MXGP

(PIETRAMURATA) Trentino, 15 April 2017- Amidst the Italian motocross fans the MXGP of Trentino started today with MXGP and MX2 Qualifying Races, plus Race 1 of the second round of the Women’s Motocross World Championship and the first round of the European Championship 250cc. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli gave the country’s MXGP fans exactly what they wanted to see, an Italian in pole position while in the MX2 class it was the new face of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen who will have first gate pick come Sunday.

WMX Race 1 provided great action for the all the fans and an even better result for the Italian fans as they saw Kiara Fontanesi edge out the competition. Kiara capitalized on the fall of points leader Courtney Duncan. Courtney, however, fought her way back to 2nd followed by Nancy Van De Ven.

EMX250 Race 1 had more bar banging action with Simone Furlotti coming out on the top spot. Behind Furlotti the battle for second between Morgan Lesiardo and Ken Bengtson lasted all the way to the last corner where Lesiardo came out ahead.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli started the MXGP Qualifying Race with the holeshot and followed it up with an impressive win after leading every lap. Cairoli has not only the support of the Italian fans but also the added pressure, and after today’s performance, he is now in the best position to win on Sunday. In the post-race press conference, the Italian said, “If it’s possible I will try to take the win in front the home crowd tomorrow, but it’s always difficult and the most important thing for me is to be consistent.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin had another good start this season, second behind Cairoli but ahead of points leader Tim Gajser and though there was a slight cushion both in front and behind Paulin he kept it fairly consistent. In addition, Paulin also had the fastest lap of the race showing that he is on par with the Trentino pace of not only Cairoli but Gajser as well.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser found himself in an unfamiliar position as of late which is anything but the lead. Gajser kept Gautier within reaching distance the entire race and looked as if he was going to make a charge on the last lap to move past. In the end he settled with third and shift his focused to tomorrow’s racing. For Gajser this is one of the closest GPs to his native Slovenia, with many Slovenian fans and media making the trip he finds himself in a good position to impress tomorrow.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre showed he had the top level pace as well putting in some very fast lap times on his way to a 4th place finish. Febvre had a good start but will look to improve it for Sunday as the competitiveness of the class makes moving forward from a bad start a challenge.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl finished out the top five in qualifying Race. Nagl was one of the few riders who made his way past riders, most notably points contender Clement Desalle for the top five position.

For Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle qualifying session was likely not as productive as he would have liked after being in the top five for the early stages of the race and then being pushed out by Max Nagl. Desalle has done well here in the past though and he will use his 6th gate pick to hopefully provide another impressive result.

Championship points contender, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s, Jeremy Van Horebeek finished in the seventh spot after showing some great speed during the beginning of the race. Van Horebeek has done well at the prior 2 GPs and he will try to keep the momentum of such for Sunday.

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 25:05.215; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:02.621; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:03.916; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:05.934; 5. Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:09.486; 6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:16.871; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:33.806; 8. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +0:37.425; 9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:39.399; 10. Jose Butron (ESP, KTM), +0:44.407.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen scored the first qualifying race win of his professional career. The 2016 EMX250 champion is showing he has what it takes to compete in the MX2 World Championship. Thomas Kjer Olsen made his way past Jorge Prado Garcia for the lead early in the race and he remained there until the checkered flag was out. In the post race press conference, Thomas said, “It feels really good getting a qualifying win, it's great… I felt the best I have felt all year out front being just able to focus on my lines. It’s a confidence boost.”

Red plate holder Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer qualified 2nd even after falling while trying to make a pass on Samuele Bernardini. He is already off to a better start to the weekend than his 7th qualifying position in Leon, which he later followed with a 2nd overall. Seewer looks comfortable and very fast here in Pietramurata.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado Garcia came out looking much improved from a difficult Leon. Prado led the first few laps and finished 3rd, setting up a good chance to win his first race of the season Sunday.

The Italian native HRC MX2’s Michele Cervellin didn’t just grow up just a stones throw away from here but he impressed today with his best result on the World Championship stage, finishing 4th. Cervellin looks to keep the career best results coming for Sunday.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Pauls Jonass battled in the lead group, which had some intense bar to bar action, before finally finishing in the 5th position.

Championship competitor, Kemea Yamaha MX Official Team’s, Benoit Paturel struggled on his way to a 14th place result. Getting the start his needs and has been missing lately will be difficult for Paturel with 14th gate choice against a full gate. Although the Frenchman has proven he has the skills to pass productively he will hope to keep from needing to show it Sunday.

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 23:39.305; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), +0:04.224; 3. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), +0:06.897; 4. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Honda), +0:11.179; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:14.103; 6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +0:14.974; 7. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:18.172; 8. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:20.375; 9. Samuele Bernardini (ITA, TM), +0:23.795; 10. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:24.655.

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Trentino will be available here

MXGP of Trentino – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1660m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 21°C

Weather conditions: cloudy

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: WMX Race 2 09:45; MX2 Warm up 10:25; MXGP Warm up 10:45; EMX250 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

MXGP of Trentino

(PIETRAMURATA) Trentino, 15 April 2017 - The green light is lit for the MXGP of Italy taking place on the 24th and 25th of June at the circuit of Ottobiano. The second Italian venue of the FIM Motocross World Championship was officially presented this afternoon at the media center of Pietramurata (Trentino), which is hosting the MXGP of Trentino.

The announcement was made by Vice-President of Youthstream David Luongo together with the two representatives of the newly formed company 8M Sports Group, an exciting union of two entrepreneurial giants in the World of Motocross: Maggiora Park and Ottobiano Motorsport. The strategic objective of 8M is to create a wide network of facilities dedicated to Action Sports, in fact the company's debut will be on the MXGP World Championship stage this 24th and 25th of June at Ottobiano.

President of Youthstream Group, Giuseppe Luongo said about the announcement of this new partnership: “The formation of 8M Sports Group is fantastic for our sport, we have always believed the union would create strength.  With the two structures and the know-how of both companies spectacular events are awaiting for us all.  Aside from the MXGP events we can now start multiple projects focused on the growth of Motocross and Youth activities, essential for the future of this sport. We are looking forward to great cooperation with 8M starting from this 24^th and 25th of June with the MXGP of Italy”.

Vice President of Youthstream David Luongo visibly buoyant with 8M's organization and direction of the MXGP of Italy said: “With this new project we are sure that we will again improve, Ottobiano is a well known modern facility. Many riders go to Ottobianno to train and they have everything required to host a round of the FIM Motocross World Championship. We have no doubt that the facility will be great for a world class event and that the collaboration will be good as well, I think that this change is for the best.”

"We have worked with commitment and passion forging this first big challenge in which our new company is involved " Stefano Avandero, CEO of 8M Sports Group announced, "The track is fantastic! We’ve been working closely with the same Youthstream track designer in charge of Maggiora during the FIM Monster Energy Motocross of Nations last year. Ottobiano circuit will undergo a dramatic upgrade in the next weeks in order to make it spectacular and very enjoyable for fans. It will mix old school and modernity and feature brand new obstacles that will be exciting both for fans and riders. The new layout will be amazing: we will make it definitive in almost 4 weeks and we will host the Italian MX Championship on July 4th. This will give riders the opportunity to test the layout before the MXGP of Italy. On the other hand, I’m also glad to share some good news from Maggiora, where soon we will be able to re-open the “Balmone”Restaurant. This is the first and meaningful step on the path to have Maggiora back in full effect as soon as possible. Everybody in Maggiora showed a great support to our organization and that’s the reason why many people from Maggiora Motocross Moto Club will be involved in the event organization at MXGP of Italy”.

Luca Gualini, CEO of 8M Sport Group stated: "We are ready and we are looking forward to demonstrating through the quality of our infrastructure and the high level of organization that 8M will live up to everyone's expectations, especially the fans, who we guarantee an unforgettable weekend of fun, thrills and excitement and also to Youthstream's Giuseppe and David Luongo, whose trust made all this possible"- announced Luca Gualini during an 8M presentation, then he continued “8M is a challenging and ambitious project. Our aim is to bring Maggiora’s experience together with the innovative Ottobiano business model. We are ready and we are looking forward to hosting the MXGP of Italy. Every stakeholder from our district will be involved and the city of Vigevano will host some collaterals events, too. We are working closely with the municipal administrators to ensure good road conditions and we’ve planned 130.000 sm parking lots, paddock side. Besides we will also have 1.600 trucks collecting 16.000m3 of sand in order to expand the arena”.

Experience something unique and emotional at the circuit of Ottobiano on the 24th and 25th of June. Tickets for the MXGP of Italy can be purchased online now at the link below with a discounted price: http://bit.ly/2gHejr0

Watch the 8M presentation video by clicking HERE

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Following the success of ´Ride with the Pros´ at the MXGP 2016 season, Fox Racing is back with an upgraded setup and GP activation with the goal of enhancing fans' experience at the Fox Booth during the GPs. This year, our fans will be able to take a virtual ride on either Tim Gajser´s Honda CRF 450 or Gautier Paulin´s Husqvarna FC450. With two available bikes to ride, fans will be able to share this experience with their friends or family. Additionally, the Fox Booth will host regular Athlete signing sessions with the Fox athletes where fans will get a chance to get signed posters and take photos with their favourite Fox riders.

For 2017 season, Fox Racing has increased its stops  for the Fox Booth at the GPs to 10 in order to get more fans involved in this unique experience ´Ride With the Pros´. Below are the GPs where Fox Booth will be making its stop:

(PIETRAMURATA) Trentino, 14 April 2017 - MXGP is proud of its continued growth on social media and through its various digital platforms. MXGP recognizes the value and importance of social media not only for the exposure of the series but the sport as a whole.

MXGP largest presence is on Facebook and Instagram with the Facebook page having over 1,575,000 likes and Instagram with 405,000 followers and 2,617 posts. MXGP is also active on Twitter including live race day tweeting totaling 17,800 tweets followed by 51,600 fans.

In addition MXGP provides exclusive video content, such as race action, news highlights, special interviews and more, for its subscribers. MXGP-TV YouTube channel currently has over 82,741 subscribers and nearly 47 Million views.

The MXGP Facebook page continues to see growth with over 128,000 new likes in the last month. From 2015 to 2016 the MXGP Facebook page had a tremendous increase in all sections, from 260,125 fans at the end of 2015 to 1,131,283 at the end of 2016 which is a +334% increase, the actions on page (number of clicks, like and comments) has risen by 366% with an increase of 264% in post views from 2015 and +86% in videos views.

Outside of social media, MXGP has various other digital offerings as well as the MXGP Mag, a free digital magazine published monthly, which covers MXGP racing from the featured riders to what you may have missed at each round and everything in between.

In addition MXGP.com hosts all the series news including press releases, results, the season schedule, track information, tickets, photo galleries, and even the official riders profiles of MXGP and their teams.

Finally for those who want to watch all the action LIVE and on Demand MXGP-TV.com shows every race of the season, from the first lap of Qualifying Races on Saturday to the Race 2 checkered flag on Sunday as well as all the Support classes such as the Women’s World Championship, the European Championships and the pinnacle of the season, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross Of Nations. MXGP-TV has over 1,125,000 users from over 210 countries all able to follow the action of MXGP from every device.

Whether it is MXGP’s social media, website, digital magazine, on demand or live streaming, MXGP has you covered so be sure to stay tuned to all for the MXGP of Trentino and the rest of the 2017 FIM World Motocross Championship by following the links below:

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MXGP-TV YOUTUBE PAGE: http://ow.ly/tPA6Y

WATCH MXGP LIVE on http://www.mxgp-tv.com

FOLLOW MXGP

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mxgp

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mxgp

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mxgp

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/mxgptv

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

Italian rider Michele Cervellin of the HRC Factory MX2 team looked strong in the pre-season and many expected him to be fighting for podiums in 2017. While he hasn’t reached those heights just yet, he does hold down seventh place in the MX2 points standings, and he goes into this weekend’s Grand Prix of Trentino with a large Italian fan base behind him.

“I am looking forward to heading back into Europe this weekend,” Cervellin said. “The track I know well and it is really close to my home so it is a local one for me. I raced in Europe last year so I feel more comfortable coming back to tracks that I know which means I will hopefully do better for myself and the team. The first few rounds I have learnt a lot which I can put into my racing in Europe.

In the last four MX2 moto, he has gone 9-11-9-11, consistent but not something to get too excited about. Mind you in a very competitive MX2 championship it is more than solid.

A couple of weeks ago in Mexico the Honda rider picked up a top ten overall, but is still looking to climb the series points with some solid top five performances.

“Sunday was ok for me. In the first moto, I didn’t have a bad race as I finished ninth but in the second I finished eleventh. Eleventh wasn’t so bad for me in the championship as the points help but it isn’t really where I want to finish. For me the start is still a challenge but I improved on this in both the races. Overall I have had good points for the championship but I was looking forward to racing back in Europe.”

Argentina was a similar story, consistent results, but still Cervellin knows that he is capable of more.

“The weekend in wasn’t so bad but I know I can do better. In the first moto, I had a good start and I lost some positions which ended up ninth which I am not really that happy about and then in the second Moto I finished eleventh which again is not something I am really that happy about. In the last part of both the moto’s I know I was riding good but I need to do some more work on how I ride in the first half with more speed.”

Now onto the home Grand Prix, at the hard pack circuit of Trentino. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the local rider put together two top five results.

Copyright: Photo: Bavo Swijgers

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie will not compete in this weekend’s MXGP of Trentino, Italy – round five of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship after an ingiury to his left knee picked up last weekend.

In his debut season of MXGP class competition, the FC 450 mounted rider has so far enjoyed three top 10 results with his highlight being a seventh-place moto result at the MXGP of Patagonia, Argentina. Currently sitting 11th in the MXGP championship standings the young Brit is expected to return to competition at the MXGP of Europe in Valkenswaard, on April 22/23.

The fifth round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship will take place in Pietramurata, Italy on April 15/16.

Antti Pyrhönen, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: “It’s always disappointing when a rider is unable to compete due to injury, but that’s a part of our sport. Max has enjoyed a good start to the season, and has been steadily improving his speed and consistency. We’re thankful his injury isn’t a serious one, with a little time to recover he will soon be back to full fitness.”

Copyright: Photo: Husqvarna Racing

It’s never easy to find a rider available for a ride during the season, but the Team Green family combined their resources in the past few weeks and are pleased to announce that Frenchman Maxime Desprey will deputise for Jordi Tixier for the upcoming two rounds of the MXGP. Twenty-four years old and native from Burgundy, Maxime has already a long relationship with Kawasaki as he fought for the European title on a KX250 in 2012 and enters his third season as member of team Monster Energy Bud Racing Kawasaki. Several times French Champion and currently fifth in the French Elite MX1 after three rounds, only five points from the second position, Max has a double program this season; he races for Monster Bud Racing Kawasaki in France and for Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki in the European rounds of the FIM World Championship. So Max will switch on the KX450F-SR in Arco di Trento and Valkenswaard, while Steven Lenoir racing in UK with HR Kawasaki will ride for Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki in Valkenswaard.
 
Maxime Desprey said: "First of all I’d like to thank Kawasaki and Monster Energy KRT to give me this great opportunity, but also Bud Racing and team Gebben Racing who understood that it was a great chance for me to show what I can do. Of course I’m very happy with this opportunity, I have already tested the bike and I can’t wait to be in Arco di Trento this weekend.”
 
Francois Lemariey said:  "KRT has a strong competitive ethic and we searched hard for a rider to deputise for Jordi Tixier. We are working with Jordi on his comeback plan, while giving Maxime a chance to shine in MXGP with our full support. We all want to see our two bikes behind the gate; Maxime has a strong experience of GP racing and he’s used to race the 450 Kawasaki, so he was the best possible choice.”
 
Steve Guttridge stated: "Kawasaki and Team Green are a platform for aspiring young riders, and we are now about to see Maxime step up to KRT MXGP premier class to deputise for Jordi, while our satellite teams have worked with us to enable young Kawasaki riders to reach their dreams of a GP ride. I’d like to extend a special thanks to our team owners, Stephane Dasse of Monster Energy Bud Racing Kawasaki, Emile Gebben and Van Venrooy of Gebben Kawasaki, Paul Hobbs of HR Kawasaki and, of course, Francois Lemariey of KRT who worked tirelessly to create this arrangement.