MX2

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 14 July 2021 – The FIM Motocross World Championship returns to the Netherlands this weekend for this year’s Dutch Grand Prix in Oss!

Over the years venues such as Lierop, Assen and Valkenswaard have all hosted the Dutch Motocross Grand Prix, though this season the MXGP of the Netherlands will take place somewhere different as it will celebrate the return of a former World Championship venue of the 80’s, that is Oss.

The Dutch track, located in the south of the country and less than 50km from Eindhoven, first opened its doors in 1980 and was then better known as ‘Witte Ruysheuve’. Five years later, in 1985 the track presented the Motocross World Championship Grand Prix, which saw home rider and former 125cc World Champion, Dave Strijbos victorious.

The club then organised another two GP’s in Oss in 1989 and 1998 which were dominated by American Mike Healey and Italian Alessio Chiodi. Now 23 years later Oss will make a comeback to the FIM Motocross World Championship to host what is bound to be an exciting race weekend!

Alongside the usual MXGP and MX2 races, the MXGP of the Netherlands will also see rounds of the EMX250 and EMX Open Championships. In the European 250 category Fantic Factory Team Maddii rider Nicholas Lapucci leads the championship over SM Action Racing Team’s Kevin Horgmo and Cornelius Toendel from Riley Racing Yamaha. Meanwhile in EMX Open, after an incredible performance in Maggiora two weeks ago, Filippo Zonta leads over Nicholas Dercourt and Davide De Bortoli. With both championships tight on points, it will be interesting to see who will come out on top this weekend.

As we enter the first sand race of the season, there’s no doubt that all eyes will be on Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings. As many of us know, Herlings is very strong in the sand and has won the Dutch Grand Prix a total of 14 times since 2010, including 10 wins in MX2 and 4 in the MXGP category.

Coming off the back of a GP victory in Maggiora two weeks ago, Herlings will enter his home round with a nice confident boost after three GP’s on a hardpack base, he will be back on a terrain he prefers a lot more and has been dominant on in the past, so a win for the Bullet is highly likely.

A rider who could challenge him for the win is Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff. For Coldenhoff the races in Oss will be a true home GP as the Dutchman grew up in the area. With the confidence of a podium finish in Italy, where he was tied on points with Herlings for the GP win, as well as the support of the home crowd, Coldenhoff will be strong and a real threat.

Meanwhile Team HRC’s Tim Gajser will be looking to claw back as many championship points as he can with a solid weekend. In Maggiora Gajser failed to place on the podium, though his chances of a podium this weekend are pretty high. Last year in Valkenswaard the Slovenian put on an incredible performance to go 1-2 for second overall. He also won twice in Lommel during the Belgian triple-header so there’s no question that Gajser can ride in the sand and will be one to look out for.

There’s also Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli who has been in incredible shape lately. After failing to score points in the second race in Orlyonok, Cairoli came back fighting in Matterley Basin to take his first GP win of the season and the followed that up with another strong performance in Maggiora going 3-3 to tie on points with Herlings and Coldenhoff. Cairoli has always been a good sand rider having won the Dutch and Belgian GP’s more than a handful times, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on the top step once again.

Of course, there’s also Romain Febvre of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team who managed his first race win in Maggiora, though the second heat was much tougher and cost the Frenchman a podium and championship points. Despite that he is still third, just two points ahead of Cairoli, so of course he will be keen to pick up as many points as he can to keep his spot.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer and Ben Watson will also be looking for more this time around, with both riders getting top 10 results in Maggiora. The pair are also known to be good in the sand so it could be another GP that we see all three factory Yamaha riders inside the top 10 again.

Last season, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Arminas Jasikonis finished third overall in Valkenswaard during the Dutch Grand Prix after two solid third place finishes. This season, Jasikonis is yet to pick up points after making his return from injury, but with the first sand race of the year taking place this weekend, we could see the Lithuanian climb up the order as he gets another race under his belt and becomes more confident. 

Local riders Calvin Vlaanderen of Gebben Van Venrooy Racing and Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing’s Brian Bogers will be keen to perform well during their home GP and so will wildcard riders Lars van Berkel, Rene De Jong and Sven Van der Mierden.

2020 MXGP of the Netherlands – Top 3 MXGP

1. Jeffrey Herlings

2. Tim Gajser

3. Arminas Jasikonis

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 124 points; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 118 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 107 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 105 p.; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 97 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 86 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 82 p.; 8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GAS), 82 p.; 9. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), 69 p.; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, BET), 60 p.;

Main Photo: MXGP Start 2021

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeffrey Herlings 2. Glenn Coldenhoff

In MX2, F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Roan Van De Moosdijk is bound to be one of the main protagonists for the podium in Oss. After coming close to a top three overall finish in Orlyonok and Matterley Basin, Van De Moosdijk will be pushing for his first podium of the 2021 season and racing at home will for sure give him some sort of advantage. His teammates Mathys Boisrame and Mikkel Haarup cannot be ruled out either, with Boisrame showing huge improvements in the sand last season and so far this year he has been consistently fighting at the top end of the field.

Another one of the biggest threats for the win will be the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MX2 squad. All three riders, Jago Geerts, Maxime Renaux and Thibault Benistant have what it takes to lead races. Belgian born Geerts of course has the biggest advantage being a very strong sand rider, but Renaux can perform on the soft stuff too, as he proved it in Valkenswaard last season where he finished second on the podium. And of course, Benistant will be full of confidence after his race one victory in Maggiora. So, all three riders could put on a show this weekend.

One of the biggest questions coming into the Dutch Grand Prix was whether or not we will see Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle make his return. Unfortunately, Vialle will sit out the races in Oss after two difficult GP's due to a broken hand. The broken bone in his hand is almost healed but anymore stress could be a setback for the defending World Champion, therefore the Frenchman made the decisions to not take part in this weekends races. At the moment Vialle is down in 11^th in the championship standings, 63 points down on the leader Mattia Guadagnini. 

For Guadagnini the upcoming races will be a real test to see if the Italian can perform just as well on sand as he had in the hard pack races so far this season, as well as to see whether having the red plate add any extra pressure or whether the rookie will be able to keep it together and put in another two solid races and continue his podium success.

Of course, Honda 114 Motorsport’s Ruben Fernandez will also want to get in on the action and stay within the top three in the championship. Fernandez has shown his fierce side these past few races, getting involved in some strong battles for top positions in every race that he has lined-up for. The races in Oss will be another opportunity for the Spaniard to solidify himself as a title contender this season after some very good races so far.

Another rider who will be looking to put on his best performance will be Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay De Wolf, who will enter his home Grand Prix in the MX2 World Championship class for the first time. Two weeks ago, both De Wolf and Beaton had some good races, both finishing inside the top 10 and battling within the top 5 together at one stage too. For the De Wolf this will be an opportunity to shine and show what can be expected later in the season as he gets more confident.

2020 MXGP of the Netherlands – Top 3 MX2

1. Tom Vialle

2. Maxime Renaux

3. Jago Geerts

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 113 points; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 111 p.; 3. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 108 p.; 4. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 105 p.; 5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 99 p.; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 80 p.; 7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 79 p.; 8. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 70 p.; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 67 p.; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 67 p.;

Main Photo: MX2 Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Roan Van De Moosdijk 2. Kay De Wolf

TIMETABLE (Local Timing GMT+2)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMX Open Free Practice, 09:30 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 10:00 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 10:35 EMX Open Qualifying Practice, 11:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:10 EMX Open Race 1, 14:00 EMX250 Race 1, 15:10 EMX Open Race 2, 16:05 EMX250 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

Oss

The FIM Motocross World Championship will head to Oss as the MXGP of the Netherlands is running this weekend, 17th and 18th July. 

Timetable & Entry Lists for the event are avaiable for download in PDF format here below:

Timetable 

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

EMX250 Entry List

EMXOPEN Entry List

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 13 July 2021 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to share that the July issue of MXGP Magazine is now online!

The 95^th edition of the monthly magazine features Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MX2 as we talk about Maxime Renaux, Thibault Benistant and Jago Geerts’ season so far and their podium success at the first three GP’s.

The July issue also takes a look at what happened in the first three GP’s in our Racing Catch-up, along with a special feature on a new service offered by MXGP partner SEL, Ship-to-Cycle, as well as a re-cap of the Fox Holeshot competition.

In addition, the Vintage Bike section features Frédéric Bolley’s 1999 HRC Honda RC250, while this month’s Hall of Fame showcases Gérard Rond and his achievements as an FIM Motocross World Championship rider in the 70’s and 80’s.

You can find all this plus more in the 95^th issue of MXGP Mag, which you can download 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. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP Mag

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 9 July 2021 – In preparation for the return of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, a special press conference and presentation was held by the organisers of the event to celebrate the return of the MXGP of Turkey.

The event held at the NG Güral Thermal Hotel included Turkish Motorcycling Federation President Bekir Yunus Ucar, Deputy of Afyonkarahisar İbrahim Yurdunuseven, Governor of Afyonkarahisar Gokmen Cicek, Mayor of Afyonkarahisar Mehmet Zeybek who all spoke about the upcoming event along with its inaugural success.

A video started off the presentation showcasing the event that was help in 2018 and its success as the first MXGP of Turkey and the first-ever visit to Afyonkarahisar, followed by the 2019 MXGP of Turkey, as well as a sneak peek of the 2021 event that is due to be bigger and better.

During the 2018 season, at the annual MXGP Awards the MXGP of Turkey was awarded the Best Infrastructure prize, followed by the Best Paddock award in 2019.

The presentation also included the successful growth of MXGP in general over the past years with the return of the MXGP Turkey being an important milestone and symbol of the worldwide championship.

The official presentation is the perfect occasion to open the ticket sales for the event too. Now we look forward to the celebrations in Afyonkarahisar for the MXGP of Turkey on the 4^th and 5^th of September. Purchase your ticket HERE

Watch the video presentation HERE!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 8 July 2021 – Infront Moto Racing, together with KTM AG and FIM Europe are excited to announce a new partnership which will see the formation of the FIM Europe Junior e-Motocross Championship that will run over the next two years.

The all-new electric European racing series will be held alongside selected FIM Motocross World Championship events, with the new category introducing a fresh generation of riders onboard electrically powered machines.

This new collaboration between Infront Moto Racing and KTM AG, with its brands KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS, will see the two join forces and continue on their shared mission to develop young talent. The development of this new championship is the ideal opportunity to do so, thanks to Infront Moto Racing’s drive to advance motocross worldwide combined with the philosophy and futuristic vision of KTM AG and its brands,

The FIM Europe Junior e-Motocross Championship will run as a five-round series for riders aged 6-8 years old, which will begin at the 2021 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Mantova, Italy in September. The on-track sessions for the new class will feature a free and timed practice, followed by two races on an adapted version of each Grand Prix track.

The winner of the 2021 FIM Europe Junior e-Motocross Championship series will receive an exclusive prize – a three-day opportunity with a factory race team, which will give the young European Champion exclusive access and a tailor-made training experience with world championship level athletes.

Young riders can compete onboard KTM SX-E 5, Husqvarna EE 5 and GASGAS MC-E 5 machinery and will be provided with a special entry package including a branded cap, bottle, t-shirt, umbrella and pit-board. All junior riders entered into the class will also be offered the chance to attend talks and track walks (during race weekends) hosted by some of the best professionals in the business.

To enter the 2021 FIM Europe Junior e-Motocross Championship visit: www.junioremotocross.com

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO: “As promoter of the MXGP World Championship, Infront Moto Racing is very proud about this announcement. KTM AG and its brands KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS, have always been a pioneer in motocross. This new challenge leads us into the future of our sport and will be the first step onto a new path. Always related to the development of young talent, we are very excited to use the MXGP Grand Prix weekend to develop new technologies and we have no doubt that this new category will grow in the upcoming years. I would also like to thank FIM Europe for their great support.” 

Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe President: “This is a new development for young riders in the Motocross Championship. FIM Europe appreciates this step from KTM AG and Infront Moto Racing. It will be amazing for Junior riders to start their career in this way. This new championship fits in with the philosophy of KTM AG and its brands very well and the future of motorsports in general is depending on developments in a technical way of all kinds of energy sources. We are looking forward to the first races in this new Junior e-Motocross Championship.” 

Florian Burguet, Vice President KTM Global Marketing: “At the very heart of KTM AG and its brands has always been our passion for introducing new people to offroad racing and the development of junior racers, which is why this new FIM Europe Junior series is incredibly important to us. As the global offroad market leader, we feel it is KTM AG’s responsibility to support, promote and accelerate the implementation of electric motocross vehicles amongst young racers and offer alternative forms of racing. This is the start of a new chapter and we are happy to embrace the possibilities with our partnership with Infront Moto Racing for the FIM Europe Junior e-Motocross Championship, as it offers a new stepping-stone in the development of the motocross stars of tomorrow.” 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM Europe

Junior e-Motocross

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 July 2021 – MXGP is thrilled to continue the Fox Holeshot competition, that is running throughout the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship season, together with MXGP partner Fox.

How does the competition work?

During both MXGP and MX2 races, the rider who crosses the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be awarded 1 point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders, one per category, with the most Fox Holeshot points will win the mega prize!

During the Monster Energy MXGP of Italy we once again saw four different riders dominate the starts to each received the Fox Holeshot plate!

In the first MXGP race it was the race winner Romain Febvre of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team who added another Fox Holeshot to his season campaign, as he dominated the entire opening race to claim his first race win of the year. Meanwhile in the second heat it was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff who was quick out of the gate, crossing the white chalk line first to get himself into an early lead.

In MX2, it was a Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing affair as Thibault Benistant claimed the first Fox Holeshot on his way to a race win, while in the second heat it was Jago Geerts who got himself out in front into the first corner to claim his first Fox Holeshot of the season, on his way to a top three podium finish!

As it stands, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre edge out in the competition with two points, meanwhile in MX2 there’s currently six riders all on one point each.

MXGP Fox Holeshot Classifications

MX2 Fox Holeshot Classifications

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films from the Monster Energy MXGP of Italy below. 

MAGGIORA (Italy) 4 July 2021 – The Monster Energy MXGP of Italy has concluded in Maggiora with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing victorious in MXGP and MX2, as Jeffrey Herlings and Mattia Guadagnini secured overall victories in their respective categories.  

The day was full of excitement, as we started things off with a special parade lap which featured former FIM Motocross World Championship riders Gautier Paulin, Joel Smets and Alex Puzar, followed up by four interesting races that kept the crowd of spectators on their toes.  

In MXGP, the podium was close as the top three riders were all tied on 40 points. But it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Jeffrey Herlings who put in a stellar effort to get himself onto the top step of the podium, while Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff made his podium debut with factory Yamaha to finish second overall, as Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing added another top three finish to his 10^th title chase.

In race one, it was Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team rider Romain Febvre who grabbed the Fox Holeshot and was followed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Cairoli.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Glenn Coldenhoff and Ben Watson got off to a good start and were sitting fourth and fifth, with their teammate Jeremy Seewer inside the top 10 too.

Herlings started the race down in 6^th and was pushing through the field until a jammed rock in his back break made things difficult, for which he had to pull over to fix and as a result lost valuable positions and time.

Seewer then went after Watson, for 7^th place and a couple of laps later so did Herlings, pushing the Brit down to 9^th where he eventually finished the race – this was his best result of the season so far.  

Herlings continued his charge as he went after Seewer and then four laps later managed to get Jonass as well, to finish the race 6^th, all while Febvre comfortably led the entire race with Prado, Cairoli and Coldenhoff behind him.

At one stage it did look like Gajser would make a move on Coldenhoff, though the Slovenian was unable to do so and the Dutchman could not edge close enough to get Cairoli and Prado either. Febvre took the race win with Prado second and Cairoli third.

In race two, things were very different thanks to the heavy rain that started to fall just before the gate dropped. As the race got going, it was Coldenhoff who grabbed the second Fox Holeshot of the day. He then led Herlings, Henry Jacobi of JM Honda Racing, Prado, Seewer and Cairoli on the opening lap, as Gajser started down in 11^th.

Race 1 winner, Febvre started the race in 7^th before making several mistakes and eventually finishing the race in 12^th position.

Coldenhoff maintained a healthy 3-4 second gap to Herlings, as Jacobi was doing a great job keeping up with the Dutchman, as Cairoli and Prado were both looking to get around the German themselves, but were not able to do so.  

By lap 12, Herlings was the new race leader and not long after Cairoli was finally able to get around Jacobi to move up into P3. Jacobi then dropped another position, as Jonass passed him too, with Gajser managing to get back to 6^th after a tough race.

Herlings was the race winner, with Coldenhoff second and Cairoli third. The race top 3 was exactly how they went up to the podium with all three riders tied on points. Though it was Herlings with the Grand Prix victory.

Despite missing the podium, Tim Gajser continues to lead the MXGP championship and sits just 6 points ahead of Jeffrey Herlings, with Romain Febvre a further 11 points back.

Jeffrey Herlings: “After the first race I was 7^th or 6^th behind Tim and got a stone between my rear brake, at one point I didn’t know what it was so I had to stop. I lost many places and about 20 seconds I think and then I had to come back to 6th. I had to make a really late race charge. Before the second race, I was really bummed and wanted to go for the win. Then just before I gave up it was pouring down rain and came a bit unexpected, so I had to make a last-minute decision regarding the tyre, goggle and whatsoever. Second race I came off really good, I was in third, raced to second then I wanted to save my goggle because in a mud race goggles are pretty important. So I always had a gap to Glenn, once I got into the lapped riders, I tried to attack and managed to pass Glenn, I was already counting and then I was like I will have the advantage for the overall and with a few laps to go I was going to win the overall. I lost a lot of the points into the championship, I started unlucky but it’s good heading into Oss in two week time. I think we are just 6 points behind. Still a lot in the championship so I won’t really look at the points because at the past I was counting, counting, counting, and sometimes I was over 150 points up front, I still didn’t win the championship, so I don’t count anymore, I just look race by race. I look at every race individually and try to be the best I can every single weekend. I want to thank the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, they did a great job. The bike was good and especially in the second race with all the mud”. 

Glenn Coldenhoff: “Orlyonok was a tough one for me, but I was surprised because my feeling was very good there. England was a bit better. But today straight from the first lap I felt really good and comfortable. In the first race I was behind Tony Cairoli, and I was a bit faster, but the track was lined, it was difficult to pass but, in the end, I spent quite some energy which resulted in not so much, let’s say, still fourth. In the second race the start was very good, holeshot and the team you know has been working so hard for this, I’m really thankful for that and want to give it up to them. In general, that second race, I was leading, I felt confident out there until halfway through the race, I started to struggle a little bit. Jeffrey was fast in the end, but I knew we had a twenty second gap to third and If I was to finish in front of Jeffrey, I knew I would win, but like I said I was not comfortable in the second part of the race. I’m really happy to be back on the podium and that’s where I think I belong; It’s a good confidence boost going into Oss in two weeks’ time and I’m really looking forward to that GP”.

Antonio Cairoli: “I’m really happy about the podium of course but not happy about that second race because I had the speed to ride in front. I started sixth or seventh then managed to pass Jorge Prado and a few other guys and then I arrive at the back of Henry Jacobi but my roll-off’s broke immediately because of a stone. The guys in front pulled away and I couldn’t pass Jacobi, so I really struggled to find a place to pass him but in the end I managed to do so on the last three laps. I’m training a lot on the mud lately and my feeling is good. I’m really looking forward to the sand races now, I’ve not been riding a lot on the sand lately but I love it, it’s my first favourite ground so I’m looking forward to being in Oss in a couple of weeks and hopefully we can continue to build up condition and try to stay in front again”.

Tim Gajser: “It was a tough day for us, I was struggling with the starts. First race I had a solid start but then passing was not easy so I kind of just settled for fifth and followed Glenn all race. Second one, I had a wild race, the rain and the storm came for the first half of the race, I lost the goggles immediately in the first lap and then I was struggling the whole race. I managed to come back to sixth in the end, but it was not easy to ride. But anyway, overall, I have to be happy as it could be worse. But now I am really looking forward to going to Oss”.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), 34:00.711; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:02.948; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:05.240; 4. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Yamaha), +0:06.961; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:09.446; 6. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:13.052; 7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GASGAS), +0:14.708; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:30.816; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:37.357; 10. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.310;

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 35:58.417; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, Yamaha), +0:06.911; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:29.021; 4. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GASGAS), +0:31.204; 5. Henry Jacobi (GER, Honda), +0:31.717; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:32.851; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:46.734; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:52.013; 9. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), +1:09.670; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Beta), +1:13.969;

MXGP - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 40 points; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 40 p.; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 40 p.; 4. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 36 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 34 p.; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GAS), 32 p.; 7. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 31 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 26 p.; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 22 p.; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, BET), 21 p.;

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 124 points; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 118 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 107 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 105 p.; 5. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 97 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 86 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 82 p.; 8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, GAS), 82 p.; 9. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KTM), 69 p.; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, BET), 60 p.;

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 134 points; 2. Honda, 125 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 107 p.; 4. Yamaha, 103 p.; 5. GASGAS, 82 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 46 p.;

Main Photo: Jeffrey Herlings

Bottom Photos: 1. Glenn Coldenhoff 2. Antonio Cairoli

In MX2 the racing was nail-biting as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Mattia Guadagnini secured his first overall GP victory and did so on home soil, in front of his home crowd. As Maxime Renaux of Monster Energy Yamaha Racing made it two podiums in a row following a win in Great Britain, while his teammate Jago Geerts made a strong comeback after two tough GP’s and injury.

In race one, it was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Thibault Benistant who took the Fox Holeshot as he led Guadagnini, Geerts and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay De Wolf and Jed Beaton.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle did go out in the first race but failed finish and did not start race two either.

Beaton was able to get past his teammate to get himself into 4^th, while further down the field the Championship leader (at the time) Ruben Fernandez of Honda 114 Motorsports was getting closer to the top 5 after passing Stephen Rubini of Honda Racing Assomotor for 7^th.

Fernandez then started to close in on De Wolf for 5^th as Mathys Boisrame of F&H Kawasaki Racing was also looking to get involved in the battle. Fernandez was eventually able to pass the Husqvarna rider on lap 11.

Benistant extended his lead to 6.092 seconds at one stage over Guadagnini, as Geerts was coming under fire from a group of riders behind him, including Beaton, Fernandez, De Wolf and Renaux.

Fernandez was eventually able to get Beaton on lap 15 and then just a lap later he also passed Geerts for third. Benistant was the race winner with Guadagnini almost 10 seconds behind in P2 and Fernandez 3^rd.  

In race two, it was Geerts who led the way as he secured his first Fox Holeshot of the season with Guadagnini and Rene Hofer just behind. Guadagnini wasted no time and by the end of the lap was the new race leader as Renaux slipped into second.

Renaux then made a mistake which lost him valuable time on Guadagnini, who was focused on riding his own race and held healthy lead.  

Fernandez was unlucky in the beginning of the second race, as it took him 7 laps to get inside of the points.

Both Simon Längenfelder and Isak Gifting of DIGA Procross GasGas Factory Racing had a good start of the race as they were both inside the top 10 at one stage. Längenfelder was able to maintain a good position to finish the race 8^th, while Gifting was down in 31^st.

Beaton then lost three positions to Hofer and F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Roan Van De Moosdijk and later Boisrame, as Hofer went after Geerts.  

Van De Moosdijk eventually was able to get around Geerts for third as well, with his teammate doing the same as the pair placed 3^rd and 4^th. Geerts did managed to get Hofer back by the end of the race, all while Guadagnini took his second race win of the season, as Renaux finished second, with Moosdijk third.

Guadagnini was the overall winner with a 2-1 result, with Renaux finishing second on 37 points and Geerts third on 34 points. With Fernandez only scoring 29 points today, Mattia Guadagnini is now the new MX2 Championship leader, with Maxime Renaux just 2 points behind him and Ruben Fernandez dropping to 3^rd.

Mattia Guadagnini: “It’s crazy, I don’t even know what to say, It’s too good. The day started pretty good, I had sixth in time practice and took a good start for race one. Then I was second and didn’t want to take any risks, I was behind Thibault Benistant in second and just tried to keep calm, maybe tried to pass him in the last part of the race, but then he was also fast, so I was just happy with the second place. And then in the second race I had a good start, I was second and pushed in the first lap to take the lead and then just had fun and was feeling good, so I could take a good gap and relax at the last few laps and enjoy it. It’s amazing for me, my first GP win in Italy and also taking the red plate, I didn’t know, it was a surprise, but I just don’t want to think about it, I just want to try my best every race and then let’s see”.

“I’m pretty good also in the sand, so we will try to get some good training and be ready for some sand races in Oss”.

Maxime Renaux: “The first race was tough because I had a really bad start and then had a crash also after five laps, I guess. Then coming into the second race, I just wanted to get a good result to try to get on the podium and actually second place was enough to get second overall, so I was happy with that. I had a really good lap time this morning and straight away I was feeling good with the track, had some issues and body problems in the end so I was not in the best shape, but I still managed to get second overall today and it’s consistent so that’s how I wanted the entire season to go”.

“I knew if I passed Mattia I would get the red plate, but I just didn’t want to make any mistakes or go crazy because he was really fast and I was just not feeling it, so second was enough for me. Now I just want to try to get consistent and get the red plate later on in the season. For sure in the next races if I can get it, I will, but I don’t want to put pressure on myself to have it as soon as possible”.

Jago Geerts: “I’m really happy with my first podium of the season. The first two races were really tough, also with my knee injury, but it’s getting a lot better. I’m happy with the day, two solid races. I know I don’t really have the pace to battle for the win yet, but I will train hard throughout the next two weeks, and I will be waiting for Oss”.

“Currently I’m not thinking about the title but it’s still a really long season, so anything can happen, but first I just want to get 100% and battle for the win again”.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), 34:16.807; 2. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), +0:09.598; 3. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Honda), +0:17.177; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:20.260; 5. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:20.592; 6. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:21.057; 7. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:23.274; 8. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:27.653; 9. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:28.549; 10. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:31.669;

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 34:43.918; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:03.433; 3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:05.691; 4. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:08.375; 5. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:10.306; 6. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:10.922; 7. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:13.680; 8. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GASGAS), +0:24.458; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, Husqvarna), +0:28.110; 10. Andrea Adamo (ITA, GASGAS), +0:32.686;

MX2 - GP Top 10 Classification: 1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 47 points; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 37 p.; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 34 p.; 4. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 32 p.; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 32 p.; 6. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 31 p.; 7. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 30 p.; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 29 p.; 9. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 26 p.; 10. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 25 p.;

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, KTM), 113 points; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 111 p.; 3. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 108 p.; 4. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 105 p.; 5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 99 p.; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 80 p.; 7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 79 p.; 8. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 70 p.; 9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 67 p.; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 67 p.;

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. KTM, 140 points; 2. Yamaha, 124 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 113 p.; 4. Honda, 108 p.; 5. GASGAS, 74 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 73 p.;

Main Photo: Mattia Guadagnini 

Bottom Photos: 1. Maxime Renaux; 2. Jago Geerts

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the Monster Energy MXGP of Italy will be available HERE

MONSTER ENERGY MXGP OF ITALY – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1730m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 26°

Weather conditions: Cloudy with rain

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