled for Indonesia, the MXGP of Indonesia and the MXGP of Asia, will be on two different Indonesian Islands giving fans from around the country a chance to witness the FIM Motocross World Championship.

The purpose of the visit from the Indonesian delegation was to give updates on the organization’s progress and preparation of the two events. The Indonesian delegation was headed by Mr. Erzaldi Rosman Djohan, Governor of Bangka Belitung Island together with the Major of Pangkal Pinang and Chairman of PT Arena Sirkuit International, Mr. Muhammad Irwansyah Sofyan, the Vice President of IMI, Mr. Medya Saputra, the Organizer of both Indonesian Grand Prix, Mr. Alfonsus Judiarto along with prominent representatives of Bangka Island where the Grand Prix of Indonesia will take place on July 1st.  The delegation was welcomed by Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream Group Vice President Luigi Zompetti, Youthstream Vice President David Luongo and Youthstream Directors Daniele Rizzi and Nikos Gounaris.

Both Indonesian stops are extremely important to Youthstream and the motocross industry as the country and its surrounding regions comprise of one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world. Perhaps even more notable, the country also has a massive number of fans and is one of the largest consumers of MXGP digital content worldwide making it the perfect double host.

At the conclusion of the meeting both Youthstream and the Indonesian delegation were mutual satisfied. Each party expressed their satisfaction at the level of commitment taken by one another and both are now looking forward to the success of the important MXGP events in Indonesia this July.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Indonesia

MXGP of Asia

Team HRC is ready to spearhead their attack on the 2018 MXGP and MX2 titles with a strong rider line up consisting of two-time World Champion Tim Gajser and new signings Brian Bogers (MXGP) and Calvin Vlaanderen (MX2). For the forthcoming 19-round 2018 season, the team will field the latest evolution of last season’s race-winning CRF450RW and the much-anticipated, all-new Honda CRF250RW, two machines that build on Honda’s history of success in the series.

Tim Gajser needs no introduction: the sensational 21-year-old Slovenian rider has made history with Honda by winning back-to-back MX2 and MXGP titles in 2015 and 2016 and taking the whole MXGP championship by storm. With one more year of experience within the class and a strong finish to his 2017 campaign, Gajser is now looking forward to trying to regain the crown that slipped from his grasp last year.

Brian Bogers is one of the two new arrivals in the Team HRC’s family: the 21-year-old from the Netherlands will enter his rookie season in the MXGP class alongside Gajser, although he is still recovering from a foot injury that will briefly delay his debut in the senior class.

Calvin Vlaanderen is the new standard bearer of Team HRC in the MX2 class. The young South African rider has already shown great speed in the championship, and is now looking forward to stepping up his game on board the new Honda CRF250RW, which he rode to third place in the first race of the ‘Internazionali d’Italia’ in Riola last weekend.

The 2018 MXGP season will get underway at Villa La Angostura (Patagonia - Argentina) on March 3-4.

Tim Gajser: “We have finished testing and I must say I’m really happy with the bike, so I’m now looking forward to the season beginning. I learned a lot from last year and, although it was an up and down season, we finished on a high note so we now hope to keep the momentum going heading into 2018. I love the bike and it feels good to reunite with the team, so I’m excited to see what this season will bring!”

Brian Bogers: “It’s such an honour to be a factory Honda rider and obviously a dream for me to be racing in the MXGP class. The Honda CRF450RW is a fantastic bike – I was able to ride it at the end of last year and it really impressed me on every level. I have had a chance to spend some time with the team and I must say they’re great people and I look forward to joining them for my MXGP debut!”

Calvin Vlaanderen: “I’m really happy to be part of Team HRC and to be racing in the MX2 again with such a competitive package. I know the class well but obviously this is a new journey for me and I can’t wait to exploit the potential of the new Honda CRF250RW. I feel we’re definitely heading in the right direction. I would like to thank the team and Honda for this amazing opportunity and look forward to the first race of the season!”

Marcus Pereira De Freitas: “We are ready and motivated for what is going to be a very exciting season for us in the factory Honda MXGP team. We feel we have all the ingredients needed for a successful campaign: the new rider line up is young and extremely talented, and we have two amazing bikes in the Honda CRF450RW and the new CRF250RW. Tim is eager to make his way to the top, while Brian and Calvin are looking forward to showing what they’re capable of as part of an official effort. I see no reason why 2018 can’t be an ultra-successful year for us, so we can’t wait for the action to start!

Copyright: Photo: Honda Racing

MXGP is excited to share that a new video series has been started with a focus on the MXGP athlete’s off-season training.

The new project “MXGP Off Season” is a series of more than 13 different videos which will be shared throughout the month of February, all leading up to the season opener in Argentina.

Each episode will focus on different riders and their feelings and preparations as they head into the 2018 season. The first 2 episodes featuring Max Anstie and Antonio Cairoli are online NOW and can be watched at the following links:

Max Anstie off season Video: https://youtu.be/wRt_hTGfSbc

Antonio Cairoli off season Video: https://youtu.be/5lsRqNChnic

Plus don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, MXGP-TV, to be notified as soon as each episode is uploaded and available! CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://ow.ly/tPA6Y

Husqvarna Motorcycles are pleased to release the imagery and video of the 2018 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team, featuring official team riders Thomas Covington and Thomas Kjer-Olsen.

Watch the video here: Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 Video

Placing third and fourth respectively in the 2017 FIM MX2 World Championship both Kjer-Olsen and Covington enjoyed impressive season aboard their FC 250 machinery. With the start of the eagerly-awaited 2018 MX2 World Championship drawing even closer, the Danish and American duo are set to lead Husqvarna Motorcycles’ charge in what is expected to be a long and demanding season. 

The 19-round 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship kicks off with the MXGP of Patagonia in Nequen, Argentina on March 3/4, 2018. 

Please feel free to download the high-res images from the official 2018 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team shooting here.

Copyright: Photo: Husqvarna Racing/ShotbyBavo

Team HRC’s Brian Bogers is on the way to full recovery following the foot injury he suffered in Italy last November. The physical condition of the 21-year-old Dutch rider was evaluated yesterday at the AZ St.-Elisabeth hospital in Herentals, Belgium, by foot/ankle specialist Anne van Riet.

Despite being cleared to resume training, Dr van Riet has suggested a further six weeks’ rest before Brian can perform any activity requiring pressure on the foot. Bogers’ condition will therefore be re-evaluated at the end of March, after which a more accurate time frame for his MXGP debut will be announced.

Team HRC has not yet made a decision regarding the rider line-up for the first events of the 2018 MXGP season.

Brian Bogers: Obviously, every racer would love recovery times to be as short as possible, but I fully understand the need for the foot to be fully healed and strong before making my MXGP debut. On the bright side, it looks like the healing process is going really well and even the doctor was surprised as to how well my foot has progressed in such a short time. Motocross is a tough sport which requires perfect physical condition, and that’s our goal for now. It was nice to get together with the team last week and I can’t wait to join them and get back to racing. Meanwhile, though, I will train as much as I can and prepare in order to be ready for the season ahead.

Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager MXGP: Brian’s healing progress is going very well; quicker than we expected so this is very positive news. Of course all the Team want to see him back as soon as possible but it is absolutely important and necessary to give him the time he needs to have his foot fully healed and to make sure he doesn’t come back too soon. Brian will be back on the bike in around six weeks so we are looking forward to seeing him back in action, and in the meantime he has been cleared by his doctor to work on all other aspects of his physical training as he continues his preparation to make his debut season with Team HRC on the CRF450RW.

Copyrigyht: Photo: Team HRC

Yamaha Motor Europe is offering all talented YZ125 riders that were born between 2002 and 2005 an extended chance to enter the 2018 YZ125 bLU cRU Cup where he or she could win a professional contract with Yamaha Motor Europe to race the 2019 EMX125 European Championship. Registration will now close on the 28th of February. 

In search of new motocross talent, Yamaha is running a competition where one promising young rider will be awarded a place within the Official Yamaha EMX125 team, where he or she will be supplied with a GYTR kitted YZ125 to compete in the 2019 EMX125 European Championship season.

The competition is open to all registered YZ125 riders who will be racing in 1 of 15 approved national championships. Up to 44 of the best performing riders will then be invited to finish the season by racing in The YZ125 bLU cRU Cup Superfinale, which will be held on the 29th and 30th September at the final round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Imola, Italy. The riders who finish inside the top three in the Superfinale, plus two wildcard riders selected by a jury, will be invited to attend the bLU cRU Masterclass at the end of the season.

The Masterclass is designed to inspire, educate and develop the next generation of motocross riders by providing an exclusive insight as to what it takes to be a champion. It will be run by a highly acclaimed bLU cRU ambassador and will take place over three days where the jury will select and reward one lucky rider who has proved he has the talent, motivation and desire to be something great, with a contract for the 2019 European Championship EMX125 season on the MJC Yamaha Official EMX 125 team.

Due to an increase in popularity, registration has been extended to 28th of February, it is FREE of charge, so get in quick! For more information and to enter, click HERE and fill out the registration form and send it to bLUcRU@yamaha-racing.com

As an official bLU cRU member you will receive a free bLU cRU welcome pack following your registration. The pack contains: two T-shirts, a hoody, an umbrella, a cap, a backpack, a bLU cRU water bottle and an exclusive YZ sticker kit that all European YZ125 bLU cRU Cup contenders are obliged to use whilst racing in their national championships, and, in case qualified, in the YZ125 bLU cRU Cup SuperFinale and Masterclass.

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing