MXGP

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 4 November 2024 – Infront Moto Racing was pleased to attend Sportel 2024, held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, where key discussions took place regarding the future broadcasting and TV rights of the MXGP Championships. The event proved once again to be a crucial gathering for the sports media industry, bringing together partners and broadcasters to discuss the growing global presence of MXGP.

Throughout the two-day event, the Infront Group booth served as an essential hub for connecting and exchanging ideas, allowing Infront Moto Racing and other divisions within the Infront Group to engage closely with global media representatives, technical partners, and broadcasters. This central space provided an ideal environment for strengthening relationships and discussing new opportunities for MXGP's international reach.

Infront Moto Racing held productive discussions with potential new markets for the upcoming seasons and positive meetings with longstanding partners, including Eurosport/Warner Bros Discovery and their global streaming platform MAX (featuring HBO, Discovery, and Warner Bros content), Stan (Australia), RAI (Italy), TVG and TV3 (Spain), NOS (The Netherlands), MTV (Finland), Bandeirantes (Brazil) and IEG (Indonesia). The positive exchanges and feedback reinforced the strength of these partnerships, further establishing the MXGP Series as a prominent global presence in sports broadcasting.

Meetings were also held with key technical partners who were all present in Monaco, ensuring the continued reliability and quality of MXGP broadcasting. They included Stream AMG (OTT technology providers), TMG (antipiracy provider), Cleeng (MXGP-TV payment service provider) extended its agreement for two years, while Eurovision (SNG provider, booking coordination), also provided positive feedback on the constant growth thanks to collaboration on the business model in place.

With the TV Department Director Charlotte Menard in attendance, the productive exchanges at Sportel underscore Infront Moto Racing's commitment to expanding and improving MXGP’s global broadcasting reach, securing new partnerships, and solidifying relationships with existing partners.

The convention marked another year to look forward to an exciting future for MXGP and to reaching more fans around the world.

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Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to confirm that Calvin Vlaanderen and Jago Geerts will remain with the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team until at least the end of 2025. Both riders, alongside Maxime Renaux, will campaign the factory Yamaha YZ450FM in the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Maxime Renaux, the only rider to start the 2024 season with a contract extending into 2025, is gearing up for his fourth season with the YZ450FM. Despite facing a challenging foot injury over the past two seasons, the 24-year-old Frenchman has remained resilient and focused. With an impressive track record of eight Grand Prix victories and 30 podium finishes, Renaux is determined to fight for the premier class title in 2025.

After joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team at the end of 2023, Calvin Vlaanderen has made remarkable strides in both speed and confidence. Despite a minor pre-season injury, the determined #10 showed impressive resilience, climbing to fourth place in the MXGP World Championship standings before a knee injury cut his season short. Having secured 14 podium finishes and two Grand Prix wins throughout his career, Vlaanderen is eager to build on his success in 2025.

Jago Geerts started his professional career with Hans Corvers’s team in 2018 and is excited to remain with the same familiar squad for an eighth consecutive season. Although Geerts missed most of the 2024 season due to a complicated elbow injury sustained at the season opener in March, he remains a promising force. With an impressive record of 55 podium finishes, 24 Grand Prix wins, and five MX2 championship medals, all with Yamaha, Geerts brings a wealth of talent and potential as he continues to transition to the YZ450FM and the MXGP class.

With Renaux, Vlaanderen and Geerts making up the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for 2025, Yamaha wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Andrea Bonacorsi for his contribution to Yamaha’s success over the past four seasons. During this time, the young Italian celebrated multiple EMX race wins and podiums aboard a GYTR-kitted YZ250F, with the highlight his remarkable 2023 EMX250 campaign, where he secured the title with a flawless record of podium finishes.

Calvin Vlaanderen  

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider

“I’m really happy and excited to be staying with Yamaha for another season. It will be my fifth consecutive year in blue. It helps a lot to know the bike and team well. We have good experience from 2024 and can really build off of that going into a new season—not only with the bike, but also with myself and the team crew. From here, the plan is to go into the off-season with confidence and come out swinging in 2025, fighting for podiums and wins from Round One.”

Jago Geerts 

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider 

“I’m happy to stay with Yamaha for another year. I have been with Yamaha and the Kemea team for my entire career, so it’s nice to continue on this path as I prepare for my first full season in the MXGP class. Obviously, this year, I couldn’t show my speed on the YZ450FM yet, so the goal is to have a full and healthy season next year and to be back on the podium as soon as I can.”

Alexandre Kowalski 

Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager

"We are very happy to continue with both Calvin and Jago. We have a rich history with Jago, who has been with Yamaha throughout his entire professional career. Together, we have achieved significant success, including four silver medals in MX2 and 24 Grand Prix wins, creating many happy memories. We were eager to see him shine in the premier class on the YZ450FM. Unfortunately, an injury at the first round in Argentina delayed his progress. We believe Jago deserves a fair opportunity in the MXGP category and are confident he will perform well, as the bike complements his smooth and technical riding style. Therefore, it was important for us to keep him for the 2025 season. We are also pleased to continue another season with Calvin. He has been with Yamaha since 2020 and has earned his place on the factory team through his results as a satellite rider. Calvin stepped up to the factory team this season and has met all our expectations, demonstrating hard work, dedication, speed, and skill. With Calvin, Jago, and Maxime, we have an incredible team and look forward to a strong and successful season in 2025."

Photo Credit: YAMAHA

Fantic is delighted to have reached an agreement with Andrea Bonacorsi, former European Champion on the Fantic XX 125. In 2025, the 21-year-old Italian will line up in the premier class aboard the Fantic XXF 450, joining Glenn Coldenhoff and Brian Bogers in the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team.

It marks both a fresh start and an exciting return to familiar ground. In 2020, Fantic and Bonacorsi made history together by securing the EMX125 title. Now, it is time to open a new chapter. For the 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship, the Italian brand is strengthening its commitment by adding a third official rider to the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team led by Louis Vosters. The reinforced line-up will feature Glenn Coldenhoff, Brian Bogers and Andrea Bonacorsi.

In his debut MXGP season, Bonacorsi wasted no time in showcasing his skill, breaking into the top 10 of the final championship standings despite only entering the category at round 5 of 20. Already a champion in both EMX125 and EMX250, the 21-year-old from Bergamo is one of the most promising young talents in the paddock. He is keen to leave his mark aboard the Fantic XXF 450, ready to build on past successes and reach new goals.

Andrea Bonacorsi:

“It is great to be back with Fantic after 4 years. I already know most of the people here, I know how they work, how passionate they are, and how eager they are to succeed. Everything is in place to achieve great results next season, especially with Louis’ team, which is definitely one of the best in the paddock. I can’t wait to start working with them and to be back behind the gate with Fantic, a bike I won my first European title with. That already says a lot—I am really excited!”

Louis Vosters, Fantic Factory Racing MXGP Team Owner:

“I am really happy to have a young, promising rider like Andrea Bonacorsi joining our Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team. He has already shown his great potential in the past, and as an MXGP rookie this year, he also achieved strong results. I am very much looking forward to working with him to bring out his best, and hopefully building a lasting partnership for many years to come.”

Mariano Roman, Fantic Motor Vice President:

“At the start of Fantic’s New Racing Era stands the EMX125 title we claimed together with Andrea in 2020. After that milestone, we took slightly different paths—or lines, to stay in off-road terms—for a while. Over these years, both of us have continued to grow: Andrea clinched another EMX title and made his debut in the MX2 World Championship before quickly moving up to MXGP. Meanwhile, we also stepped up our commitment, entering the premier class of motocross with a top-level setup like Louis Vosters’ team. When the opportunity arose to work with Andrea again, it was an obvious decision. It feels as though things have come full circle, yet it is also the start of a new chapter. We certainly have a strong MXGP line-up with Glenn Coldenhoff, Brian Bogers and Andrea Bonacorsi, and we are so excited to keep writing our story together.”

Photo Credit: FANTIC RACING

Honda Racing Corporation and Gariboldi Racing are pleased to announce that the collaboration that started in 2014, has had a long-term extension which sees the bond between the pair grow even stronger. The partnership, which has seen a huge amount of success in the motocross world championships – including Tim Gajser’s five world titles – has consistently proved itself to be one of the strongest teams in the paddock in the MXGP class. And after this year’s reintroduction of the Honda CRF250R underneath the awning, where Ferruccio Zanchi finished top 10 in the MX2 class in his rookie campaign, there is growing belief that Team HRC can challenge for honours in both divisions and provide a real pathway for future talent to win on CRF machinery.

The long-term extension was agreed upon when Giacomo Gariboldi recently headed to Japan, with both parties excited to put pen to paper. Always one of the leading lights in the MXGP paddock, the Team HRC setup provides a head-of-the-class facility for riders and staff members, and it is something that impresses the Japanese HRC members when they frequently visit the world motocross championships.

In what is one of the most successful branches of Honda Racing Corporation’s many programmes, the goal is to continue doing everything that has worked in the 10 years so far, as well as make sure there is a structure in place for the riders of tomorrow to be able to see themselves winning on the Honda brand in the future. In such a turbulent sport, it was recognised that this extension would give the security which was critical for riders to be able to focus purely on the racing side of things, and in turn, increase the chances of success for everyone involved.

Continuing the theme that structure and stability can bring success, Tim Gajser (MXGP), Ruben Fernandez (MXGP) and Ferruccio Zanchi (MX2) will all be returning for the 2025 World Motocross Championships under the Team HRC awning. Gajser narrowly missed out on the 2024 MXGP title on the last race of the championship, but then showed everyone what he was capable of, by putting in a truly memorable one-one performance at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. The Slovenian will be looking to go one position better in the 2025 season, and add to his five-world titles that he’s won whilst part of Team HRC.

2024 was an injury-hit year for Fernandez, but he came back for the last few rounds and showed race-winning speed in those events. With a full off-season of training under his belt, he’ll be motivated to show that he can get back to his GP-winning form, and Cordoba, Argentina could be the perfect place for him to showcase that in round one.

As the sole MX2 rider in 2024, Zanchi put in a number of impressive performances, especially considering it was his first full season in the class. He showed excellent speed, and real tenacity on the variety of terrain found in a world championship and proved the power of the Honda CRF250R with a holeshot in Turkiye. With more experience in the class, and with working with the team, 2025 could really be a breakout year for the young Italian.

So, with three riders currently in the line-up, plus a long-term future secured for the setup and organisation behind the team, Team HRC’s future is looking very strong, with the potential to get even stronger before the start of the 2025 campaign.

Yuzuru Ishikawa

HRC Executive Director

Ever since we came back into this motocross project, we knew that a great partnership was necessary for success, and I think we can agree that in the last 10 years, HRC and Gariboldi Racing have had a lot of success. This extension allows everyone to focus again on the racing and that is the most important part. We fully trust the direction that Gariboldi Racing is heading in, and would like to thank him for his professionalism and dedication to the cause, and we look forward to even more achievements in the future. The return of this year’s riders is key to continue on the right path and I believe that Tim, Ruben and Ferruccio can have very successful 2025 campaigns.

Giacomo Gariboldi

Team HRC Team Manager

I am very excited with this agreement, and it shows a confidence from both parties that our goals are aligned. We have had a lot of success since we joined forces in 2014, with Tim winning five titles and narrowly missing out on a couple more. We have also had victories along the way with other riders, and this new agreement will hopefully give all riders - present and future - confidence that HRC is in this for the long-term and that we are providing a clear pathway for success. That, of course, will start again in 2025 where Tim, Ruben and Ferro will once again be part of our team and hungry for more success, but we also have some exciting news for an even stronger Team HRC coming soon. 

Tim Gajser

I feel like Team HRC is my second-family and I believe it is the best place and gives me the best opportunity for me to win races and championships. We are always striving to improve and I trust that we can keep getting better and better, and that is what I’m looking for right now in my career. A happy rider is a fast rider and I couldn’t be happier to be riding for Team HRC.

Ruben Fernandez

Throughout my injury layoff, I had a lot of time to think about things and make decisions on my future, and I knew that Team HRC was the best team for me to be riding for. They stuck behind when I was hurt, and then supported me when I came back and I know that I want to repay all that faith with some results on the track. Even in the last few races, we had some good results and I truly believe I can challenge throughout the whole of 2025 and get my Honda CRF450R up near the top of the class.

Ferruccio Zanchi

2024 was a year filled with ups and downs, but the one thing that stayed consistent was the effort and teamwork showed by everyone in Team HRC. I felt comfortable in the environment and they made my rookie season as good as it possibly could be, but for 2025 I want to do even better! I learnt a lot about myself and the bike, and with all the data and testing that we did, this will really help for the races next year and I wanted to keep the momentum going and not have to change anything too much. I excited to get going again in March, but now I need to put in the hard-work and make my off-season as strong as I can.

De Carli KTM Factory rider, Lucas Coenen might have ended the 2024 season in the back of an ambulance, but his performances prior to his crash at the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations shook up the World and allowed people to understand, just how good this kid is.

At just 17 years of age, he has on a regular basis shown that he is special and while it is hard to know if he is as special as a those two young teenagers from 2010, Jeffrey Herlings, or Ken Roczen, there is enough signs to know, he will have a long and successful career.

As far as his performance at the MXoN earlier this month, one thing is sure, he went to Matterley Basin full of confidence and he also knew, he would be in amongst the best 450 riders in the World, while racing his MX2 machine and trying to beat them.

“Yes,” Coenen said. “I mean, I expected that I was really fast, and I knew it was possible to battle with the 450s. Like, in the past, Ryan (Villopoto) did it (at Budds Creek in 2007), he won two races. If I got the holeshot, I thought it would be possible, but for me, I came a little from the back, in 10th position. When I was battling with them, I passed Ken (Roczen), I passed Jeremy (Seewer), I passed a couple of other people, and I mean, that was already impressive and I was catching Prado and I was like, “this guy is the MXGP World champion and I am behind him and catching him”. Unfortunately, then I got a problem with the goggles and then I lost the good vision, and I was like, I will settle for fifth, but then a rut broke in front of me, and I didn’t see it and went over the bars and broke my collarbone. For the event, I have no big regrets and what I showed, I think people will remember. It was really cool to ride like that.”

Heading into the 2025 MXGP season, Coenen will have done his share of 450 riding, and challenging the likes of Eli Tomac, Jorge Prado, Jeffrey Herlings and many other 450 legends, means his confidence for the 2025 season will only grow in time.

“I showed to the people that I was fighting out there, with the best people in the World, so that isn’t bad already and also on the Saturday, I think I put on a show for everybody. I was hoping the track was not flat on Sunday, but it was a bit flatter than on Saturday. So I thought, how is this going to be possible. I was a bit mad going into the first race and in beast mode. I saw Eli was in front and also Romain, and Prado, what do you want more (only Gajser, Tomac, Febvre and Prado were ahead when Coenen crashed).”

And now, with a winter of only riding his KTM 450, Coenen will arrive at the gate, in round one in Argentina with the knowledge, that even on his MX2 machine this year, he could clock laps times as quick as the best MXGP riders. He also knows that he can pick up a couple of seconds on his MX2 times, riding the MXGP bike.

“I never actually rode the 450 and the 250 in the same training, but I do know, on the 450 I am two seconds quicker than on the 250. From the outside, I look slow on the 450, because I am rolling the corners, but then we look at the times and its like, wow, this is fast. Sometimes people look fast from the outside and the lap times are slow, but I am completely the other way around. I don’t’ push the corners, just roll them and then it doesn’t look like WOW, but its fast, you know.”

So, for those who think we will miss Jorge Prado in 2025, as he heads off to race elsewhere, remember that Lucas Coenen is coming and will bring something new, and something special to the MXGP class and I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see him win a Grand Prix or two in his quest, to become every bit as good as those champions we have mentioned above and make his own story in on the Grand Prix scene.

Photo Credit : KTM

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 28 October 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to announce the extension of their long-term partnership with SEL – Sport & Events Logistics, official carrier and travel agency partner, until 2027.

The renewal of the partnership will take the two companies past the quarter-century mark of great collaboration in managing the huge logistical challenge of MXGP. For 2025, this will include the final round of the series in Australia, followed by the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in the USA.

SEL, as Official Carrier of the FIM Motocross World Championship, will continue to manage the logistics operations for the overseas events in MXGP, handling motorcycles and equipment for teams, suppliers, and authorised personnel as well as technical equipment for television production and timing and scoring services for broadcasters and stakeholders.  

SEL Travel department will also be involved for the next 2 years as Official Travel Agent, supporting Infront Moto Racing along with the whole paddock collective with the booking of flight tickets, accommodation and transport during the non-EU MXGP events. 

Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: "SEL has been an invaluable partner in our global journey with MXGP, providing seamless logistics for our increasingly ambitious calendar. As the championship expands to 20 dates, including more Overseas rounds than ever, SEL’s expertise ensures our teams and equipment move efficiently around the world. Their dedication and ability to handle the complexities of international travel have been key to our success.  We are excited to extend this partnership until 2027, confident that together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what MXGP can achieve globally”

Pier Carlo Bottero, CEO of SEL: “SEL is proud to extend its historic partnership with MXGP through 2027. Our long-standing partnership has proven how critical excellent logistical support is for such a dynamic world championship. We are excited to face the challenges of an increasingly global calendar together, ensuring that teams, equipment and personnel reach the non-European stages in the best possible way.”

Learn more about SEL at https://www.sel.it/en/

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 22 October 2024 - Five-time Motocross World Champion Tim Gajser has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 RAM Award after an exceptional season in the RAM Qualifying Races. Gajser secured victory in eight RAM Qualifying Races this season, earning him eight pole positions and solidifying his place at the top of the competition.

The RAM Qualifying Races have become an essential part of the FIM Motocross World Championship, with points distributed to the top 10 riders now counting toward the overall championship standings. In addition to the valuable points, the qualifying races also determine the best gate pick for the Grand Prix races, making them a crucial element in a rider’s strategy.

Throughout 2024, Gajser demonstrated remarkable strength and speed in these sprint races, maintaining his position in the championship battle all season long. Although he ultimately finished 2nd in the overall standings, his dominance in the RAM Qualifying Races played a significant role in keeping him competitive at the highest level.

As the recipient of the 2024 RAM Award, Tim Gajser will enjoy a unique reward: a six-month driving experience with a RAM Truck, provided by RAM Truck Europe. This exclusive opportunity celebrates his incredible performance and commitment throughout the season, both on and off the track.

Follow Ram and company news and videos on:

Media website: https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/ram

Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/RamTrucksEurope

Instagram: - https://www.instagram.com/ramtruckseurope/

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As the 2024 MXGP Academy season draws to a close, we look back on a remarkable year filled with dedication, growth, and passion. Since its inception in 2015, the MXGP Academy, in collaboration with Infront Moto Racing, the FIM, and local FMNs (Federation Motorsport National), has been a beacon of opportunity for young motocross riders around the world. This season was no different, as the Academy continued its mission to nurture the next generation of motocross talent, offering invaluable support to both aspiring and experienced riders.

The Academy’s vision remains centered on two core challenges: attracting a diverse group of young athletes to embrace motocross and assisting talented riders in pursuing their dream of becoming world-class competitors. Through its educational programs, training camps, and weekend masterclasses, the MXGP Academy fosters not only riding skills but also the overall development of riders and their support systems.

A Season of Success Across Multiple Countries

The 2024 season saw the MXGP Academy visit numerous countries, including Spain, Portugal, Germany, Latvia, Czech Republic, Turkyie and Cózar in Spain. At each stop, young riders had the opportunity to engage in intensive training sessions led by an elite group of trainers, including former world champions and professional coaches like John vd Berk, Jan Postema and Martin van Genderen. The WMX World Champion Nancy Van De Ven took part in the all-female round at Intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos.  These experts provided personalized guidance, instilling the discipline and knowledge necessary for success in motocross.
 

Friday sessions began with a rider and parent briefing, followed by educational workshops aimed at both groups. While young athletes worked toward earning their MX-A Certificates, parents participated in workshops designed to enhance their understanding of the sport and their role in their child’s development. Each day culminated in on-track training, where riders refined their skills and learned from the best.

Bridging the Gap Between Talent and Success

The MXGP Academy has always understood that helping riders alone isn’t enough to ensure success. That’s why this year’s program continued to offer workshops, seminars, and panel meetings for parents, trainers, and Federation representatives. By providing guidance to those who support young athletes, the Academy ensures a well-rounded and informed approach to developing future stars.

This season’s workshops were invaluable, offering insights into the mental, physical, and logistical aspects of motocross. With their enhanced understanding, parents and trainers could more effectively support their riders, whether by improving training routines or managing the complexities of a professional motocross career.

Highlights from the 2024 MXGP Academy Season

Throughout the season, the MXGP Academy captured unforgettable moments of growth and achievement. These experiences were highlighted in a special three-part YouTube series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Academy’s journey. From educational sessions to thrilling on-track action, the videos provide a vivid recap of how the Academy is shaping the future of motocross.

Watch the 2024 MXGP Academy recap episodes below:

• Episode 1
  

   

• Episode 2
  

   

• Episode 3
  

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we wrap up the 2024 season, the MXGP Academy looks ahead to 2025 with renewed enthusiasm. With plans to expand its reach and refine its training programs, the Academy remains committed to inspiring and equipping young riders from all corners of the globe. By continuing to provide world-class coaching, education, and support, the MXGP Academy will undoubtedly remain a crucial stepping stone for motocross’s future stars.

The MXGP Academy would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the riders, parents, trainers, and Federation representatives who contributed to making this season a success.

We look forward to welcoming new and returning participants in 2025!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 18 October 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is excited to announce the release of issue #132 of the MXGP Magazine! Packed with the latest insights and thrilling content from the motocross world, this edition is a must-read for all fans.

Our Cover features none other than Jorge Prado and Kay de Wolf, MXGP & MX2 World Champions respectively alongside the Monster Energy FIM MXoN winning team, Team Australia for the first time ever! These riders climbed on the top of the world with their relentless determination and talents

In this issue’s Cover Story, we take an in-depth look at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, focusing on the spectacular performances that led to the first ever Australian victory. We provide exclusive analysis of their journey to the top, the crucial moments and what set them apart in this year's most prestigious event.

Our Racing Catch Up brings you the highlights and recaps of the last three thrilling Grands Prix: Turkiye, China and Cozar. Relive the breathtaking moments and unforgettable battles that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last races as the season drew to a dramatic close.

The Special Feature of this edition centres on the MXGP Awards. Celebrating the best of the best, we take a closer look at the champions, rising stars and key contributors who made this MXGP season a historic one to remember.

In our Blog, we hear from Lili, the dynamic team coordinator of Bud Racing. She shares her insights into role into the MX team, the challenges and rewards of her role, and what it takes to lead in the high-pressure world of professional motocross.

Our Hall of Fame section honours the legendary Ryan Villopoto, celebrating his exceptional career and lasting impact on the sport. From his dominance in the AMA championships to his contributions to motocross globally, Villopoto’s influence continues to inspire.

Finally, the Vintage Bike feature takes a trip down memory lane with the iconic Paul Malin’s 1994 Yamaha YZ125. Discover the history behind this legendary machine and why it remains one of the most revered bikes in motocross history.

All this and more awaits you in the 132nd edition of MXGP Magazine, available for FREE on the Apple Store or Google Play. Read it HERE!

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. Readers using an Android device can download the magazine for free using this app: IssuuOnAndroid.

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MXGP Mag Issue 132