MXGP

With the opening four fly away rounds in Qatar, Indonesia, Argentina and Mexico now out of the way, as the riders prepare for the European leg of the FIM Motocross World Championship, we thought it might be an idea to ask some of the riders of their experiences on these trips.

American rider Thomas Covington, from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory team, won last weekend in Mexico, and he loves the fly-away events, while he didn’t love all the stops, he did try and learn from his travels.

“I think Indonesia was the one that stood out the most" Covington said "it was a new place and I had never been there before. The weather was unfortunate and unlucky, I will remember that one for a while. I have never ridden a track that was so gnarly. Qatar and Argentina, I like both those tracks and Argentina is my favourite Grand Prix of the year. My dad and I spent a couple of days after the race going fly fishing. We will probably do that again next year. It was a trip of a life-time.”

For HRC Factory rider Evgeny Bobryshev, a travel bug knocked him out between Indonesia and Argentina, but he was still able to put together a podium, finish in round three. Sickness throughout the weekend in Argentina didn’t make the trip as enjoyable as some of his competitors, but he made the most of a bad situation.

“When I got back from Indonesia,” Bobryshev said. “I had one day rest and then on Thursday I tried to ride. I was really feeling bad, I had no energy. On Friday I just spent all day in bed. In the morning, my temperature was 35 and I had no energy, and it was like that until the day before I left for Argentina. So, I was in bed, just visiting doctors and then I had a fever. When I got to Argentina, my energy was feeling better, but then I suddenly had so much pain in my stomach. I called my doctor, who said I should take pain killers. Also, during qualification I had pain in my stomach and I didn’t expect to do so well on Sunday. It’s hard to believe, I didn’t ride for two weeks, I was really sick, and I get on the podium.”

Double GP winner in the MX2 class, Pauls Jonass also loved Argentina, and he spent some quality time before the Grand Prix, just checking out waterfalls and other sights.

“You know,” Jonass said “Going to Argentina I was already excited, because it’s a nice place, nice track and a good organization. We arrived onThursday, so we did some stuff, stayed at the hotel and then went for walk on Friday in the mountains. We really enjoyed it there, I love the place. It’s nice to go so far. I am so happy going there and the nature is so beautiful, I want to go back there.”

Now the riders will head to Pietramurata in Italy, for the fifth round of the MXGP and MX2 championships, and a chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the 19-round series.

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 April 2017 – Youthstream is pleased to welcome a new brand to the solid team of MXGP partners, Mitas. 

Mitas is one of the Europe’s leading motorcycle tire manufactures and its sports roots go back to 1947 when it first started producing motorcycle tires for speedway. Mitas motorcycle tires and tubes are manufactured in production facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovenia. The range includes on-road, trail, off-road, scooter and moped tires.

Endorsed by a number of motorcycle athletes in various disciplines, and with a keen interest in making off-road racing as fun as possible, Mitas will be promoted at the world’s premier motocross championship, MXGP, where they will receive global exposure via panels that are strategically placed around the track at each and every European Round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship.

David Luongo, Vice – President of Youthstream stated: ‘ It is with great pleasure that Youthstream is welcoming Mitas as a new partner of the MXGP World Championship. This new collaboration is strengthening the visibility and the credibility of motocross around the world’.

Luka Mežan, Mitas Moto Racing & Sponsorship manager, says: “Mitas tires are well known among motocross professionals and enthusiasts alike. And we are proud to say that Mitas’ dedication to motorcycle riders and racers for generations worldwide is now growing even stronger thanks to the partnership with MXGP.”

To get the most updated content about Mitas Moto, follow its Facebook page.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Mitas

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 5 April 2017 – Youthstream is very proud to announce the renewal of the partnership with the Italian region of Trentino for the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Trentino is a truly majestic region of Italy, which is known as a dream location nestled at the base of the Dolomites Mountains, UNESCO world heritage and with Lake Garda. Not only does Trentino boast many stunning landscapes, it also gives importance to local services, infrastructures, traditional dining and cuisines, and all the activities the region allows and offers. Tourism is massive in Trentino with the region offering plenty in terms of accommodation, with outstanding facilities across the board that accommodate all needs and budgets.

The summer season is continually packed with outdoor activities, festivals and sport events such as the MXGP of Trentino, which will take place at Pietramurata the 15^th and 16^th April weekend.

Trentino and its partner Garda Trentino receive worldwide recognition via MXGP with trackside advertising and receiving a vast amount of television coverage at all rounds of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Youthstream Group Vice-President and Head of Operations David Luongo said: "It is a great pleasure to continue our collaboration with the beautiful region of Trentino and Garda Trentino. The MXGP's Grand Prix that takes place in Pietramurata is always considered as one of the most typical and fascinating Grand Prix of the season by the motocross fans who can enjoy outdoors touristic activities with the lake and the mountains, and a huge offer of hotels during the full weekend. On top of that, we always receive fantastic feedbacks from the TV Viewers about the beautiful Alps and the unique visual effect of the circuit background."

The assessor of tourism and promotion of the Province of Trento, Michele Dallapiccola stated: “We are very proud to continue our partnership with Youthstream and be present again at all the rounds of the 2017 Motocross World Championship. Together with Garda Trentino, our partner in this project, we have the possibility to increase considerably our visibility with thousands of passionate fans of Motocross all over the world. Obviously the most important event for us is the round of Pietramurata that represents an honour for Trentino.” Mr. Dallapiccola continued: “I wish to congratulate the Moto Club Arco, which organizes this important event which is important not only on sport level but also as a promotion of this area.”

For more information please visit the website of the Trentino: www.visittrentino.it/sport and their Twitter and Instagram page.

Copyright: Photo: Rasmus Kaessmann

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Trentino

The Fox Holeshot award runs across the entire MXGP season. The way it works is 1 point is awarded for each race holeshot. He, who has the most points in MXGP at the end of the season will win the grand prize of €10,000 while he with the most points in MX2 will win the grand prize of €5,000.

At the fourth round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship which was held in Leon, Mexico Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin took the FOX holeshots in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively.

Meanwhile in MX2 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass got it in Race 1 and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington took the FOX holeshots in Race 2

Watch the MXGP of Leon, Mexico ‘Fox Holeshot’ films here below.    

MXGP of Leon, Mexico FOX Holeshot MXGP Film

MXGP of Leon, Mexico FOX Holeshot MX2 Film

TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2014 and together with MXGP are running a fastest lap competition across the season, with the #DontCrackUnderpressure spirit.

The way it works is: at each and every round of the MXGP season, the rider that sets the best lap time in each class, MXGP and MX2, will receive 1 point in the TAG Heuer competition. The rider that has set the fastest lap at the most rounds throughout the season in MXGP and MX2 classes, and has the most points, will be awarded.

The gates dropped at the MXGP of Leon – Mexico for the 4^th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship where Team HRC's Tim Gajser and LRT KTM’s Julien Lieber set the fastest lap time for the weekend in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

Please find here below the details:

Tim Gajser: 1:47.972 in lap 9 of Race 1

Julien Lieber: 1:51.172 in lap 10 of Race 1

Check out MXGP.com home page for the the Top 3 TAG Heuer Best Lap competition’s ranking.

Leon (Mexico), 2 April 2017 – The 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship’s round 4 was a spectacular one at the MXGP of Leon-Mexico, especially for the winners, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser came into Sunday after qualifying first on Saturday for the second GP in a row. Gasjer won both races in textbook form on Sunday. The Slovenian rode at an unmatchable pace winning both races with a 15 second gap on second and registering the fastest laps in both. In the press conference Gajser said, “I felt good all weekend, I was enjoying riding, and felt good on the bike. I’m really happy that I won!”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli came into the weekend knowing that he needed to perform in order to keep the championship points manageable before heading to Italy for the first race in Europe. In Race 1 Tony started in 4th and he maintained his position until the checkered flag while in Race 2 he finished in second which, combined with his 4^th, was enough to finish second overall. Cairoli now is second in the championship 20 points back of Gajser. In the press conference Cairoli said, “I did my best, I finished 4th in the first moto which is good for the championship. Tim and I were a little faster than everyone else today and I want to be closer in the races because it is fun to race with him.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin won the MXGP of Leon - Mexico in 2014 and this time around he found the podium once again. He improved his starts since the last race grabbing the holeshot in race 2 and completing the first lap in 3rd both races. Paulin held off the charges of several riders and handled the pressure well, he crossed the finish line in a consistent 3rd both races and placed himself on the podium for the first time aboard the Husqvarna. Paulin spoke about the race in the press conference saying, “I really love what I’m doing right now, step by step I’m getting better!”

Wilvo Yamaha MXGP’s Arnaud Tonus has struggled so far this season and today he turned his luck around moving up through the competition after finding himself in 7th off the start of both races. In race 1 he moved up one spot to 6th but in race 2 he moved all the way up to 4 passing Jeremy Van Horebeek on the last lap. Tonus’ 6-4 results put him one spot off of the podium but more importantly he gains some confidence before heading to Europe.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Van Horebeek rounded out the top five two weeks after being on the podium in Patagonia-Argentina.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle stays third in the points after an 8th in race 1 and a 6th in race 2 for 7th overall. Desalle’s starts and speed seem to be on point but he isn’t the type to be satisfied with anything less than a podium and he’s heading to Europe determined be there again.

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:45.401; 2. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:14.909; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:15.434; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:15.718; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:17.615; 6. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:17.676; 7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:36.880; 8. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:38.837; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:41.562; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +0:42.542.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 35:03.806; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:15.224; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:26.064; 4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.677; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:28.892; 6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:47.894; 7. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:56.358; 8. Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:58.109; 9. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +1:00.181; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +1:01.851.

MXGP Overall Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 40 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 40 p.; 4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 33 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 32 p.; 6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 29 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 28 p.; 8. Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 27 p.; 9. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 24 p.; 10. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, SUZ), 22 p.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 156 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 136 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 119 p.; 4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 116 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 112 p.; 6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 111 p.; 7. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 89 p.; 8. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, SUZ), 78 p.; 9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 73 p.; 10. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 70 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. Honda, 156 points; 2. KTM, 140 p.; 3. Yamaha, 137 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 120 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 119 p.; 6. Suzuki, 78 p.

​

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington showed he was ready to compete after qualifying 1st on Saturday. Race 1 was slightly more challenging for the American than his qualifying race as he finished 4th. At the start of race 2 Covington grabbed the Fox Holeshot and after battling with Jonass showed that his qualifying win was no fluke, winning the race 3.8 seconds ahead of the second. His 4-1 results and overall win were identical to his 2014 win here in Leon.

Team Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer had no issue in race 1 leading every. In race 2 he was 5th on lap one and he fought his way past Brent Van doninck and Julien Lieber to reach the third position by lap 9, which would have given him the overall, but 3 laps later he had a near get off and miraculous save. His close call caused him to lose a position to Lieber and cost him the overall. Seewer finished second and maintained the point lead heading to Europe. The Swiss later in the press conference said, “I turned my weekend around today, I did what I was looking to do all season in race one, I was there on the start and then raced at my speed.”

LRT KTM’s Julien Lieber was battling throughout the day with the likes of Jonass, Seweer, and Paturel. He swapped position with the other riders multiple times but at the end he finished 3rd in both races getting himself and his privateer KTM on the podium once again. In the press conference Lieber said, “It was really good, it was two tough races and I will continue to try to ride like that.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass may have had the grittiest performance of all at the MXGP of Leon - Mexico after falling in Warm-Up and injuring his arm, he actually pushed through the pain in both races saving valuable points in a close title race. He finished 5th in race 1 and an impressive 2nd in race 2 for 4th overall.

Kemea Yamaha MX Official Team’s Benoit Paturel had similar problems to the last race weekend, he put in a strong race 1 with a second place finish passing five riders along the way. It was in race 2 where he was 20th on lap one and from then on he gave a lesson on how to make a pass. From 20th Paturel worked his way past 12 riders in 16 laps finishing 8th for a 5th place overall. Paturel’s amazing effort and damage control keep him 3rd in the championship points!

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), 35:36.310; 2. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +0:07.922; 3. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:13.091; 4. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:18.551; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:19.913; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), +0:22.157; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:23.285; 8. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +0:27.453; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Honda), +0:33.194; 10. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:39.775

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 34:03.198; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:03.814; 3. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:05.294; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), +0:07.037; 5. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +0:18.147; 6. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, Kawasaki), +0:28.602; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:32.223; 8. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +0:34.034; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:43.675; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:46.280

MX2 Overall Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 43 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 43 p.; 3. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 38 p.; 5. Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 35 p.; 6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 28 p.; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), 24 p.; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 23 p.; 10. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, KAW), 22 p.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 153 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 145 p.; 3. Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 139 p.; 4. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 139 p.; 5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 127 p.; 6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 102 p.; 7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, HON), 84 p.; 8. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 83 p.; 9. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, KAW), 81 p.; 10. Samuele Bernardini (ITA, TM), 80 p

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 184 points; 2. Suzuki, 153 p.; 3. Yamaha, 147 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 142 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 109 p.; 6. Honda, 84 p.; 7. TM, 80 p.

NEXT ROUND

The next round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship will take place in two weeks time in Pietramurata, Trentino on the 15^th and the 16^th April.  

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Leon - Mexico will be available here

MXGP OF LEON - MEXICO – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1575m

Type of ground: Intermediate to Hard

Temperature: 29°C

Weather conditions: sunny

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 35,000

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.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Leon