Jago Geerts Undergoes Successful Wrist Surgery 

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Jago Geerts successfully underwent surgery with hand and wrist specialist Dr. Joris Duerinkx on May 24th in Genk, Belgium. The surgery was performed to repair the left wrist injury that was sustained in the MX2 Qualifying Race at the MXGP of France in Villars Sous Ecot.

Going into the MXGP of France, Geerts had established a solid 48-point lead in the MX2 World Championship and was enjoying a strong start to his 2023 MX2 title charge, in which he celebrated six race wins, five podium finishes, and three Grand Prix wins aboard his YZ250FM. Despite his absence from the French Grand Prix, the 23-year-old Belgian still leads the MX2 World Championship by 1-point. 

Over the next few weeks, Geerts will work closely with his medical team, who will monitor his progress and adjust his treatment plan as needed. An update on his potential return to action will be shared in due course.

Yamaha Motor Europe and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team wish Jago a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on track when he is fully fit and ready to return.

Kevin Strijbos joined the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP fifteen months ago to open a new chapter in his career, passing on his experience from two decades racing the FIM Motocross World Championship to Romain Febvre.

After twenty years of success at the highest level with numerous GP victories, the Motocross of Nations title with Belgium and two silver medals in the MXGP World Championship a career-switch is not always easy but for Kevin the next step,to share his wealth of experience with other riders, immediately presented itself. “For me it was an easy transition; a few days before I stopped racing during the final GP of 2021 at Mantova I had a meeting with Antti (KRT team manager Antti Pyrhönen) and he made me a proposal to join KRT. Two days before this meeting I was concerned to stop racing as I had no real plan, but suddenly I had suchg a great opportunity! In fact everything went so quickly as we faced a short off-season so I was immediately busy with no time to think about retiring and so on. I even had the opportunity to still ride a bike occasionally last year so the transition was easy,” explained Kevin.

Racing for several manufacturers and teams during his illustrious racing career gave Kevin the opportunity to develop his insider knowledge and improve his training over the years. He knew exactly what he needed to do to be a fierce competitor in his own right but sharing this experience with others was a different proposition. “For sure I now feel more comfortable in my job as it’s my second season as coach, but all riders are different and that’s what I still need to learn a little. Sometimes I would do something one way, but Romain says ‘no, I want to do it this way’ so I have to think about it and maybe find a compromise or follow his way. For me it’s not super-difficult; I wasn’t really scared of that as I have much experience and did a lot of training for myself so it’s not completely new for me. I’m not the guy who needs to change his training and follow what you can see on the internet or elsewhere, and I feel that Romain is the same. We just stick to basics,” explained Kevin, who is now working exclusively with Romain. “Romain wanted to have me with him full-time. That’s easier for me too as I can focus entirely on him; last year I had to follow two guys and that was not always easy.”

Romain and Kevin immediately had a good feeling together last season. “To be honest I was initially a little apprehensive to work with Romain; I knew him as a rider but not as a person. But as soon as I had a meeting with him last year I saw that he was relaxed and approachable, and our working relationship immediately exceeded all expectations. The strongest point with Romain is that you don’t need to give him motivation; he is such a hard worker and always wants to push and push. Sometimes my job is actually to hold him back a little, to persuade him that he needs to take his time rather than to push him. It’s an important year for him; when he came back last year he showed what he is capable of and we have had a really good winter. We did all the training that was on our schedule, and he is feeling fit and ready!” added Kevin, who is now even busier than during his last seasons as a racer. “We spent one month on Sardinia, and then we travelled a lot as most of the time I’m with him. Sometimes I even feel like I’m still a racer; I go cycling with Romain, go to the gym with him, the only difference is that I don’t ride anymore. It’s a full-time job and I love it! When I stopped racing the plan was to spend more time with my family, but it’s worked out a little different. Of course the family supports me; we discussed the future even before I stopped racing and they agree with everything that has happened. Now my son is racing himself and I try to spend some time with him too when he’s training and racing; my life still definitively revolves around motocross!”

Kevin has adapted well to a new chapter in his career and now feels completely au fait with his new role; a development which will be beneficial to himself, his rider Romain Febvre and the entire Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP. (Photo & text : Kawasaki Racing)

« Dave Nicoll 1944-2023

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the recent passing of Dave Nicoll, former British motocross rider and the FIM Motocross World Championship Race Director from 2000 to 2013.

Nicoll began motorcycle racing at the age of 16 and started competing in the FIM 500cc Motocross World Championship in 1964. His first win came at the 1969 Luxembourg Motocross GP and the following year, in what was a huge moment, he beat Joel Robert and Jeff Smith to win the Trans AMA Motocross Series. Nicoll stopped competing in 1978 and worked as the manager of the British Motocross des Nations team. When his son, Kurt Nicoll began competing in the FIM Motocross World Championship, Dave Nicoll became his team manager.

After his son retired from competition in 1997, Nicoll was hired by the FIM to become the Race Director for the FIM Motocross World Championship. He was a real gentleman and an invaluable member of the Motocross paddock.

The FIM motocross family extend its deepest condoleances to Dave’s family, to the Auto-Cycle Union and his many friends. » (Communiqué FIM)

Mitch Evans starts his season in Argentina

Mitch Evans, the newest member of the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, starts the next chapter of career in Green this weekend in the opening round of the FIM MXGP World Championship  at Villa La Angostura, the magnificent track in the shadow of the Patagonian Andes where he recorded his first-ever GP podium in 2019.

Mitch, how do you feel before this opening GP?
I feel really good. I have been training a lot in Belgium and Sardinia, doing a lot more volume compared to how I used to train; it was a different style of training but I feel really good working with the team and a new trainer. Everything is on target; I had a small injury and that’s why I didn’t do any pre-season races but I feel healthy now and had a couple of days back on the bike before flying out here to Argentina. I wouldn’t say that I am 100% yet, but at least I’m fresh for the start of the season and we know that it will be a long one!
 
We are in Argentina for this first GP; you like this location?
I always love to come back here despite the long travel; it takes longer for me to come here than to go back home to Australia from Europe. I really enjoy the track here; the fans are great, it’s a technical track and I believe that it will be rougher than usual with more riders on-track this weekend. That’s also a bonus; I always love coming back here as it’s not only a beautiful track but also a very nice country. I’m glad we came here one day earlier than in the past; it gives you a little more time to recover from the trip.
 
You have some great memories here?
I raced my first-ever Grand Prix here and got my first-ever podium that day: that’s really good memories. Usually I’m pretty strong at the beginning of the season and, even after not having so much time on the bike, I’m confident with my speed and my fitness so I’m looking forward to a solid weekend.
 
There’s not so many factory rides in the MXGP class, and one of them was for you at Kawasaki. How did you join the team?
I have always had a little contact with Antti; it was always a team I kept an eye on and when I heard about the support they give, that was what I was looking for. We started talking to each other and, even though I had some other offers for World Supercross, GPs, America and Australia, I knew that I really wanted to continue racing the MXGPs and I felt KRT was the best place for me.
 
Did it take time to feel comfortable on the Kawasaki?
There was a lot of different things on the Kawasaki compared to the bike I was used to, but a lot of things that I really enjoyed. We didn’t do so much testing before Christmas but I was comfortable on the bike straight away and when we started intensive testing in January we soon found the best settings to suit me. I feel really confident on the bike now.
 
You discover new people at the Kawasaki Racing Team, how was it?
I live fifteen minutes from the workshop so I’m there pretty much every day and I’m really happy. That was something I was really looking for, being more involved with the team and having more inter-active support. When you come from Australia you don’t know anybody over here, and you don’t really know what to do, where to go so having that support is really beneficial. It’s the first time in my career that I have such a strong connection with the team members! Every day I go to the workshop I say hello to the guys and can see they are always super-busy and working hard. To see them investing so much time and energy to their job gives me even more appreciation of the work they do. I’m really thankful for everything they do for us. Another good factor is that if I want to try something new on the bike we can have it prepared and test it straight away.
 
So you’re confident for this new season?
I’m not stressed at all; we’ll just take it race-by-race. I want to focus on taking good starts and racing up-front; Romain got good starts at Hawkstone, and last year we already saw how good the bikes were out of the gate. It’s quite funny; last year I purposely never took a gate next to a Kawasaki and now I’m on a Kawasaki!
 

F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team reveals its new line-up

The F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team has revealed its new line up before the opening race of the season in Argentina. The team has had a good off season and is ready to perform in 2023. Kevin Horgmo finished fourth in the world championship MX2 in 2022 and is eager to improve on this result this year. Alongside him is the talented Spaniard David Braceras who moves up from the EMX250 Championship to the MX2 class.

The Grand Prix of Argentina will be held Villa La Angostura, one of the best tracks on the MXGP calendar. Both riders are eager to compete and, for David, it’s the first time that he will race an overseas Grand Prix so for him it will be a great experience.

Kevin Horgmo commented: ‘’The winter preparation went really well. I have enjoyed my time on the bike and we have improved a lot. The pre-season race didn’t really show that but I think that’s what these races are for and I have learnt a lot. Compared to last year I would like to be more consistent and don’t have any silly crashes. I was in a good position many times and let the result slip away. My mission is to improve and be even faster. All the hard work from the winter will pay off during the season. I’m looking forward to Argentina.’’

David Braceras commented: ‘’We did a lot of good training on proper tracks during the winter and I started to feel comfortable on the bike. We have done a lot of work with the bike and the suspension and other aspects are going really well. My goals for the first race in Argentina are see where I am and improve on that in the following races. I’m really enthusiastic to go to Argentina as the people there are also speaking Spanish. The track looks also really nice and I think I will adapt well to the type of sand of the track. It’s really fast and I think it will be a good track for me.’’

Nathalie Fase, Meam Manager added: ‘’F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team will line up this season with two young, strong talented riders in the FIM Motocross MX2 World Championship. Kevin Horgmo who finished fourth in the world championship with us last season looks stronger than ever after a perfect winter preparation and is ready to go for it. Our new Spanish talented member of the team David Braceras has recovered well from a minor injury earlier this winter period and we are confident that everything will work out with him step by step during the season.

The composition of the team has changed slightly, a lot of familiar faces known for years already in the paddock, but also some new additions have made their entrance within the team which is refreshing! I myself recently became the mother of a sweet little boy, so I will have to coordinate the first races from home, Obviously, that is new to experience, but good preparation is half the work and my partner together with our crew is fortunately taking over many of my tasks on site.

We look back on a good season last year and together with all our sponsors and Kawasaki we are ready to take it even further. The complete F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team is motivated to start the season in a positive way and build from there. Let the good times roll!”

SECURE A PLACE ON THE START LINE OF THE PIONEERING E-MOTORSPORT SERIES

Husqvarna Motorcycles is excited to announce that registration for the 2023 European Junior e-Motocross Series is now officially open. With anticipation already building after the five-round calendar was announced just two weeks ago, riders, and their parents, are recommended to visit the official website today to secure one of the 40 places that are available.

Registration Form – European Junior e-Motocross Series

Returning for its third term, the European Junior e-Motocross Series offers all young racers an experience like no other. At the same time, the high capabilities of e-technology are demonstrated to a truly global audience via mxgp-tv.com and through the MXGP social media channels operated by Infront Moto Racing.

Kicking off at the MXGP of Spain on May 7, the four remaining rounds of the European Junior e-Motocross Series take place alongside three other stops on the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar. After visits to France and Germany, the five-round campaign culminates with a double-header, two-day event in the Czech Republic. The tried and tested racing format remains the same for 2023 with riders first completing a timed qualifying session to determine gate pick, followed by contesting two points-paying races.

To enter the European Junior e-Motocross Series, riders must hold a racing license from their national federation and enter a minimum of three rounds. All competitors on Husqvarna EE 5 machinery will receive a selection of Husqvarna Motorcycles merchandise and accessories and should the overall series winner be mounted on an EE 5, their prize will be an exclusive training day with Husqvarna Factory Racing.

As in previous years, the series is open to competitors aged 6-8 years old (age taken from January 1, 2023) and the parents/guardians of interested riders are encouraged to register today via the official website – www.junioremotocross.com – to avoid disappointment.

Calendar – 2023 European Junior e-Motocross Series

Round 1: 7 May MXGP of Spain – intu Xanadú – Arroyomolinos

Round 2: 21 May MXGP of France – Villars sous Ecot

Round 3: 11 June MXGP of Germany – Teutschenthal

Round 4: 15 July MXGP of Czech Republic – Loket

Round 5: 16 July MXGP of Czech Republic – Loket

After several productive pre-season international race meetings, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are now set for the 2023 FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship with the first of nineteen rounds taking place at Neuquen this weekend for the Grand Prix of Argentina.

The works effort will be led by five-times world champion (2012, 2013 and 2016 in MX2 and 2018 and 2021 in MXGP) Jeffrey Herlings; the Dutchman completed his third race appearance in a year with a dominant victory in the opening meeting of the French Elite Championship last weekend. Herlings took Pole Position and won both motos at former Grand Prix venue La Capelle Marival to make the long trip to South America with the taste of victory once more.

Herlings, 28, will resume his MXGP career at Neuquen after missing the entirety of the 2022 campaign but hopes to reignite his world championship potential at the loose and fast circuit in the depths of Patagonia. Neuquen first entertained the series in 2015 and Herlings has claimed two wins at the site. If the 450 SX-F rider achieves two Grand Prix triumphs in 2023 then he will equal the all-time record of 101 held by Stefan Everts achieved in 2006.

Herlings will share the awning in Argentina with a new MX2 line-up. Red Bull KTM are the reigning Team and Manufacturer world champion with the KTM 250 SX-F but have a fresh rider roster and an emphasis on developing youth. Andrea Adamo brings more Italian presence to the squad after Mattia Guadagnini was the last to shine so brightly in his first term with the crew in 2021. Adamo won two motos in two different outings of the Internazionali d’Italia last month. Liam Everts is still searching for prime race fitness after suffering a sore wrist in a practice accident but will nevertheless also attempt to make his MX2 debut in Red Bull KTM colors. Sadly, Sacha Coenen will not make the trip across the Atlantic. The teenage Belgian has been struggling with a left shoulder problem and will undergo a surgical procedure that will delay the rookie’s Grand Prix introduction in 2023.

The Argentine appointment at Neuquen was created in 2015 and launched the world championship in 2018 and 2019 before a two-year hiatus forced by the recent pandemic. The Grand Prix returned to the region near the town of Villa la Angostura in 2022 where it was again the first date on the calendar.

Jeffrey Herlings: “It was a good day at La Capelle. I was first in Timed Practice and led both motos from start to finish with two holeshots: it was nice to have that feeling again! We made some improvements and slight changes to the bike as well, which was very positive. I’m looking forward to seeing where we are with the big boys next weekend. I’ll give everything I have – as always – but I know I’ll need a bit of time after a whole year away from MXGP. I think anywhere between 3rd-6th is realistic and we need to build-up in the first five rounds. It’s not like we don’t have enough races this season! If we start winning soon then there are a lot of possibilities.”

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Team Manager: “We’re going to Argentina with good expectations. The MX2 boys have had some good pre-season races and are ready to battle. We’re sorry, of course, that we won’t have Sacha with us but we hope he can recover soon from surgery and join us at the GPs. Andrea is ready to go but Liam has a few physical niggles so will have to ease into the season. Everybody knows about Jeffrey’s potential and although he missed a lot of racing, he has the speed and the desire to get back to the podium. He will have to build up the race pace and fitness but it won’t be too difficult for him to get back to contention soon. Argentina gives us one of the best tracks of the season, so we’re looking forward to travelling there again. It will be the first GP of a long year so we would like to start in a positive way and take some good points.”

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsport offroad: “We’re really excited to get another MXGP season underway and while our objectives have changed in the MX2 class compared to recent years it’s great to have Jeffrey fit and motivated to attack the MXGP category once again. It is the second world championship since we introduced the latest generation of the SX-F bikes so we can push ahead with our goal of results and more development. We’ve also had some changes inside the team so it will be interesting to watch these take shape in the Grand Prix environment. Our world championship motocross team has been such a strong contender for success and an outfit that has given us immense pride in the last fifteen years and more. We hope they will again have a lot to celebrate in 2023.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “2023 has started so well for us at the DAKAR and with AMA Supercross wins and now it’s the time of the MXGP boys! Argentina is the first GP of another long season for the team and the new format of points for Qualification races is a factor that will add to the show but also increase the demand. It’s fantastic to have Jeffrey back leading the team and working with Tony in a way that is new for both of these Grand Prix heroes. Our MX2 guys have a lot to learn but they are part of one of the best teams in the sport and they have all of our support.

KAY DE WOLF WINS IN THE NETHERLANDS AND LUCAS COENEN WINS IN FRANCE.

The Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing squad finalised their pre-season preparation for the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship at events in The Netherlands and France today. Kay de Wolf lined up at the historic circuit of Lierop, whilst Lucas Coenen and Roan van de Moosdijk competed at the hard-pack venue of LaCapelle-Marival.

It was a rather dominant day for Kay de Wolf of the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team; he ripped to two moto victories aboard his FC 250 and ensured that momentum is on his side as the first round of the new term beckons. De Wolf won the first moto with an advantage of fifty-two seconds and was lapping a second quicker than his peers! ’74’ was just as impressive in moto two, as he took the early lead and started to pull away. Although he had a crash, he still jumped up and won with an advantage of seven seconds to cap off a perfect day.

The Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing riders were just as forceful in France. Lucas Coenen sprinted to 1-1 scores and was joined on the box by his teammate, Roan van de Moosdijk, who was second in moto one and salvaged a fifth after a small crash in moto two. Coenen was five seconds clear of ’39’ in the first stint then stormed to a thirteen-second advantage in the finale. Moosdijk did well to secure third overall in what was his first competitive outing of the year.

Kay de Wolf: « It was a pretty good day! I felt good straight away. I took the holeshot and did my own thing in that first moto. I rode pretty clean and made no mistakes, so I got the win with a massive gap. I got the holeshot in the second moto, built a gap and then went over the bars. I got up quickly and retook the lead. 1-1 on the day, so it was good. »

Lucas Coenen: « It has been a great off-season with the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team! To go 1-1 at LaCapelle-Marival today was a great way to finish our preparation for Argentina. I’m excited to get my rookie season underway now! »

Roan van de Moosdijk: « This was my first and only pre-season race before we head to Argentina. I started the day by going P1 in qualifying, so I know that the speed is there. I was third off the start in both motos – I felt good in the first one. Lucas and I had solid pace, so I ended up in second. I tried to go for the lead in the second moto, but had a small crash. That was a bit unfortunate but we are all safe and ready to go for the first round. »

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing will make the long trip to Patagonia-Argentina in the coming days. Villa La Angostura is set to host round one of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship on March 11/12.

Results – 2023 KMNV Dutch Season Opener, Lierop

MX2 – Overall

1. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 50pts; 2. Andrea Bonacorsi (Yamaha) 44pts; 3. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 40pts

MX2 – Moto One

1. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 29:15.832; 2. Andrea Bonacorsi (Yamaha) 30:08.621; 3. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 30:18.854

MX2 – Moto Two

1. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 30:16.035; 2. Andrea Bonacorsi (Yamaha) 30:23.630; 3. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 30:30.452

Results – 2023 Championnat De France, LaCapelle Marival

MX2 – Overall

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 50pts; 2. Pierre Goupillon (KTM) 42pts; 3. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 38pts

MX2 – Moto One

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 21:10.890; 2. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 21:16.558; 3. Pierre Goupillon (KTM) 21:25.916

MX2 – Moto Two

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 29:05.161; 2. Pierre Goupillon (KTM) 29:20.328; 3. Quentin Prugnieres (Kawasaki) 29:32.449… 5. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 29:55.22

Record Number of Riders to Race Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup in 2023

The popularity of the Yamaha Motor Europe YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup continues to grow apace, with a record number of young riders registered to take part in the unique pan-European race series in 2023.

The riders, aged 8-16 years, will all compete for a place on the start gate at the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale, which will run alongside the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations at Ernée, France over the weekend of 6-8 October 2023.

Since its inception in 2015, the Yamaha YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup has attracted the best young riders from around Europe. This year the number of riders registered to contest the series has increased by more than 40% compared to 2022, with 536 youngsters from 28 countries set to compete on Yamaha YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 machinery in 2023.

The top 120 riders from the various countries will secure a place on the start gate at the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale and the chance to race alongside the stars of MXGP at the prestigious Monster Energy Motocross of Nations.

The podium finishers, plus two wild cards and the top two female racers in each class will receive an invitation to the Yamaha bLU cRU Masterclass, where they will receive coaching over two days from an experienced team that includes Yamaha Factory MX riders past and present.

The riders will also be assessed over the course of the two days, with one rider from each class selected to receive support from Yamaha for the following season. For the YZ125 rider selected, this support will comprise a fully funded ride in the EMX125 Championship.

The importance of the Yamaha bLU cRU program in ensuring that racing remains accessible to the next generation of young riders was recognised in 2022 with the presentation of the prestigious FIM Award for the Future to Yamaha Motor Europe President and CEO, Eric de Seynes, during the end of season FIM Awards Ceremony in Rimini, Italy.

Paolo Pavesio: Marketing and Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe

“We are immensely proud of our bLU cRU program, which continues to live up to its goal of supporting the next racing generation. This year we will have more than 500 young riders racing under the bLU cRU banner at national level, a significant increase on previous seasons, and made possible only with the support of our European Distributors. However, the scope of the bLU cRU program extends further, providing a progression path from grass roots racing to the very pinnacle of the sport, all within the Yamaha racing family. While this will be a path followed only by the few, every single one of our bLU cRU riders will take away with them memories that will last a lifetime, and that is important also. I wish everyone of our young racers success this season, and I look forward to meeting some of them in person at the YZ SuperFinale in October.

HERLINGS INCREASES SPEED TOWARDS 2023 MXGP WITH HAWKSTONE PARK RUN

2023 Motorsports news

Jeffrey Herlings classified 4th overall at the 2023 Hawkstone Park International in the UK for his first significant meeting since November 2021. The Dutchman took the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing KTM 450 SX-F to 7-2 results in sunny conditions at the sandy English course.

Herlings, MXGP World Champion in 2018 and 2021, continued his preparation and path back to world championship speed against a handful of Grand Prix rivals in Great Britain. The 28-year-old missed the 2022 campaign due to a broken left heel and subsequent reparative operations but first tasted a gatedrop in 2023 with a regional event near Arnhem in his native country last week. The trip to Hawkstone then represented a return to pre-season ‘normality’ for Herlings and a fixture he’d won previously in 2020.

He rode to 7th in the opening race after misjudging the grip from the Hawkstone start gate but then fired back to be runner-up in the second moto despite suffering a small crash. #84 will now enter the La Capelle-Marival International in France next weekend for his final sprint before MXGP fires-up with the Grand Prix of Argentina on March 11-12.

Jeffrey Herlings: “It could have been better to be honest but I know l require a bit of time to get back where we should be. 4th was not too bad but a crash and a bad start did not help. Next week should be better. They had a different start mesh here – compared to what we have in the GPs – and it was really slippery; I messed up the first moto. I fell in the second but otherwise the riding was pretty decent. We’ll work and work from this point.”

Hawkstone Park International MX1 Overall ranking

1. Glenn Coldenhoff, NED, Yamaha

2. Romain Febvre, FRA, Kawasaki

3. Brent Van Donick, BEL, Honda

4. Jeffrey Herlings, NED, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

5. Adam Sterry, GBR, KT

Romain Febvre starts his season with a win

Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP leader Romain Febvre opened his 2023 campaign with an impressive moto victory and two third places in the prestige international motocross at Hawkstone Park.

A typically fresh early springtime day under bright skies greeted the teams, riders and spectators for the first major shakedown race of the season at the famous sand track in central England three weeks before the opening GP and Kawasaki’s French ace immediately made his mark as he holeshot the opening moto, leading impressively from start-to-finish; Dutch sand expert Glenn Coldenhoff came close at one stage before the Kawasaki rider moved away again during the closing stages of the twenty-five-minute-plus-one-lap race. Romain got caught up in traffic at the first turn in each of the later motos after spinning at the gate but carefully avoided any danger of collisions as he carved his way through the pack to cross the finish line third each time; significantly he recorded the fastest lap in the final race of the day as he chased through to even challenge for the lead before he sensibly backed off again at the close as the lack of riding in recent weeks following a recent precautionary operation to relieve arm pump became evident.

Romain Febvre: « I came here with no real expectations as I was three weeks without riding the bike after my arm surgery and I didn’t expect to ride so well, either in terms of speed or physically. For sure winning my first race of the season is a boost, and it was good for me mentally too! In the second race I started in the pack after slipping on the metal grid and I came back to third, then in the Superfinal several of us did the same again at the start. I was fourth at first but came through to second and at one point I was almost side-by-side with Coldenhoff for the lead but I couldn’t manage to take the advantage and right at the end of the race Van Doninck slipped past me. I was feeling the lack of riding and in the last five laps I got a little tired, which was to be expected after three weeks off the bike. It’s the first time I have been to Hawkstone Park; it’s a beautiful natural track with turns of so many different types and the big uphill where you can use the power of the motorcycle; it’s a beautiful circuit, especially when the weather is nice like today. »

Antti Pyrhönen (KRT MXGP team manager): « Romain has had arm pump at the start of the season in past years so he decided to undergo precautionary surgery last month and only started riding again last weekend, but he immediately holeshot the first moto and led the entire race; Coldenhoff came close at one stage but Romain could pull away again at the end. He was caught up in traffic at the first turn in the other races after spinning at the gate but came through to third each time. It was a truly satisfying start to the new season. »

(Photos : Kawasaki Racing)

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team Showcase Powerful New Look!

Entering 2023 with the all-new YZ450FM and a fresh new look, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team is fit, fast and ready for the start of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. The seeds sown by Jeremy Seewer, Maxime Renaux and Glenn Coldenhoff in 2022, with each rider tasting victory on at least one occasion, have taken root and are growing fast into the new season.

Armed with Yamaha’s improved YZ450FM, which in 2023 is faster, lighter, slimmer, with enhanced stability and more agility than ever, all three riders are confident they have exactly what they need to challenge the MXGP crown while helping Yamaha defend its Manufacturer’s World Title.

In celebration of Yamaha’s strengthened partnership with Monster Energy, Yamaha Motor Europe is proud to have its youngest team, the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team made up of Julius Mikula and Janis Reisulis, using livery that has been based on the look of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory teams in MXGP, MX2, AMA Supercross, ProMotocross and MotoGP.

The team looks sharp and is excited to campaign Yamaha’s GYTR-kitted YZ125 in the EMX125 Championship this year.

NESTAAN HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING CONTINUE TO PROGRESS AHEAD OF MXGP.

Lucas Coenen of the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team just confirmed his potential aboard the FC 250, as his rookie term in the FIM Motocross World Championship beckons. Coenen ripped to a victory at the second and final round of the Internazionali d’Italia series, which was held at the hard-pack circuit of Pietramurata that so many of his peers are familiar with.

Coenen had a fairly uneventful time in the first MX2 moto – he spent the duration in the runner-up position and crossed the finish line just eight tenths from the eventual winner. The fact that he had the fastest lap time of the race also boosted his confidence entering moto two, which is a race that he dominated. ’96’ claimed the lead on lap two, sprinted to an advantage of five seconds and won in a convincing fashion. 2-1 scores meant that he was ranked in first in the overall classification.

7-7 rankings are not a true reflection of how Kay de Wolf performed on Italian soil. De Wolf was luckless, as he had to work his way from the back of the pack each time and passed more riders than anyone else. ’74’ went from seventeenth to seventh in moto one and thirty-first to seventh in moto two. The end result was seventh overall, but he was so much stronger than that would indicate and can take a lot of momentum from his Italian outing.

Lucas Coenen: « The weekend went well! I followed the leader for the whole of moto one, but it was difficult to pass on this track. It was a good confidence boost. I had another good start in the second moto and made quick moves to get into the lead. I had fun and controlled the race. This is my second pre-season victory, so everything is going well at the moment. »

Kay de Wolf: « Bad starts did not make it easy today but I had a lot of fun on the track. I felt good on my FC 250 too, so there are positives to take away. I just need to do some work on my starts and then we will be ready for Argentina! »

Unbelievably, round one of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship is just a couple of weeks away now. Everyone at the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team will continue to work hard in order to prepare for gates to fall in Patagonia-Argentina on March 12.

Results – 2023 Internazionali d’Italia, Round Two

MX2 – Overall

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 47pts; 2. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 43pts; 3. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 36pts… 7. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 28pts

MX2 – Moto One

1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 30:12.853; 2. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 30:13.716; 3. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 30:36.518… 7. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 30:55.327

MX2 – Moto Two

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 29:13.444; 2. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 29:19.316; 3. Rick Elzinga (Yamaha) 29:21.516… 7. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 29:48.49

The MX2 faction of the race team travelled to the scenic and hard-packed terrain circuit in northern Italy – a regular venue on the MXGP FIM World Championship calendar – for their second ‘warm-up’ event of ’23 and for more testing and preparation with the works KTM 250 SX-F.

One week after Andrea Adamo won a moto at Ponte a Egola and walked the box for the opening fixture of the series, it was teenage rookie Sacha Coenen who shone at Arco. The young Belgian started brightly in both motos and rode hard to score 3-5 results, ranking one point better than Rick Elzinga. Adamo was 5th overall and his second moto run to 2nd was the highlight of the day for the Italian; he also rode well to recover from a first corner crash and last place to grab 12th in the first outing. Liam Everts was top five in the opening race but two mistakes meant 14th in the second and he rested 8th in the final MX2 table.

Meanwhile Jeffrey Herlings continued his training program with the KTM 450 SX-F in Arnhem in Holland but the double MXGP world champion will be competing in high-profile events in the UK (Hawkstone Park) and France (La Capelle-Marival) in the coming weekends.

The first round of 2023 MXGP takes place at Neuquen for the Grand Prix of Argentina in three weeks time.

Sacha Coenen: “This weekend was pretty good! I had good speed in practice and Timed Practice and this was an improvement over the first race, especially as I wasn’t pushing too much. I had a great start in the first moto and was running 2nd. I made a small mistake and dropped to 3rd but stayed there the whole race. I holeshotted the second moto and led some laps. I had a small tip-over and we learned a lot about our suspension set-up for this track. Overall lots of improvements, we made the podium so I’m happy.”

Andrea Adamo: “It was not a good weekend in terms of the result – just 5th place – but my speed was good. I had to come back from the back in the first moto and it was not easy for passing on this track. I started 7th-8th next time out and began to catch the guys and finished P2 but was really close to the win. So, some positive things and we’re still in pre-season. Everything is going well with our preparation and I’m happy.”

Liam Everts: “An up-and-down weekend. 5th in the first race was OK but then I had a crash in the second moto on the opening lap after I couldn’t avoid another rider. I then went down again and my riding wasn’t the best. Not the best way to end the day but we’ve worked well and now we’ll look ahead to Argentina.”

MX2 Overall results, Pietramurata

1. Lucas Coenen (BEL) Husqvarna

2. Thibault Benistant (FRA), Yamaha

3. Sacha Coenen (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

4. Rick Elzinga (NED) Yamaha

5. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

8. Liam Everts (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

The former Grand Prix venue staged the first significant race meeting of the 2023 calendar year and the hilly circuit west of Florence brought the brand new MX2 contingent of the KTM squad their debut gatedrop of the pre-season. After a stint of training and testing in Sardinia, Andrea Adamo, Sacha Coenen and Liam Everts rode their KTM 250 SX-Fs at pace and in a competitive field.

Adamo ranked 3rd on the day and therefore sits in the same position in the formative MX2 championship standings. The Italian scored 12 points for 9th in the first moto but rode strongly in the second race to defeat Grand Prix rival Thibault Benistant by less than two seconds. The win meant he could scale the lower step of the podium just ahead of his teammate. Everts ended the afternoon with a top five ranking. The Belgian posted a solid and steady 4-4 to claim 5th. Teenager Coenen went 17-17 for 18th place overall.

The trio will line-up for round two of the series next weekend at Pietramurata in Arco di Trentino; scene of the MXGP Grand Prix of Trentino.

Andrea Adamo: “Finally we are back racing! The weekend was quite good although unfortunately I had a small crash in the first moto and it was tough to make back the time and the positions. The second moto was much easier because of the better start. I kept pushing all the way and took the win. I was really happy about that. I’m enjoying myself with the team and I’m working hard with Joel {Smets] and I’m very proud to be wearing that KTM shirt.”

Liam Everts: “I just missed the podium and was equal on points with Andrea. I’m in a new team with new people and it’s been a big change but things went quite well for my first race and the fact that I had a practice crash on Thursday! I’m not super-happy with my riding but I have a base to build on now to get ready for the season.”

Sacha Coenen: “Today was my first race with the team, so that was really good but in terms of results I’m a bit disappointed. I didn’t have the best feeling on the track in Timed Practice and this is something I need to improve because I made life difficult for the starts because of the gate position. I did my best to come through in the first moto but it was not easy for overtaking. My second moto start was much better. I was 3rd but had a small tip-over. We’ll keep working and we’ll see what we can get in Arco.”

MX2 Overall results, Ponte a Egola

1. Simon Laengenfelder (GER), GASGAS

2. Thibault Benistant (FRA), Yamaha

3. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

4. Cornelius Toendel (NOR), KTM

5. Liam Everts (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

18. Sacha Coenen (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racin

2023 Motorsports news

The newly formed ‘VRT KTM Factory Juniors’ have unveiled their livery for the 2023 racing season as the team embarks on its objective to help develop the next line of KTM MXGP stars.

The France-based squad have already accrued six years of collaboration with KTM but 2023 will see Mickaël Vrignon’s effort established as KTM’s official platform for teenagers aspiring to make the jump from EMX European Championship competition to FIM MX2 World Championship racing.

The team have recruited 16-year-old duo Marc-Antoine Rossi (French and an EMX125 race winner) and Ferruccio Zanchi (Italian, and three times a visitor to the top step of EMX125) for their project for 2023 and armed with the KTM 250 SX-F in the EMX250 class; the final step before the world stage.

VRT KTM Factory Juniors will have a stronger link than ever to the KTM Motorsport department and will also lean on the experience of top former motocross and enduro champion ‘Pela’ Renet as Team Manager. The Frenchman has owned checkered flags at the highest level and his knowledge of preparation, race approach and strategy will be a big benefit for Rossi, Zanchi and the whole structure. As part of their ‘warm-up’ for the continental campaign, VRT KTM Factory Juniors will make their debut appearance at Ponte a Egola for the opening date of the Internazionali D’Italia domestic series this weekend.

The 2023 EMX250 European Championship is formed of 11 rounds, all running at MXGP Grand Prix events. The opening race takes place at Riola Sardo for the Grand Prix of Sardegna on 26th March and will then visit Italy, Portugal, Spain, Latvia, Germany, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Turkey and Great Britain.

Marc-Antoine Rossi: « I am very happy with ourteam winter training in Sardinia. We worked hard on and off track and I am ready to start racing again in Italy this weekend. »

Ferruccio Zanchi: « I am more than ready to start the 2023 season, I had a good winter prep with a good feeling on the new bike. I can’t wait for the season to start! »

Pierre-Alexandre Renet, Team Manager: “We are very happy to unveil the 2023 colors! We currently are in Sardinia to finish the winter training before starting the first preparation races in Italy this weekend. The riders feel pretty good on the bikes and the whole team is working really hard to prepare the season. We are all ready to go and look forward to start racing again.”

Mickaël Vrignon, Team Principal: “I am glad to officially start 2023 with Ferruccio and Marc-Antoine, they both worked really hard all winter to be ready and we will soon head to Italy for two preparation races in Ponte A Egola and Arco di Trento. I really look forward to those races so they can start to show their potential.”

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsports Off Road: “We are excited about this project for two reasons. Firstly Mickaël, Pela and the guys have a good program that will surely help and benefit Marc-Antoine and Ferruccio. We really hope these two teenagers can show us their abilities and their potential. This leads us to the second reason and that’s the clearer pathway we have put in place once again for our young motocross talent. The VRT KTM Factory Juniors team is the staging point for riders that dream of racing at world championship level and to aim for our Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad. It’s a vital step on the ladder and a promising opportunity for everyone concerned. We’ll be watching the guys closely in 2023. We wish them all the best and we hope this scheme will deliver results on and off the track.

NESTAAN HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING LOG RACE LAPS AHEAD OF 2023 MXGP.

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing ramped up their preparation for the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship by lining up in the RFME Spanish Motocross Championship at the hard-pack circuit of Montearagon. Lucas Coenen and Kay de Wolf sat behind the starting line and enjoyed success in their first competitive outing of the term.

Lucas Coenen, making his debut aboard the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing FC 250, was just incredible across the weekend and gained some valuable momentum as he works towards his first campaign as an MX2 rider. Using the power within his steed to claim two good starts, he won moto one with an advantage of fourteen seconds and then won moto two by eight seconds. Not only did he stand atop the podium, but he also gained some knowledge to apply in testing.

The Spanish adventure was a little more eventful for Kay de Wolf, who had a fall on Saturday. The mistake meant that he had to start from the far outside in Sunday’s motos, but he did well to progress to third in moto one and second in moto two. Sadly, he was demoted to fifth in that first moto and therefore occupied third in the overall classification via 5-2 moto scores. ’74’ got to experience many different challenges in the pre-season shakedown.

The next appointment for the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team is the first stop of the 2023 Internazionali d’Italia term in Ponte a Egola, where the duo will continue to work on their respective strengths and weaknesses ahead of the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina on March 12.

Lucas Coenen: « It was a good weekend. We made a lot of progress and saw some hard work from the winter pay off. I was second off the start in both of the motos today, then took the lead quite quickly and controlled things from that point. It was a great way to start the year and I want to continue this form in Ponte a Egola in Italy next weekend. »

Kay de Wolf: « It was a difficult day, as I had a big crash yesterday and was very sore. I was happy to walk away from that one! I did not have the best gate pick today, because of that, and had a lot of work to do, but it was good practice. I finished third in the first race and then got docked a couple of positions, then I finished second in moto two. It was not a bad day. »

Results – 2022 RFME Spanish Motocross Championship, Round One

MX2 – Overall

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 50pts; 2. Samuel Mattias Nilsson Bustos (GASGAS) 40pts; 3. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 38pts

MX2 – Moto One

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 34:27.053; 2. Samuel Mattia Nilsson Bustos (GASGAS) 34:41.652; 3. David Beltran Yague (KTM) 35:21.077… 5. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 34:48.887

MX2 – Moto Two

1. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 33:39.707; 2. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 33:48.274; 3. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 34:10.50

2/3/2023 👉 FIM MXGP/ MX2/ Women’s/Junior World Championship /Cup and FIM MXoN

Decisions of the Motocross Commission and the Permanent Bureau
2023 FIM Motocross World Championships Regulations, 03 February.

The Motocross Commission, composed of Messrs. Antonio Alia, Chairman (FIM Motocross Comission Director), David Luongo (Infront Moto Racing CEO), Biense Bierma (MSMA Secretary General) and the Permanent Bureau composed of Messrs. Jorge Viegas (FIM President) and Giuseppe Luongo (Infront Moto Racing President) unanimously approved the 2023 FIM MXGP / MX2 / Women’s / Junior and MXoN World Championships Regulations on January 26, 2023.

2023 FIM MXGP / MX2 / Women’s / Junior and MXoN World Championship Rules More infos here

2023 Motorsport news

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will enter the 2023 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship with an amplified four-rider line-up through both MXGP and MX2 classes and have shown off their new race colors and machinery for the first time.

• Andrea Adamo, Sacha Coenen, Liam Everts and Jeffrey Herlings reveal KTM 450 SX-F and KTM 250 SX-F race bikes for the 2023 season

• MXGP icon Tony Cairoli to helm the factory squad as Team Manager

• KTM enter the MX2 series as defending world champions but with three new riders

• Herlings makes comeback to MXGP action and for the first time since winning the 2021 title

The 2023 MXGP pre-season has been in full swing for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with bases in both Sardinia and eastern Spain as the first round of 19 in the ’23 campaign nears with the Grand Prix of Argentina on March 11-12.

The MX2 roster of Andrea Adamo, Sacha Coenen and Liam Everts have been testing and refining their race set-ups for the KTM 250 SX-F on the Italian island while Jeffrey Herlings has been pounding the laps and motos on the Iberian Peninsula with the KTM 450 SX-F ahead of the first ‘warm-up’ race fixtures of the year.

KTM will begin another GP season as reigning world champions but double winner Tom Vialle is now poised to make his AMA 250SX Supercross debut and Team Manager Tony Cairoli and Trainer/Rider Coach Joel Smets are now working on the development of Adamo, Coenen and Everts who are all under the age of 20. In the case of Coenen, 2023 will be his rookie term in MX2. Herlings will lead the crew as the Dutchman prepares for his seventh term in the premier class (having ruled the world in 2018 and 2021) and is within touching distance of the all-time Grand Prix win record.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I’m hungry to get back racing. It’s been way-too long. 2022 was a difficult year to take but once we made the decision to recover from the problems and focus on 2023 then I’ve had a date and target in mind and it’s coming close now. I know I will need some track time and my plan is to build into the season because we are now back to something like a ‘normal’ championship for the first time in three years. I want to try and get back to my best. I know the team has changed quite a bit around me but the goals in racing always stay the same.”

Andrea Adamo: “We’ve had some great testing and riding days in Sardinia and everything has gone very smoothly. I’m training hard and I’m happy with the preparation. We’ll start the first pre-season races very soon and then get into the world championship. I’m really excited to get started.”

Sacha Coenen: “I feel really good ahead of my first MX2 season. I have a lot of good people behind me and I’m part of the best team in the world. We’re working hard at the moment and the bike feels like it is ‘mine’ now after we made some big steps with the set-up. I’d like to make some positive results and learn every moto. If I can be at the front then I know I will learn even more!”

Liam Everts: “My feeling at the moment is pretty good. My riding has been solid. I’m quite happy and I’ve been putting in the work and clocking the hours. It’s a new chassis and bike for me so I’ve been getting used to it and the possibilities it brings. As I’ve said before, it’s special to be part of this team and I just want to give the best account of myself this season.”

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Jeffrey has all the eyes on him for the title even though he is a rider with nothing left to prove, and then we have three young guys in MX2 this year and we hope Andrea, Liam and Sacha will soon arrive to the top of the class. We know it will be an easier step for Andrea and Liam compared to Sacha because he is still very young and he’s making his debut. All our preparation has been going well and we’ve been in Sardinia testing while Jeffrey has also been doing his work in Spain. The championship will begin before we know it but we’re all looking forward to the season ahead.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 & Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 Showcase Bold New Look for 2023

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team is excited to reveal its new livery ahead of the 2023 FIM MX2 World Championship season. The YZ250FM, which will be raced by MX2 title favourites Jago Geerts and Thibault Benistant as well as Yamaha’s hot young rookie Rick Elzinga has a sleek black and blue base with an aggressive twist featuring a splash of grey and the new Monster Energy claw logo. 

The look, that will also be utilised by the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 and MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 teams in 2023, emulates the same bold and edgy design that will be used by the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory teams across the board in MotoGP, MXGP, Supercross and ProMotocross.

Sardinia was the place to be for Yamaha Factory MX2 and Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 riders and team members during the month of January. The island in the Mediterranean Sea, located just off the coast of Italy, has long been a hub for elite motocrossers during the winter period, with each year seeing hundreds of riders flock to its sandy tracks. 

During the teams’ time on the island, the riders dedicated two days to Yamaha Racing’s media production, where the official photography of the teams in 2023 livery was obtained.

And, while the rest of the world may be shivering in the cold, we’re gearing up for a season of red hot, or shall we say « blue hot » racing! Both teams are set to open their account at the first pre-season outing in Ponte e Egola, Italy, on February 12th

2023 Motorsport news

The enduring union between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and multi FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings will continue beyond the 2023 MXGP campaign and stretch on another two years.

The 28-year-old inked another contract extension with the decorated factory crew after visiting the Motorsport headquarters in Munderfing, Austria last week.

Herlings initially signed for Red Bull KTM early in 2009 to make his FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship debut as a fifteen-year-old for the 2010 season. During a thirteen-year competitive period to-date the KTM stalwart has won 99 Grands Prix with both 250 and 450 SX-F machinery and gathered three MX2 titles (2012, 2013 and 2016) and two MXGP crowns (2018 and 2021), including one of the most dominant displays in MXGP history in ’18 and with a last-round-last-race success in ‘21 where three riders still had a chance of the #1 plate during the final laps of the event in Mantova, Italy.

Herlings, the most successful Dutch rider in the history of the sport, missed the entire 2022 MXGP schedule due to a pre-season injury but is now in the throes of training and testing preparation for the 2023 calendar that will begin on March 12th at Neuquen in Argentina. #84 will face his seventh term in the MXGP class and with the 450 SX-F.

The fresh renewal for 2024 and 2025 will take Herlings from the age of 14 to 30 in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors and elongate a memorable partnership to a total of seventeen years at the highest level.

Jeffrey Herlings: “We’ve been together for a long time and I believe I am now the longest-serving Red Bull KTM athlete as this will be my fifteenth year and from when I first signed in 2009. We now have another two years together and maybe more to come. It’s great. Me, Pit and Robert have been very close during this time and have a great connection and together with Valentina [Ragni, Team Coordinator] these have been the people around me since the beginning and for all those fifteen years. We’ve been working really good together and we all want the same goals. I’m happy and thankful to extend the contract again and it’s great after a dark period in 2022 that the team and the company still have trust in me. I didn’t want to move, I’m happy where I am, and I love the group.”

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Of course I’m really happy that Jeffrey has re-signed with the brand and the team. He’s a big star for us and for the sport so it’s really nice that such a big talent stays in KTM. He will come into the season after a difficult year so we will have to build into 2023 but Jeffrey is such a big champion and will win again, like he did in the past. I don’t think any team could wish for a better rider and we’re pumped to continue.”

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsports Offroad: “2022 was a hard season for Jeffrey and our team but we set our sights on this year and the future and it is fantastic to keep that #84 in Red Bull KTM colors for two more years. Jeffrey is one of the fastest riders and racers on the planet. He hasn’t always had the best luck but his desire to win and to set new landmarks seems the same as when he made such a strong impact in the team as a teenager. He will lead a young crew of guys for the next couple of seasons and his work ethic will be the ultimate example for them to learn. Jeffrey also has his own goals of course and with 99 GP wins, a strong KTM 450 SX-F and the thirst to be back at the top of MXGP, we hope 2023 and the next couple of years are going to be pretty special.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “Our journey with Jeffrey is epic. There have been many highs and some big lows and we have watched a passionate and determined young kid become one of the best riders we have ever seen in the sport. Jeffrey is Dutch but I’m sure there is another part of him that is ‘orange’ because he has been a KTM guy passing through two decades and from that very first GP in Bulgaria in 2010. There are still some chapters to write in our story together, and 2023 will be a ‘comeback’ season for him and for us in the MXGP class. I’m really happy we will push again all the way up to 2025.

NESTAAN HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TRIO EAGER TO START 2023 CAMPAIGN

NESTAAN HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING SET TO CHASE MX2 TITLE WITH THREE-MAN TEAM.

The Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team is full of excitement, because the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship is a little over a month away and thus another opportunity to pursue gold awaits. The three-rider team will consist of Kay de Wolf, Roan van de Moosdijk and Lucas Coenen when the new term begins.

Kay de Wolf is about to embark on his third season as an MX2 rider and has his sights set on making a step forward aboard his FC 250. De Wolf has already finished on the Grand Prix podium eight times in his young career and, in addition, he has won two motos in the MX2 division. There have been many highlights since he first joined the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team and ’74’ is keen to add to that list in the not-so-distant future.

Motivated to achieve similar success is Roan van de Moosdijk. Moosdijk, who is from The Netherlands, has spent a year aboard the FC 250 now. Although he missed a lot of the previous season with an injury, he still climbed onto the box at the season finale and established momentum that is set to serve him so well when the new season begins with the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina on March 12.

New to the squad and the MX2 class is Lucas Coenen, a generational talent from Belgium. Coenen captured the attention of motocross fans across the globe whilst competing in the EMX250 class last term – he won seven of the last eight motos and confirmed that he will be an immediate force with support from the elite Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing squad. There is a wealth of experience under the team tent and Coenen will be able to rely on that to advance his progress.

The 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship will start in Patagonia-Argentina on March 12. Before then, the team will compete in various pre-season races that have been selected to give the riders optimum prep for the new season.

Kay de Wolf: « I am really happy at the moment. The off-season has been great – I have had a lot of time on my FC 250 and I feel great. I cannot wait to start racing and have another solid season with the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team. It will be good to implement everything that I have learned through the winter. »

Roan van de Moosdijk: « It feels great to work with the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing crew for the second season in a row! I am really happy with the improvements that we have made during the off-season and I cannot wait for the gate to drop again. Seeing as this is my final year in MX2, the team and I will do everything to get the maximum out of it. »

Lucas Coenen: « I am looking forward to the new season. I was in EMX250 last season, so this is a massive change and I am very excited. I will get to do a lot more races and learn as much as possible. My FC 250 is really, really good. I am counting down to the first race in Patagonia-Argentina and cannot wait to start my MX2 career with Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing.

Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing Strengthen Global Partnership 

Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing celebrate partnership with a new global race team livery for the 2023 MotoGP, MXGP and AMA Supercross and Motocross seasons.

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce a strengthened global racing partnership with Monster Energy, celebrated with a new Monster Energy Yamaha race team livery for 2023. Breaking cover today at a global race team celebration in San Diego, California, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 and the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing YZ race machines will sport the same exciting new look as the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s YZR-M1.

Ahead of tomorrow’s San Diego Supercross, the worlds of MotoGP, MXGP and Supercross were brought together for the unveiling of the YZs. Jeremy Seewer was on hand for the presentation of his Monster Energy Yamaha Factory YZ450FM, which he will race for top honours in the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. He was joined by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis, who revealed the new look of their YZ450Fs for the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross seasons, which are part of the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship series. 2021 MotoGP World Champion Fabio Quartararo also attended to share his YZR-M1, which was revealed earlier this week at the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team’s livery launch in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ready for battle, the new look features camouflage and blends Yamaha and Monster Energy’s colours with the addition of grey for a refreshed, younger look. Designed by renowned Italian designer Aldo Drudi, the new global livery symbolizes Monster Energy and Yamaha’s combined passion for motorsports and a strong relationship between the brands. Together, Monster Energy and Yamaha Racing have enjoyed multiple championships and race wins at the highest levels of the sport.

Together, Monster Energy and Yamaha Motor Europe have enjoyed great success in the FIM Motocross World Championship, where over the past seven years, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory riders have celebrated no fewer than 81 race wins, 36 Grand Prix victories, an MX2 World Championship title and four manufacturer world titles across both premier class categories MXGP and MX2.

Dave Gowland – VP Motorsports Marketing, Monster Energy

“Monster Energy is all about winning, and we’re enthused to enter the 2023 global racing season with Yamaha Racing. Monster Energy competes and excels in motor racing disciplines and championships the world over, and when we go racing, we go to win. We couldn’t be happier than to enter the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Championship with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, the MXGP World Championship with the Monster Energy Factory MXGP and MX2 teams, and the MotoGP World Championship with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Team. Powering into 2023 with Yamaha and our collective new global livery for 2023 puts us in a position to fight for race wins and championships, and that’s exactly what we’re about. Bring on 2023. We’re here to win.”

Paolo Pavesio – Marketing & Motorsport Director, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.

“Monster Energy and Yamaha have enjoyed a long and successful partnership in MXGP, with the two brands enjoying a huge amount of success together over the past seven years. During this time, the collaboration between Monster Energy and Yamaha has evolved into a truly global partnership, with the two brands mutually supporting each other worldwide. This is illustrated very clearly by the consistency of the Monster Energy livery in MotoGP, MXGP, and AMA for 2023, which features an exciting new design that will better appeal to a younger audience. I am very proud of what we have achieved together. I would like to thank Monster Energy for their continued trust in Yamaha, and I look forward to making our partnership even more successful in the future.”

Steve Nessl – Motorsports Marketing Manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

“Monster Energy and Yamaha have a history of success here in the U.S. and overseas. Together we have enjoyed multiple championships and race wins in Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross, including three premier class titles over the past two years and eight 250-class titles. It’s truly a global collaboration between the two brands, and we’re thrilled to celebrate our strengthened partnership with this exciting new livery that will be shared in MotoGP, MXGP, and AMA Supercross and Motocross Championships. We look to keep building on our success and have already got the 2023 season off to a great start with Eli Tomac’s thrilling victory aboard the all-new YZ450F at Anaheim 1. I’d like to thank Monster Energy for their continued support and look forward to more race wins and championships in the future!”

Entries for the 2023 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup are Going Strong!  

Evidencing the growth and success of Yamaha’s award-winning bLU cRU program, Yamaha Motor Europe has already received more than 300 entries, from 24 different countries, for the 2023 edition of the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup. Like previous seasons, the 2023 YZ Cup will see hundreds of young Yamaha riders from across the globe compete for one of 120 places on the gate at the YZ Cup SuperFinale, which in 2023, will take place at the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France.

Entries are still open and with an exciting new racing season on the horizon, now is the time to join. By entering the 2023 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, you’re giving your young rider the best chance in motocross! So, what are you waiting for?

Entries close on February 28th. For more information or to enter, click here.

What is the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup?

 In 2015 Yamaha Motor Europe introduced the YZ125 bLU cRU Cup offering young motocross riders the best opportunity to find their feet in the world of professional racing. Following its success, in 2018 Yamaha expanded the program to include kids that race YZ65 or YZ85’s in their national championships. 

The philosophy for all three YZ Cup categories matches FIM Europe’s MXGP Academy, where the emphasis is placed on rider education and sportsmanship. Consequently, an alliance was formed, and as of 2019, the name of the YZ bLU cRU Cup has changed to include this new partner.

Now with three classes, 120 riders have a chance to win a place on the gate at the 2023 YZ bLU cRU Cup Superfinale, and three talented youngsters have a chance to become a supported Yamaha rider in 2024.

Forty riders from each class will win a place at the 2023 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale that will take place at the biggest and most-watched motocross event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. From the SuperFinale, two wild card riders will join the top three finishers in each class at the bLU cRU Masterclass, an event specifically designed to give young riders the advice and coaching needed to progress their riding.

At the Masterclass, the young riders will compete, learn, grow and develop over the three days of intense training and at the end of it, one YZ125 rider will be selected to compete in the 2024 EMX125 Championship aboard a GYTR kitted YZ125 for a Yamaha Motor Europe supported team, and the 65 and 85 riders will receive added support for their 2024 seasons.

If you want to give your child the best shot at taking their riding to the next level, now is the time to enter. 

LICENCE 2023 REJOIGNEZ LE CLUB !

Le 1er décembre marque comme chaque année le lancement de la nouvelle saison sportive FFM. Que vous soyez compétiteurs ou pratiquant loisir, 2023 s’annonce riche en évènements nationaux et internationaux.

Rejoignez la grande famille du sport moto et pratiquons ensemble notre passion

LICENCE FFM

Nouveauté : Réglez votre Licence 2023 en 10 fois

Afin de mieux maîtriser votre budget sport, la Fédération a mis en place la possibilité de régler votre licence annuelle FFM* en 10 mensualités avec FLOA Bank.

Exemple : Pour la souscription d’une licence entraînement (NET), payez  21,53 euros par mois**.

Lors de votre souscription, dans l’étape de paiement, sélectionnez paiement 10 fois FLOA et laissez-vous guider afin de renseigner les éléments nécessaires pour la réalisation de votre dossier. La réponse est immédiate, n’impactant pas la validation de votre licence.

*sous réserve d’acceptation de votre dossier par FLOA Bank et pour un montant égal ou supérieur à 100€. 

**hors cotisation club.

Le 31 décembre, il sera trop tard, dernier mois pour profiter du Pass Sport !

Les familles éligibles au Pass’Sport ont reçu durant l’été 2022 un e-mail et SMS à l’en-tête du Ministère des Sports et des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques, les informant qu’elles bénéficient de cette aide de 50€ par enfant.

Certificat médical : Obligatoire ou pas obligatoire ?

Un petit rappel avant ce début de saison.

• Pour les licences compétitions, un certificat médical de moins d’un an est obligatoire. Celui-ci sera à télécharger lors de la souscription de votre licence.

• Pour les autres licences, votre certificat médical est valable trois saisons consécutives.

• Pour les mineurs en licence entrainement, un questionnaire remplace le certificat médical lors de la souscription de la licence FFM.

Qu’apporte concrètement une licence ?

• Un dispositif de protection spécifiquement adapté à la pratique du sport motocycliste pour rouler en toute sérénité à l’entraînement et/ou en compétition. Pour encore plus de tranquillité, des garanties complémentaires spécialement négociées pour les licenciés peuvent être également souscrites en plus des garanties de base.

• L’accès à 850 sites de pratique agréés répartis sur l’ensemble de l’hexagone pour assouvir en toute sécurité sa passion.

• La possibilité de participer à l’ensemble des compétitions organisées chaque année sous l’égide de la FFM.

• L’opportunité de devenir acteur du développement du sport moto en France.

Bonne saison à tous

VRT KTM FACTORY JUNIORS TEAM CONFIRM EMX RIDERS AND TALENT FLOW FOR 2023

2022 MXGP news

KTM’s fresh factory racing talent scheme structure for MXGP solidified even further for 2023 as promising youngsters Marc-Antoine Rossi and Ferruccio Zanchi were confirmed as part of the VRT KTM Factory Juniors Team.

The French crew will enter a seventh year of collaboration with KTM, and the alliance will be closer and more productive than ever thanks to VRT KTM Factory Juniors Team’s new position as the talent ‘conduit’ for the company in the international motocross pyramid.

Based near Nantes and led by Mickaël Vrignon, with former motocross and Enduro star ‘Pela’ Renet at the head of management staff, the VRT KTM Factory Juniors Team will work in European Championship competition and specifically the EMX250 category with KTM 250 SX-F machinery; the division is seen as the ‘final step’ before MX2 Grand Prix.

Marc-Antoine Rossi finished 8th in both the 2021 and 2022 EMX125 championships, both times riding the KTM 125 SX. The French 16-year-old grabbed his first moto victory and podium finish at his home round, LaCapelle Marival, in the summer of 2021 and appeared on the box again in 2022.

Like Rossi, Ferruccio Zanchi will make his debut in 2023 in EMX250 and with the KTM 250 SX-F. The Italian, also 16 years of age, has won three motos in EMX125 and registered another four top-three moto results in 2022 on the way to 7th in the standings.

As well as 2023 EMX250, Rossi and and Zanchi will be looking to gain even more experience and mileage in various domestic meetings and series in Europe, beginning already this winter and in the run-up to the new season.

Pela Renet, Team Manager: « The goal was to find young riders for the European EMX250 Championship and we worked with KTM to sign two youngsters and we are really happy with Ferruccio, a young Italian and Marc Antoine, a young Frenchman. They showed a great potential in EMX125 this season and although the transition from the 125 to the 250 is a big one they are working hard and they have a huge possibilities. For sure, the goal is to fight in front and to have the best results possible. »

Mickael Vrignon, Team Owner: “Since the creation of the team in 2016, it has not stop growing and every year I try to find new solutions to keep improving. Last year, Pela started to work as trainer and this year we became the official factory junior team, and we were looking for riders with the ability to stand under our structure. Ferruccio and Marc-Antoine are two very promising riders and we can fight for good results with them. The objective has always been to form young riders to the highest level of competition and I am happy to try to reach this with KTM. »

Marc-Antoine Rossi: “I am very happy to start this new adventure with the VRT KTM Factory Juniors Team in EMX250. I can’t wait to start working with all the team to prepare the season and to make the move from 125 to 250 as smooth as possible.”

Ferruccio Zanchi: “I am very happy to finally have this great opportunity to ride for KTM VRT Team in the EMX250 for the 2023 season. It was not an easy choice but I strongly believe this is the right one for my personal and professional growth. I feel really good on the KTM 250 SX-F and I really look forward to start collaborating with KTM and the VRT Team for the upcoming year. So now let’s enjoy! »

Robert Jonas, KTM Head of Motorsports Offroad: “We’re really pleased with how the junior program is looking now and thanks to our work with Mickael, Pela and the whole VRT team. Marc-Antoine and Ferruccio are two riders that are on the way to professional level and have stood out for their technique and their speed in the last couple of seasons in EMX125. We believe in their capabilities, and we want to give them a chance to attempt EMX250 for 2023 and continue their progression. We think there is some real potential there and we wish the guys the best of luck through the year.

Yamaha Confirms Strong Young Line-Up for 2023 EMX250 & EMX125 Championships

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to confirm the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 team will field a strong three-rider line-up in 2023, while the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team will field an all-new and potent two-rider line-up for its 2023 EMX125 Championship campaign. Yamaha and Hutten Metaal have retained EMX250 title challenger Andrea Bonacorsi for a third season and are poised to welcome Ivano van Erp and Karlis Reisulis as they step up the Yamaha Racing pyramid. At the same time, Yamaha is excited to welcome Janis Reisulis and Julius Mikula to the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team. All five riders will campaign GYTR-kitted versions of the YZ250F and YZ125 in their respective championships.

Impressive right from the get-go, Bonacorsi has been a force to be reckoned with during his first two seasons with Yamaha inside the highly competitive EMX250 class. The young Italian celebrated two race wins and three podium finishes in his rookie season and added to that with another race win and four pieces of podium silverware, of which one was a maiden overall victory, in 2022. Going into his third consecutive season in the MX2-feeder class, the goal for ‘Bona’ is clear; he is going for the title. 

As a two-time Junior World Champion, having claimed the 65cc World Championship title in 2017 and the 125cc crown this year, Dutch prodigy Van Erp is looking forward to his debut season in EMX250 with the Dutch-based Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 team. The 17-year-old talent joins Yamaha’s Official EMX250 squad after five years with Yamaha and three brilliant years with the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team in the EMX125 Championship, in which he celebrated seven stunning race wins and six overall victories aboard a GYTR-kitted YZ125. 

Like Van Erp, K.Reisulis will also move up the Yamaha Racing Pyramid after two incredible years with the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team. In 2021, the Latvian bounced back from a costly pre-season injury to end his first full EMX125 term with two podium finishes. The 16-year-old eventually proved his true potential, starting this year fit and healthy to finish as the EMX125 Championship runner-up after a brilliant race win and five podium finishes. 

All set for an exciting EMX125 campaign, the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team is thrilled to welcome two of Europe’s quickest youngsters, J.Reisulis and Mikula. J.Reisulis, the younger brother of K.Reisulis, has already established himself as a name for the future. The phenomenally talented young Latvian made his EMX125 debut in 2022 and, at the tender age of 13, finished on the podium at round one. He then continued his stunning form throughout the year and ended the season third overall with five podium finishes, which includes a stunning round win in Lommel, Belgium. 

Mikula enjoyed a solid second term inside the EMX125 Championship in 2022, proving his potential with a podium finish in Lommel, Belgium, and a further two top-five finishes during the season. 

Andrea Bonacorsi

Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 rider

“I’m really happy to stay with Yamaha and the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 team for a third straight year. I had a really good rookie season with them, which I am proud of, although this year was a bit tougher. The team always supported me through the highs and lows, and I have learned a lot. After these past two seasons, I feel stronger and ready for the challenge of taking the title next season!”

Ivano Van Erp

Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 rider

“I have been inside the Yamaha Family for five years, so it feels amazing to stay with Yamaha for another season. It’s always nice to be on the Official team, even more so when you are a rookie. I was already practicing on a YZ250F at the start of this season, so I know I like the bike and I’m looking forward to racing it next year. As a rookie, I will arrive with no expectations. It’s important I take the experience, have fun and enjoy my riding.”

Karlis Reisulis 

Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 rider

“It sure feels great to stay with Yamaha and to join the Official EMX250 team, which I know operates at a high level. I think it is a great opportunity and a great way to start my EMX250 chapter. After two good years with Yamaha, I have already been riding on a YZ250F, and I love the bike. I will go into next year aiming to qualify at every round and score good points. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Janis Reisulis

MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Rider

“I am really excited to join Yamaha and the MJC team. It’s a great opportunity for me, and I look forward to the new chapter. I always dreamed of racing a YZ125, so this is a little flex! I’ve done some testing and riding on the bike, and I think my YZ125 is perfect. I enjoy riding it. In 2023, my goal is to win the European Championship and it would be perfect to add a world title to my list of achievements too.”

Julius Mikula

MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Rider

“I’m very excited to join Yamaha. I look forward to the new experience. It is very motivating, and I already feel good and confident on the YZ125. I want to be top three in the European Championship next year and top three in the world too. The plan of attack is to stay healthy and keep improving.”

Thorsten Lentink

Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Coordinator

“2023 will be an exciting year for us inside both EMX250 and EMX125 Championships. We are happy to keep Andrea in blue for another year and have him lead the way with his strength and experience in the EMX250 class for our youngsters, Karlis and Ivano, making a step up the Yamaha Racing Pyramid. It’s always a pleasure to keep talented riders, like these three, within the Yamaha Family. We’re also pleased to strengthen our relationship with Hutten Metaal as it enters its fourth year as our Official EMX250 team.

In the 125 ranks, we have an exciting season ahead as we welcome two very talented youngsters to the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team. Janis, the younger brother of Karlis (Reisulis), is a rider we have watched intently this season and were very impressed with his speed and ability. Despite his young age, he has quickly progressed to the top of the ranks in the EMX125 class and is a hugely exciting prospect for the future. We are also happy to welcome Julius, a rider who has made incredible progress inside the EMX125 class over the past two seasons and a rider that we are confident will continue to grow and develop with our support. »

Nicolai Skovbjerg, Dani Tsankov & Tylan Lagain are the 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup Winners!

Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce the 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup winners are Nicolai Skovbjerg in the YZ125 category, Dani Tsankov in the YZ85 class, and Tylan Lagain in the YZ65 division.

A record-breaking 395 young riders from every corner of Europe signed up for this year’s YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, with more than 100 of them then contesting the YZ Cup SuperFinale at the penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Saint Jean d’Angely, France.

From the SuperFinale, 16 riders from eight different countries were invited to attend the bLU cRU Masterclass, which offered them an exclusive opportunity to ride with and learn from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer, bLU cRU Rider Coach Brian Jorgensen, and Yamaha Motor Europe MX Coordiantor, Thorsten Lentink, while showcasing their skills in an effort to win their category in the 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup.

At the Masterclass, it was clear that this year’s talent level was exceptional. All 16 of the youngsters impressed, both on and off the track, which made selecting the winners extremely difficult.  Nevertheless, there can only be one winner in each class.

Following a triumphant display of speed, skill and determination, paired with a fantastic attitude, the YZ125 category winner is 16-year-old Danish rider Skovbjerg, who earns a place in the JK Yamaha Supported MX Team, where he will contest the 2023 EMX125 Championship aboard a GYTR kitted YZ125.

13-year-old Bulgarian Tsankov, who has made an incredible transition from the YZ65 to the YZ85 this season, has been selected as the winner in the YZ85 division, while 11-year-old Lagain was awarded the top spot in the YZ65 class. Tsankov and Lagain will benefit from additional Yamaha support for their 2023 seasons. 

Join the bLU cRU!

The YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup is a groundbreaking program used by Yamaha Motor Europe to discover and showcase the future stars of motocross while allowing young riders to build memories that will last a lifetime. The program helps pave the way for those riders that wish to take the next step in their budding careers, from National level racing to International.

Following the great success of this year’s YZ Cup, Yamaha is delighted to offer a new opportunity for youngsters to join the bLU cRU. As in previous years, 120 riders will win a place on the gate at the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup Superfinale, which, in 2023, will take place at the biggest motocross event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in France!

For more information about the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup or to enter the 2023 edition, click here. 

Thorsten Lentink

Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Coordinator

 
“This year was arguably the best and most competitive year inside the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup. We were very impressed with the depth of talent and level of competition we witnessed. While selecting the winners was not an easy task, it is with great pleasure that we can announce Nicolai Skovbjerg, Dani Tsankov and Tylan Lagain as this year’s winners. These three riders have shown great potential, backing up their fantastic performances at the SuperFinale in France with a strong showing at the Masterclass in Spain. For Nicolai, next season will be a big and exciting step in his career as he joins the JK Yamaha Supported MX Team to contest the full EMX125 season aboard a GYTR kitted YZ125. We look forward to having him inside the MXGP paddock next year, while for Dani and Tylan, Yamaha Motor Europe will provide them with extra support for their 2023 campaigns. On behalf of Yamaha Motor Europe, I would like to congratulate everyone who contested the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup this season. You can be proud of the progress you have made, and we look forward to seeing you back on track in 2023!”

Winners to be Decided at YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup Masterclass in Spain

A record breaking 395 young riders from every corner of Europe signed up for the 2022 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, with more than 100 of them then contesting the YZ SuperFinale at the FIM Motocross World Championship round in Saint Jean d’Angely, France. 16 of those riders will now enter the final phase of the competition, the bLU cRU Masterclass, which is set to take place from November 1-3 in Tarragona, Spain.

The 16 riders were selected during the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale, with the three podium finishers in each of the YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 classes automatically securing a place at the Masterclass, where they will be joined by seven wild card riders selected by the Yamaha bLU cRU Racing Committee.

The Masterclass provides an opportunity for the riders, all aged between 8 and 16 years, to showcase their talents, while also honing their skills under the direction of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 riders Jeremy Seewer and Thibault Benistant, and bLU cRU Rider Coach, Brian Jørgensen. At the end of the two-day event, a winner in each class will be selected.

The winner of the YZ125 category will secure a place on a Yamaha Supported team, where they will race a GYTR-kitted YZ125 in the 2023 EMX125 Championship. The winners of the YZ65 and YZ85 categories will receive valuable support from Yamaha Motor Europe for their 2023 campaigns. All three winners will be announced on 15th November 2022.

The YZ125 riders attending the Masterclass include the SuperFinale podium finishers, Italians Nicola Salvini and Maurizio Scollo and Denmark’s Nicolai Skovbjerg. They will be joined by wild card riders Salvador Pérez from Spain, Mathis Barthez from France, and Adrien Bølviken from Norway.

The five YZ85 riders in attendance will be SuperFinale race winner, Dani Tsankov from Bulgaria, Luis Raoul Santeusanio from Switzerland, Iker Diez from Spain, Enea Alamanni from Italy and Bertram Thorius from Denmark.

The YZ65 category is represented by the top five finishers at the SuperFinale; Tylan Lagain from France, Davi Dür from Austria, Willads Gordon from Denmark, Alberto Rodriguez and Esteve Abella, both of whom are from Spain.

For more information about the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup or to enter the 2023 edition, click here.

2022 MXGP news

Promising Belgian starlet Sacha Coenen will be Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s third rider in the 2023 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship after confirming a multi-year KTM deal.

LUCAS COENEN SET TO MAKE HIS MX2 DEBUT WITH HUSQVARNA’S FACTORY TEAM.

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing are excited to announce that Lucas Coenen has joined the squad ahead of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. Coenen, who hails from Belgium, is set to compete in the MX2 class aboard the proven FC 250.

Coenen is one of the brightest talents to emerge from Europe in some time. Racing in the EMX250 class at fifteen years of age, he won seven of the final eight motos and secured second in the final classification. It was an impressive term aboard his FC 250 and such potential will be nurtured under the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing awning.

With Lucas Coenen added to their line-up, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing will run a rather exciting trio in the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. Kay de Wolf and Roan van de Moosdijk will enter the new term, which begins with the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina on March 12, with title aspirations.

Lucas Coenen: « I am really excited to join Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing for the 2023 season! To start my MX2 career with a brand as prestigious as Husqvarna is an honour and I cannot wait to see what I can do on my FC 250. »

Rasmus Jorgensen (Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager): « Adding Lucas Coenen to Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing is exciting for all of us; he was so impressive in the EMX250 class earlier this year and already on a Husqvarna. I’m very proud of the Husqvarna brand, and it makes a lot of sense to continue writing this story together! 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for the team. Kay and Roan are extremely motivated to put the unlucky 2022 season behind them and have set their sights on 2023. We are counting down to round one!

2022 MXGP news

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have made several strategic changes to their FIM MXGP World Championship structure that will funnel into their bids for success in 2023 Grand Prix. Chief among those is a fresh role for MXGP and KTM legend Tony Cairoli, who will front the squad as Team Manager.

For 2023 KTM are pleased to announce that nine-times world champion Tony Cairoli will become Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager. The 37-year-old, who was still competing at the highest level with AMA Pro National appearances this summer, won six of his championships with KTM SX-F technology and has been a Red Bull KTM factory rider since 2010. Tony boasts exceptional knowledge of not only the sport but also KTM’s racing culture and philosophy. He will sync with fellow former multi world champion Joel Smets who will train and coach a selection of Red Bull KTM Factory racing riders and other athletes in the group.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing recently celebrated their fourteenth title in the MX2 division since 2004 and with the KTM 250 SX-F thanks to Tom Vialle’s thrilling last round victory of the 2022 campaign in Turkey. Except for the 2015 season, the crew have claimed at least one MXGP or MX2 crown each year since 2010. Smets has been instrumental in Vialle’s development and two crowns since 2020.

On the technical side Vialle’s well respected and experienced mechanic Harry Norton – who helped refine two versions of the title-winning KTM 250SX-F, the 2020 edition and the brand new 2023 model – will take over the role of Team Technical Co-ordinator while long-standing leader Dirk Gruebel will assume the position of Project Manager for Motocross Development.

Claudio De Carli, the man who guided Cairoli to the six championships between 2010 and 2017, will now oversee KTM racing efforts as the new Motocross Race Director. The Italian forged an incredibly strong bond with KTM at the start of the last decade when he helped deliver the factory’s first premier class distinction in MXGP.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will launch into 2023 with Jeffrey Herlings (MXGP, KTM 450SX-F) and Andrea Adamo and Liam Everts (MX2, KTM 250SX-F).

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “2022 was a change for me and now this is another chapter! It was great to race again this year but it was also positive to take a small step back from racing and see things in a different way. I really hope I can bring as much knowledge and passion as possible to this new role. I will have some learning to do but I also worked with some amazing people in my career, so I expect to use this experience. We are already thinking about our goals for 2023.”

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsports Offroad: “It is very satisfying to see how we were able to reorganise and clarify the positions of important people for Red Bull KTM and other projects. I think there is some exciting potential because there is so much priceless experience; both on the ground at the track and back in the workshops. If Tony can bring the same enthusiasm for motocross and learning as he did when he was a rider then this next challenge should go very well for him and be of a big benefit for the team. I want to thank all of the staff involved for getting behind the plan and how we will head into the world championship in the coming years.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “This is the next step in our race department vision for motocross and for the way we want to keep the brands and organise the best potential in the paddock. It was clear that Tony’s experience and never-ending passion for the sport was something we could count on, just like we did in 2009 when we first started talking. The De Carli connection has been one of the big success stories for us and I’m pleased that it can progress and continue. It’s great to have Joel in his development role still and Harry and Dirk taking on different tasks. We have some great riders and some excellent staff for 2023 so I’m sure we’ll have plenty more exciting times.”

Claudio De Carli, KTM Motocross Race Director: “It feels very special to have this new position and to continue my story with Pit, Robert and the whole KTM group. As many people know we started our partnership well over ten years ago now and it was strong mutual trust that allowed us all to succeed right away and then to carry on winning in MXGP. We are now in transition to the next generation but we have the best possible foundations. I hope we can keep the motocross division as one of the most prolific for KTM and the race department. We’ll push to the maximum to make it happen across the categories.

The FIM and Infront Moto Racing are delighted to share the provisional 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar featuring some new and exciting locations!

21 events are planned in 2023, including the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations which is set to take place in Ernée, France, on 22nd October. Additional events, such as the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship will head to Romania on the 9th July, while the MXoEN will be held on 8th October with a TBA venue.

The FIM Motocross World Championship is set to kick off on the 12th March at the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina in the stunning Villa la Angostura, followed by two events in locations to be confirmed on the 26th March and then 8th and 10th April.

Grand Prix are set to take place in Trentino, Portugal and Spain, before MXGP will return to Villars sous Ecot for the MXGP of France. Then MXGP of Latvia and the Liqui Moly MXGP of Germany are scheduled in early June and will round out the first half of the season in Europe before the trip to Asia for the Indonesian double header in Sumbawa and a new location Lombok.

Czech Republic, Flanders (Belgium), Finland and Sweden will see the action return to Europe, before we see the much-anticipated return of the MXGP of the Netherlands at a track that is not new for the MXGP Paddock as the Dutch GP will be held at the popular Arnhem on the 20th August!

And to finish off the season, Turkiye will once again host MXGP in Afyonkarahisar before the series will make its very first trip to a brand-new venue in Thanh Hoa for the MXGP of Vietnam. A TBA event will follow in early October before the Championship is set to conclude at the MXGP of Great Britain in Matterley Basin for the 2023 Grand Finale.

Infront Moto Racing is delighted to see the series grow and travel to new venues as well as see the return of old favourites and would like to thank the FIM, FIM-Europe, the organisers and Federations along with teams, partners and all stakeholders for their cooperation to complete this MXGP calendar that will see 20 rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2023. (Source et communiqué : FIM)