MXGP

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle WILL be racing this weekend at the MXGP of Qatar despite having his radius plated two weeks ago. We spoke to him to see how he’s feeling:

LOSAIL (Qatar), 25 February 2016 - The wind is already racing here in Losail, Qatar on the heels of yet another stellar season of FIM Motocross World Championship racing. With it all about to kick off tomorrow, a media opportunity was held at the Katara cultural village in Doha, Qatar’s capital.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle, Honda Gariboldi’s Tim Gajser, Suzuki World MXGP’s Ben Townley and Kevin Strijbos, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie and Thomas Covington and Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha Racing’s Aleksandr Tonkov attended the special event where they were able to look around and enjoy the buildings and facilities inside the artistic venue which reflects Qatar’s cultural and architectural heritage.

After the media opportunity, the first press conference of the season took place in front of the national and international media, as well as a handful of riders. Taking the stage, Youthstream President Mr. Giuseppe Luongo was joined by Losail Circuit Sports Club Vice Chairman and General Secretary Mr. Khalid Al Remaihi, QMMF President Mr. Abdulrahman Al Mannai and FIM/CMS Director Mr. Tony Skillington along with some of the biggest protagonists for this years season: Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre, Honda Gariboldi’s Tim Gajser, Team HRC’s Gautier Paulin, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle and Suzuki World MXGP’s Ben Townley.

Mr. Giuseppe Luongo opened, “We are excited to be here in Qatar, it makes sense to come here because it guarantees great weather and great organizers which will make it a great race to open the season with. Also this year we have two new events to look forward to, one is apart of the MXGP season, the MXGP of Americas in Charlotte which will be a great show and excellent for the fans and then we will close the season with the Supermotocross Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Cup, which is good to give something new and different to our sport.”

Mr. Khalid Al Remaihi said: “I would like to say thanks to all the media. You play a big role in our sport with the promotion and the good coverage. I also want to thank all the riders and teams and everyone involved. Here in Qatar our main objective is to promote motorsport so we feel really lucky to have one of the best series’, MXGP, here in Qatar.”

Mr. Abdulrahman Al Mannai: “I’m a big fan of motocross. It’s a big challenge but we are passionate about this sport and we are so thrilled and looking forward to the journey we will make together.”

Mr. Tony Skillington rounded up the word from the officials: “It’s an honor and great pleasure as always to be amongst you, I’m very excited for it. There will be a few new changes this year one of which will be that body armor is compulsory and if you are a rider this should be music to your ears that the FIM is being proactive in making our sport safer.”

The riders rounded out the press conference with these statements:

“I feel really good, I had a little issue with my elbow but I only missed a week of racing, I am happy to be here, in shape and ready for the new season again.” – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre.

“I feel really good, I had a good winter and did a lot of testing and everything went well for me. I am happy with the 450cc, I feel comfortable and I’m really looking forward to the first round.” – Honda Gariboldi’s Tim Gajser.

“I have some great memories from here last year, but every year you start is new. I also had good preparation this winter with no injuries so that made it really good, I also have a new bike so we had to work a bit on the set up, but it’s going great and I am really happy to start the new season.” – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl.

“I spent a lot time in the winter in the USA with my new trainer, but it’s not so much different, we will see on Saturday night. I am really happy to be here in Qatar.” Team HRC’s Gautier Paulin.

“I will see how I feel this weekend because I had an injury and I missed five weeks of riding which is a lot at the beginning of the season but I was feeling really good before I crashed, but this is apart of the job. I hope it will be ok, you never know, I can maybe get a good start and hang on, you never know what can happen.” – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli.

“Obviously I have two seasons of injuries but now I am feeling 100% physically fit. I had a great winter, we did a lot of testing and we have made the bike way better and we have had a good run so far. It’s going to be a long season, this weekend is just one of eighteen rounds so the plan is to go out there, have fun and see where I end up.” – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings.

“I broke my arm two weeks ago so my goal is to take some points, I will see how I feel tomorrow, I am not so happy to start like this but I will try to make it positive and the season is very long so I just want to improve myself from the problem I had two weeks ago. I am excited for the new bike and the new team so I’m excited to be back.” Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle.

“I’m excited to be here, it’s been more than ten years since I have been sitting at a place like this and its grown mentally. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how it’s all gone and I just want to get started. I just want to go racing, I’ve had this flame inside me for about a year now, I went to the motocross of nations not just to race for my country but to see if I can get a ride and I was able to do that so hopefully I’ve had enough practice and have the fitness.” – Suzuki World MXGP’s Ben Townley.

To wrap up the day Youthstream’s Director Communication and Marketing Services, Mrs. Marionna Leiva went over a few important statistic such as the increase of television audience which as a result has driven www.MXGP-TV.com to broadcast all of the racing, both Saturday and Sunday, LIVE in 2016. This includes all of the races from the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and the European Motocross Championships as well as the qualifying races for both MXGP and MX2.

In addition, the Studio Show hosted by ex FIM Motocross World Championship star Paul Malin and MXGP-TV presenter Lisa Leyland, will also be LIVE and FREE to all viewers. It will be screened on www.mxgp-tv.com as well as the MXGPtv YouTube channel www.youtube.com/mxgptv.

It’s been a busy but full filling day here in Qatar which has left everyone buzzing and ready for yet another season of none stop motocross action. Watch the qualifying races LIVE tomorrow night on www.mxgp-tv.com 

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

TIMETABLE

Friday: WMX Free Practice 14:45; MX2 Free Practice 15:15; MXGP Free Practice 15:45; WMX Time Practice 16:15; MX2 Time Practice 17:15; MXGP Time Practice 18:00; MX2 Qualifying Race 20:00; MXGP Qualifying Race 20:50.

Saturday: WMX Warm up 14:00; MX2 Warm up 14:30; MXGP Warm up 15:00; WMX Race 1 16:15; MX2 Race 1 17:15; MXGP Race 1 18:15; WMX Race 2 19:10; MX2 Race 2 20:10; MXGP Race 2 21:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Qatar

LOSAIL (Qatar), 25 February 2016 – The world’s premier motocross series MXGP is all set for yet another MUST-SEE season. The 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship will burst into life this weekend as a night race, which will take place on an impressive man-made circuit under the floodlit skies of Losail, Qatar. MXGP will once again receive an extensive amount of television coverage as the championship continues to grow and engage more viewers. The entire season will be broadcasted LIVE on television in a number of countries across the globe as well as being accessible to everyone worldwide via www.MXGP-TV.com with 2 days LIVE.

This weekend the MXGP of Qatar will be broadcasted on popular channels.

Also, this year MXGP’s Behind the Gate, which is a filmed production that covers all the action, both on and off the track, with highlights from racing in MXGP and MX2, a GoPro on-board lap of the track, as well as the inside scoop from the pits at each round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will continue with MXGP’s lovely host Lisa Leyland.

You can watch Behind the Gate in Europe on Eurosport 2 every Wednesday after each round of MXGP. It can also be viewed in Finland on MTV 3, Portugal and Slovenia on Sport TV, South America on FOX Sports Latin America and Asia on FOX Sports Asia, China on SINA Sports.

As for MXGP of Qatar which will commence this Friday, the 26^th February, BeIn Sports Qatar will be the main local broadcaster and will be broadcasting all the races live on Saturday 27^th.

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

QATAR 

BeIn Sports – LIVE

Saturday 27 February – WMX Race 1 – 16:10 local time

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 17:00 local time

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 18:00 local time

Saturday 27 February – WMX Race 2 – 19:05 local time

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 20:00 local time

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 local time

MIDDLE EAST - AFRICA 

BeIn Sports - LIVE

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:15 CET - LIVE

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 20:00 CET – DELAYED

Wednesday 2 March – 08:30 CET - 26mn magazine «Behind the gate » 

MOTORS - LIVE

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

BELGIUM

PLAY SPORTS – LIVE

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

VRT- DELAYED

Sunday 28 February – 14:00 CET – 20mn highlights

BULGARIA

BNT - LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:15 CET - LIVE

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 20:00 CET – DELAYED

Wednesday 2 March – 08:30 CET - 26mn magazine «Behind the gate » 

L’EQUIPE 21 – DELAYED

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 22:30 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 23:30 CET

ITALY 

ITALIA 2 - DELAYED

Saturday 27 February – MXGP 00:00 to 01:30 – CET

PREMIUM SPORTS – LIVE

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

PORTUGAL

Sport TV - LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV - LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

ASIA

FOX SPORTS  3 HD – LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

THAILAND 

TRUE VISION – LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

USA- CANADA

CBS Sports Network - DELAYED

Sunday 28 February  : MXGP Race 2 – 11.00 am EST

Sunday 28 February  : MX2 Race 2 - 10.00 am EST

BRAZIL 

BANDSPORTS - LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

BOLIVIA  

EBO TV - LIVE 

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 – CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 1 – 16:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MX2 Race 2 – 18:00 CET

Saturday 27 February – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET

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 Qatar will be available here

TIMETABLE

Friday: WMX Free Practice 14:45; MX2 Free Practice 15:15; MXGP Free Practice 15:45; WMX Time Practice 16:15; MX2 Time Practice 17:15; MXGP Time Practice 18:00; MX2 Qualifying Race 20:00; MXGP Qualifying Race 20:50.

Saturday: WMX Warm up 14:00; MX2 Warm up 14:30; MXGP Warm up 15:00; WMX Race 1 16:15; MX2 Race 1 17:15; MXGP Race 1 18:15; WMX Race 2 19:10; MX2 Race 2 20:10; MXGP Race 2 21:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Qatar

The excitement of a new season is blowing around in the feirce wind of Losail today ready for the first round of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship which will commence tomorrow. Welcome:

Welcome to the MXGP of Qatar

Postcard MXGP of Qatar

Motocross fans around the world will home into the spectacular floodlit Losail circuit in Qatar this week for the launch of MXGP 2016 and the start of a highly-anticipated trek through eighteen rounds and eight months with the vast range of emotion that this intense motorsports conveys. Coping with the harshest part of the spotlight be will defending champion and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing rider Romain Febvre. The 24 year old Frenchman made an incredible impact in his rookie season in 2015 and now heads into the new edition of the FIM Motocross World Championship as the rider that everyone wants to match and beat.

Febvre might have only just recovered from a right elbow gash that required numerous stitches and forced a ten-day lay-off through the pre-season period but the distinctive ‘461’ is fit and ready to wade into further cuts-and-thrusts of the premier class of the sport where he will have to outwit, out-race and out-last the likes of eight times world champion Tony Cairoli, MX of Nations winning teammate Gautier Paulin and ’14 runner-up and Yamaha teammate Jeremy Van Horebeek. Other stars in the eclectic mix include HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev, former world champion Ben Townley, Double British Champion Shaun Simpson and fellow Brit and ex-MX2 ace Tommy Searle.

The Yamaha champion, who rapidly grew in confidence and stature in 2015 to eventually pummel the field with fifteen moto wins from thirty-six and eight overall victories from eighteen including fifteen podiums, talks about his life-changing term in this brand new video (below) recorded days and hours before MXGP fires afresh.  

“I can remember taking the red plate in Germany [round ten] and it was the midpoint of the season…then I felt that it could be my year,” he reflects. “I had to stay focused because I knew I had the speed and the confidence. In MXGP it is way-easier to be focused on what you want when you know you have the package and speed to make it happen.”

“For sure I learned a lot and the two key factors to win a championship is to keep consistent and win a few races,” he divulges. “My strategy after a few GPs was that if I felt I could win then I would. I was looking at my feeling on the track and the bike. I think you have to be like this. There were some weekends where I was not the best – like Lommel [Belgium] where I pushed and made mistakes – where I had to tell myself ‘take third’. When you are racing it is difficult to tell yourself to accept third, fifth, eighth or whatever but it is what I could do last year and I hope I can do it again this year.”

Febvre has had to grow and mature quickly. He now has to assume a new position as pack leader and again set the reference at the front of the world. Yamaha Team Owner Michele Rinaldi has said that the Frenchman reminds him of an ‘old school’ racer: an athlete with a simplified and dedicated approach, able to displace any form of distraction.   

“I try to be a perfectionist – too much - and even when it is perhaps not the best time to expect perfection I still want it,” Febvre muses when asked about his approach to his profession. “I don't complain about the bike because I know it is good and I feel comfortable but I am very critical of myself. It is not easy and it is something that can force a mistake in a race or the championship story. I need to control myself better.”

Febvre might be transparent with his self-analysis but to the many MXGP viewers and followers that watched him in 2015 there was an unbreakable solidity in the ‘461+Yamaha’ package. Such was his form at the end of the last Grand Prix term that Febvre cannot be discounted from further title contention when Qatar starts the frantic position-swapping and point-grabbing once more. “Like I have told myself many times ‘there can be only one world champion every year…and a rider might be lucky to get ten good years out of a career’. I did it once and I hope to do it again,” he reflects. “My goal is to be totally focussed on the championship and have some stories to tell.”

The gate tumbles on 2016 MXGP Saturday evening in Qatar with practice and qualification heats taking place on Friday. From the depths of the desert the series then clocks-up the airmiles with Grands Prix in Thailand, Argentina, Mexico and Holland in the first month and then across the breadth of Europe until the fascinating double-header climax in the United States in September.

LOSAIL (Qatar), 24 February 2016 – Youthstream are pleased to welcome onboard the Italian boot brand Forma, who will be a visible partner in and around the track and paddock starting from the season opener, the MXGP of Qatar this weekend.

The brand Forma was formed in 1999 by Mr. Ivano Binotto and his wife, a couple who had already more than 25years experience in the off-road motorcycling boot history as part-owners of another well-known company. In 1999 the duo started a new 100% independently owned and operated company which took on the name Forma. With a wealth of know-how and experience in the construction of motorcycle boots Forma developed into a widely recognized brand and is now sold in more than 60 countries worldwide.

The base of the boot brand is in Altivole (Treviso) Italy, which is an area that is defined as ‘the heart of sports shoes’. Surrounded by quality shoemakers, Forma have elevated the standard of motorcycle boots and have made a name as one of the most innovative boot brands in the world.

To this day, Forma continues to grow and expand with endless goals in sight. The enthusiasm to produce the best product together with the excellent assistance to the sales distribution network through sponsorship investments in MXGP will make Forma a highly recognized brand on an international scale.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Forma Boots

FOX Head Europe is pleased to share his latest project #WorkHardDreamBig featuring the MXGP rider, Gautier Paulin. This three episode video project will put spotlight on Paulin's time at the Bakers factory, Florida and take a closer look at his training with the infamous Aldon Baker.

Gautier Paulin has embarked on a journey down the road less traveled, which tends to create champions and all-time great. Very few are prepared to make the same sacrifices as the emotional and physical pain can be too much for one to bear. Away from family, friends and the comfort of familiar surroundings, weaknesses are exposed and eliminated. Experiencing the highest of highs and lowest of lows becomes a regular occurrence but the goal of becoming a winner will triumph all.

The introductory Episode 1 is Live now!

Clement Desalle, currently recovering from arm surgery, will travel to Qatar where he hopes to contest the opening round of the FIM MXGP World Championship for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team.

Pre season races are always important for teams and riders, who need races to prepare perfectly for the first Grands Prix of the season, but racing is sometimes dangerous and injuries are part of the sport of motocross. After a crash mid February at the Valence International in France Clement underwent surgery by Doctor Claes in Belgium, and after eight days of intensive therapy and rehab he has decided, in collaboration with the team and his doctor, to travel to Qatar. The plan is to enter the practice sessions, and then decide if he can race or not at the first round of the World Championship. “Of course we had long discussions with Clement and Doctor Claes,” explained KRT team manager François Lemariey. “Clement has a clean break, and Doctor Claes considers that it’s similar to a collarbone injury and he can recover faster than expected. He did some cycling this weekend, and is working daily to recover. He will ride the practice sessions and, depending on how he feels and the results, we will then decide whether or not he will race the GP. There is no pressure on any parties, but we also don’t want to have any regrets later; if it’s possible for him to race safely, we just want to collect some important points for the series during the first two GPs; maybe these points will be important at the end of the championship." The team staff is already in Doha to prepare the KX450F-SR of the multiple vice-champion. Teammate Jordi Tixier is still recovering in Europe from his wrist injury.
The Grand Prix of Qatar, first of eighteen rounds of the FIM MXGP World Championship will take place on the outskirts of Doha, with practice sessions on Friday 26th and races on Saturday 27th under the spotlights of the Losail Motocross Track.

LOSAIL (Qatar), 23 February 2016 – Forget about old-fashioned charm, at least for the season opener, as the curtains on the long awaited 2016 MXGP season are set to be raised for the fourth year in succession at the circuit of Losail in Qatar this weekend. Just like previous years the race will take place on Saturday evening on a man-made circuit at the floodlit venue and all races including qualifying on Friday will be available to watch LIVE and OnDemand on www.mxgp-tv.com.

One of the best things about motocross is the fact that the track conditions constantly change. Over the last three years we have seen the soil that makes up the track in Losail pack-down, dry out and become a lot edgier. This caught a lot of riders out last year with the track being unpredictable in places and the night air adding unexpected moisture to the surface despite the incredibly dry climate. Although the track has been left more or less the same, this year we look forward to seeing if it shapes up differently again and which riders will gel with it and excel.

Over the last three years we have seen three breathtaking and unpredictable rounds of epic racing here in Losail, which has left us on the edge of our seats with a different winner each time in the premier class. Back in 2013, when MXGP first let loose on the hard packed soil of Qatar, it was Clement Desalle who was victorious. The following year Gautier Paulin rose to the occasion to claim the first red plate on offer, while last year it was well and truly dominated by Max Nagl who was completely untouchable.

This year, once again, making a prediction for the season dominator is similar to picking winning lottery numbers. It’s a gamble. With that said, the rider to mention first is of course the defending MXGP world champion, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team’s Romain Febvre who put together a downright spectacular rookie season last year. The young Frenchman, who recently turned twenty-four years old on December 31^st, didn’t set the world on fire in his debut appearance in the MXGP class here in Losail where he went 6-7 for sixth overall, but in his defense he had spent a good chunk of the winter period injured.

This weekend ‘461’ will also be lining up fresh off of an injury. He did take to Social Media and say that he is OK and will be back on the bike in no time. Meanwhile, another hotshot lining up fresh off of an injury is the eight time FIM Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli who will be hungrier than ever to reclaim the title. Cairoli recently bruised some ribs but on a brighter note it has been announced that TC222 has extended his contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to 2018, which only leads us to believe he is on a solid mission to surpass Stefan Everts’ tally of 10 FIM Motocross World Championship titles and become the most successful motocross rider in the world. That could all start with a solid performance at the opener this weekend at a venue where the Sicilian has never won.

And then there is Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl who flew in completely under the radar last year and ended up being the surprise performer when he waxed everyone in both races where he completely dominated. After his performance of last year, Nagl, who remains on the same team, should be a solid bet for the win.

Another two riders worthy of mention are Team HRC’s Gautier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryshev. Paulin, in particular, has never been off the box here in Qatar over the last three years, and is looking to come out stronger than ever after spending the winter in the United States of America with arguably the highest acclaimed trainer, Aldon Baker.

Clement Desalle’s transition to Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team is another one to look out for. However, he had to undergo surgery a couple of weeks ago on his left arm, so he is a question mark for this weekend.

Meanwhile, Bobryshev has been showing some excellent pre-season form over the last three weeks, as has Wilvo Virus Performance KTM’s Shaun Simpson and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team’s Jeremy Van Horebeek; all three riders look like they could be in for a slice of podium pie.

Over in the yellow corner, the most successful rider in the history of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Stefan Everts has taken the reins at Suzuki World MXGP and has recruited to of the most seasoned riders in the class, Kevin Strijbos and the former MX2 World Champion Ben Townley. Strijbos, who goes by the name of ‘The Kid’, is one of those riders that is yet to live up to the expectation set upon him, while Townley is fresh out of retirement after having a long run of injuries which saw him temporarily hang up his boots. Both riders feel as though they have unfinished business and are out to get it done this year.

Last but not least, the young guns. Honda Gariboldi’s 2015 FIM MX2 World Champion Tim Gajser will be the youngest rider in the class as he makes his MXGP debut while Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Valentin Guillod has been forced up by the age rule. Nevertheless, both riders are super flamboyant and quick on 450’s and shouldn’t have too much of an issue finding their place in the premier class. Another young gun to keep an eye on is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s newest recruit Glenn Coldenhoff, while Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle is looking pretty fierce these days too.

On a duller note, we will be missing Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jordi Tixier who has both arms injured, while 24MX Lucas Oil Honda’s Ken De Dycker broke his femur a few days ago also. We’d like to wish these two riders a full and speedy recovery.

2015 MXGP of Qatar MXGP Top 3

1. Max Nagl

2.  Clement Desalle

3. Gautier Paulin

Since the defending MX2 champion Tim Gajser has jumped up to the premier class, most bets will once again be on ‘The Bullet’ Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. Although Herlings has developed a nasty track record of getting injured, we have seen him bounce back time and time again to the blistering pace he had before each of his injuries. Judging by his pre-season form, and also the fact he is unbeaten around the circuit here in Losail, this weekend should be his to lose.

Meanwhile, his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Pauls Jonass has his heart set on going one better than the second place he got last year while Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Dylan Ferrandis, like Herlings, will be looking to get through a season injury-free with any hope of topping the box. It’s worth mentioning that Ferrandis is the only rider to beat Herlings around this Losail Circuit.

Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha Factory Racing have hired Aleksandr Tonkov to get the job done for the guys in blue while Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing has taken on renowned grand prix winner Max Anstie.

Ferrandis, Tonkov and Anstie all missed the end of the season last year, so should be extra fired up to make a point this weekend. Meanwhile Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer started gaining some solid momentum near the end of the season in 2015 as did Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel and of course the American, MXGP of Mexico winner, now riding for Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna, Thomas Covington.

Whichever way you look at it the Losail International Circuit should prove once again to be a tough opener to the MXGP season so make sure you follow all the action starting with LIVE qualifying on Friday night. You won’t want to miss it.

2015 MXGP of Qatar MX2 Top 3

1. Jeffrey Herlings

2. Julien Lieber

3. Dylan Ferrandis

Losail will also host the first round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship this weekend. Yamaha MX Fonta racing’s Kiara Fontanesi, who made history claiming his 4^th World title in a row in 2015, is determined to claim what it would be her first ever victory in Qatar. However, Team One One Four’s Livia Lancelot, who was last year’s winner in Qatar, will do her best to challenge the reigning champion.

All the eyes are also set on New Zealand’s sensation Courtney Duncan, Natalie Kane, who finished second in Qatar in 2014, and 2015 MXGP of Czech Republic winner’s Nancy Van De Ven.

2015 MXGP of Qatar WMX Top 3

1. Livia Lancelot

2. Kiara Fontanesi

3. Meghan Rutledge

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

TIMETABLE

Friday: WMX Free Practice 14:45; MX2 Free Practice 15:15; MXGP Free Practice 15:45; WMX Time Practice 16:15; MX2 Time Practice 17:15; MXGP Time Practice 18:00; MX2 Qualifying Race 20:00; MXGP Qualifying Race 20:50.

Saturday: WMX Warm up 14:00; MX2 Warm up 14:30; MXGP Warm up 15:00; WMX Race 1 16:15; MX2 Race 1 17:15; MXGP Race 1 18:15; WMX Race 2 19:10; MX2 Race 2 20:10; MXGP Race 2 21:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Qatar