MX2

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 10 November 2023 – Infront Moto Racing is thrilled to announce that tickets for the highly anticipated MXGP of France are now available online!

Get ready as Saint Jean d’Angely gears up to host the FIM Motocross World Championship on the 18th and 19th of May 2024!

An iconic venue since its debut on the World Championship stage in 1984, Saint Jean d’Angely has not only witnessed thrilling motocross action but has also proudly hosted the Motocross of Nations in 2000 and 2011. The 2024 edition will mark the 18th time that this track will be in the MXGP Calendar.

The last time MXGP stopped in St Jean d’Angely was in 2022 for the MXGP of Charente Maritime where Tim Gajser emerged victorious in the MXGP class and Tom Vialle secured the top spot in MX2, setting the stage for their respective Championship victories. Renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, this Grand Prix is a favourite among fans who passionately gather to cheer on their motocross heroes.

Beyond the MXGP and MX2 races, spectators will have the privilege of witnessing the talent on display in the supporting classes, including the EMX250 and the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing.

Don't miss this golden opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of thrilling motocross action. 

Grab your tickets now and be part of the excitement! Secure your spot and experience the roar of the engines and the cheers of the crowd at the 2024 MXGP of France Right Here!

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Talented duo will lead the team into FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship competition.
 

Monster Energy Triumph Racing is excited to reveal its MX2 racers for 2024 – Mikkel Haarup and Camden McLellan. In what will be the highly anticipated first year of FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship competition for Monster Energy Triumph Racing, both Mikkel and Camden bring experience, talent, and a clear focus to ensure a successful season in 2024. 

A respected racer and podium finisher in the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship over many years, Haarup’s standout season came in 2022 when he placed seventh overall in the final MX2 standings. The Dane completed the 18-round series just two points adrift of sixth thanks to consistent results with frequent trips to the podium underlining his outright speed. Mikkel’s performances throughout this year ultimately caught the attention of Monster Energy Triumph Racing Team Manager, Vincent Bereni.

Joining Mikkel under the Monster Energy Triumph Racing awning is up-and-coming racer, Camden McLellan. After placing fourth in the 2022 EMX250 European Championship, the 19-year-old stepped up to the highly competitive MX2 Motocross World Championship for 2023. However, frustratingly, an early season injury ruled him out of competition until round seven. Once the South African returned to action though, he soon established himself as a regular threat to the top-five. Racing to a career-best fifth overall at the MXGP of Sweden in August, Camden would maintain his speed and consistency to ultimately place 13^th in the final standings.

Following the unveiling of the Monster Energy Triumph Racing MX2 race bike at the FIM Motocross of Nations, Mikkel began testing with the team in Spain at a variety of different tracks and was joined by Camden in early November. Initial feedback is incredibly positive with both riders, together with Monster Energy Triumph Racing, fully focused on the 2024 MX2 Motocross World Championship, which begins with the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina on March 10.
 

Mikkel Haarup said: “To get the opportunity to be a part of a factory team like Monster Energy Triumph Racing doesn’t come around very often. I’m extremely proud to be joining Triumph for the 2024 season and it means a great deal to me. We have all the right people in place within this team and the support from everyone involved has been amazing. I am looking forward to showing what this new bike can do during 2024 and I can’t wait to start racing!”

Camden McLellan added: “I’m honoured to be one of two riders to get the opportunity to join this team and become part of its history. It’s been a long wait for everyone to see the bike in action and I really believe that Triumph took every second behind the scenes to build a race winning bike; I really believe that’s what they have delivered, and I can’t wait to get behind the gate on the new machine! 

My first impressions of the bike and team is hard to put into words. I’ve really been blown away by both the performance of the bike and the insane work ethic and intent of the whole crew. We’ve just started testing and already I’m more than comfortable on the bike and it’s only going to get better as we continue to fine tune things. My goal next year is to go out and be a title contender, but I don’t want to get too ahead of myself. I just need to focus on improving and getting fitter, stronger, and faster throughout the winter and by round one next year I can have a more realistic expectation.”

Vincent Bereni, Monster Energy Triumph Racing Team Manager said: “We are excited to welcome Mikkel and Camden to the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team. Together, we will begin a historic season competing with Triumph in the FIM Motocross World Championship. Our testing programme began right after the Motocross of Nations, and we will continue our race machine development throughout the winter. 

Mikkel is a very experienced rider in the MX2 class and this is very important to Triumph. He has already shown impressive speed and skill on the bike, and with his motivation, combined with our team’s work ethic and experience, we will work hard to achieve our goals. As for Camden, he not only impressed us during the 2023 season, but I feel like the whole paddock was impressed by his speed and consistency. We are very fortunate and very excited to have Camden on the team and I strongly believe that we can take his ability to the next level in 2024. For now, we will continue testing in readiness for the new season and we can’t wait to get things underway in Argentina.”

Ian Kimber, Head of Off-Road Programmes, Triumph Motorcycles added: “Signing Mikkel and Camden as the first riders to the Monster Energy Triumph Racing MX2 programme marks a new chapter in Triumph’s rich racing history.  Together, with the efforts of the rest of the team led by Vincent, both riders will ensure that we have the best chance of showing the world what our new 250cc motocross bike is capable of.  Mikkel and Camden have settled into the team very well, showcasing their excellent work ethic and ability, while quickly getting to grips with the new bike to give valuable feedback during our initial winter tests.  Both riders have demonstrated they have the talent and outright speed, and we are excited to see them be the first Monster Energy Triumph Racing riders to line up on the MX2 World Championship gate in 2024.”

For more information contact enquiries.racing@triumph.co.uk

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Photo Credit: Triumph Racing 

RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING COMPLETE RIDER LINE-UP FOR 2024

Marc-Antoine Rossi, arguably the breakout star in the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship, will race from underneath the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing awning from now on. Rossi has agreed on a multi-year deal with the manufacturer and will make his full-time debut in the MX2 division aboard an MC 250F

• GASGAS finalize race team for 2024 season.
• Marc-Antoine Rossi graduates to MX2 class.
• Two factory MC 250Fs set for competition.

Rossi raced in EMX250 this year with support from the Pierer Mobility Group and secured his maiden win in the class at Teutschenthal. It was at the Grand Prix of France, where he debuted in the MX2 class as a wildcard, that he shocked the world though. 8-6 scores underlined his potential at the highest level and will be a source of confidence when he enters his first full season.

Marc-Antoine Rossi completes the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing team's line-up for the upcoming 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship. Jorge Prado and Simon Längenfelder are poised to fight for the title in their respective classes as they continue in GASGAS colors.

Marc-Antoine Rossi: "I am very excited to join the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing team on a multi-year deal. It is a dream come true to start my professional career with a team that has such a strong record in the sport. I cannot wait to get the new season underway."

Davide De Carli (Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager): "It is great to welcome Marc-Antoine Rossi to the team: he impressed everyone with his speed and potential earlier this year. We will work with him to develop that raw pace in the years to come. I am really pleased with our line-up for the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship. We will be ready for the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina."

Photo Credit: GASGAS

RENEWED AGREEMENT WILL SEE THE PRESTIGIOUS EXHAUST MANUFACTURER SUPPLY THE TEAM WITH ITS PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING PRODUCTS THROUGH 2025

Husqvarna Motorcycles is excited to announce an extension to its highly successful partnership with FMF Racing. With the existing contract extended through to the end of 2025, Husqvarna Factory Racing will continue to benefit from the American company’s performance enhancing exhaust systems for the next two years.

Formed in 1973, FMF Racing celebrated 50 successful years in the offroad industry in 2023. As a brand synonymous with top level dirt bike competition around the world, FMF Racing continues to work closely with Husqvarna Factory Racing to develop its high-quality line-up of components.

Since the partnership began there have been many triumphs. Zach Osborne claimed two AMA 250 Supercross championships while Jason Anderson clinched Husqvarna’s first AMA 450 Supercross title in 2018. Osborne would add another title, the coveted AMA Pro Motocross 450 title, in 2020.

In the demanding world of enduro, Colton Haaker won the 2015, 2016, and 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship with Billy Bolt undefeated in the same series since winning his 2020 campaign. Billy would also find success outdoors in 2021 when he was crowned the inaugural FIM Hard Enduro World Champion

With the technical partnership between Husqvarna Motorcycles and FMF Racing extended for a further two years, Husqvarna Factory Racing’s riders will continue to benefit from the US manufacturer’s high performance exhaust systems in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, US Offroad Championships, MXGP with the Nestaan MX team, and in both the FIM Hard Enduro and SuperEnduro World Championships.

Robert Jonas – Vice President Motorsports Offroad: “Husqvarna Factory Racing has enjoyed so much success with FMF Racing throughout the partnership so far, and especially in recent years, so to renew for two more years is really exciting. The build quality of FMF components is as good as it gets with performance to match. Husqvarna Factory Racing competes at the highest levels of supercross, motocross, and enduro, and rely on dependable partners, which is exactly what FMF Racing is. With this renewed agreement, we look forward to the future and I’m sure that more racing success will continue to follow.”

Don Emler Jr. – Marketing Director FMF Racing: “It really is an honour for FMF Racing to continue our close relationship with Husqvarna Motorcycles and Husqvarna Factory Racing. The Flying Machine Factory is celebrating its 50th Year Anniversary and it’s with these long standing and successful partnerships that continue to make FMF the #1 offroad exhaust in the world. This renewal solidifies FMF’s continued support of the sport of motocross and performance. Going forwards, FMF will continue to work closely with the team and supply them with our American-made exhaust systems as they chase race wins and championships all around the world. This is the HOUSE OF POWER!.”

Photo Credit: Husqvarna

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 12 October 2023 – Infront Moto Racing is thrilled to unveil the provisional 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship Calendar, featuring a line-up of exciting locations. 

Together with the MXGP and MX2 Championship Calendar also the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and FIM Europe EMX Championship categories are released.

With a total of 21 events planned for 2024, the season will culminate with the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin, United Kingdom, from October 4th to 6th.

The FIM Motocross World Championship will kick off on March 10th with the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina in the picturesque Villa la Angostura, followed by the MXGP of Europe at a soon-to-be-confirmed location on March 24th.

Exciting back-to-back Grand Prix events are scheduled for Sardegna and Trentino, leading into a thrilling triple-header in Portugal, Spain, and France that will mark the comeback of Saint Jean d'Angely. Early June will witness another triple-header, featuring the Liqui Moly MXGP of Germany, Latvia, and a Grand Prix location that will be confirmed, rounding out the first half of the season.

Continuing the tradition from the previous year, the MXGP paddock will travel to Asia in late June for a thrilling double header in Sumbawa-Indonesia, and Lombok- Indonesia.

The championship will then return to Europe, with events in the Czech Republic, Flanders (Belgium), Sweden, The Netherlands, and Switzerland. The popular MXGP of Turkiye in Afyonkarahisar will be followed by an event in early September that is yet to be announced, leading up to the grand finale of the 2024 MXGP Season at the MXGP of Italy, hosted at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Last by not least the most important event of the season, the Monster Energy FIM MXoN will be held in Matterley Basin, Great Britain, on October the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th.

Infront Moto Racing's commitment to showcasing beloved motocross tracks remains unwavering to the sport's dedicated fan base. Infront Moto Racing extends its gratitude to the FIM, FIM-Europe, event organizers, national Federations, teams, partners, and all stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in assembling the 2024 MXGP calendar, which is poised to deliver 20 thrilling rounds of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Click here to download the 2024 Provisional MXGP Calendar

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TM Moto has announce its new talented rider, Yago Martinez, hailing from Vigo, Spain, who will be taking part in the MX2 World Championship in 2024.

Yago will be riding the TM MX 250 ES Fi 4T for the big return of TM Moto in MX2, ending a six-year absence from the competition.

TM Moto Racing Manager, Massimiliano Costantini: “We are very happy to be able to return to participate in the Motocross World Championship, which has seen us absent since 2018. For a small factory like ours, this is a big step forward. The choice of Yago is a good bet for us, we believe a lot in the potential of the boy who went through an unlucky period but who now seems to be slowly but surely returning to his level. We are very curious to see where the development work carried out in recent years has taken our bike compared to the competition and Yago seems to us to be the right profile to do this. He will be joined by another young boy who will participate in the 125 European Championship, which we will announce in a few days. Welcome among us Yago”

ERNEE (France) 8 October 2023 - The newly announced Monster Energy Triumph Racing Team shared insights on their Motocross World Championship programme at a special Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations media event in Ernee, France yesterday. The team, which recently revealed its title sponsor, team name, and new livery, unveiled its MX2 race bike; the first time a Triumph motocross machine has been seen in public in Europe.

Steve Sargent, Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, explained to the attending crowd about the British manufacturer’s objectives, goals, and long-term commitment to MXGP as it nears its first world championship gate-drop. Triumph’s programme is gaining momentum ahead of the ’24 season, in which the official MX2 team will field two riders, and Sargent explained details on the current status of the 250 programme as well as reiterating the intention to race in the MXGP class in 2025.

With the backdrop of the undulating French circuit as the setting for the event on the Monster Energy rig, Team Owner Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni and Team Manager Vincent Bereni shared details on how their team and Triumph have worked together to leave no stone unturned on this ground-up development project. From their passionate race team members to the Triumph engineers based in Hinckley UK, along with the partners that have joined the programme, it has been a steep and intense period of development for both the stock and race bike. Anticipation is mounting for the 2024 season, heightened by Monster Energy's role as the team’s title sponsor.

Three times Vice Motocross World Champion Clement Desalle, who has played a pivotal role as test rider for Triumph, gave his insights into what his involvement has been over the past two years. Desalle, who has been putting in the laps behind the scenes, notably shared how much he has enjoyed riding a 250cc machine, while being heavily involved in its development. The Belgian went on to explain how the initial strong feeling with the very first Triumph motocross prototype gave him a lot of motivation to be part of the British manufacturer’s aspiration to race in off-road. Throughout the OEM project and race bike development, Desalle has been involved in the entire testing process. The former racer will continue development work in all areas, with his focus now turning to the 450cc project.

With words from Monster Energy’s Joao Noruegas, EMEA 2 Wheel Offroad Manager, confirming the strong synergies between Triumph and Monster’s vision for the team, the bike was unveiled to a huge crowd of media, who were keen to see a Triumph motocross machine in the flesh for the first time. 

Triumph will line up for the very first time in the FIM MX2 World Championship in 2024 as part of its global off-road racing programme.

Photo Credity: Ray Archer
 

Exciting new partnership formed ahead of 2024 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship

Triumph Racing is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with global energy drink and lifestyle brand Monster Energy ahead of the 2024 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship. This exciting two-year partnership will see Monster Energy become title sponsor of the Triumph MX2 team, as the iconic British motorcycle company readies itself to step onto the global motocross racing stage.

Revealing imagery of the race bike for the very first time, Triumph and Monster are excited to share the name of the new team - Monster Energy Triumph Racing. The British brand’s partnership with Monster Energy will heighten Triumph Racing’s presence within the Motocross World Championship paddock while ensuring a bold and unmistakable appearance for the team. Triumph goes MX2 World Championship racing for the first time ever in 2024.

Monster Energy Triumph Racing will be managed by the highly respected, experienced, and accomplished duo of Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni and Vincent Bereni. Together, the pairing has helped guide multiple riders to success, winning no fewer than 80 GPs in the FIM Motocross World Championship. 

As the 2024 season approaches, both Thierry and Vince are channelling their passion, desire, and technical expertise into Monster Energy Triumph Racing, working alongside Triumph engineers from the headquarters in Hinckley, UK, and the US racing team. The reveal of the team’s MX2 race bike, which features the #25 of test rider Clément Desalle, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the British manufacturer’s racing history.

Steve Sargent – Triumph Chief Product Officer: 

“Partnering with a prestigious and passionate company like Monster Energy as we enter the ultra-competitive FIM MX2 World Championship is hugely exciting for Triumph Racing. We know just how competitive the series is, and that being at the sharp end of the field will be no easy task. But having a partner such as Monster Energy, who have built a long relationship over many years with Thierry and Vince, is a very proud moment for us, as is revealing our MX2 race bike. I’d like to thank Monster for their belief in our project and we look forward to a very exciting 2024, and beyond, with the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team.”

Aaron Nixon O’Neill – Monster Energy Director - 2 Wheel Motorsports:

“We are thrilled to reveal the Monster Energy Triumph Racing team bike and team name. We’re all very excited to get on the racetrack with this world-class team. It’s been almost 10 years since we first partnered with Thierry, and we have enjoyed huge success together over the years. Along with Vince and the whole team at Triumph, we are ready to get behind the gate and launch into the 2024 FIM MX2 World Championship. We commend Triumph Racing and the entire team as this has not been an easy task, the sport is ultra-competitive, and the level of racing today is at an all-time high. We look forward to the first round and getting the season underway. “

Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni – Monster Energy Triumph Racing Team Owner:

“We are very excited to announce this new partnership with Monster Energy as title sponsor of our MX2 team, as we enter a new chapter of racing with Triumph Motorcycles. We have enjoyed a very strong partnership with Monster in the past and they understand our sport, which is incredibly important when working together at this level. We appreciate and thank them for their trust in us and our programme, as we turn the page in history and enter the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship with the completely brand new 250cc motorcycle from Triumph. Monster is one of the most recognisable brands globally, and their investment in action sports has been pivotal to the development of our sport, so this is a very proud moment for us as we share this news, reveal the livery of our race bike and the name of the team – Monster Energy Triumph Racing.”

Watch the unveiling of the bike
 

Notes for Editors:

About Monster Energy

Since its launch in 2002, Monster Energy has expanded its reach to over 140 countries, becoming one of the world's leading energy drink brands. It boasts strong partnerships in the action sports world and has a sustained history of collaboration with numerous international motocross and supercross championships, teams, and riders. Through its many high-profile sporting partnerships, Monster Energy engages with an army of passionate sports fans through authentic and credible experiences and online content. 

About Triumph Racing

• First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles has a glorious racing history, competing in and winning races in almost every class and field of motorcycle sport. From winning the second ever Isle of Man TT in 1908, through to 1960s road and track domination in Europe and America, right up to contemporary racing achievements such as the Triumph triple powered 2014 and 2015 Supersport titles and World Supersport racing, Isle of Man Supersport TT wins in 2014 and 2019, courtesy of Gary Johnson and Peter Hickman, plus an average speed of over 130mph in 2023 by Peter Hickman on his Triumph STR765, and a thrilling last-lap victory at the legendary Daytona 200 by Brandon Paasch on the Street Triple 765 in 2022. 
   
• Triumph’s racing legend continues as the exclusive engine supplier to the FIM Moto2™ World Championship since the start of the 2019 season. Triumph Motorcycles provides all the teams with race-tuned 765cc triples, each of which is based on the class-leading Street Triple RS powerplant. Redefining the class, Triumph broke record after record in the inaugural year, including the first ever +300km/h Moto2™ top speed. Reflecting these great successes, the wonderful feedback, and partnerships that Triumph have had with the riders and their teams, and the incredible response from Triumph fans across the world, Triumph and Dorna decided to extend the relationship in 2021 and again in 2023, signing a new contract for another five years of racing: 2025 – 2029. 
   
• In 2021, Triumph announced its forthcoming entry into the motocross and enduro worlds with the single-minded ambition and commitment to develop a championship winning team. Triumph announced global motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and five-times Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes as part of the programme.
   
• In 2022, the appointment of Team Principal Bobby Hewitt and Team Manager Stephen ‘Scuba’ Westfall was announced. The team will be located at a dedicated new state-of-the-art private race facility in the USA.
   
• In 2023, Triumph announced its intention to compete in the 2024 MXGP/MX2 and SuperMotocross World Championships and confirmed the appointment of two top class riders to lead its race development testing. Clément Desalle joined as test rider for the Triumph Racing MXGP/MX2 Team, run by Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, and Ivan Tedesco joined as full-time test rider for the Triumph Racing US SuperMotocross World Championship Team, led by Bobby Hewitt. 
   
• In September 2023, Triumph’s new 250cc motocross bike was revealed in public for the first time, at the SuperMotocross World Championship final at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California with Ricky Carmichael and Jeff Stanton. In early October, Triumph announced its partnership with Monster Energy for the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship and revealed its Monster Energy Triumph Racing livery.
   

Photo Credit: Triumph Racing 

In a strategic move to build a strong foundation for the future, Yamaha Motor Europe announces the restructuring of its operations in the FIM Motocross World Championship for the 2024 season and beyond.

Starting in 2024, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team will be based in Genk, Belgium and will be managed by the highly experienced Hans Corvers. With an impressive track record of success, including 68 race wins, 99 podium finishes, 35 Grand Prix victories, and the MX2 world title with Maxime Renaux in 2021, Corvers will enter his 28th year with Yamaha at the helm of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team. 

Both the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams will field three riders. Leading Yamaha's premier class efforts will be long-time Yamaha rider Maxime Renaux. Renaux will be joined on the gate by Jago Geerts, who steps up from MX2 to write the next chapter in his career, and Calvin Vlaanderen, the best performing satellite rider in MXGP who has earned a well-deserved opportunity to race with factory support. 

In the MX2 category, the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 Team will step up to the World Championship in 2024 as the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team. Since its debut as an official Yamaha team in 2020, the Wim Hutten managed outfit has celebrated significant success, including 18 race wins, 24 podium finishes, and EMX250 titles with Thibault Benistant in 2020, Rick Elzinga in 2022, and Andrea Bonacorsi in 2023. 

Yamaha and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team have retained Thibault Benistant and Rick Elzinga for 2024 and will add to their line up this year's EMX250 Champion, Bonacorsi, as he takes the next step up the Yamaha Racing pyramid. 

This restructuring is designed to strengthen Yamaha Motor Europe’s presence in the FIM Motocross World Championship by providing a fresh platform to fully maximize the potential of Yamaha's MXGP and MX2 riders. 

Yamaha Motor Europe would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Louis Vosters for his dedication to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team over the past four years. His passion and commitment have been truly inspiring, and we wish him all the best with his future endeavors.

Paolo Pavesio
Marketing & Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe
“I would like to start by expressing my sincere gratitude to Louis Vosters and his team. We have worked together for eight successful seasons, during which I have always appreciated his dedication to our sport. I am also happy that Louis’ future challenge will keep him not too far from Yamaha. Looking to the future, we felt this was the right time to make the next step with our Motocross World Championship structure. In line with our step-up philosophy, we have taken this opportunity to promote two teams that have already brought Yamaha great success. On top of four riders’ titles, the YZ250F machines managed by the Kemea and Hutten Metaal teams have won seven of the eight Manufacturers’ titles between 2020 and 2024, which is an incredible feat. By stepping up a class, both teams will be reunited with riders in whose success they played a major part, and with whom they can now continue the journey. I am confident that, under the direction of Hans Corvers and Wim Hutten, the two teams are more than equal to the new challenge that awaits them in MXGP and MX2 respectively.”

Alexandre Kowalski
Off-Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe
“Obviously, our focus now is on finishing an incredible 2023 season on a high, but we’re also preparing for the future. Again, we have followed our long-term strategy of the step-up program, which rewards success with promotion to the next level of the Yamaha racing pyramid. Following an impressive stint in MX2, where he’s been a regular championship contender aboard the YZ250FM, Jago Geerts will move up to the MXGP class with the same team in 2024, where he’ll be reunited with former teammate, Maxime Renaux. Joining them in the premier class will be Calvin Vlaanderen, who earned his place as a Yamaha Factory rider with impressive performances racing for the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha MXGP Supported Team over the past four seasons. In MX2, former EMX250 champions, Thibault Benistant and Rick Elzinga, will again lead our assault on the championship title. For 2024 they will be joined by Andrea Bonacorsi, who steps up to MX2 as the reigning EMX250 champion. We are pleased to have put together such a strong rider line-up for the 2024 season, especially as all six factory riders come from within our own ranks, and we are confident that, once again, we will be at the forefront of both classes next year.”

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 29 September 2023 – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Andrea Adamo embodies what the best Motocross experts call consistency. And this is the reason why his MX2 World Championship title is far from being usurped. Indeed, the top step of the podium at the end of the season doesn't necessarily go to the rider with the most Grand Prix wins, but rather to the one who knows how to be consistent, proud and, above all courageous. A description that perfectly suits the idea that we can have of the Italian rider, when you see him enter the track. In terms of statistics, the NO.80 has won two GPs out of the 19 this season but the young man finished in the Top 3 on 10 occasions in 2023, and when he wasn't on the podium, he did his utmost not to be outdone by his rivals at the front, often settling for Top 5. This hard work enabled him to score a total of 826 points, 67 ahead of his main rival Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team’s Jago Geerts.

Speaking about his background, Andrea Adamo is from a Sicilian family of four children, whose parents chose to move to the continent to head to Bologna, when he was just 10 years old. The sound of the motorcycle was not initially what set the pace in his family's life but, despite a very modest lifestyle, Andrea's passion came to the forefront at the price of certain sacrifices as he declared after winning his MX2 World title in Maggiora: "My parents had normal jobs and it wasn't always easy. So, I am so grateful! Now that I have reach my dream, I am super happy that everything they made for me paid off. My family is not a Motocross expert one, so they prefer to stay on the side and let me work, while they are always by my side to support me”.

Between 2015 and 2017, young Andrea made himself known in the MX world, competing in the Honda 150 European Championship with Pardi Racing Team. A competition he won in his final year, taking pole position in every round and winning seven of the heats that have been raced, before heading across the Atlantic Ocean for a year. Back from his time in the US, the Italian teamed up with Yamaha SM Action - M.C. Migliori in 2019, with whom he competed in the FIM EMX250 for two seasons. However, the results weren't there yet, mainly due to a few injuries, while the confidence was there, and in 2021, Adamo officially began his MX2 career with the same team, but with a new name and a new bike supplied by GasGas: SM Action Racing Team. Fourteenth in the World Championship for his first year in the class, the rider finished 8th last year, scoring his first career GP podium in Italy, in the process.

His improvements caught the eye of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team, which decided to put its faith in the Italian rising star for 2023, replacing Tom Vialle, reigning MX2 World Champion at that time. A successful gamble for the Austrian company, but it took a lot of work to challenge predictions of this season, as the scenario of Andrea Adamo finishing World Champion in his first year with the team was not envisaged. And even less so at a time when the boy, overall leader for the first time at the Kegums Grand Prix, was losing his red plate to Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay de Wolf, who was determined to take his part in the Championship. But the change in the lead was only temporary, and Adamo regained it one GP later in Germany, never to leave it again. From then on, his second half of the season was dictated solely by the objective of retaining the red plate, which resulted in 2nd place in Lombok, 1st in Vantaa, 3rd in Uddevalla, Maggiora and Matterley Basin. Moreover, he never ranked outside the top 10 overall in a Grand Prix, his worst position this year being 7th in Lommel.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Antonio Cairoli proudly said that "It's amazing what Andrea has done this year. I know how hard it is to do that on your first Factory year. To keep the Red Plate is something that you only find in a real Champion. We are so proud of him, with a rider like him everything is easier". From a managing point of view, the 9-time Motocross World Champion led Andrea Adamo and Liam Everts into the MX2 Top 5 this year, which is no small feat considering the competition.

Moving forward, the new MX2 World Champion knows that his opponents will be waiting for him next season. When you step into the big leagues, the hardest thing is to confirm your status. But that doesn't seem to worry him too much. He knows he has what it takes to repeat that performance, and that is his intention, concluding "I have one Motocross World Title, my first one and want to fully enjoy this one. Then in the winter, I will start to think about the next one and do my best to be competitive in 2024". The offseason will be long, but in the meantime, we'll be able to see Andrea Adamo on the track one last time this year, at the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernée, with the Italian team made up of the KTM rider,  Alberto Forato and Andrea Bonacorsi

Andrea Adamo 2023 MX2 Champion Clip HERE

2023 STATS

Grand Prix Wins: 2

Race Wins: 4

Pole Positions: 1

Podiums: 11

LINKS

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