MXGP

KAWASAKI RACING TEAM 2024: TEAM MANAGER INTERVIEW - ANTTI PYRHÖNEN

Antti Pyrhönen justifiably has high expectations of success as he enters his third season as team manager of the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP in the FIM World Motocross Championship, which begins on the weekend of March 9-10 in Argentina.

Antti, 2024 will be your third year heading the Kawasaki effort in the MXGP World Championship; how do you feel?

I feel confident - the entire team feels good - and I'm really proud of our cooperation with Kawasaki. It’s amazing how quickly the years have passed and this will already be our third season with Kawasaki! I’m really proud of what we have already accomplished with Kawasaki, especially last year, with the highlights being Romain's succession of GP victories and FIM silver medal in the MXGP and our role in helping to develop the new KX450. We are really looking forward to the new season; it’s going to be another long year with very strong competition. It will be exciting but also a very demanding year!

Last year you raced with the new KX450 and worked all season to refine it even further; how was it to work with the factory to help to develop a perfect bike for the customers?

Of course Kawasaki R&D and the factory created the new model, and the platform of the bike was very strong from the word go. Our factory bike was developed on the basis of this standard bike so all the credit goes to the Kawasaki engineers. They gave us a great base and, together with them, we worked to make an MXGP-winning bike, and now to offer such a good bike to Kawasaki customers. It’s been an exciting adventure and has also been a real education as we have learnt so much from them technically.

Antti KRT

The 2024 factory bike has not changed a lot since last year; did that make the winter testing less strenuous?

For Romain it has been quite a simple approach; he already had a really strong base and could concentrate on detailed refinements to feel even more comfortable so the time went quickly for him, but of course it was a different scenario for Jeremy as this will be his first year with Kawasaki. We needed to do a lot of testing to find a base for him and enable him to feel comfortable; it was a long technical process, starting from things like handlebars, seat, levers, foot-pegs. It has been a very satisfying time and we accomplished it well; it was interesting to learn from another highly-professional rider like Jeremy, so it has been important for the team too.

For the first time you will line up two MXGP winners in the team; it’s must be a dream-come-true for a team manager?

Yes, definitely. To have two absolute top riders in a team and to work with two such professional riders is something that we have really aimed for and we are now able to accomplish that so it was a great achievement for us. They both trust in Kawasaki and our team and we will do everything we can not to disappoint them.

Another long season is coming; what are your expectations?

Our expectations are always high of course, so the goal is to win and fight for podiums all season. But on the other hand we know how unpredictable a sport like motocross can be so we will be keeping our feet on the ground throughout the season, working day-by-day, training-by-training, race-by-race, and see what arrives. It’s so important to stay healthy through the warm-up races and early-season GPs until the Indonesian rounds in July; the most significant part of the championship really starts from there. It's our target to stay calm, keep working hard and to be there for the long-run.

Photo Credit : Bavo Swijgers

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Category: 
Date: 
Monday, February 12, 2024
Author: 
KAWASAKI

MXGP OF PATAGONIA-ARGENTINA ENTRY LISTS

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) – 12 February 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to unveil the official entry lists for the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina, serving as the opening round of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship. This highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place at the circuit of Villa La Angostura on March 9th & 10th, just a few weeks from now!

As it was the case in 2023, the season will start in Patagonia-Argentina and will kick-off a promising and electrifying campaign full with champions fighting for supremacy. Featuring illustrious World Champions such as Jorge Prado, Tim Gajser, Jeffrey Herlings, Romain Febvre, Maxime Renaux, and Pauls Jonass, alongside the formidable duo of four-time Vice World Champions, Jago Geerts and Jeremy Seewer, anticipation reaches its peak for what promises to be one of the most fiercely competitive seasons in MXGP history. In the MX2 category, Andrea Adamo faces a formidable challenge as he will have to deal with title hopefuls Liam Everts, Simon Langenfelder, Lucas Coenen, Kay de Wolf and more.

Find the official entry lists below:

 

MXGP ENTRY LIST 

 

Nmbr

Surname

First Name

Brand

Nat.

Fed.

Team

1

1

Prado

Jorge

GASGAS

ESP

RFME

Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing

2

3

Febvre

Romain

Kawasaki

FRA

FFM

Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP

3

10

Vlaanderen

Calvin

Yamaha

NED

KNMV

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team

4

17

Toendel

Cornelius

KTM

NOR

NMF

Schmicker Racing

5

24

Horgmo

Kevin

Honda

NOR

NMF

TEAM SHIP TO CYCLE HONDA SR MOTOBLOUZ

6

32

Van doninck

Brent

Honda

BEL

FMB

JM Honda Racing

7

39

Van De Moosdijk

Roan

Fantic

NED

KNMV

Fantic Factory Racing MXGP

8

41

Jonass

Pauls

Honda

LAT

LAMSF

Standing Construct Honda MXGP

9

70

Fernandez

Ruben

Honda

ESP

RFME

Team HRC

10

76

Villaronga Muga

Sergio Ignacio

Honda

CHI

FMC

 

11

84

Herlings

Jeffrey

KTM

NED

KNMV

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

12

91

Seewer

Jeremy

Kawasaki

SUI

FMS

Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP

13

92

Guillod

Valentin

Honda

SUI

FFM

TEAM SHIP TO CYCLE HONDA SR MOTOBLOUZ

14

93

Geerts

Jago

Yamaha

BEL

FMB

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team

15

101

Guadagnini

Mattia

Husqvarna

ITA

FMI

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing

16

110

Pavez Ramirez

Matias Joaquin

GASGAS

CHI

FMC

 

17

113

Castillo

Emiliano Ezequiel

Husqvarna

ARG

CAMOD

 

18

128

Monticelli

Ivo

Beta

ITA

FMI

MRT Racing Team Beta

19

144

Rolando

Nicolas

Husqvarna

URU

FUM

 

20

243

Gajser

Tim

Honda

SLO

AMZS

Team HRC

21

253

Pancar

Jan

KTM

SLO

AMZS

TEM JP253 KTM Racing Team

22

259

Coldenhoff

Glenn

Fantic

NED

KNMV

Fantic Factory Racing MXGP

23

303

Forato

Alberto

Honda

ITA

FMI

Standing Construct Honda MXGP

24

326

Gilbert

Josh

KTM

GBR

ACU

Gabriel SS24 KTM

25

403

Suarez Gallo

Ezequiel

GASGAS

ARG

CAMOD

 

26

517

Gifting

Isak

Yamaha

SWE

SVEMO

JK Racing Yamaha

27

707

Arco

Victor Dario

Husqvarna

ARG

CAMOD

 

28

833

Toro

Lautaro

KTM

ARG

CAMOD

 

29

919

Watson

Ben

Beta

GBR

ACU

MRT Racing Team Beta

30

959

Renaux

Maxime

Yamaha

FRA

FFM

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team

 

 

MX2 ENTRY LIST 

 

Nmbr

Surname

First Name

Brand

Nat.

Fed.

Team

1

8

Mc Lellan

Camden

Triumph

RSA

KNMV

MONSTER ENERGY TRIUMPH RACING

2

11

Haarup

Mikkel

Triumph

DEN

DMU

MONSTER ENERGY TRIUMPH RACING

3

12

Chambers

Jack

Kawasaki

USA

AMA

Bike It Kawasaki

4

19

Coenen

Sacha

KTM

BEL

FMB

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

5

25

Hiebert Fehr

Thiago

KTM

PAR

FEPAM

 

6

28

Rossi

Marc-Antoine

GASGAS

FRA

FFM

Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing

7

33

Karssemakers

Kay

Fantic

NED

KNMV

Fantic Factory Racing MX2

8

44

Elzinga

Rick

Yamaha

NED

KNMV

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team

9

51

Oliver

Oriol

KTM

ESP

RFME

WZ RACING TEAM

10

54

Matkovich

Tomas

GASGAS

ARG

CAMOD

 

11

55

Diez

Ignacio

GASGAS

CHI

FMC

 

12

72

Everts

Liam

KTM

BEL

FMB

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

13

73

Zanchi

Ferruccio

Honda

ITA

FMI

Team HRC

14

74

de Wolf

Kay

Husqvarna

NED

KNMV

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing

15

80

Adamo

Andrea

KTM

ITA

FMI

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

16

88

Medina

Italo

Honda

ECU

FEM

 

17

96

Coenen

Lucas

Husqvarna

BEL

FMB

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing

18

125

Weckman

Emil

KTM

FIN

FMM

Schmicker Racing

19

132

Bonacorsi

Andrea

Yamaha

ITA

FMI

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team

20

180

Ambjörnson

Leopold

Husqvarna

SWE

SVEMO

Team Leoparden Racing

21

191

Salgado

Juan Ignacio

Husqvarna

ARG

CAMOD

 

22

198

Benistant

Thibault

Yamaha

FRA

FFM

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team

23

214

Osterhagen

Hakon

Honda

NOR

NMF

JM Honda Racing

24

288

Liprandi

Ignacio

KTM

ARG

CAMOD

 

25

319

Prugnieres

Quentin Marc

Kawasaki

FRA

FFM

F&H Racing Team

26

427

Fredriksen

Hakon

KTM

NOR

NMF

WZ RACING TEAM

27

489

Walvoort

Jens

KTM

NED

KNMV

 

28

516

Laengenfelder

Simon

GASGAS

GER

DMSB

Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing

29

579

Bruce

Bobby

Kawasaki

GBR

ACU

Bike It Kawasaki

 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina
 

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Category: 
Date: 
Monday, February 12, 2024
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE AIMS TO UNLEASH FULL POTENTIAL IN 2024 MXGP SEASON

As the reigning MXGP and MX2 Manufacturer’s World Champions, Yamaha Motor Europe is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship campaign. Building on Yamaha’s previous success and with a dynamic new team structure in place, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are primed to harness the untapped potential of their six factory riders as they gun for both individual and brand glory.

Leading the charge for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team is former MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux, who is preparing for his third season aboard the YZ450FM. Despite facing an unlucky setback in 2023, the 23-year-old Frenchman has kept his head up and remains determined to build on his impressive track record of eight Grand Prix victories and 30 podium finishes while vying for the MXGP crown in 2024.

Joining Renaux on the gate is his former MX2 teammate Jago Geerts. The 23-year-old Belgian brings a wealth of talent and potential as he transitions to the YZ450FM, boasting 55 podium finishes, 24 Grand Prix wins, and five MX2 championship medals. Already showing signs of confidence, Geerts aims for consistent progress in his rookie MXGP season.

Rounding out the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP roster for 2024 is Calvin Vlaanderen. Over the past three years, Vlaanderen has demonstrated remarkable progress in MXGP, securing the top spot among satellite riders for the past two seasons. With Yamaha's full support, the 27-year-old South African aims to build on his twelve podium finishes and two Grand Prix wins, striving for even greater success.

In MX2, the new Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team will feature a familiar line-up of Yamaha stars Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga, and Andrea Bonacorsi. 

Benistant, with three MX2 Grand Prix victories and twelve podium finishes to his credit, has been labelled a clear title contender. Now entering his fourth season in the class, the 21-year-old French prodigy is bursting with confidence and looks forward to lining up at the season opener with a clean slate and a new opportunity to go for gold. 

Gearing up for his second MX2 season, Elzinga aims to use the year of experience gained to contend for podium finishes. The 22-year-old Dutchman showed flashes of brilliance in his debut season and is poised to make further strides in 2024. 

Meanwhile, Bonacorsi, the reigning EMX250 Champion, is ready to take on the challenge of competing at the highest level in 250cc racing. Already showing his impressive strength aboard his YZ250FM, the 20-year-old Italian is eager to establish himself as a front runner in the pro ranks.

With a packed schedule of 20 Grand Prix events and 60 races in the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2024, the teams are all set for an intense year of racing. Over the next three weeks, all six riders will put the finishing touches on their pre-season preparations before making the journey to Argentina for the season opener on March 9th and 10th in Villa la Angostura

Click here to view the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team photo gallery.

Click here to view the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team photo gallery.

Alexandre Kowalski 
Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager

“We're looking forward to the upcoming season and the chance to defend Yamaha's manufacturers' world titles in MXGP and MX2, particularly with our new team structure that aims to get the most out of our six factory riders. While our line-up for 2024 remains familiar, with all six riders having been part of the Yamaha Family for the past few years, we’re looking forward to the MXGP debut of our MX2 star Jago Geerts in his rookie season. Alongside him, Calvin Vlaanderen, who has achieved remarkable results as a satellite rider and has long been on our radar, will step up to the challenge. Both Jago and Calvin will join forces with our current Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP title contender, Maxime Renaux, who is determined to fight for the crown. At the same time, MX2 holds its own promise of excitement this year, with Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga, and Andrea Bonacorsi leveraging the same team setup that propelled them to European Championship success. Thibault's goal is crystal clear: we believe he has the best shot at contending for the title, while Rick and Andrea can utilize this season to steadily progress towards consistently challenging for podium finishes. Overall, we have full faith in our teams and the strength of our riders this season, and on behalf of Yamaha Motor Europe, I would like to wish them the best of luck in 2024!”

Photo Credit : YAMAHA MOTOR EUROPE

Image: 
Category: 
Date: 
Friday, February 9, 2024
Author: 
Yamaha Racing

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR MXGP OF TRENTINO 2024

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 07 February 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is excited to announce that tickets for the MXGP of Trentino, scheduled for April 13th and 14th, are now on sale!

The renowned Pietramurata circuit will once again play host to the MXGP of Trentino, marking the fourth round of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship. Since its inaugural Grand Prix event in 1987, this Italian track has been a staple of the welcomed MXGP calendar every year since 2012. 

In 2023, Jorge Prado clinched his first Grand Prix victory of the season en route to his World Title, with Maxime Renaux and Jeffrey Herlings following closely behind. In the MX2 category, the eventual 2023 World Champion emerged victorious ahead of Liam Everts and Jago Geerts.

This season, in addition to the thrilling MXGP and MX2 classes, fans will also have the opportunity to witness the excitement of the supporting classes, including the EMX250 and EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the world's top riders battle it out at the MXGP of Trentino. Get your tickets today!

In case you wanna go VIP in Trentino click HERE

 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Trentino
 

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Category: 
Date: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

TICKETS FOR THE MXGP OF SARDEGNA ARE NOW OPEN!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 February 2023 - Infront Moto Racing is thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for the MXGP of Sardegna, scheduled for April 6th and 7th!

The Riolo Sardo circuit is primed to host the third round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, marking the fourth occasion the Sardinian track has welcomed an MXGP event.

In the 2023 edition, Jeffrey Herlings showcased an outstanding performance to claim victory in the MXGP class, in front of Glenn Coldenhoff and Jorge Prado. Meanwhile, in MX2, Jago Geerts triumphed ahead of de Wolf and Thibault Benistant.

This season, alongside MXGP and MX2, Sardegna will also host the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship and the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing class.

Join us for an electrifying racing weekend and witness the world's fastest riders in action in Sardegna as they vie for the first European victory of 2023! 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support your favorite riders. Get your tickets HERE and secure your spot for an adrenaline-fueled experience.

For those seeking the ultimate MXGP experience, click HERE  for more details on VIP Gold Skybox.

 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Riola Sardo

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Category: 
Date: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

MXGP RENEWS AGREEMENT WITH DUTCH TV CHANNEL NOS FOR 2024!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 05 February 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is delighted to announce the renewal of the agreement with Dutch National TV channel NOS for the 2024 season of the MXGP - FIM Motocross World Championship.

This continues a long-term relationship with one of the main Dutch broadcast networks as the channel will keep broadcasting the MXGP races throughout 2024. 

Dutch fans have one of the strongest national groups of riders to cheer for in both classes. Alongside their national hero, Jeffrey Herlings who returns for another attempt to win his 6th World title, his fellow 2019 MXoN winners Glenn Coldenhoff and Calvin Vlaanderen hit 2024 with full factory machinery in MXGP. Glenn is joined by MXGP rookie Roan van de Moosdijk and MX2 racer Kay Karssemakers on the new Fantic Factory Racing squad.

In MX2, Kay de Wolf starts the season as one of the favourites for the title after taking his first Grand Prix victory at the MXGP of Latvia in 2023. The 2022 EMX250 Champion Rick Elzinga returns for his second year with the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team after finishing 10th in his first full season.

Infront Moto Racing is looking forward to its extended partnership with NOS and for a 2024 season that holds plenty of excitement for Dutch viewers! 

About NOS: 

NOS, which stands for Nederlandse Omroep Stichting, was founded in May of 1969 and is one of the broadcasting networks making up the Dutch Broadcasting System. They produce news coverage, programmes of political nature as well as sports reporting and coverage of other national events. NOS have TV and radio correspondents worldwide, providing the best worldwide coverage.

 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

NOS

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Date: 
Monday, February 5, 2024
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

GET READY FOR MAGGIORA! TICKETS FOR THE MXGP OF ITALY ARE OPENED!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 2 February 2024 – Infront Moto Racing is glad to announce that tickets are now available for the MXGP of Italy that will take place at the legendary Maggiora Park circuit on the 15thand 16th of June!

The iconic circuit in the north-western region of Italy, just 80km from Milan, is set to host the 10th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, as well as the 7th round of the EMX125 Championship Presented by FMF, and the 5th round of the FIM Women’s World Motocross Championship.  This will be the twelfth time in its history that an MXGP event has visited the mighty slopes of Maggiora, which also saw iconic Motocross of Nations events in 1970, 1986, and 2016.

The 2023 edition of this race was the penultimate round of the season and saw an emotional weekend with Jorge Prado and Italian hero Andrea Adamo claiming their first World Championships in MXGP and MX2 respectively! Jeremy Seewer and Jago Geerts, who also won in 2022, took the Grand Prix victories after an ecstatic Alberto Forato took his first ever chequered flag at this level, in front of his home fans in Saturday’s RAM Qualifying Race. 

This season’s Maggiora experience will come at the halfway point of the season, so all riders will be giving it everything to establish themselves at the top of the order!

Come and join us for an enthralling weekend’s racing by getting your Tickets HERE

You can also click HERE to have more details on the VIP Gold Skybox packages and have the ultimate MXGP experience at one of the most historic and beautiful circuits on the planet!

 

LINKS 

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Maggiora

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Date: 
Friday, February 2, 2024
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

SNX CALENDAR UPDATE: JOENSUU, FINLAND WELCOMES THE 2024 FIM SNOWCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Monaco (Principality of Monaco) 02 February 2023 – Infront Moto Racing is glad to announce an update in the 2024 FIM Snowcross World Championship. The second round of the 2024 SNX World Championship will take place in Joensuu, Finland on the 13th-14th April.

The second largest city in Eastern Finland, is located on the northern shore of Lake Pyhäselkä and surrounded by forests, making it a stunning location to host a SNX event in the natural landscape. The stadium is a permanent Horse racing stadium and is perfectly suited to host the Snowcross event with great facilities for both the spectators and teams.

Finland will welcome the SNX World Championship with the current World Champion and Finnish rider Aki Philaja who will race and defend his title at home in front of his fans. Adding to the thrill of the event, the FIM Women's SnowCross World Championship will be launched in Joensuu where Malene Cottew will try to defend her 2023 Title over the two Scandinavian rounds.

On top of that the European Snowcross Championship will also officially be taking place over in Joensuu, Finland and Kirkenes, Norway in what will be an exciting reunion for the whole snowcross world.

Along with the SNX in Kayseri-Erciyes, Turkiye on 9th-10th March and the big finale in Kirkenes, Norway on the 20th-21st April, the SNX event in Joensuu, Finland will contribute to an exciting 2024 action-packed snowcross season.

Expanding on last year's success, the 2024 SNX World Championship promises a great show with more races. This growth not only raises the level of competition but also provides a global platform for every Snowcross rider to showcase their talents.

2024 FIM Snowcross World Championship Dates:
 

  • 9-10 March - Kayseri-Erciyes, Turkiye
  • 13-14 April - Joensuu, Finland
  • 20-21 April - Kirkenes, Norway

 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

SNX 2024

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Category: 
Date: 
Friday, February 2, 2024
Author: 
Infront Moto Racing

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER AS TEAM HRC GEAR UP FOR 2024

Team HRC are entering into the new motocross world championships with three riders on-board their Honda machinery as Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez are joined by young Italian, Ferruccio Zanchi, for what is a return to the MX2 class for this prestigious manufacturer.

Five-time world champion Gajser needs no introduction, as the Slovenian looks to add to his trophy-haul after an injury-hit 2023 campaign. The #243 did return later in the year and ended up winning two of the final three rounds, but his eyes have been firmly set on this year for some time and he will be looking to continue his winning ways, on what is a brand-new Honda CRF450R.

Both him, and teammate Fernandez have been strenuously testing the new machine over this winter period, making sure it is ready for all the challenges that a 20-round MXGP season can throw at it, and after considerable riding time, both are extremely happy with the results and are excited for the first gate-drop on March 9-10.

Fernandez is especially looking forward to heading down to Argentina again, and the fabulous facility in Villa La Angostura, as the #70 was victorious there last year, in what was his first-ever MXGP win. It was an important moment and one that really boosted the Spaniard’s confidence for the rest of the season, and now he’s once again feeling good as this season looks to get underway in the South American country.

It was a big step for Team HRC to be re-joining the MX2 class, but also a crucial one for the brand to be racing competitively on the smaller 250cc machines, and Zanchi was seen as the perfect prospect to lead this new venture for 2024. The Italian already has a couple of wildcard MX2 rounds under his belt, and was successful in the EMX250 class last year, and will now step-up full time in what is a completely blank slate for him and the bike. Both parties know that it won’t be easy to come in and challenge straight away, but both have put in a lot of work over this off-season to be ready for what awaits. This is seen as a long-term project to try and get back to the level that saw Gajser win the MX2 title in 2015, but everyone involved knows there is a lot of potential, and with the expertise and winning-mentality that Team HRC possesses, it will only be a matter of time before they are back where they belong.

So with two new bikes and one new rider, 2024 is shaping-up to be a very exciting season for everyone involved, but before the world championships get underway, there are two warm-up races in Riola Sardo and Mantova for trio to put their respective machines through their first competitive paces and make sure everything is ready for Argentina in just over one month’s time.

 

Click on the links to download more photos of:

Tim Gajser // Ruben Fernandez // Ferruccio Zanchi // Honda CRF450R // Honda CRF250R and make sure to follow Team HRC’s season on their Instagram channel: @HRC_MXGP

 

Tim Gajser  243
I can’t wait for this season to get underway. I found my form at the end of last year and since then we’ve had a new bike which is great to ride and I’m looking forward to going out there and showing it. The off-season has been good, with a lot of extra stuff but I’ve been able to get in the riding I’ve needed to do and basing myself in Sardinia for a month or so has worked out well so that I can really train how I need to. The team have been working hard alongside me to help get everything to where it needs to be, and now we are just looking to get to that first gate drop and getting this 2024 season started.

 

Ruben Fernandez  70
I’ve been really impressed with this new bike and it’s been fun getting it setup how I want it and working how I want it for the season ahead. Obviously, I started off 2023 by winning in Argentina and it would be great to start 2024 off with a bang as well, but the goal is to have more strong moments, and be consistently challenging up the front. The fact we have two Spanish GPs now, with one close to my home is great for me and I’m really looking forward to the new round in Galicia, and there are actually a lot of races I believe I can do well at.

 

Ferruccio Zanchi  73
This is such a great moment for me. It is what every young rider wants to achieve when they first get on a motocross bike – to ride for Team HRC. However, this moment is just the start, and I know that the real work starts now. It is a great honour to be the person they chose to lead the renewal of this CRF250R programme, but I know that I need to give it 100% effort to make sure that this year, and the coming years will be successful for both myself and the machine. I want to thank all the people close to me who helped make this possible and I’d also like to say hello to all the Honda fans around the world who I’ll now be representing on the track. I look forward to meeting you and hopefully I can do you proud in the races.

Photo Credit: shotbybavo
Image: 
Category: 
Date: 
Friday, February 2, 2024

EYES ON THE (MXGP) PRIZE ONCE MORE AS RED BULL KTM GET SET FOR 2024

Reigning champions in at least one of the two principal classes of the FIM Motocross World Championship for the eighth year in a row, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will charge into the fresh MXGP season with the same four-rider line-up as 2023 and with the latest generations of the KTM 450 SX-F and KTM 250 SX-F ready for action.

Pre-season races, tests and the final phases of preparation lay ahead for Red Bull KTM in the build-up to the Grand Prix of Argentina on March 10th and the first of 20 events that will culminate with the final round at an unconfirmed location on September 29th.

All eyes will be on the progress of reigning MX2 world champion Andrea Adamo as the 20-year-old Italian aims to be the fourth rider since the beginning of the last decade to go ‘back-to-back’ with MX2 titles, and following in the tracks of Marvin Musquin, Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado. As in 2023, Andrea will be chased by 19-year-old teammate Liam Everts who excelled with four GP victories in his maiden term as a factory KTM MX2 racer. The Belgian will be prioritizing more silverware to match his impressive consistency and skills for the championship chase in 2024. Sacha Coenen is again the third representative with the KTM 250 SX-F and the many flashes of speed and potential will be backed up by even more promise for the 17-year-old Belgian in ’24.

In the MXGP class Jeffery Herlings has a clear mission. Four wins with the KTM 450 SX-F in 2023 cemented his status as the most successful Grand Prix rider of all time: all 103 of his record-setting wins came with Red Bull KTM 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F technology. The 29-year-old Dutchman will undoubtedly add to that tally as he pursues a sixth world title and third in the MXGP category.

Red Bull KTM will be present in the opening two rounds of the 2024 Internazionali D’Italia in the coming weeks as well as the Spanish Championship and International meetings in France and the UK in the run-up to MXGP round one.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MXGP RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING PHOTOSHOOT IMAGES.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2024 MXGP RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING LAUNCH VIDEO.

ANDREA ADAMO

Andrea, no #1 for you in 2024?

No! I’ll stick with the #80 because I’m not a big fan of the 1 for now. Let’s see in the future if we can do it in MXGP.

What is the main improvement you want to make for 2024?

Well, to be honest, a little bit everywhere. I felt I was quite complete with my riding in 2023; by that I mean I wasn’t bad in many areas but also not super-good in some! Things like starts, speed, consistency, physical was quite OK. So, the goal is to raise the level of everything in general.

Is it another personal goal to boost the wins?

For 2024 I have the same attitude as I did last year. For sure I have a championship on my shoulders and that means the mentality is a bit different, but I will try to enjoy my racing and give the best every race. Keep it consistent, keep it safe, fight for the podium and go for it.

 

LIAM EVERTS

Liam, you had the consistency in 2023, so what’s the main point for improvement in 2024?

To be even more so! I had a few races last season, like in Portugal, where I threw away a lot of points so I really need to minimize those more and manage the harder weekends better. Of course there are always improvements riding-wise and also with my personality and my mentality. I think if I can sort out that side of my racing and my season then the results will come along also. That’s my big goal.

Is there anything you wanted from the team for the 2024 KTM 250 SX-F?

Erm, the only real request I had for the guys and for the bike was a bit more work on the sand set-up. Even though I won the GP in Arnhem, I felt like I missed something there and that there was a lot more potential. We’ve been working in that way with the suspension and to be able to use my technique more and we’ve made some gains, which is great.

At least two more new tracks to discover in 2024. Is it important or part of the fun to master new venues?

It’s cool. With tracks that you know then you are well aware of turns, sectors or areas where you feel there can be improvement or where you had decent speed in the past. New tracks are always a challenge and that ‘reset’ happens for everyone so the field is level. Places like China are far from home but that’s part of the world championship!

 

SACHA COENEN

Sacha, 2023 was a classic rookie season: lots of speed but also lots of mistakes. What was the number one lesson for you?

I think just to get used to the bike and to work out the best set-up. Also, the format of the Grand Prix; it felt like the weekends were long!

Did you want some more fitness and conditioning for this season after discovering the demands of MX2?

Yes, I wanted to build more strength because my size meant handling the bike for the full GP motos was not that easy, but we also worked on the bike and the set-up to help with that and to make it easier to get near the limit.

If you had to pick, which one of your teammates will give you the strongest challenge this year?!

I don’t really mind! The truth is that I want to beat all the riders out there, especially my brother [Lucas]! He’s a reference for me at the moment.

 

JEFFREY HERLINGS

Jeffrey, the record was a big, big achievement in 2024 but you had to reset again after the crash in Germany. Will it be a mistake for your rivals to count you out?

It’s hard to say what they think of me but I’m sure they know when I am fit then I’m capable of winning races and I’ve shown that consistently in the last fifteen years. I won four last year and had multiple podiums. When I’m fully fit and strong then I can win…even though it is easier said than done!

Any wishes for the latest version of the KTM 450 SX-F?

We’re testing some parts and going through some things now because in the second part of 2023 I was obviously off the bike, so I didn’t really have the chance. Right now, it is going good and I’m very happy with the bike. I was already happy last season, but I think now we are improving. We still have some things to look at. We’re in positive shape. We will only know how good we are once the races start but, based on how I feel at the moment, it’s shaping up nicely.

This is your 15th season with Red Bull KTM: a home from home?

Yeah! It’s crazy. Fifteen years with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and even the season before that I was on a KTM doing the European Championship. Fifteen years: I don’t know how many people or riders can say they have been so long with the same team! It’s pretty special. I’m really happy to be here this year and next year. I’m only 30 years old in 2025 so let’s see! I hope I can keep the partnership going. We’re happy and that’s good.

 

Harry Norton, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “It is almost ‘go time’ for us so it’s cool to show our bikes and colors for 2024 and to talk about our goals for the season. We have the same rider line-up and it will be a second year for the team staff after some changes for 2023. The consistency and experience should help us to be better prepared for these 20 Grands Prix. Jeffrey set his personal record in 2023, which was also cool for the KTM SX-F bikes, but we know how hungry he is for that title again and to keep chasing success. While he is on the track and has that focus then we know he can set the bar. Andrea, Liam and Sacha each have their own expectations for MX2 and they know what is possible after those results in 2023 and all the education of leading Grands Prix and dealing with pressure. They can only be better and faster for 2024, and we’re really looking forward to how they progress. We are about to start the year with some pre-season races and a bit more testing but round one will rush-up quickly. Before we start, I just want to thank the team and everyone back at the workshop for the work and the effort to get where we are. Let’s bring home what we can!”

Photo Credit: Ray Archer

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Date: 
Friday, February 2, 2024
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KTM

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