BLUCRU

The French crowd was treated to two more superb YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale races on Sunday at Saint Jean D'Angély, which saw Italy’s Nicola Salvini and Bulgarian youngster Dani Tsankov storm to victory in the YZ125 and YZ85 races.

Today marked the end of the hugely successful 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale, which saw more than 100 riders battle it out for a spot at the unique bLU cRU Masterclass event at the end of this year.

Main Photo: YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Winners pictured with Andrea Barbieri FIM Europe Commission Chairman (left) Infront Moto Racing COO Daniele Rizzi and Paolo Pavesio Marketing & Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe (right)

Photos: 1. YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Start | 2. YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Podium

Following yesterday’s YZ65 race, which was won by young French talent Tylan Lagain, ahead of Davi Dür and Willads Gordon, the YZ125 riders were first to take to the track on Sunday morning.

Photos: 1. YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Start | 2. YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Podium Pictured with Andrea Barbieri FIM Europe Commission Chairman (left) and Infront Moto Racing COO Daniele Rizzi (right)

Salvini was given first gate pick after qualifying just 0.055s ahead of fellow Italian Maurizio Scollo, who showed promise in last year’s YZ125 SuperFinale at Mantova, where he finished fifth.

The Italian duo proved to be the class of the field at the MXGP Charente Maritime event, with Salvini just edging ahead in the early stages. Scollo set a blistering pace behind though, but while running less than a second adrift of his rival the #329 rider fell on Lap 6, dropping 10 seconds behind the leader.

Scollo picked himself up and quickly began reeling in Salvini, setting the fastest lap in the process. On the final lap, he was back to within a second of the lead but fell again, seeing Salvini claim the YZ125 SuperFinale victory.

After a mammoth effort, Scollo was still able to salvage second overall, with Denmark’s Nicolai Skovbjerg completing the podium having overtaken Spain’s Salvador Perez earlier in the contest.

Perez eventually came home in fourth, ahead of Norwegian youngster Adrian Bolviken, both showing strong progress compared to last year’s event. Amalie Møller Gertsen won the award for Top Female Rider, with youngest rider Emile De Baere enjoying a stellar outing to finish inside the top 20 overall.

Photos: 1. Dani Tsankov | 2. YZ85 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Podium Pictured with Andrea Barbieri FIM Europe Commission Chairman (left) and Infront Moto Racing COO Daniele Rizzi (right)

In the YZ85 race, Luis Raoul Santeusanio was given first gate pick after dominating yesterday’s Time Practice. The Swiss rider took the early lead ahead of French youngster Tim Langue and Tsankov, who was sidelined on Saturday after a technical problem.

Despite this, the Bulgarian was quickly on the pace and moved up to second on Lap 2, before putting pressure on race leader Santeusanio. Tsankov then moved into the lead after his rival fell and dropped to P2, losing 16 seconds.

This allowed Tsankov to cruise to victory, going one better than he did in the YZ65 class last year, while Santeusanio consolidated a second-place finish to mark an impressive YZ85 SuperFinale debut.

Langue rounded off the podium places in third, beating Spain’s Iker Diez and Israeli youngster Ori Stark, who had been running in the podium positions before a fall early on.

Swedish rider Tuva Nelson came home in 11th overall, seeing her pick up the Top Female Rider trophy, while the youngest rider, Kay Zijlstra of The Netherlands, put in a stunning performance to go eighth overall.

In each of the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale categories, the top-three finishers and two wild cards will receive an invite to the bLU cRU Masterclass that will take place in November in Spain. There, one YZ125 rider will win a place in a Yamaha-supported EMX125 team for 2023, while the top performing YZ65 and YZ85 youngsters will earn added support from Yamaha Motor Europe for the next season.

Nicola Salvini – YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Winner: “I had a very good start and was able to take first position early in the race. I held onto it all the way through and eventually took victory. I’m really happy for this; it has been a great weekend, so thanks to everyone who made it possible.”

Dani Tsankov – YZ85 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Winner: “It was a great race for me and I’m really happy to win. Thanks to my family, sponsors, Yamaha and the team. It was not an easy weekend overall after missing practice yesterday, but in the end I’m first and am now looking forward to the Masterclass.”

Tylan Lagain – YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Winner: “I am very happy to win the SuperFinale in my home country. It was a fun race; I really like the track, and it was cool to meet the MXGP riders also yesterday. Thank you to Yamaha and my family for supporting me, I can’t wait to be at the Masterclass.”

YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Top 10 Classification: 1. Nicola Salvini (ITA, Yamaha), 30:28.375; 2. Maurizio Scollo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:17.644; 3. Nicolai Skovbjerg (DEN, Yamaha), +0:26.075; 4. Salvador Perez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:38.200; 5. Adrian Bolviken (NOR, Yamaha), +0:46.354; 6. Sandro Lobo (POR, Yamaha), +0:49.949; 7. Mathis Barthez (FRA, Yamaha), +0:58.403; 8. Carlos Prat (ESP, Yamaha), +1:25.399; 9. Giorgio Orlando (ITA, Yamaha), +1:47.071; 10. Eric van Helvoirt (NED, Yamaha), -1 lap(s);

YZ85 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Top 10 Classification: 1. Dani Tsankov (BUL, Yamaha), 21:55.562; 2. Luis Raoul Santeusanio (SUI, Yamaha), +0:08.646; 3. Tim Langue (FRA, Yamaha), +0:41.230; 4. Iker Diez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:52.624; 5. Ori Stark (ISR, Yamaha), +1:05.444; 6. Elias Nyström (SWE, Yamaha), +1:43.898; 7. Mio-Onni Rautiainen (FIN, Yamaha), +1:50.806; 8. Kay Zijlstra (NED, Yamaha), +2:00.454; 9. Jaume Martinez (ESP, Yamaha), +2:16.591; 10. Alexander Brondbjerg (DEN, Yamaha), +2:24.551;

YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Top 10 Classification: 1. Tylan Lagain (FRA, YAM), 25 points; 2. Davi Dür (AUT, YAM), 22 p.; 3. Willads Gordon (DEN, YAM), 20 p.; 4. Alberto Rodriguez (ESP, YAM), 18 p.; 5. Esteve Abella (ESP, YAM), 16 p.; 6. Doma Paizs (HUN, YAM), 15 p.; 7. Miska Laine (FIN, YAM), 14 p.; 8. Loïc Antoine (GER, YAM), 13 p.; 9. Nixon Coppins (GBR, YAM), 12 p.; 10. Liam Gaasbeek (NED, YAM), 11 p.; 11. Karl Kristman (EST, YAM), 10 p.; 12. Francisco Fernandes (POR, YAM), 9 p

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM Europe

Saint Jean d’Angely

The first winner of the 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale was decided in a thrilling YZ65 contest at MXGP Charente Maritime, with French youngster Tylan Lagain starring in front of his home crowd to take victory, while the YZ85 and YZ125 riders qualified for tomorrow’s races.

In total, 101 YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 riders make up the entry list for this year’s SuperFinale, with 23 countries represented across the three classes.

In each category, the podium finishers, as well as two promising wildcards, will be invited to the prestigious bLU cRU Masterclass, where the YZ125 riders will fight for a chance to join a Yamaha-supported EMX125 team, while the YZ85 and YZ65 riders will receive added support from Yamaha Motor Europe for their 2023 seasons.

After getting acquainted with the Saint Jean D’Angély venue on Friday, where the riders had the chance to meet their idols from the FIM Motocross World Championship; MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer, Glenn Coldenhoff and Maxime Renaux, plus MX2’s Jago Geerts and Thibault Benistant, Saturday saw the riders take to the track with their Yamaha bikes for the first time.

In the YZ125 class, Italy’s Nicola Salvini went fastest of all in Time Practice, seeing him get first gate pick for tomorrow’s race. Maurizio Scollo was just 0.055s behind his fellow countryman in second, with Danish rider Nicolai Skovbjerg rounding out the top three.

Swiss youngster Luis Raoul Santeusanio dominated the YZ85 session, ending the morning’s running 1.254s clear of Enea Alamanni of Italy. French youngster Tim Langue ended Time Practice in third, while eight nationalities made up the top 10 positions.

Then came the YZ65 class, and it was Austrian rider Davi Dür who went quickest of all in the practice session, a full 1.895s ahead of Lagain, with Finland’s Miska Laine 3.782s further adrift of the top two.

In the race, Lagain was fastest out of the blocks, taking the lead on the opening lap. From there, it soon settled into a two-rider battle for the victory, with Lagain and Dür consistently lapping more than eight seconds faster than their nearest challengers.

Dür pushed Lagain all the way, but the Austrian fell on the final lap while trying to close the gap. That allowed the French rider to take victory, while Dür eventually crossed the line 15.935s behind, but still comfortably ahead of the rest of the field.

Rounding off the podium places was Danish rider Willads Gordon, who remained unchallenged throughout the race, despite a late charge from Spanish youngster Alberto Rodriguez, who went from eighth by the end of Lap 1 to finish fourth.

Completing the top five was another young talent from Spain, Esteve Abella, who made a huge step forward during the day, having qualified in 11th.

The YZ125 class will kick off tomorrow’s proceedings at 08:50 (GMT+2), while the gate drops for the YZ85 race an hour later.

Tylan Lagain – YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Winner: “I am very happy to win the SuperFinale in my home country. It was a fun race; I really like the track, and it was cool to meet the MXGP riders also yesterday. Thank you to Yamaha and my family for supporting me, I can’t wait to be at the Masterclass.”

Main Photo: YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe CupSuperFinale Podium

Bottom Photos: 1. YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe CupSuperFinale Start 2. Tylan Lagain

YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale Top 10 Classification: 1. Tylan Lagain (FRA, YAM), 25 points; 2. Davi Dür (AUT, YAM), 22 p.; 3. Willads Gordon (DEN, YAM), 20 p.; 4. Alberto Rodriguez (ESP, YAM), 18 p.; 5. Esteve Abella (ESP, YAM), 16 p.; 6. Doma Paizs (HUN, YAM), 15 p.; 7. Miska Laine (FIN, YAM), 14 p.; 8. Loïc Antoine (GER, YAM), 13 p.; 9. Nixon Coppins (GBR, YAM), 12 p.; 10. Liam Gaasbeek (NED, YAM), 11 p.; 11. Karl Kristman (EST, YAM), 10 p.; 12. Francisco Fernandes (POR, YAM), 9 p.; 

SAINT JEAN D’ANGELY (France) 19 August 2022 – This weekend Saint Jean d’Angely will make its grand return to the FIM Motocross World Championship with the MXGP of Charente Maritime.

The MXGP of Charente Maritime promises to deliver some exciting racing, especially in MX2 as home hero Tom Vialle of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is looking to chase down his championship rival and the current leader Jago Geerts of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing!

Fans in France will have plenty of TV coverage to choose from with LIVE action on Automoto TV la chaine, with Maxime Martin on-site to deliver LIVE commentary, along with 4 hours of coverage from 2pm on La chaine L’EQUIPE, as well as LIVE and delayed action on Eurosport2. Additionally, France 3 will also be on site in Saint Jean d’Angely.

The MXGP of Charente Maritime is not one to be missed! Check out the full list of channels below that will air LIVE and delayed action, along with the 26min Behind-the-Gate magazine, available to enjoy on MXGP-TV.com and via our TV magazine partners following the GP weekend, featuring the best moments from the races and exclusive interviews, plus more!

As always, MXGP fans can follow the races LIVE and uninterrupted throughout the weekend on MXGP’s very own streaming service, all you need to do is log onto www.MXGP-TV.com this Saturday and Sunday to watch the MXGP, MX2, EMX250, YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Superfinale action from the comfort of your home.

USA CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 10:00 ET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 –11:00 ET – LIVE

BRAZIL

Bandsports

Sunday 21 August – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 00:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 22 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 –01:30 CET – Delayed

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

AUSTRIA

MORE THAN SPORT

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS OPEN

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

VRT

Sunday 21 August 2022  – news sports 20mn

ESTONIA

Go3

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

FINLAND

MTV Max

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 18:00 (Local time GMT+3) - LIVE

FRANCE

La chaine L’EQUIPE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 15:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

Automoto TV la chaine

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 00:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 22 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 –01:30 CET – Delayed

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

GERMANY

MORE THAN SPORT

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

ITALY

RAI SPORT HD

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 22:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 23:00 CET – Delayed

RAI Play

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE Stream

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 00:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 22 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 01:30 CET – Delayed

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

LATVIA

TV3 Sport Open

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

LITHUANIA

Go3

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE Stream

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 19:00 CET – Delayed

Teledeporte

Monday 22 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – TBC Delayed

Monday 22 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – TBC Delayed

RTVE Play

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE Stream

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE Stream

SWITZERLAND

MORE THAN SPORT

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

MENA (Middle East North Africa)

The Saudi Sport Company

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

ASIA Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

EUROSPORT ASIA

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 00:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 22 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 –01:30 CET – Delayed

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

INDIA and Subcontinent (Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives)

VIACOM SPORT 18

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 21 August 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – LIVE

PACIFIC

AUSTRALIA

STAN SPORTS

Sunday 21 August – MX2 Race 1 – 21:00 (Australia) – LIVE

Sunday 21 August – MXGP Race 1 – 22:00  (Australia) – LIVE

Sunday 21 August – MX2 Race 2 – 00:00 (Australia) – LIVE

Sunday 21 August – MXGP Race 2 – 01:00  (Australia) – LIVE

26min Behind-the-Gate Magazine Partners:

AMERICA

Direct TV                     Latin America                          Thursday after each MXGP 8:30pm

USA                             MAV TV                                   During the week after the event

AFRICA

Africa                           AXP                                          During the week after the event

EUROPE

Albania                        GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Austria                        GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Baltics                          TV3 Sport Open                      Thursday after each MXGP

Belgium                       SPORT TEN                              tba

Bosnia                         GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Croatia                        GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Finland                        MTV                                        During the week after the event

Hungary                      GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Kosovo                        GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Montenegro                GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Northern Macedonia  GP1                                          Thursday after each event at 20:15

Portugal                      SPORT TV                                Tuesday after the event        

Romania                      Look Sport                               Wednesday after each event

Serbia                          GP1                                         Thursday after each event at 20:15

Slovenia                      Sport TV                                  Tuesday after the event

Spain                           Movistar                                   Friday after each event at 12am

INDIA and Subcontinent (Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives)

VIACOM SPORT 18                                                      TBC

WORLDWIDE

Worldwide                  Motorvision                            During the week after the event

MXGP of Charente Maritime LIVE MXGP-TV Timetable

WEEKEND TIMETABLE (Local Time CEST)

SATURDAY: 08:20 EMX250 Free Practice, 08:50 bLU cRU 125 Free/Time Practice, 09:30 bLU cRU 85 Free/Time Practice, 10:10 bLU cRU 65 Free/Time Practice, 10:50 MX2 Free Practice, 11:20 MXGP Free Practice, 12:45 EMX250 Qualifying Practice, 13:25 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 14:55 bLU cRU 65 Race, 15:30 EMX250 Race 1, 16:25 MX2 Qualifying, 17:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 08:50 bLU cRU 125 Race, 09:50 bLU cRU 85 Race, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

Saint Jean d’Angely

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 17 August 2022 – This weekend, the MXGP of Charente Maritime will see the return of Saint Jean d’Angely to the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar for the penultimate round of the 2022 campaign.

All eyes will be on the title battle between Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle who enter the second of the French GPs with a 15-point difference in the championship standings. Could the home GP give Vialle the boost he needs to take back control of the lead? We’ll find out at the MXGP of Charente Maritime!

The round in Saint Jean d’Angely will also decide the EMX250 Champion that is currently to be decided between series leader Rick Elzinga of Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing and Cornelius Toendel of Fantic Factory Team Maddii who enter the final round separated by 40 points.

Additionally, the MXGP of Charente Maritime will also host the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale that will see more than 100 riders of Europe's top-performing YZ125, 85 and 65 riders go head-to-head for one of the biggest junior races of the season that will also give them the chance to win an invite to the bLU cRU Masterclass that will see them being coached by former Factory Yamaha rider Brian Jorgensen and some of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory riders.

With Team HRC’s Tim Gajser securing the MXGP title last weekend in Finland, this means the focus shifts onto the other medal places still up for grabs in these final two GPs!

For Gajser though, these next two races will hopefully be far more enjoyable rather than the stress-filled Finnish Grand Prix and the last couple of races where he hasn't performed as well as he would have hoped. Now with the gold plate solidified on the front of his Honda machine and with great memories from Saint Jean d’Angely from 2019, where he won the Grand Prix, we will hopefully see the Slovenian back to his old winning ways.

Last weekend was also a big one for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP who made history with the first ever Yamaha 1-2-3 on an MXGP podium. Glenn Coldenhoff finally made his comeback to the top step of the podium for the first time since 2020 and was able to celebrate it with his teammates Jeremy Seewer and Maxime Renaux by his side, as they finished second and third overall.

Following his success in Finland, no doubt Coldenhoff will be feeling confident and hungrier than ever for further victories. The Dutchman also moves to third in the championship but cannot afford to relax as Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Renaux are not too far behind.

For Renaux this weekend will be an opportunity to make up for his result in Ernée a few months ago where he only managed 8^th overall after winning the Spanish Grand Prix the week before that. There is no doubt that Renaux has some unfinished business and will be looking to give his home fans a result to cheer about!

Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP's Romain Febvre will also be looking to bounce back after an unlucky weekend in Finland that saw him crash in the races and miss out on a podium spot. The Frenchman has been building his strength since coming back at the German Grand Prix and is keen on a podium finish before the end of the season, which he can certainly achieve this weekend on home soil. 

Jorge Prado will also be looking to bounce back after finishing 11^th overall last weekend in Finland. Prado knows and expects to be performing at the sharp end, but the second half of the season has been challenging for the Spaniard no doubt and with two GPs left on the calendar, hopefully, we can see him back on the box before the end of the season. He also has the motivation of winning the GP at Saint Jean d'Angely back in 2019 (in MX2) so hopefully, that will give him a much-needed boost too.

In terms of the championship, Honda 114 Motorsports Ruben Fernandez and Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen are separated by just 7 points in seventh and eighth position. Vlaanderen will no doubt be looking to score top points to close in on the Spaniard, while Fernandez will be keen on putting on a good performance for his French-based team.

2019 MXGP of France (Saint Jean d’Angely) MXGP Top 3:

1. Tim Gajser

2. Arnaud Tonus

3. Romain Febvre

Main Photo: MXGP Start from 2019

Bottom Photos: 1. Maxime Renaux 2. Romain Febvre

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 674 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 570 p.; 3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 525 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 517 p.; 5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 506 p.; 6. Brian Bogers (NED, HUS), 391 p.; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 359 p.; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, YAM), 352 p.; 9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 325 p.; 10. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 272 p.;

There is no doubt what the focus will be this weekend and that is the MX2 Championship chase. 15 points separate Geerts and Vialle, with Vialle entering his home GP with the confidence of winning in Finland.

It was a huge win for the Frenchman who didn’t start his weekend on a good note after crashing in the qualifying race. Though he turned things around by Sunday and was able to put in a 2-1 result which put him back on the top of the box and Geerts dominated the last three rounds on the bounce.

This weekend will be “make it or break it” for the two title hopefuls, as even the most minor mistakes cannot be afforded – which for us, the fans, will make the racing even more interesting!

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Thibault Benistant will be looking to repeat his success of the previous French Grand Prix and get back on the box this time around after a couple of tough races. The last time Benistant was on the podium was back in Czech Republic and with St. Jean d’Angely being a hard-pack track, this will no doubt favour Benistant, who we all know is a skilful hard-pack rider, so we can expect him right there in the mix with Geerts and Vialle.

Ship to Cycle Honda SR Motoblouz’ Stephen Rubini will be another rider to watch out for this weekend along with Big Van World MTX Kawasaki’s Mikkel Haarup and Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay de Wolf who are in a close battle for 6^th in the championship standings as they are separated by 20 points.

The likes of Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Simon Längenfelder, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Roan Van De Moosdijk and F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Kevin Horgmo can also be expected to make things interesting this weekend.

2019 MXGP of France (Saint Jean d’Angely) MX2 Top 3:

1. Jorge Prado

2. Jago Geerts

3. Thomas Kjer Olsen

Top Photo: MX2 Start from 2019

Bottom Photos: 1. Jago Geerts 2. Tom Vialle

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 676 points; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 661 p.; 3. Simon Längenfelder (GER, GAS), 535 p.; 4. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KAW), 476 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 434 p.; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 410 p.; 7. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 390 p.; 8. Andrea Adamo (ITA, GAS), 383 p.; 9. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 358 p.; 10. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 257 p.;

WEEKEND TIMETABLE (Local Time CEST)

SATURDAY: 08:20 EMX250 Free Practice, 08:50 bLU cRU 125 Free/Time Practice, 09:30 bLU cRU 85 Free/Time Practice, 10:10 bLU cRU 65 Free/Time Practice, 10:50 MX2 Free Practice, 11:20 MXGP Free Practice, 12:45 EMX250 Qualifying Practice, 13:25 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 14:55 bLU cRU 65 Race, 15:30 EMX250 Race 1, 16:25 MX2 Qualifying, 17:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 08:50 bLU cRU 125 Race, 09:50 bLU cRU 85 Race, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

Saint Jean d’Angely

After an action-packed season of national-level racing, more than 100 of Europe's top-performing YZ 125cc, 85cc and 65cc riders are about to embark on the biggest race of their budding careers. Coming from 23 different nations, the promising young riders that have made the cut are heading straight for the 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale which will take place this weekend at the MXGP Charente Maritime in Saint Jean d'Angely, France.  

This year marks the sixth edition of the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, and the third edition of the YZ85 and YZ65 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cups, with the event expected to wow onlookers at the spectacular Motoclub Angerien venue in Saint Jean d’Angely.

This year’s SuperFinale will see more than 30 riders in each class, YZ125, YZ85 and YZ65, race for an invite to the bLU cRU Masterclass that is expected to take place in Spain at the start of November. In each class, the top three finishers and two promising wildcard riders will move on to take part in the unique bLU cRU Masterclass, which will be run by former Factory Yamaha rider Brian Jorgensen, and some of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory riders.

At the Masterclass, one promising rider will win the ultimate prize where he or she will be picked to receive support in their quests to contest the European Championship. For the winner of the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, he or she will join a Yamaha-supported EMX125 team, while the EMX85 and EMX65 riders will receive added support from Yamaha Motor Europe for their 2023 seasons.

The YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale is all about giving talented youngsters an opportunity to take a small step towards an eventual career in Grand Prix racing. It is designed to work as a bridge between national and international level racing by offering kids a chance to race alongside their heroes at the biggest and most watched event of the season.

Photo Copyright: Yamaha Racing

The 17^th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship returns to St Jean d'Angely this weekend for the MXGP of Charente Maritime. It will be a busy weekend that will also see the final round of the EMX250 category as well as the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup!

Take a look at the timetable and entry lists below:

Timetable

MXGP

MX2

Additional classes:

EMX250

YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup 125cc

YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup 85cc

YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup 65cc