MXGP

The 2017 MXGP season is set to begin for the fifth year in succession at the circuit of Losail in Qatar this weekend. Just like in the past years the main races are set to take place Saturday evening on the man-made circuit under the Qatari lights. All the races, including the qualifying races on Friday, will be available LIVE and OnDemand on www.mxgp-tv.com.

The track will most likely be unpredictable this year, as the track has seen rain for the last week, despite the incredibly dry climate and will most likely set up differently again, we will see which riders will gel with it and excel.

Over the past four years we have seen intense, unexpected, and top level racing here in Losail, which has left us yearning for more. We have had a different winner each year in the premier class. In 2013, when MXGP first tore up the hard packed soil of Qatar, it was Clement Desalle on the top step of the podium. Followed Gautier Paulin rising above the competition to claim the first red plate of the year. Then in 2015 it was dominated by Max Nagl, who rode at an untouchable level, and last year the soon to be Champion of Tim Gajser started his season in winning form at Qatar.

This year, once again, it’s anyone guess who could win, it’s a gamble. With that said, the first rider to come to mind is of course the defending MXGP world champion, Team HRC's Tim Gajser, who put together an amazing and surprising rookie season last year. The young Slovenian set the world on notice in his debut appearance in the MXGP class here in Losail last year.

This weekend the 84 of Jeffrey Herlings will also be lining up for his 450cc debut fresh off of an injury. However, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing did state that he will be healthy and fit to race. 2015 Champion, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing's Romain Febvre will be lined up in hopes to regain the FIM Motocross World Champion Title but against stiff competition such as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Antonio Cairoli, who will be just as motivated. Cairoli has claimed the Championship eight times but has gone the last 2 years without it. This trend could change by a solid performance at the opener this weekend at a venue where the Sicilian has never won.

Another rider to look out for is the 777 HRC Honda of Evgeny Bobryshev, who in 2016 performed well at the Qatar opener placing 3rd overall. The Russian veteran looks to improve on his position on the podium in 2017.

Meanwhile, Gautier Paulin is one not to forget, as he has made changes in the off season. Now racing for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing he comes in to Qatar with a renewed energy. Also changing teams is the number 24 of Shaun Simpson, who will be racing for Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team. Simpson finished just outside the top 5 at Qatar in 2016 with a 6th place, a result he looks to change for the better this weekend.

Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Official Team's Arnaud Tonus returns to the MXGP series after being absent since racing MX2 in 2014, a year where he had some success finishing 6th in the MX2 points. Joining the list of riders to watch is Valentin Guillod riding for Team Honda Red Moto Assomotor, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP's Jeremy Van Horebeek, Team Suzuki World MXGP's Kevin Strijbos, and another MXGP rookie Max Anstie riding the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing FC450.

2016 MXGP of Qatar MXGP Top 3

1. Tim Gajser

2. Romain Febvre

3. Evgeny Bobryshev

Since the defending MX2 champion Jeffrey Herlings, along with Max Anstie, have jumped up to the premier class, most don’t know where to place there bets. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has placed their hopes on Pauls Jonass and the MX2 Rookie Jorge Prado, who have now taken over Herlings’ spot.

Meanwhile, Team Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer has his heart set on doing better than the fourth place he got last year. Seewer finished second in the championship last year and is one of the favorites to win this time around. While Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Benoit Paturel will be also looking to get on the box after struggling last year.

The Americans of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’ Thomas Covington and Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei also have the potential to finish amongst the top five.

Other notable riders will be Petar Petrov as he will continue to race for Monster Energy Kawasaki after his numerous top 10 finishes in 2016, Brent Van doninck, who reached the podium in 2016 at Assen racing  alongside Kemea Yamaha teammate Paturel, and the Italian TM Racing Factory Team's Samuele Bernardini who finished 8th in the championship points last year.

New faces to MX2 are those of HRC MX2’s Michele Cervellin & Chihiro Notsuka and Australian Hunter Lawrence for Team Suzuki World MX2.

No matter how you look at it the MXGP of Qatar at Losail Motocross Track should once again be an exciting and difficult opener to the MXGP season. Make sure you keep up with all the action being with LIVE on Friday & Saturday night. You don’t want to miss it.

2016 MXGP of Qatar MX2 Top 3

1. Jeffrey Herlings

2. Dylan Ferrandis

3. Pauls Jonass

All the photos of the MXGP of Qatar will be available here

TIMETABLE

Friday: MX2 Free Practice 15:15; MXGP Free Practice 15:45; MX2 Time Practice 17:15; MXGP Time Practice 18:00; MX2 Qualifying Race 20:00; MXGP Qualifying Race 20:50.

Saturday: MX2 Warm up 14:30; MXGP Warm up 15:00; MX2 Race 1 17:15; MXGP Race 1 18:15; MX2 Race 2 20:10; MXGP Race 2 21:10.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Qatar

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 21 February 2017 – Youthstream has exciting news. Moto-Master Brake Systems, the company that provides one of the best Motocross Brake Discs and Brake Pads in the world, has just extended their partnership with Youthstream to support the FIM Motocross World Championship with three more years.

Moto-Master was founded in 1997 and has since been driven to produce the best Motorcycle Brake Systems in the world. Over the years, the company has built a fantastic reputation with their cutting edge products, which has resulted in them becoming a solid sponsor of the strongest teams in the paddock. Amongst other teams, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing, KEMEA Yamaha Official MX Team, WILVO Yamaha Official MXGP Team and Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2 Factory Racing all rely on Moto-Master Flame rotors.

Since shaking hands with Youthstream in 2015, Moto-Master has become a recognized brand at each round of MXGP, with Moto-Master branded advertising panels strategically placed on the side of the circuits giving the brand some great television coverage.

Moto-Master General Manager Rolf Verhagen stated: “Inside the MXGP Paddock we are already well known for the performance and reliability of our products. We are excited to engage into a long term partnership with Youthstream as it plays a key role in our mission to increase brand awareness among MX fans Worldwide.”

David Luongo, Youthstream Director, added: “We thank Moto-Master for the trust they put in Youthstream and we are delighted to continue our collaboration to increase the awareness of this great brand.” 

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Moto-Master

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 20 February 2017 – Youthstream and UFO are proud to announce a renewed partnership. UFO has agreed to a multi-year deal with MXGP whom will continue to provide the brand a presence at every round of the FIM Motocross World Championship and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Youthstream and UFO have had a partnership for a very long time with many successful years.

UFO is an Italian based company, which manufactures helmets, boots, goggles, gear, and accessories for the motocross, snow, and biking industries, and this year UFO also celebrates their 40th year of business. The brand has made its name by being committed to making sure its products, made in Italy, are of the highest quality, design, and innovation.

Having two MXGP’s in Italy along with UFO’s commitment to the MXGP series, it is a pleasure to be partnered with them for this season and those to come.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

UFO

Just 5 days to the start of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship, a season which is bound to be epic!

The Entry Lists as well as the official Timetable for the MXGP of Qatar which will take place at Losail Motocross Track, are online and can be donwloaded in PDF format here below. 

Click HERE to donwload the MXGP Entry List

Click HERE to donwload the MX2 Entry List

Click HERE to donwload the TIMETABLE of the event

The HSF Logistics Motorsport Team has grown rapidly since its inception in 2012. In the intervening period, the team has built a solid base with invaluable experience underpinning it, and is well-placed to contend for top placements in the 2017 world championships. The strong base will enable all of those involved with the team, both from the inside and externally, to yield their professional contributions to enable the riders to deliver optimal results.



In 2017, the team will consist of the following riders in the MX2 world championships:
Brian Bogers (NL, 6th in the 2016 MX2 world championships), Calvin Vlaanderen SA/NL, 12th in the 2016 MX2 world championships), Davy Pootjes (NL, 22nd in the 2016 MX2 world championships).



The goal for 2017 is for all three the riders to get constant top 10 results, and aim for podium spots. They will be ably assisted by mechanics Noud Aerts, Uldis Blumbergs and Martijn Vermeulen and technical manager Frank Grolleman. Nick Van Gemert will be the fitness coach and Augusts Justs will be the riding coach. They will work in close conjunction with the Sports medical Centre at Papendal to ensure the best possible conditioning.



Besides participation in the MX2 world championships, the team will also have representation in the European Championship series. Raivo Dankers (NL) and Kristians Freimanis (LAT) will participate in the hotly-contested 125cc series.

The HSF Logistics Motorsport team is offering these two talented riders the opportunity of utilizing the team's professional structure to build up to the top level of motocross racing.


John Cuppen will participate in the EMX300 European Championship class. John has clinched several IMBA titles in the past, and after a year's lay-off, will go for top results again.



The team management has undergone some change. Joep Teunesen will be responsible for day-to-day guidance as team manager, supported by Frank Grolleman the technical manager. Martin van Genderen will remain close to the team as advisor and will guide the European Championship riders.

Copyright: Photo: Kees Siroo

Look around any motocross paddock anywhere in the world and you will see a number of brands that stand out above all others, and when it comes to exhaust pipes the FMF logo is one that is instantly recognisable and one that has stood the test of time and continues to flourish today. We caught up with Donny Emler Jr. FMF’s Marketing Director who gave us a brief overview of the journey so far.

FMF – Flying Machine Factory – was set up in 1973 by a youthful and exuberant twenty-two year old by the name of Donny Emler, a typical Southern California native who like everybody else in the seventies found the urge to ride and race dirt bikes simply irresistible. This bug meant that he and his riding buddies would be out racing three, sometimes four days a week, sometimes at night but mostly at the weekends all in the name of having a blast. But Donny wasn’t content in just riding, and before long he was searching for that little bit extra, to get the best out of his bikes, and as it turned out, everyone else’s, as ‘L’il D’ Donny Jr. explains:

‘In the ‘70’s So Cal had a lot of tracks and they would race all through the week.  Nights, weekends, it was all about dirt bikes at the time. As dad was working on his own bike and developing engines and exhausts to make them faster, he built a name for himself around the tracks and the So Cal area. ‘Uncle Donnie’ as they referred to him became known as building the best bikes, which started attracting up and coming pro’s like Marty Smith, Danny LaPorte and Warren Reid. After striking so much branding he decided to stop racing and focus on building a name and product to take to market. The Honda Elsinore really helped launch FMF Racing.’

Read the full article HERE

Watch the Video HERE

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 17 February 2017 – Youthstream and Motorsport.tv are pleased to announce that they have agreed to a new 3 year partnership. Motorsport.tv, part of the motorsport network, will cover all the events of the FIM Motocross World Championship live.

Motorsport.tv and MXGP are working to grow our amazing sport of motocross by providing coverage to more than 31 million households in over 38 countries. Previously known as Motors TV, Motorsport.tv is the ultimate international market leader in motor racing and automotive video content. Motorsport.tv is also the only tv platform offering racing via digital streaming, video on demand, cable, and satellite. Visit motorsport.tv for more.

“I am really pleased that we could reach a new agreement with our partner Youthstream to air the FIM Motocross World Championship on our brand new channels Motorsport.tv for 3 more years! The FIM Motocross races are amazing and our subscribers will be more than happy to continue to view these spectacular riders all around the world”, confirms Jean-Luc ROY, Motorsport TV LLC President.

David Luongo, Youthstream Director, stated: “Youthsream is extremely happy to continue the collaboration with Motorsport.tv. We will be next to our historical partner for this new chapter and we will continue to provide the best images of our sport. It is a very positive sign for all the MXGP fans.”

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Motorsport.tv

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 17 February 2017 – Youthstream are pleased to announce that they have extended their agreement with the Italian boot brand ‘Forma Boots’, who will be a visible partner in and around the track and paddock at all nineteen rounds of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship.

The brand Forma Boots was formed in 1999 by Mr. Ivano Binotto and his wife, a couple who had already more than 25 years experience in the off-road motorcycling boot history as part-owners of another well-known company. In 1999 the duo started a new 100% independently owned and operated company which took on the name Forma Boots. With a wealth of know-how and experience in the construction of motorcycle boots Forma Boots developed into a widely recognized brand and is now sold in more than 70 countries worldwide.

The base of the boot brand is in Altivole (Treviso) Italy, which is an area that is defined as ‘the heart of sports shoes’. Surrounded by quality shoemakers, Forma Boots have elevated the standard of motorcycle boots and have made a name as one of the most innovative boot brands in the world.

To this day, Forma Boots continues to grow and expand with endless goals in sight. The enthusiasm to produce the best product together with the excellent assistance to the sales distribution network through sponsorship investments in MXGP will make Forma Boots a highly recognized brand on an international scale.

To be up-to-date on Forma Boots performance, follow Forma Boots on Facebook and Instagram.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Forma Boots

The Honda 150 European Championship has renewed its partnership with lovemytraining for 2017, with increased support from the Italian organization.

Lovemytraining will host the pre-season training camp (28-30 April), where the selected CRF150R riders will be tested on physical fitness and mental aptitude in preparation for the 2017 season. The talent of tomorrow will also be able to get to grips with their machines and learn from the expertise of Team Honda RedMoto’s MXGP rider Valentin Guillod, supported by lovemytraining in the past four years.

This year, the lovemytraining Training Camp will be held in Boves, an Italian town in the province of Cuneo. The 30 riders aged between 11-14 years who are chosen to ride in the Honda 150 European Championship will be invited to attend the pre-season training camp.

The Honda 150 European Championship, as the youth support series to MXGP, will be present at five grand prix rounds in 2017: Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden and The Netherlands.

Lovemytraining is the Motocross Training Academy aimed to train and develop young and professional motocross athletes.

To apply to compete in the 2017 season email applications@honda150championship.com, or visit www.honda150championship.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information, news, photos and videos.

Jeffrey Herlings was injured in a crash last week. Tests revealed that he had a fractured fourth metacarpus, one of the five bones between the wrist and the fingers. He had successful surgery on Monday morning in Belgium and will wear a protective cast for one week. Doctors have told Herlings that he should be fit to ride, free of pain, at the opening round of the world championship. The Dutch rider, a three times world champion in MX2, joins the MXGP premier class this season.

Pauls Jonass of Latvia, who was vice world champion in MX2 in 2015, suffered what doctors described as a light concussion during a crash. They confirmed the rider should take rest for 4-5 days, and the medical examinations he has had so far are satisfactory. Jonass is expected to be also fit to ride in the opening round of MX2. Jonass has now had four days of rest and has been declared fit to race. 

For the 2017 season, the Red Bull KTM Factory Team will field Tony Cairoli, Glenn Coldenhoff and Jeffrey Herlings in the MXGP class, and Pauls Jonass and Spanish teenager Jorge Prado will contest MX2. 

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer