WMX

RIOLA SARDO (Sardinia) 6 April 2024 – Sunny Riola Sardo is ready for its fourth consecutive MXGP of Sardegna this weekend. Friday, before the racing will be roaring the MXGP, MX2 and WMX riders posed for the annual family photo. 

The riders assembled on the podium above the starting line-up, posing alongside Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo and FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela.

Main Photo: MXGP & MX2 Group Photo

Bottom Photo: WMX Group Photo

The races will be broadcasted LIVE on MXGP’s streaming service www.MXGP-TV.com, while results throughout the weekend will be available  

All the photos from the MXGP of Sardegna will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

TIMETABLE (CEST)

SATURDAY:  08:20 WMX Free Practice, 08:50 EMX125 Group 1 Free Practice, 09:20 EMX125 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:50 WMX Qualifying Practice, 10:30 MX2 Free Practice, 11:00 MXGP Free Practice, 12:30 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 13:05 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 WMX Race 1, 15:45 EMX125 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 WMX Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX125 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

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Riola Sardo

RIOLA SARDO (Sardegna) 5 April 2024 - The sun is shining on the island of Sardegna in the Mediterranean Sea, and the opening press conference on Friday morning to launch the fourth MXGP of Sardegna in Riola Sardo.

Present for the Press Conference were Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Sardinian Regional Councilor Alessandro Sounas, Riola Sardo Mayor Lorenzo Pinna and President of the Motoclub of Riola Sardo Fulvio Maiorca. 

David Luongo began by expressing his excitement about the event being held in Riola Sardo for the fourth consecutive year in a summer-like setting. He also mentioned the efforts of the organizers, the region, and the city to make this nice event a possibility. Mr Luongo also highlighted the significance of holding the race during the off-peak tourist season, bringing attention to the island and providing global visibility through television coverage, thereby promoting tourism. Mr. Luongo concluded by wishing everyone an amazing racing weekend on this technical but beautiful track.

It was followed by Antonio Alia Portela speaking on behalf of the FIM expressing satisfaction with the technical challenge posed by the sand track for the upcoming Grand Prix and the professionalism and efficiency of the organisers along with the support from the government. Mr. Portela anticipated a successful event with a full house of classes including the WMX and EMX125 presented by FMF Racing, thanked the good organisation and wished everyone involved much success this weekend. 

The Sardinian officials took turn in speaking with Alessandro Sounas thankful for the invitation and praised the organisation and participants, emphasizing the importance of hosting events like this to promote Sardinia and affirming continued support for the future.
Lorenzo Pinna highlighted that MXGP in Riola is a dream that becomes reality every year, thanking the longstanding belief in Riola's potential as Sardinia's motocross destination, facilitated by regional support and occurring during the off-peak season, marking a positive development for the entire province of Oristano and Sardinia as a whole.
Finally Fulvio Maiorca proudly explained that being a small club, and hosting events like this has contributed to bringing considerable visibility not only to Sardinia but also the all area.

Later in the day, the MXGP and MX2 riders have had their first taste of action with the Friday afternoon Start Practice. After the initial tension has been released by several blasts down the start straight, a few riders were invited to participate in a media event in the local town of Riola Sardo, just a short drive from the “Le Dune” circuit itself.

Welcomed by the Mayor of Riola Sardo, the riders, including Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Calvin Vlaanderen, MRT Factory Beta’s Ben Watson and Ivo Monticelli, Team Ship To Cycle Honda’s Valentin Guillod and Kevin Horgmo along with home WMX rider MXFONTARACING’s Kiara Fontanesi, RFME GASGAS MX Junior Team’s Daniela Guillen and De Baets Yamaha MX-Team’s Lotte Van Drunen were guided to the Centro Polifunzional to meet the local fans.

First of all, the riders were invited to watch a traditional Sardinian dancing as local performers demonstrated a typical routine of the region on the folkloric music. Riders were then invited on stage to take a family photo with the Sardinian performers and musician.

Following this show, the exchange of culture continued with a delightful local product tasting produced from this rich agricultural region, and for sure their taste buds were tempted by the treats on display! A signing session also took place at the same time where young local fans could get a dedicated poster form the riders.

The event only served to heighten the rich local Sardinian culture as well as fans’ excitement for what should be an enthralling MXGP of Sardegna weekend!

Main Photo: (left to right) Alessandro Sounas, Lorenzo Pinna, David Luongo, Fulvio Maiorca, Antonio Alia Portela 
 

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Riola Sardo
 

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 3 April 2024 – Round three of the MXGP World Motocross Championship heads to the first sandy circuit of the year at Riola Sardo for the MXGP of Sardegna this weekend!

After the dominant display on home ground by Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing team leader Jorge Prado, who swept all three races at round two in Spain, the chasing pack will be hoping that the deep sand will give them a chance to find a weakness in the reigning Champion’s armour.  The #1 plate holder still has that red background and a ten-point lead over Team HRC’s Tim Gajser.

The MX2 class has proven to be wildly unpredictable this season and Kay de Wolf brings the red plate on his Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing to the circuit where he so nearly won his first Grand Prix last year. He has won both of the first two GPs and holds a 12-point advantage over Simon Laengenfelder, who won a race at the venue earlier this season for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing at an international event.

This will be the fourth Grand Prix to be held at the popular training venue on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and the previous three editions have all seen Dutch winners in the MXGP class.  The MX2 class will see a new winner at the circuit this season, as it has only ever seen GP wins for Tom Vialle and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team's Jago Geerts leading into this season.

The MXGP of Sardegna will also host the second round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, as last year’s Riola Sardo winner Daniela Guillen looks to build on her 6-point lead from the emotional win at her home GP at intu-Xanadú Arroyomolinos. Dutch ace Lotte van Drunen on the De Baets Yamaha-MX Team will be looking to chase Daniela down to avenge her narrow defeat in Spain.  

The EMX125 Championship Presented by FMF Racing also gets underway this weekend, with Hungarian prospect Noel Zanocz in a confident mood after winning here in February for Fantic Factory Racing EMX125, and Dutchman Gyan Doensen should also be a force for Racestore KTM Factory Rookies. Northern Irish star Cole McCullough also climbed the podium here in February and will be one to watch on his Fantic as well!

Jorge Prado hit an amazing milestone in Spain with his 40th career Grand Prix victory, and looked in amazing form on home ground. Tim Gajser was able to keep within reach in the Championship, and with a double win in the February international at Riola Sardo, he will be hopeful that he can match that form with Prado in the race this time. Tim’s best GP race result at the circuit was a 2nd, back in 2022, and he was out injured for last year’s GP.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star Jeffrey Herlings is historically the most successful MXGP rider at Sardegna, with a double victory in 2021 (finishing ahead of Prado and Romain Febvre both times), and taking the overall GP with two 2nd places last year.  Prado did win both the RAM Qualifying Race and the first GP race in 2023, before dropping to 6th in race two. Glenn Coldenhoff took the second race victory, his most recent in GP racing. His replacement at Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team, Calvin Vlaanderen, won both GP races in 2022 for his only overall victory in the class.  Prado is the only non-Dutch rider to take an MXGP chequered flag at the circuit.

Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre lies third in the Championship, and finished 2nd to Gajser here in February. He hasn’t got as high as his 2021 finishes here in a GP since then, but also needs to try and halt the Prado express train.  Herlings lies 37 points behind the Spaniard and knows that this is one circuit where he needs to go all out for another GP win to stay in the title hunt!

There will be new faces for 2024 at the MXGP of Sardegna, as Fantic Factory Racing MXGP line up with two riders in the class for the first time, having signed Brian Bogers up to join Coldenhoff on the XXF 450 for the rest of the season. Sardegna will be the first home GP of the season for Ivo Monticelli of the Italian team MRT Racing Team Beta. English racer Todd Kellett, winner of the FIM Sand Races World Cup, gets a fill-in ride with the Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP Team in conditions that should feel very comfortable for him. Roan van de Moosdijk returns from a pre-season injury to take a fill-in ride for Team HRC and make his MXGP class debut. JM Racing Honda also have a new fill-in rider joining them, with Swedish racer Tim Edberg standing in for Brent van Doninck.

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 114 Points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 104 Points; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 92 Points ; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 77 Pts; 5. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HON), 73 Pts; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, KAW), 68 Pts; 7. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 63 Pts.; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 56 Pts; 9. Valentin Guillod (SUI, HON) 49 Pts; 10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, FAN), 49 Pts;

Main Photo: 2023 MXGP Start Sardegna

Bottom Photos: 1. Glenn Coldenhoff; 2. Jeffrey Herlings

2023 MXGP of Sardegna MXGP Top 3:

1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Glenn Coldenhoff
3. Jorge Prado

Although none of the MX2 riders heading to Riola Sardo have ever won a GP at the circuit before, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Championship Leader Kay de Wolf only lost the 2023 edition to Jago Geerts on a tie-breaker, after winning his first GP race outside of Lommel in the first outing. He also took a podium in his rookie season here in 2021. The Dutch teenager holds a 12-point advantage over Simon Laengenfelder, who has never finished on the overall GP podium in Sardegna, despite winning a race in the pre-season international here.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Andrea Adamo showed a welcome return to form in Spain with the second race victory and third overall, and he now lies third in the points as well. With a 31-point gap between himself and De Wolf, a win against the Dutchman on the series leader’s favourite surface would be a great mental blow for him!  De Wolf’s teammate Lucas Coenen currently occupies fourth in the standings and will be hoping to improve from there, as will fifth-placed Thibault Benistant for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. The Frenchman has been on the podium twice before in the sands of Sardegna, so might be a bigger threat than many might think. His teammate Andrea Bonacorsi will be one of the local riders coming at Riola Sardo. The Italian won last year in EMX250 and will take that experience on board to try to collect big points this weekend.

Mikkel Haarup will look to pick up the pace again for the new Monster Energy Triumph Racing team, after a dream debut podium in Argentina was followed by a difficult weekend in Spain, but he still lies sixth in the standings and is no pushover in the sand.  

Marc-Antoine Rossi is the top rookie in the series for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing and will be looking to dig into these conditions, while Ferruccio Zanchi from Team HRC will be hoping to lift himself from 13th on a circuit where he took a surprise win ahead of Laengenfelder and Adamo in February. 

Liam Everts is just ahead of Zanchi in the points for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, and after a decent return to racing after missing the Argentina opener, the Belgian will be looking to show his sand skills and advance further.  His team is the most successful in MX2 history here due to wins for Tom Vialle in 2021 & 2022.

As always in MX2, it could be anybody’s race and a real shoot-out for victory in the savage sand!

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 113 Points; 2. Simon Längenfelder (GER, GAS), 101 Points; 3. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 82 Pts; 4. Lucas Coenen (BEL, HUS), 75 Pts; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 72 Points; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, TRI), 64 Pts; 7. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA, GAS), 59 Pts; 8. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 53 Pts; 9. Camden McLellan (RSA, TRI), 52 Pts; 10. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 42 Pts;

Main Photo: 2023 MX2 Start Sardegna

Bottom Photos: 1. Kay de Wolf; 2. Andrea Bonacorsi

2023 MXGP of Sardegna MX2 Top 3:

1. Jago Geerts
2. Kay de Wolf
3. Thibault Benistant

Don’t miss your chance to watch the best riders in Sardegna this weekend. Get your tickets HERE!

All the photos from the MXGP of Sardegna will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

TIMETABLE (CEST)
 

SATURDAY:  08:20 WMX Free Practice, 08:50 EMX125 Group 1 Free Practice, 09:20 EMX125 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:50 WMX Qualifying Practice, 10:30 MX2 Free Practice, 11:00 MXGP Free Practice, , 12:30 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 13:05 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 WMX Race 1, 15:45 EMX125 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 RAM Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP RAM Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 WMX Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX125 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

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Riola Sardo

MONACO (Principailty of Monaco) 1 April 2024 – The 3rd round of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship goes to Riola Sardo for the MXGP of Sardegna.

Checkout the Timetable and Entry Lists for the MXGP of Sardegna below:

TIMETABLE

MXGP ENTRY LIST

MX2 ENTRY LIST

WMX ENTRY LIST

EMX125 ENTRY LIST

The latest episode of Inside MXGP: Just Send It! Delves into the journey of WMX prodigy Lotte van Drunen and the emergence of Yamaha's new force in the EMX250 ranks. The episode name “Just Send It” comes from Lotte herself when asked about what inspired her to jump the biggest triple in motocross, “I watched the MX2 riders do it,” she smiled, “at first I was kind of scared, but they showed that it was possible, so I thought, oh well, you can do it, JUST SEND IT!”.
 

Lotte’s rise in motocross has been nothing short of spectacular. From fearlessly competing against boys in the 65cc and 85cc classes to securing podium finishes in the World and European Championships, Lotte has established herself as the shining star of a new generation of female riders. After a stellar rookie season in 2023, where she defied all expectations with four race wins and three podium finishes, securing an impressive third-place finish in the world rankings, Lotte's move to blue has marked an exciting new chapter in her illustrious career.

Seamlessly adapting to her new bike, Lotte has wasted no time establishing herself as a WMX title threat in 2024. “I feel really good on the Yamaha,” she said, “I really feel much better than I did on my old bike; it suits me. I feel like I’ve made some big steps recently, especially on the hard pack, so I’m feeling good, confident and ready for this season!”

Her incredible second-place finish at the opening round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship in Madrid, Spain, on a hard-pack track, a terrain she openly says she does not favour, has set the stage for an exhilarating title chase. “Hard tracks are not my favourite,” she confirmed, “obviously, I prefer the sand, but I feel like I’ve improved on the hard, and I’m really happy to finish second with the same speed as Daniela (Guillen). She won here, but I feel like I won some fans being the only girl to jump the triple, so that was cool to hear them all cheering; everywhere else on the track, I knew where Daniela was because I could hear her home fans cheering for her. It was crazy! But it was such a good race; second place was all I had this weekend, and I am happy. Up to Riola!”

The latest episode of Inside MXGP follows the journey of Lotte and VRT Yamaha Official EMX250's Ivano van Erp as they race to podium glory at the MXGP of Spain. It also includes fun chats, good laughs and banter with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 riders Maxime Renaux, Rick Elzinga, and Andrea Bonacorsi.

Photo Credit : Monster Energy

INTU-XANADÚ ARROYOMOLINOS (Spain) 24 March 2024 – The season opener at Intu Xanadu Arroyomolinos marked a captivating start for the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship in what promises to be an exhilarating and  competitive season. With a lineup full with talent and determination, anticipation in WMX run high and it didn't disappoint with an incredible first round in Spain.

It was RFME GASGAS MX Junior Team’s Daniela Guillen who emerged triumphant, demonstrating that she took full advantage of the amazing home fans support throughout the weekend. She clinched victory in Spain and claimed the coveted red plate, showing an immense grit until the very last moment. The stage is set for a very competitive season. 

De Baets Yamaha MX-Team’s Lotte Van Drunen got off a good start in Race 1 but it was defending champion and number 1 Courtney Duncan from F&H Racing Team quickly took the inside and led the race straight from the first corner. Schmicker Racing’s Lynn Valk and Daniela Guillen sneaked in on Van Drunen to get into 2nd and 3rd respectively after a couple of turns. MXFONTARACING’s Kiara Fontanesi was right behind the front quartet.

Guillen, in front of a loud home crowd that came to cheer and support her, made a succesful pass on Valk to get to second and close in on Duncan. Meanwhile Van Drunen went up to 3rd following a nice move on Valk and was let with a clear track in front of her but could not do anything about Guillen and Duncan who were flying. 

It was meant to be for Guillen on this opening round on home soil as she pushed Duncan to the fault after relentlessly put pressure the Kiwi. While the Spaniard committed to the outside on a corner, Duncan missed the breaking point and tipped over. Duncan down, Guillen went through to take the lead and was on fire to bring it home and show great composure to clinch an impressive first race win.

While down, Duncan had to see Van Drunen flying past her in what must have been a frustrating mistake from the number 1.  Van Drunen finished second while Duncan controlled her pace to get the 3rd place.

Valk had to pass the checkered flag in 4th position in front of Fontanesi 5th. The favourite contenders for the title all responded present to the first race of the series. 

In Race 2, Van Drunen started strongly while Guillen 4th after the first corner passed Duncan and Valk to move up 2nd in the opening lap. 

Duncan who was 3rd fell down in the opening lap to move down to 22nd.

Guillen pushed to stay in contact with Van Drunen who at that point was on the top of the podium. Both riders were on a league of their own as the gap with Sara Andersen in 3rd was around 35 seconds mid-race.

From halfway point, Fontanesi made her way up to 6th and even finished 5th in the end for 5th overall. Duncan who was making her way up but made another mistake and found herself just outside the points. In the end, it was not the Defending Champion day, as the New Zealander  finished 19th for a 9th place overall.

The battle between Van Drunen and Guillen heightened with fans sensing the urgency and started rally behind the Spanish rider. Van Drunen hanged on while she could but on lap 7, Guillen passed the young Dutch in front of the pitlane as fans were on their feet. 

This intense battle was only starting as with 2 laps to go, a backmarker invited herself to party as Guillen’s flow got disrupted trying to pass her. Van Drunen took the chance to show more than a wheel. Right until the last turn Guillen had to give her whole to maintain the lead the overall win. The Spaniard finally made the last jump in front and won at home on the opening round of the season. Van Drunen, 2nd on the podium will be happy to have started this way as she displayed grat speed throughout the whole weekend.

Completing the podium, and marking the day with her new bike and team, Valk controlled her race in 4th to make it to the podium, making it 3 podiums in a row counting last season while Andersen narrowly missed the podium with a 3rd place and 4th overall. 

Daniela Guillen: "It’s amazing, I cant even speak! I want to say a big thank you to the fans because the Spanish fans were amazing... wow! The second race was amazing with Lotte (Van Drunen). It was tough battle but I want to thank the team because they did a great job with the bike and I feel good with it. Winning here at home is an amazing feeling and I’m so happy! See you next round with Red Plate this time"

Main Photo: Daniela Guillen

Bottom Photos: 1. WMX Start; 2. WMX Podium (Left to Right: Lotte Van Drunen, Daniela Guillen, Lynn Valk)

WMX -  Race 1 - Top 10 Classification: 1. Daniela Guillen (ESP, GASGAS), 24:17.366; 2. Lotte Van Drunen (NED, Yamaha), +0:04.978; 3. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), +0:18.316; 4. Lynn Valk (NED, KTM), +0:46.013; 5. Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, GASGAS), +1:08.068; 6. Martine Hughes (NOR, Kawasaki), +1:11.497; 7. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:13.630; 8. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Honda), +1:21.829; 9. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), +1:28.521; 10. Shana van der Vlist (NED, Yamaha), +1:31.322

WMX – Race 2 - Top 10 Classification: 1. Daniela Guillen (ESP, GASGAS), 24:33.314; 2. Lotte Van Drunen (NED, Yamaha), +0:00.472; 3. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:23.893; 4. Lynn Valk (NED, KTM), +1:27.387; 5. Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, GASGAS), +1:29.442; 6. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Honda), +1:30.023; 7. Martine Hughes (NOR, Kawasaki), +1:49.277; 8. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), +1:53.776; 9. Danee Gelissen (NED, KTM), +2:00.620; 10. Jana Sanchez Nequi (ESP, Yamaha), +2:03.383;

WMX Overall - Top 10 Classification: 1. Daniela Guillen (ESP, GAS), 50 points; 2. Lotte Van Drunen (NED, YAM), 44 p.; 3. Lynn Valk (NED, KTM), 36 p.; 4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34 p.; 5. Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, GAS), 32 p.; 6. Martine Hughes (NOR, KAW), 29 p.; 7. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, HON), 28 p.; 8. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), 25 p.; 9. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 22 p.; 10. April Franzoni (FRA, HON), 20 p

WMX World Championship - Top 10 Classification: 1. Daniela Guillen (ESP, GAS), 50 points; 2. Lotte Van Drunen (NED, YAM), 44 p.; 3. Lynn Valk (NED, KTM), 36 p.; 4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34 p.; 5. Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, GAS), 32 p.; 6. Martine Hughes (NOR, KAW), 29 p.; 7. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, HON), 28 p.; 8. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), 25 p.; 9. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 22 p.; 10. April Franzoni (FRA, HON), 20 p 

WMX Manufacturers - Top 10 Classification: 1. GASGAS, 50 points; 2. Yamaha, 44 p.; 3. KTM, 38 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 34 p.; 5. Honda, 28 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 7 p

MXGP OF SPAIN QUICK FACTS:

Circuit length: 1650m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 21°

Weather conditions: Sunny

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intu Xanadú - Arroyomolinos