Sur le superbe tracé de Pernes-les-Fontaines (84), et sous un soleil radieux, la France a bataillé deux manches sans pouvoir empêcher les Espagnols de remporter le Trophée Méditerranéen pour la deuxième année consécutive. Emmenés par un Christophe Charlier performant, et en présence de Sébastien Poirier, Président de la Fédération Française de Motocyclisme, ils signent le même résultat que l’an dernier tout en s’imposant en catégorie MX1.

Créée en 1993 dans l’objectif de créer du lien entre les nations sud-européennes et celles de l’Afrique du Nord, l’Association Méditerranéenne de Motocyclisme a fait du Trophée Méditerranéen son événement phare. Organisé alternativement sur chaque continent, il permet notamment aux pays d’Afrique de progresser au contact des meilleurs pilotes européens. Cette 25^ème édition, dans un haut lieu du cross hexagonal, a été un très bon millésime. Le Moto-Club de Pernes-les-Fontaines, à qui la FFM avait confié l’organisation de cette épreuve, a une nouvelle fois effectué un travail remarquable.

Sur le format du MX des Nations, les cinq délégations présentent se sont affrontées sur deux manches. Du côté des Bleus, Christophe Charlier et Toni Giorgessi ont concouru en MX1, tandis qu’en MX2 Alexis Fueri a rejoint Romain Seranon suite au forfait de dernière minute de Paolo Maschio. La première manche a très bien débuté avec un tir groupé des Bleus dans le peloton de tête. Christophe Charlier s’est placé dans la roue du leader Nil Arcaronis dès le premier virage. Il est resté à quelques longueurs de l’Espagnol toute la course sans pouvoir placer d’attaque. Il franchit la ligne à une belle 2^ème place. Quatrième durant les premiers tours après un bon départ, Toni Giorgessi n’a pu tenir le rythme, la faute à un mal aux avant-bras tenace. D’abord dépassé par Alexis Fueri, il a lentement rétrogradé jusqu’en 9^èmeposition. A l’inverse, Alexis a mis du coeur à l’ouvrage pour intégrer le top 3 à mi-course. Longtemps premier MX2, il n’a pu résister au retour d’un autre pilote 250cc. Malgré une belle résistance, l’Espagnol Adria Monne a trouvé l’ouverture à quatre tours du drapeau à damier. Enfermé au départ entre deux MX1, Romain Seranon s’est retrouvé bon dernier au premier virage. Le Varois a gagné sept places dans le premier tour pour terminer 10^ème. A l’issue de la 1^ère course, les Bleus étaient dans le match, trois points derrière les Espagnols, mais nettement devant Italiens, Croates et Marocains.

Le second départ a été plus compliqué que le premier pour les tricolores. Christophe a une nouvelle fois réalisé une excellente sortie de grille juste derrière Arcaronis, sorti en tête. En revanche Alexis, Toni et Romain se sont trouvés enfermés en 2^ème parti de peloton. Devant, Arcaronis a été contraint à l’abandon dès le 1^er tour sur problème mécanique. Christophe a alors pris les commandes, poursuivi par le Croate Matija Kelava et trois Ibériques. Rapidement, la course s’est transformée en Christophe contre l’armada espagnole ! À l’expérience, il a déjà remporté le Mx des Nations, le Corse a résisté toute la course pour s’imposer avec une seconde d’avance sur Ubach et 2,5 sur Monne. Derrière, nos tricolores réalisent un solide tir groupé entre la 5^ème et la 7^ème position. Très appliqué, Romain, une nouvelle fois dernier au départ, réalise une excellente manche pour intégrer le Top 5. Insuffisant néanmoins pour inquiéter les Ibériques qui ont aligné une équipe très dense à Pernes-les-Fontaines. Premiers en MX1 et 2^èmes en MX2, les hommes de Benoît Fortunato terminent avec 16 points, à six longueurs des Espagnols. Ils devancent l’Italie de huit points. Les Croates échouent à la 4^ème place avec néanmoins un podium en MX1. Les Marocains ferment la marche alors qu’ils étaient montés sur le podium l’an dernier à Marrakech !

Outstanding debut for Mancini on the Fantic XXF 250

In his first-ever race aboard the Fantic XXF 250, Simone Mancini impressed by stepping onto the MX2 podium at the final round of the Italian MX Pro Prestige Championship in Arco di Trento.

Just two weeks ago, Simone Mancini wrapped up an amazing 125 cc season with a podium finish at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha in Spain, securing third place in the final EMX125 standings with three GP victories. This weekend, he lined up in the MX2 Elite class of the Italian Championship. Debuting on the Fantic XXF 250, he quickly showed his speed with an impressive second-place result in his qualifying group.

Though his inexperience with the new bike was noticeable at the start, with Mancini finding himself mid-pack by the first corner in both races, the 17-year-old Italian remained unfazed. He charged through the field, finishing fifth in race 1. His performance in the final moto was even more remarkable: with determination and speed, Mancini secured a strong third-place finish, which earned him third overall for the day. To claim a podium finish in his first appearance aboard the Fantic XXF 250 is yet another milestone in Mancini’s standout season—having already been crowned 125 Rookies Cup Champion, Junior World Vice-Champion, and EMX125 bronze medalist—and a promising sign for the next step in his career.

Simone Mancini:

“It was a good weekend; I couldn’t have imagined anything better for my first race with the 250. I managed to finish the races in fifth and third place, despite starting pretty far back both times. I am super happy, especially with the good feeling in that second moto: I settled into a good pace and did some great overtakes. It was cool to start this new adventure this way!”

Simone Mancini dominates the Italian Rookies cup in Ponte a Egola

Simone Mancini put his Fantic XX 125 on the top step of the podium one more time, going 1-1 at the second round of the Rookies Cup in Ponte a Egola to extend his championship lead. 

After his podium finish in the Italian GP in Maggiora one week ago, Simone Mancini was back in action in Ponte a Egola for round 2 of the Rookies Cup, a highly competitive series for young and promising riders on their 125 cc machines held alongside the Italian Motocross Prestige Championship.

The 16-year-old Italian was off to a fast start and claimed the pole position before dominating race 1 from start to finish. In race 2, the fight for the lead was more intense and the conditions were extremely tough after the heavy rain but, once again, Mancini came out victorious to extend his points lead in the overall standings. 

Now Fantic Factory Racing EMX125’s focus shifts to the highly anticipated Junior World Championship scheduled on the 13th and 14th July in Heerde in the Netherlands. The EMX125 European Championship, which sees Zanocz and Mancini in first and third place and Fantic leading the constructors’ standings, will instead resume on the 10th and 11th August in Uddevalla in Sweden.

Simone Mancini:

“I managed to secure the pole and win race 1 in the dry on Saturday. For race 2 on Sunday, the track conditions changed completely. It was extremely difficult because of the heavy rain that fallen overnight. It was very demanding, out of 40 riders only three of us completed the full race distance. In the end, I managed to win race 2 as well, so it was a good weekend.”

Daniele Marchese, Fantic Factory Racing EMX125 Team Manager:

“In Ponte a Egola, we saw another amazing performance by Simone Mancini. As for Noel Zanocz, we decided to skip the Italian championship in order to focus on the training in the sand straight away. Mancini will also join him in Belgium in the coming days, as we are preparing for the Junior World Championship, a unique and highly anticipated event that awards an important title, and the remainder of an exciting season. As of today, both of our boys are in the fight for the EMX125 crown.”

The final round of The British Arenacross Championship took place amidst roaring crowds at London´s Wembley Arena. At Jack Brunell’s home round, and after 10 years of fighting for a Championship victory, London-born Brunell showcased his exceptional skill and tenacity aboard his Stark VARG. With double points on offer, Brunell clinched 3rd overall in the Pro main event winning his first-ever British Arenacross title by a whopping 34 points. The victory not only highlighted Brunell’s prowess and patience as a rider but also served as a testament to the cutting-edge technology and unwavering determination of Stark Future in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Under ACU Regulations; the 2024 British Arenacross Championship, marked the inaugural occasion where electric motorcycles competed directly with combustion engines in such a high-stakes competition. The challenge was immense, with many doubting the capability of the Stark VARG to compete at such a high level. Brunell’s victory unequivocally demonstrates that electric technology is not only competitive but also capable of succeeding in fair and transparent competition, earning its rightful place alongside the dominant combustion counterparts in the industry.

Speaking after his monumental victory, ¨After our first win in Belfast, I showed everyone what the bike was capable of! Said Brunell ¨coming to the final round in London, was very stressful and, I felt the pressure… but I and the team managed to do it. YES!! This is for you Dad and for everybody else who has worked so hard for this!¨

The British Arenacross Championship at Wembley Stadium served as the perfect stage for this groundbreaking feat, drawing spectators from around the globe who witnessed firsthand the fusion of innovation and adrenaline-fueled action, all made possible by Stark Future’s pioneering spirit.

Commenting on the significance of Brunell´s and Stark Future´s Title Victory Anton Wass, CEO & Founder of Stark Future stated, « This is more than we ever imagined. Thank you Jack for making this a reality. We couldn’t have dreamed for more… Jack is the first rider in history to ever win a Championship on an electric bike against Combustion in any series!”

In addition to Jack Brunell’s triumph, Stark Future also secured the Manufacturers Championship title, spearheaded by Jack, Justin Bogle, injured Eddie Wade, and replacement rider Yannis Irsuti. Further cementing their position as frontrunners in the motorcycle industry. Following the weekend’s event, they are even more enthusiastic about the prospects of electric technology in the realm of off-road racing and remain committed to their path of innovation and excellence. Sebastian Tortelli, Stark Future Racing Director, remarked, ´It’s a big surprise. We took on the challenge and we performed. We kept pushing and we will continue to keep pushing. We have plans…!¨

Brunell’s triumph not only signifies a monumental achievement for himself and his team but also marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for motorsport. As the world celebrates this historic win, anticipation builds for what lies ahead, Stark Future is undoubtedly poised to continue making waves and inspiring generations to come.

As Anton Wass highlights, ¨We would like to thank Arenacross and the ACU for their continued support, despite our extensive efforts, certain federations worldwide still restrict the VARG from competing on equal terms with combustion bikes. Nevertheless, we remain hopeful that our ongoing endeavors will underscore the potential for harmonious coexistence. Our ultimate goal is to witness not only Stark Future but, more importantly, our valued consumers engaging in racing and relishing the unparalleled experience that the VARG provides¨.

More success for Team HRC in Mantova

Tim Gajser, Ruben Fernandez and Ferruccio Zanchi had another impressive day at the second Internazionali d’Italia, held at the sandy Mantova track in typically-winter conditions.

MX1 Class
Gajser continued his strong start to 2024 by going one-two for first overall, winning the first moto after leading from start to finish. Then in race two, he had a difficult first lap, but came all the way up to second, almost reaching the leader by the time the chequered flag came out. It was still good enough for the victory though and further proved that the #243 is ready to tackle the best riders of the world at the first round down in Patagonia-Argentina on March 9-10.

Spaniard Fernandez improved upon his results from last weekend’s race in Riola, by going two-four for third overall. The second in race one was especially impressive as he was able to withstand pressure for the duration of the moto and for that strong finish, and while he wasn’t able to quite repeat that in race two, it was still a good progression from Riola.

MX1 Results
1. Tim Gajser – Team HRC – 1-2 – 47pts
2. Romain Febvre – Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP – 3-1 – 45pts
3. Ruben Fernandez – Team HRC – 2-4 – 40pts
4. Jeremy Seewer – Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP – 4-3 – 38pts
5. Alvin Ostlund – Honda – 10-5 – 27pts

MX2 Class
In the MX2 class, rookie racer Zanchi showed that his winning results from the first round in Sardinia were no one-off, by posting the fastest lap in qualifying and then following that up with a strong ride for second place in the first moto in Mantova. The youngster held off challenges from the reigning MX2 world champion to show once again that he looks like he already belongs in this class. Unfortunately, a crash in race two meant he pulled off the track, but it was more a precaution so that he can live to fight another day as the focus now switches to the world motocross championship which starts in just under one month’s time.

MX2 Results
1. Liam Everts – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 1-2 – 47pts
2. Andrea Adamo – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing – 4-1 – 43pts
3. Valerio Lata – Beddini GasGas Factory Juniors – 5-3 – 36pts
4. Simon Laengenfelder – Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing – 6-4 – 33pts
5. Oriol Oliver – WZ Racing KTM – 3-9 – 32pts
…
9. Ferruccio Zanchi – Team HRC – 2-38 – 22pts

Tim Gajser  243

Obviously, I wanted to win that second race as well, to make it a perfect four wins from four races, but I was still pleased to be able to come through the field and get close to winning before time ran out. And I still won the overall, so it was a good day and I’m glad we did these two events. Getting in some competitive races before the MXGPs start is an important step for me and it is nice to test out this new bike in a race environment. I’m very happy with how its going and I can’t wait to go to Villa La Angostura.

Ruben Fernandez  70

I was much happier with my riding at this event than in Riola, so it is nice to improve and get another couple of gate-drops in before the MXGP season starts. We still have a few weeks to go until we head down to Argentina and I’m happy with how things have gone this off-season. The new CRF450R is working really well and having done four motos on it now, we are definitely making good progress and are heading in the right direction.

Ferruccio Zanchi  73

It was a really good race one, coming in second and having a strong moto. I was happy with my speed and just with my riding as a whole. Unfortunately, the second race didn’t go so well, as I pulled off after a crash, but that was more of a precaution just because my main focus is on Argentina in a few weeks and I just wanted to make sure I am ready for that, rather than push too much here. Still, I am really pleased with how these two rounds have gone and I’m really happy to be riding for Team HRC and I’m excited for the future.

Marcus Pereira de Freitas

HRC General Manager – MXGP

Overall, it was another good event for us here in Mantova. Ferruccio showed good speed in practice and in race one, and has impressed everyone with how he has adapted to being in this new team with a new bike to ride. He is definitely riding above expectations, but we really don’t want to put any pressure on his for when the world championships start. Tim, showed once again that he’s coming into the season ready to challenge and Ruben also looked better, and with a few more weeks to improve, we are excited to see how they both doing when that gate drops in Patagonia on March 9-10.

Young riders of the 125 class proved their speed and strength. In the time practice there was an excellent performance by Noel Zanocz who set the second fastest time. Simone Mancini was fifth and young Douwe Van Mechgelen was 14th.    

Solid start of Race1 for Mancini who was the protagonist of a thrilling start and conquered the second spot. Simone kept the position for some laps but lost ground and dropped to sixth place. Noel Zanocz struggled at the start and was fifth after the first lap, but the rider worked his way up and took the finish line in third place. Van Mechgelen, who was back from an injury which kept him far from races for a long time, rode a phenomenal race and came home with the fifth place.

The protagonists of Race2 were once again Mancini and Zanocz, who moved to the front after the start of the race. Zanocz lost ground in the first lap but did not lose hope and worked his way up; at the sixth lap the rider took the lead of the race and held it till the chequered flag when he won the race. Simone Mancini kept the third place for almost the entire race but lost it in the final lap and finished in fourth. Van Mechgelen crashed twice and could not do any better than the 17th place.

Thanks to the two excellent results, Noel Zanocz came home with the victory of the Italian International Championship first round.

Daniele Marchese.
“We’re very happy with the results reached here in Riola Sardo considering this track is very demanding and our team stood out among the other riders. Excellent performance for Noel Zanocz, who came home with the very first victory thanks to two amazing results and the success in Race2. Simone Mancini was very fast. Too bad for the first heat where he had a physical decline which affected him. Van Mechgelen got back to racing after a 4-month break caused by an injury; the rider was just phenomenal in the first moto and would have doubled his performance if it wasn’t for that crash”.

RACE REPORT

Sunday, Feb 4th 2024

Zanchi and Gajser secure impressive Team HRC double-win

HRC showed its strength as Tim Gajser won the MX1 class at the Internazionali d’Italia in Riola Sardo, Sardinia with a dominating one-one performance, and then in what was his debut for the team, Ferruccio Zanchi rode extremely impressively to win the MX2 class after taking the second moto victory. Ruben Fernandez ended up sixth overall in MX1 after a pair of fifth places finishes.

MX1 Class
Both Gajser and Fernandez got off to good starts in race one with Gajser pressuring the leader and Fernandez not too far behind him. On lap two #243 made his move and took over first position with the hope of pulling away. However, in what is his first race of the year, Gajser got some arm-pump and instead had to hold off a charging Romain Febvre for the entire moto before taking the chequered flag.

In race two, once again Gajser was in a good position early on, and once again he quickly passed for the lead within a few laps. But this time, the Honda CRF450R rider was able to pull well clear of the chasing pack and took the victory by almost 30 seconds.

Part of that pack in both races was Fernandez, who was involved in battles for practically the whole of both races as he was either looking to pass or hold off riders around him. In the end he had to settle for a pair of fifth place finishes, which is still a good result at a track that hasn’t always been kind to him in the past.

MX1 Overall
1. Tim Gajser – Team HRC – 1-1 – 50pts
2. Maxime Renaux – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory – 3-2 – 42pts
3. Romain Febvre – Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP – 2-4 – 40pts
4. Glenn Coldenhoff – Fantic Factory Racing MXGP – 6-3 – 35pts
5. Jago Geerts – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory – 4-6 – 33pts
6. Ruben Fernandez – Team HRC – 5-5 – 32pts

MX2 Class
In the first MX2 race, having qualifyed fourth, Zanchi was down in 29^th as they rounded the first lap after having trouble after the opening few corners. Still, that didn’t deter the youngster from putting his head down and working his way through the field at speed. Despite being in traffic, the Team HRC rider was the fastest guy on track for numerous laps and after putting in his best lap near the end of the race, he was able to make the move into fourth place. It was a great recovery and it still gave him a shot at a solid result if he could do the same again in race two.

This time, the first lap went much better and the #73 was quickly into third place. From there, he stalked the two riders in front, eventually picking off second place before setting his sights on the leader. Knowing that victory in the race would also give him the overall, he kept charging and with a few laps to go, he made his move and swept into the lead. It was a great moment for the 17-year-old on his debut with Team HRC to not only take the moto win, but also the overall and the perfect way to start this renewed CRF250R programme.

MX2 Overall
1. Ferruccio Zanchi – Team HRC – 4-1 – 43pts
2. Simon Langenfelder – Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing – 1-4 – 43pts
3. Oriol Oliver – WZ Racing KTM – 3-2 – 42pts
4. Quentin Prugnieres – F&H Racing Team – 5-3 – 36pts
5. Hakon Fredriksen – WZ Racing KTM – 6-5 – 31pts

Tim Gajser  243 The first race was a real battle with Romain, especially as I got arm pump, but I was able to hold on for the win. Race two was a lot easier after I passed Glenn for the lead, and I was able to run some nice consistent laps and pull away for the win. It is always nice to get the overall and it was awesome to see Ferruccio take the win as well. A good start but of course I know there is the MXGP championship ahead of us, so the aim is to prepare for that.

Ruben Fernandez  ⁷⁰

Riding here is always a tough day, but it is good to come here and get a couple of gate-drops and just to get that race feeling back. I had some good battles and I think I’ve improved in these conditions so that is the main thing and something I can build from, for when the real season begins in March. Mantova next weekend should also be another good test and hopefully I’ll be able to challenge a bit nearer the front. A huge congratulations to Ferro for winning this race! He rode amazingly well to take that win and I know he’s been working hard in the off-season and I’m excited to see what he can do in the MX2 class in the GPs.

Ferruccio Zanchi  ⁷³

It is amazing to get the win here today. It wasn’t easy, crashing on that first lap in race one and picking up in last place, but I just kept pushing and pushing and was really happy to get up to fourth. I knew I had good speed and once I found myself in that position in race two, needing to win for the overall, I tried my hardest and made it happen! A big thank you to the whole of Team HRC for all the work and all the support. This is a great first race, but there is more to come!

Marcus Pereira de FreitasHRC General Manager – MXGPA great day for everyone in Team HRC. Tim winning was great to see and shows he’s coming into this year really prepared and ready to start off the season strongly. And then for Ferruccio to win his first overall in his first attempt was amazing. When he came around the first lap in 29th position, we were just hoping he could ride well and weren’t focused on the result too much but he made it all the way up to fourth! Then in race two, knowing that a win would give him the overall, he rode so well and just kept it consistent and the other guys couldn’t match him. The perfect way to start 2024 off.