MXGP #120 2023

COURTNEY DUNCAN

P.20RACING CATCH UP

MXGP MAG

Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: MXGP

INFRONT MOTO RACING MEDIA

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MXGP Mag #120 2023

The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Infront Moto Racing.

Then content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written.

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Dear MXGP Friends,

As we are entering the last sprint of the 2023 MXGP season, the last three Grand Prix gave us a preview of what September would look like.

After Finland, the MXGP went back to Uddevalla in Sweden and its iconic circuit, located alongside the brown cliffs and rocks of the area. This year, the weather brought us heavy rain and the weekend turned to be a muddy race. To race in those conditions is never easy and I would like to thank the organizer and all the people that worked hard on the track to give the best conditions possible to the riders. Jeremy Seewer made a very strong performance and got the win in front of Romain Febvre and Jorge Prado, and in MX2, the German rising star Simon Laengenfelder won the Grand Prix in front of Liam Everts and Andrea Adamo. Besides racing, we announced the renewal of the Grand Prix of Sweden for three more years.

Then we went back to the Netherlands in Arnhem, a venue that was hosting for the first time the MXGP World Championship. It was a big success, as the fans answered the call to support the Dutch riders after a year without a Dutch Grand Prix. Arnhem offered the best facilities, the organization of the event was very good, and the races were great, too. Febvre added one more GP victory to his book and Everts confirmed he won’t give up the championship until the end! It is very positive to have found a venue that can host the Grand Prix of the Netherlands with a longterm vision and to secure the event in the country.

Then, the first weekend of September brought us to Turkiye and the city of Afyon. As every year, the welcome of the riders and the whole paddock was exceptional. The quality of the infrastructure and the support of the authorities and the city in the development of the Grand Prix in Turkiye is an example to follow.

The MXGP of Turkiye hosted the last round of the FIM Women Motocross World Champion and Courtney Duncan was crowned as champion and added one more championship to her career! The new generation is coming and pushing hard and I am sure we will see more and more talented women competing in this championship in the future.

In the EMX250cc it was also an important day for Andrea Bonacorsi as he obtained the title. The Italian rider will certainly move to the MX2 class next year full of confidence.

In both MXGP and MX2 class, the leaders lost points during the weekend. Tim Gajser won his first Grand Prix of the year after the winter injury that obliged him to stay away for months from the races. Maxime Renaux made his come back to the podium with a third overall position and Romain Febvre finished second and closed the gap with Prado to 67 points. In MX2 it was even closer with Everts’ victory in front of Kevin Horgmo and Jago Geerts. Horgmo went for the first time on the podium and Everts ended up the Grand Prix 48 points away from Adamo with two races to go!

The MXGP season will stay open until the end and the last two rounds will be full of expectations, tension and action. This weekend we are back in Maggiora, one of the most iconic tracks in the World for the MXGP of Italy. For this occasion, we will organize a Legends Parade on Sunday with all the most iconic and popular riders that made the history of our sport. Then we will head to UK and Matterlay Basin for the finale of the championship.

We will have some days to take a breath before driving to Ernée and witness the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations that will take place on the 7/8 of October. It is already on the way to be the most popular, crowded, exceptional and spectacular motocross event of the history. Be sure to be present, be part of the history!

See you in Maggiora.

David Luongo

CEO of Infront Moto Racing

THE MXGP SEASON WILL STAY OPEN UNTIL THE END AND THE LAST TWO ROUNDS WILL BE FULL OF EXPECTATIONS, TENSION AND ACTION.

COOLSHOTS

COOLSHOTS

COOLSHOTS

FOXHOLESHOT

SHOW TIME

THE END OF THE SEASON IS APPROACHING. AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE FOX CONTEST, THE COMPETITION HAS NEVER BEEN SO TIGHT IN EITHER OF THE TWO FLAGSHIP CATEGORIES. THE FINAL TWO ROUNDS OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ARE SHAPING UP TO BE SOME OF THE MOST INTENSE YET.

The best films are often those in which the suspense remains until the final denouement. And in this respect, the Motocross World Championship fully deserves its Palme d’Or at Cannes, as the pressure on the leaders of the MX2 and MXGP championships has intensified at the end of the Grand Prix of Türkiye. Indeed, Andrea Adamo and Jorge Prado missed their goals on Anatolian soil, leaving their respective pursuers, Liam Everts and Romain Febvre, with the glimmer of hope needed to offer the public a gladiatorial battle; at least in Maggiora. And neither Fox nor the fans of fast starts will be complaining, because reaching the first corner in the lead is now a vital necessity to give themselves the best chance of staying in the lead throughout

the race, in the last four races of the 2023 championship.

In MX2, Simon Laengenfelder is currently the closest rider to the Fox Award. For several weeks now, the German has made the first straight his specialty, picking up a black plate in each Race 1 of the Swedish, Dutch and Turkish GPs. This brings his total to eight Holeshots since the start of the season. A statistic that deserves to be applauded, and even more so when we remember that the young man returned from convalescence in May. But he is not the only one to surpass himself. The Norwegian Kevin Horgmo is also showing better form in the second half of the year, and he proved it by taking second place in the Turkish Grand Prix. But above all, the Kawasaki rider added a Fox Holeshot to his tally (for a

total of 3), by crossing the white line first in Race 2 at Uddevalla. The following week in Arnhem, it was KTM rider Liam Everts who came out on top in the first corner, during the second heat, with the overall victory going to the Belgian in the end. And in Türkiye, Roan Van de Moosdijk took his second Holeshot of the season at the start of Race 2.

At this stage, there are only four black plates left to grab, which means that only one rider can still hinder Simon Laengenfelder in his quest for the Fox Award: Jago Geerts. The NO. 93 is no longer in control of his own destiny when it comes to the World Championship title. However, currently third in the World Championship standings, he still has to defend his place on the podium. Because Laengenfelder is eyeing his third place, and ahead Liam Everts will have to resist the pressure of his first MX2 season to maintain his 2nd place.

In this interval, the Yamaha rider has his card to play, and one or two big starts will not be too much to allow him to regain hope of achieving his lifelong goal.

A very tight final straight

In MXGP, Jorge Prado has never been as threatened as he is now in the History of the Fox Award. Since his arrival in MX2 in 2017, the Spaniard has won the Holeshot trophy every year, and the gap between him and his rivals was sometimes humiliating for the latter, so quick was the Spaniard when it came to leaving the gate. But this year, things have changed. For the first time, the GasGas rider seems to be in doubt, with Jeremy Seewer determined not to give up. Before the Swedish Grand Prix,

the Swiss had managed to tie Prado in the Holeshot standings (10 black plates each), but since then JP61 has regained his lead. At Uddevalla, it was Seewer who took the lead in this competition, crossing the first turn in the lead in race 2. Romain Febvre had taken his 4th Fox Holeshot of the season in the first heat. Seeing Jeremy Seewer win the GP in the process, you’d have thought it would be a turning point for Jorge Prado, whose sole objective would be to secure his place at the top of the standings. But the Galician’s reaction was not so unambitious and the following weekend in Arnhem, he gave his pursuers no chance of crossing the white line at Turn 1 before him in the first race. In Race 2, it was his best rival of the season, Romain Febvre, who turned on the turbo

on the front straight, to take his 5th Holeshot of the campaign. Eleven all between Prado and Seewer by the time they reached Turkey. Valentin Guillod came out on top in the first heat, grabbing his 2nd Holeshot in 2023. The pressure was on as the second race got underway. But unfortunately for Seewer, the Swiss didn’t get off to a good start and Jorge Prado took advantage of the situation to take the lead at the first bend and he added a 12th black plate to his prize list. The rest of the race was less kind to the Spaniard who, by finishing 10th in the GP of Türkiye, allowed Romain Febvre to get back into the title chase. So, he won’t be able to relax his efforts at Maggiora and Matterley Basin or risk losing his place at the top. And naturally, this situation promises great starts during the final two rounds of the season.

RACINGCATCHUP

INTO THE WILD

IN AUGUST, THREE NEW CHALLENGES AWAITED THE MX2 AND MXGP RIDERS. THREE CHARMING DESTINATIONS, BOTH FOR THE BEAUTY OF THEIR LANDSCAPES AND FOR THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED. BUT ON THEIR TRACKS, TOURISM WAS NOT THE ORDER OF THE DAY. THE FIERCE BATTLE FOR THE TITLE IN EACH CATEGORY CONTINUED AS THE END OF THE SEASON APPROACHES...

The Swedish countryside is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque in Europe. Indeed, with its traditional red buildings, true national symbols, and its predominant greenery, it is an ideal setting for long walks in the heart of nature. The Uddevalla MX circuit is no exception. Located in the Glimminge forest, the site’s facilities blend harmoniously with the elements of nature. As an example, the rocks surrounding the track became grandstands for part of the public over the weekend. And the show was on, starting with the reigning class.

The first highlight was the return of Maxime Renaux to the grid, after missing eight rounds of the World Championship with a fractured foot. With all the title contenders predicted at the start of the season, present

for the first time together, the RAM Qualifying Race gave a nice glimpse of what the competition would have been like if everyone had been there from Argentina.

Encouraging returns

Nine seconds ahead, that’s the gap that Jorge Prado was able to put between himself and the 2nd-placed rider, Tim Gajser at the RAM Qualifying Race on Saturday. The Spaniard was the fastest at Turn 1 and he never left that ranking throughout the race. After him, Gajser didn’t have a difficult race, even if Jeremy Seewer was 2 seconds back. The Swiss was more attentive to the battle behind between Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre. The Kawasaki rider chased down his rival until the 5th lap, when he was able to overtake him... for just 2 minutes! The Frenchman crashed out on his own, leaving NO. 84 back in 4th. That’s where he stayed, while Febvre finished in 5th. Calvin Vlaanderen, Ruben Fernandez, Valentin Guillod, Alberto Forato and Benoît

Paturel completed the Top 10.

In the first heat, the Prado-Febvre duo once again distinguished themselves at the top of the classification of a race. This one was won by the Spaniard, 11 seconds ahead of his rival, as he took advantage of a crash by the Frenchman on lap 7. However, it was Febvre who seemed to have got off to a good start in this race, with another Fox Holeshot to his credit and a leadership position that seemed to suffer no challenge. But JP61, patiently settled in 2nd, waited for the Frenchman to make a mistake before pushing the throttle to the limit and securing a comfortable gap for the end of the race. Behind the two factory riders, Jeremy Seewer experienced little turbulence. With a five-second advantage over his closest rival, the Swiss rider raced quietly, saving some effort for the next heat. Pauls Jonass made an impressive comeback by taking 4th. Indeed, nobody was expecting the Latvian for his comeback to competition, as he hadn’t appeared since the Swiss GP. He outclassed a number of big names to claim a place in the Top 5,

which was completed by the inevitable Glenn Coldenhoff, ahead of Ruben Fernandez, Alberto Forato, Jeffrey Herlings, Jeremy Evans and Tim Gajser.

Victorious in Race 2, Jeremy Seewer won his first Grand Prix this season. The Swiss rider made a great start, passing the first corner in the lead, without worrying about the precarious weather conditions which made the track more difficult to ride than it had been in Race 1. Behind the Yamaha rider, Frenchman Romain Febvre tried to stay on his wheel, sometimes attempting to fill the few seconds that separated him from his rival. The stakes were high. By winning this round, Febvre could have gone on to win his 6th Grand Prix in a row. Unfortunately for the Kawasaki rider, that wasn’t the case despite a few small mistakes by the NO. 91, and the French rider finished second overall ahead of red plate holder, Jorge Prado. In 3rd, Maxime Renaux made an encouraging performance and was able to take 6th overall, after having been 13th in the first race. The battle was tough between him and Jeffrey Herlings, who finished just off the podium, in 4th. And for his part, Tim Gajser did much better

than in the first heat, getting 5th while he was 10th earlier. He placed 10th in the GP classification.

In MX2, the context was the opposite of MXGP because of the numerous injuries. In the absence of Jago Geerts, Roan Van de Moosdijk and Kay de Wolf in particular, Simon Laengenfelder added a second GP to his list of victories, after the one he won in Spain. The resident of the GasGas team started the Race 1 at full throttle, taking his 6th Fox Holeshot of the season. The German then disappeared off the radar, with a 9-second lead over Liam Everts in 2nd and more than 30 seconds over Rick Elzinga, who eventually got 3rd. A comfortable distance, which allowed him to advance without too much pressure towards victory. Behind the trio, Kevin Horgmo took 4th position, after harassing Sacha Coenen. Under pressure, the young Belgian of KTM Factory crashed for the first time on Lap 11, then went down again on the penultimate lap, this time without any consequences. Emil Weckman and Isak Gifting ended 6th and 7th respectively, ahead of David Braceras, Camden Mc Lellan and Andrea Adamo, who rounded off the top 10.

In the second heat, Adamo’s had a bad scare. The Italian won the race less than a second ahead of his pursuer, Simon Laengenfelder. The weather conditions making the track difficult to approach could have got the better of the NO. 80, but he clung to his handlebars to avoid falling and won an important victory, which enabled him to climb on the podium as he ranked 3rd. Behind the two men, the heartbreak came when Kevin Horgmo suffered a mechanical breakage. The Norwegian was close to take 3rd of the race and to climb on the last step of the podium when his bike stalled with three laps to go. The Kawasaki rider came home walking, while Liam Everts sped off towards a very welcome 3rd place, which opened the 2nd position overall for the NO. 72. On his side, Camden Mc Lellan did an excellent job finishing 4th, as well as Rick Elzinga (5th), ahead of David Braceras, Isak Gifting, Sacha Coenen, Emil Weckman and Jan Pancar.

From one nature to another Back-to-back for the MX delegation. Few days later, 800km West of Uddevalla, a flatter relief but equally charming located in The Netherlands, awaited the best riders in the world. On the edge of the

magnificent Veluwezoom National Park, near the town of Arnhem, a new track was ready to host Round 16th of the MXGP Championship. The novelty attracting the eye, it’s no surprise that the fans did not fail to move for this occasion. And not just the Dutch public, as the flags of various nations waving in the stands could attest. Anyway, the stars of the weekend were definitely Dutch. And they all had a very specific objective.

In MXGP, Jeffrey Herlings had to show that his cervical vertebra injury was only a distant memory, despite his 5th and 4th places at the GPs of Finland and Sweden. Glenn Coldenhoff, who has shown great character and consistency in recent weeks, couldn’t let his chance to shine on home soil slip through his fingers, just like Calvin Vlaanderen, who has often made people forget that his bike is not a factory one. And what better place for Brian Bogers and his Honda to play spoilsport at the top of the standings? In MX2, Rick Elzinga had to continue to show his strength of character which makes him more and more confident at this level, while Roan Van de Moosdijk sought reassurance about the state of his collarbone. And since the women were back, having left the World trip after the French GP, Lotte Van Drunen still had hopes of climbing to the top of the WMX rankings. As for Lynn Valk, the podium was still within her grasp. But things didn’t quite go to plan.

Déjà vu

At around midday on Saturday 19 August, rumours were already circulating throughout the paddock. After setting the fastest time in Free Practice a little earlier, Jeffrey Herlings would not be taking part in the rest of the weekend due to a new injury. A fractured collarbone for the local boy. The news was confirmed early in the afternoon by KTM, and by the absence of The Bullet from the RAM Qualifying Race. An event that did nothing to dampen Romain Febvre’s spirits. Very confident on his bike, the Frenchman took the opportunity to win this race, ahead of Glenn Coldenhoff (2nd) and Jorge Prado (3rd).

A day later, in Race 1, déjà vu. A Kawasaki about to achieve an important result…and suddenly the engine stalls! The young Norwegian Kevin Horgmo experienced this a week earlier in MX2, but this time it was Febvre’s misfortune. The native from Epinal had clearly done the hardest part from the start, overtaking Jeremy Seewer and putting himself within striking distance of Jorge Prado. This allowed him to surprise the Spaniard on Lap 9, by

attacking him in front of Pit Lane. But two laps later, the unthinkable happened for the Frenchie, who lost two places in his technical mishap and had to work hard to join back Seewer’s Yamaha, now in 2nd place. Can we talk about luck when the NO. 3 saw the Swiss crash in front of his eyes on the penultimate lap? Either way, that wouldn’t have comforted the Frenchman. His frustration as he crossed the finish line behind Prado showed that 2nd place was little consolation. As for JS91, he was able to bounce back very quickly to avoid losing any more positions in the standings. Third place for him, far ahead of his teammate Glenn Coldenhoff (4th) and Tim Gajser (5th), more and more confident on his Honda. The enterprising Alberto Forato, the courageous Maxime Renaux, the audacious Pauls Jonass, the experienced Brian Bogers and the dynamic Mitch Evans consecutively took the other five places in the Top 10.

Two hours and a half later, the second race was run at a rare intensity, especially for the two teammates Glenn Coldenhoff and Jeremy Seewer. Time seemed to have stopped between the two Yamaha riders during the last two laps, as though hanging on to the slightest mistake made by one or the other of the protagonists, for whom the challenge was simple: the 3rd step of the overall podium. If the public naturally joined the Dutchman’s cause, fate was kind to the Swiss, allowing him to survive an inevitable exit from the track on which Coldenhoff was unable to capitalize. The two men even came close to catching Romain Febvre on the final corner. The leader of the race certainly didn’t expect to see anything more than a back marker trailing behind him. At the end of the effort, Febvre crossed the finish line first, ahead of Jeremy Seewer (2nd) and Glenn Coldenhoff (3rd). His results of 2-1 over the two races gave him his 6th GP victory of the season. For his part, Jorge Prado did not seek to take too many risks as the end of the season approaches, but rather additional points. He finished 4th of the race and 2nd overall. Jeremy Seewer completed the podium with 3-2.

In MX2, the winner of the Dutch 16th Round came from neighboring Belgium. And this victory is more a question of consistency for Liam Everts, since the KTM rider did not win either race, which

only happened in Trentino this season, when Andrea Adamo won the GP with 2 -2. In the first heat, Simon Laengenfelder proved once again that his GasGas had nothing to envy to other bikes, especially in terms of speed. Second in the qualifying race on Saturday, the German put things right from the very first corner of the race, taking the Fox Holeshot in front of Andrea Adamo, before flying away more than 8 seconds from his rivals. The two KTMs of Adamo and Everts then engaged in a battle between teammates, won by the Italian in the middle of the race. The NO. 80 held on to second place until the end, even coming within two seconds of Laengenfelder. However, the KTM rider almost crashed while trying to avoid a rust spray. Having learnt the lesson, he eventually secured second place, ahead of teammate Liam Everts who therefore finished 3rd. In 4th position, Jago Geerts had a very decent race, without necessarily being too aggressive but taking as many points as possible. The equally consistent Kevin Horgmo rounded out the Top 5.

The second race was probably one of the most incredible finishes of the season. While Lucas Coenen won this race quite easily, the battle was played out between Liam Everts and Jago Geerts, with their sights set on 1st place overall for the KTM and 3rd for the Yamaha. And the two riders engaged in a breathtaking battle on the final lap. When he was no longer expected, Geerts drew on his last bit of strength to attack his rival and take 2nd place. At that moment, no one could have imagined any other scenario than a second place for the Belgian in the heat, so determined he was to pass his compatriot. But just as everyone was looking up to Lucas Coenen’s victory, the unthinkable happened. In turn, Everts launched a maneuver to get back in front of his compatriot two turns from the finish line. Successful counterattack for NO. 72, which allowed him to take second place in Race 2 ahead of the Monster Energy rider and guaranteed him his 2nd Grand Prix win of the season. Lucas Coenen (2nd with 6-1) and Simon Laengenfelder (3rd with 1-6) also jumped on the podium, behind the one who now is writing his own story and that we need less and less to present as “the son of The Legend”.

Finally, the only local riders to shine in front of their home crowd were to be found among the ladies. Indeed, Lotte Van Drunen splashed the Dutch sand with all her talent in WMX. Uncompromising

on her Kawasaki, the girl who would have liked to race among the boys won everything: best time in the Free Practice, same for the Time Practice. And above all, 50 points out of a possible 50 in the two official races, which enabled her to move back to within 23 points of the leader Courtney Duncan, before the final round of the season. For her part, Lynn Valk fought hard for a place on the overall podium, which she brilliantly achieved with results of 2-4, securing 3rd overall postion behind the Spanish rider Daniela Guillen.

Oriental charm

At the crossroads of the European and Asian worlds, Türkiye owes its charm above all to its settings, which are both traditional and reminiscent of the most oriental of cultures, and to the modernism of its infrastructures, which easily places it among the top tourist destinations. Thus, upon arriving in the vast arid and mountainous plains in the middle of which Afyonkarahisar was built in ancient times, it was no surprise to discover a high-level sports complex, with a very nice hard and flat MX track that blended perfectly into the landscape. But before entering the arena, all the riders were treated to a very special welcome on Friday, with a tasting of typical delicacies, a family photo and speeches by local dignitaries. Calm before the storm, strictly speaking. Because on Saturday, it was a completely different story. The first part of the day was almost radiant, allowing the first events to run smoothly, right up to the halfway point of the MX2 RAM Qualifying Race. Driving rain similar to tropical storms, in other parts of the world, fell on the Turkish track drastically limiting the riders’ maneuvering possibilities. Leading from the first corner, Simon Laengenfelder crossed the Finish Line soaked to the skin, but delighted with his result. He was the only one to be happy with his situation, as the MXGP RAM Qualifying Race was cancelled few minutes later.

The calm after the storm came the next day, with Courtney Duncan taking the WMX title. The imperious New Zealander wrapped up 2023 in style, taking her fourth GP of the season with 1-2 positions, ahead of Lynn Valk (4-1) and Larissa Papenmeier (2-4). In the overall standings, the Kawasaki rider finished on top of the podium with 270 points, 30 more than Daniela Guillén (240) and 40

more than Lotte Van Drunen (230). Above all, she confirmed her almost unchallenged domination of the WMX category, with 4 titles in the last 5 years, having only been beaten by Nancy Van de Ven in the 2022 season.

A little later, she was followed by the young and promising Yamaha rider, Andrea Bonacorsi. With the same result as Duncan during the races (4-1), the Italian also won his fourth EMX250 round out of the nine in 2023. Husqvarna’s Kay Karssemakers and Fantic’s Cas Valk joined him on the overall podium, in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

For the suspense

In a kind of continuity of the day, it would have been almost “normal” to see other Champion titles fall. But fate decided otherwise. Starting with the MX2 category, in which the Championship leader, Andrea Adamo, had a few problems showing up. So, it was his teammate, Liam Everts, who came out on top with a third GP on his record. In race 1, Simon Laengenfelder was the first to take the lead. The German had to elbow his way into the lead in this race. He got off to a good start by taking the Fox Holeshot but was then caught out by Isak Gifting and Jago Geerts in turn 2. The GasGas rider hung on to his two rivals and was finally able to pass Geerts on Lap 8. Gifting was not far behind and one lap later, the two men were banging bars for the lead. The Swedish didn’t give in on the 1st attack, but the 2nd was the right one for Laengenfelder, who flew away to victory. Behind him, Jago Geerts took advantage of Gifting’s energy consumption during his previous battle to move to the front and take 2nd place. He then resisted several attacks from Liam Everts who eventually got 3rd. In his side, Isak Gifting finally took 5th, behind Roan Van de Moosdijk. In the second heat, Kevin Horgmo finally got the victory he had been waiting for. The Norwegian took advantage of an individual error by Liam Everts in the 2nd half of the race to escape into the lead. This time, there were no technical problems or crashes for the Kawasaki rider, who also took 2nd place on the podium. Behind him, Liam Everts made up for it as best he could and managed to hold on to 2nd place ahead of Roan Van de Moosdijk. The Dutchman from Husqvarna rode a solid race, with the Fox Holeshot at turn 1. But it was Jago Geerts, 4th in the race, who took 3rd place on the podium. Andrea Adamo completed the Top 5. Behind this rank-

ing, the gap between Adamo and Everts was reduced to 48 points, as the NO. 80 finished in 6th place, 15 points behind the other KTM.

In MXGP, Jorge Prado suffered a similar fate to Adamo, seeing his pursuer, Romain Febvre, take back some precious and almost unexpected points in the title chase. In the first heat, the Frenchman continued his good second half of the season by winning another race. His main rival GasGas crashed at Turn 2 and had difficulty restarting his bike. This loss of time meant that he was outside the top 10 for the first time this season. The Frenchman, who started in 3rd-4th position, quickly got rid of Valentin Guillod on the 2nd lap, before gradually catching Tim Gajser. The Slovenian didn’t put up much resistance when the Kawasaki rider passed him on Lap 8. He simply managed his race without making any mistakes and eventually finished 2nd. Behind them, Maxime Renaux rode a solid race, eventually overtaking Mattia Guadagnigni and then Calvin Vlaanderen to take 3rd place. The Dutchman finished at the foot of the podium, ahead of the indefatigable Alberto Forato who completed the Top 5.

In Race 2, Gajser proved that he was at least close to returning to the top level. The Honda HRC rider took a brilliant victory, more than 5 seconds clear of Maxime Renaux. In the process, he won the Turkish GP. TiGa 243 could have lost the lead when he crashed on lap 12-13, but he quickly climbed back in front of the Frenchman and found the resources to stay in front all the way to the finish line. In third place, Romain Febvre was perhaps the most disappointed rider of the weekend. He finished 2nd overall with 45 points, but he lacked five precious units to get even closer to Jorge Prado in the standings. Specially since the Spaniard finished 10th overall with just 20 points. For his part, Ruben Fernandez did well in this round, finishing 4th, and Calvin Vlaanderen rounded off the Top 5.

To sum up, there’s still a lot of suspense when it’s time to return to Italy, and then to take the direction of the United Kingdom for the last two Grand Prix of the season, and the crowning of two kings who are decidedly slow to make themselves known...

MXGPSOCIAL

@liam_everts72

Two in a row P1!!!

Had a great feeling all weekend long. Little crash in moto two costed me the race win. We’re gonna keep pushing two races to go!

@andreaadamo80

Happy to tell you that for the second time I have been called up to MXON for the ITALY team

@lottevandrunen401

NO WORDS NEEDED! My first GP win ��� @mxgp @ mxgparnhem

@racerxonline

Seewer and Langenfelder for their second time this season take the MXGP of Sweden �� Photos courtesy of @mxgp

@andreabonacorsi32

I’m the 2023 European Champion! Thanks everybody

@kevinhorgmo24

First ever moto win and 2nd overall, thanks to team @ fhracingteam & everyone else supporting !!

Track Walk | MXGP of Netherlands 2023: Discover all the secrets of the MXGP of The Netherlands track with former Motocross champion Paul Malin and his GoPro Hero 11

@rfme_oficial Spain �� already has a team for the Motocross of Nations 2023 and it’s a TEAM!!!!

Let’s go with everything ��!!!

@jorgeprado61 MXOpen

@rubenfernandez70 MXGP @davidbraceras MX2

@tiga243

Finally !!! � P1 here in �� Thankful, grateful, happy !

@maximerenaux959

Honoured to be representing team France on home soil for the MXON 2023 in @ motoclubernee��

News Highlights | EMX250 | MXGP of Turkiye 2023: Don’t miss the EMX250 Highlights and watch how Andrea Bonacorsi got his second European Title!

News Highlights | WMX | MXGP of Turkiye 2023: Re-live the epic day of Courtney Duncan and her title celebrations!

@paulsjonass41

Happy to be part of Team Latvia for 2023

MONSTERGIRLS

MONSTERGIRLS

RIDER OFTHEMONTH

TITLE SL4M DUNC!

AFTER WINNING THREE WMX WORLD TITLES IN QUICK SUCCESSION FROM 2019 - 2021, ALL BETS WERE ON COURTNEY DUNCAN MAKING IT FOUR IN A ROW IN 2022, BUT AFTER A COLLARBONE INJURY DERAILED HER CAMPAIGN, THE KIWI GIRL MADE SURE THAT 2023 WOULD BE A YEAR TO REMEMBER. AND IT CERTAINLY WAS. MXGP MAGAZINE CAUGHT UP WITH THE NEW ZEALANDER SHORTLY AFTER WRAPPING UP HER FOURTH FIM WMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WHERE SHE REFLECTED ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN.

Date: Saturday April 2nd 2022

Venue: Agueda, Portugal

Session: WMX Free Practice

On the second lap of the session, reigning world champion Courtney Duncan fell through a downhill right-hander, landing awkwardly. The impact was sudden and whilst she picked herself up and remounted her motorcycle, she knew something was amiss. An X-ray shortly afterwards revealed a broken collarbone. She was out of the GP and after missing the next round in Sardinia, she was also out of the championship race.

When Duncan returned for the last two rounds in Spain and Turkey, three wins from four races, and two more overall victories, sent a clear signal to her rivals that she was back to winning ways, but heading back to her native New Zealand was possibly the longest flight home she had experienced in a while. Losing the crown that was hers for the past three seasons can’t have been easy, but just how tough was it for the South Islander, and what did she go through in order to return to the top?

MXGP Mag: How fired up were you coming into the new season having lost your crown in 2022, and how tough was your 2022 racing season?

Courtney Duncan: I think 2022 was almost a reality check in a way, where things needed to be better and needed to change, and it definitely made me realise that, with going through my injury.

Everything we went through in 2022, definitely motivated me and fired me up, to come into this season a whole lot more prepared and stronger.

MXGP Mag: What kind of things did you need to change?

CD: Let’s just say more emphasis on getting a little bit more out of my comfort zone. I guess in the past years I’ve just gone along with what I was doing without changing it up or anything because I was having success …

MXGP Mag: So, in some ways you became a little complacent perhaps?

CD: Yeah, almost to a point, right? And then when you get knocked down with injury, it kind of sets home a little bit.

MXGP Mag: What were your thoughts going into the first round in Sardinia?

CD: I was pretty open minded going into Sardinia; I’d never been there before, it was sand, so we didn’t really know what we were up against, but I had done a bit more riding in the sand in New Zealand. Obviously, sand is sand and what we have in New Zealand is not exactly the same, but I kind of got my feet wet a little bit back home, so I think mentally I gained a little bit more confidence in it. I was hoping for a top five or a podium ideally; I just wanted to get solid points because I knew that the next few rounds would be in my favour. I just didn’t want to lose too many points at that first round. I crashed in the first corner in the first moto, so to come all the way back through to 3rd, man, that one felt like a win for me, it really did. The second moto I struggled a little bit but salvaged a 4th, so a podium at the first round was good. They say you can’t win it at the first round but you can lose it, so I was pretty happy with that, but at the same time I still wanted more.

MXGP Mag: You then won three in a row, and I guess by France you had done the hard work, because you came away from

there with a good cushion going into Arnhem where you needed to have a good amount of points over your rivals.

CD: Sure, those three tracks in Switzerland, Spain and France were my kind of tracks, my kind of conditions, so I was really excited about going to those tracks. I had never ridden Switzerland, but I was excited for it, got good results and put myself in good positions. I was another year wiser, and I also had a bit more speed to play with, which was good. Five out six wins (from those three rounds) so it was a good wee stint, and I got some momentum rolling.

MXGP Mag: There was three months break after France, and when you returned to action, the next stop was The Netherlands, where you just missed the podium - how would you evaluate that weekend?

CD: I was disappointed to miss the podium, but Holland is something else with that sand; it was tough, it really was. But, I felt like I salvaged what I could in terms of results and I didn’t lose too many points which was probably the main thing, right? I didn’t want to lose out on many points, and what did I lose? Four? So, for sure, it’s not my strongest conditions and moving forward I’m gonna work really hard; I want to be better and I know there’s so much room for improvement in those conditions which is exciting, but it was a tough round for sure, especially coming off of wins. When you have success and then go and get a 4th, it’s not the best feeling, so I’m motivated to improve in that area.

MXGP Mag: Then Turkey, the final round, you had friends and family come over, including your mum. How was it to get that first race win to take the pressure off a little bit heading into the second race?

CD: I was super excited for Turkey, I really like the track, and I was actually pretty relaxed all weekend knowing that I could put myself in a good position (to win the title). For sure, there was lots of pressure, especially for the first race, but I felt like we handled that pretty well, given the situation. I got the win which definitely eased things up a little bit going into the second moto, which was good because it ended up being a mudder.

To win in front of my mum, and friends and family was special, and cool for sure; it’s the first one my mum has witnessed in person, so I guess all the hard work

your parents do, and you do growing up, it’s all for these sort of moments where you get to be crowned world champion. I guess it’s why we do it, so to be able to share it was really cool.

MXGP Mag: You seemed a little emotional after you crossed the line - almost how you were when you won your first titlewas that just down to the relief of having re-gained the crown you lost last year?

CD: I think there were multiple reasons for that, but I think first and foremost, just the amount of personal ambition that went into this one; I really drove the programme, I knew I had to change, I knew I had to make sacrifices, I put a lot of effort in this year and when it pays off, when you cross the finish line, you know everything you’ve done to get to this point in the last twelve months has paid off. That is such a special feeling.

It was a long season, especially since France, like it’s been three months (since France). I had a pretty big lead after France, and the championship wasn’t ‘in sight’ but it was, if you know what I mean, and I think every day, waking up with that pressure on your shoulders knowing that you’re gonna have to deliver a championship, and I guess once that happens it’s an amazing feeling; but it’s also like a sigh of relief in a way, you can breathe. So, I guess there were a few reasons for this one, my mum was there and title number four as well; it’s pretty special to have four.

MXGP Mag: Your mum has never seen you race in WMX but has she ever watched you race at all?

CD: Not really, she did until I went to the big tracks, so maybe until I was on a 85cc. Up until that point she said it was fun, but then after that it was sort of

like she didn’t want to watch. She’s always been my biggest supporter and will have my back no matter what, or no matter what decision I make, but watching I guess just scares her, in case of me getting hurt; perhaps in the years prior I didn’t help that issue myself (laughing), but it’s not her thing to watch.

MXGP Mag: We don’t yet know the calendar for 2024, but what is your plan for now?

CD: September will just be pretty cruisy, I’m gonna take a few weeks off to spend some time in Europe with my best mate enjoying the summer, but it’s already hard not to think about next year. Even a couple hours after I’d won, when I made it back to the hotel room I was already thinking ‘okay! How am I gonna win another one? What do I have to do?’ But for now, I’ll just enjoy this time off and look forward to next year.

SPECIALFEATURE FEATURE

THE THEATRE OF DREAMS

WHILE THE LAST TWO GRAND PRIX OF THE 2023 FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ARE STILL TO COME TO MAGGIORA AND MATTERLEY BASIN AND WILL DECIDE THE MXGP AND MX2 CHAMPIONS, THE BIGGEST AND MOST-ANTICIPATED EVENT OF THE YEAR WILL SOON BE THE TALK OF THE WORLD OF MOTOCROSS.

HISTORICAL ERNÉE

The 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in a month time is already in the back of everyone’s mind, starting with riders who are more than excited to come to Ernée on the 6-7-8 October to experience one of the most passionate and electrifying crowds in a temple of the MXoN. The Raymond Demy circuit has already hosted several Grand Prix throughout the years as well as the unforgettable Monster Energy FIM MXoN, in 2005 and 2015. The scenic circuit of Ernée offers one of the most impressive motocross starts in the world with the famous wall of people surrounding the first corner; enough to give any riders goosebumps before going full gas when the gates drop.

The striking fact about the last three editions of the MXoN is that the home nations all won the Chamberlain Trophy. Team Netherlands completely dominated in Assen in 2019 for the first time in their history while Team Italy came out victorious in Mantova in 2021 in a tight battle to win by a nose. Most recently in 2022, Team USA finally got back to winning ways in the competition following a 11-years wait and did it in style on home soil at RedBud supported by an incredible atmosphere.

The MXoN is coming back to Ernée where the last edition in 2015 saw Team France win their second victory in a row enroute to their famous five MXoN trophies between 2014 and 2018. In 2015, the atmosphere was second to none around the arena-like circuit of Ernée that saw the French crowd nestled around and close to the track, roaring throughout the whole weekend at each pass, reminiscent of Roman shows where the crowd exclaimed at the sight of gladiators. This year will be as incredible as in the past, and maybe even more with many teams at their prime, coming in Ernée with one thing in mind… winning the Chamberlain Trophy. Expect the sound of the crowd to never fade out during the three days! The public attendance will be huge and will be an actor of the Nations in itself as the fans will be pushing the teams to excel and display the best off-road show of the year. The MXoN is by far the best off-road show of the year with the most impressive gathering of the best motocross riders in the world…for the delight of every motocross fan in the world. So, get ready for an explosion of senses, cheers and

excitement that is unique to the Nations.

GAUTIER PAULIN AND TEAM FRANCE

Coming back into the theatre of dreams, who other than Gautier Paulin could be leading that team; the man who symbolised this epic French saga. Paulin who competed in all of five victories has become one of the most successful riders of the Nations as well as the ambassador of the MXoN for the Hexagon. His appointment to be Team Manager of Team France for the 2023 edition is an obviousness that resonated in all fans’ hearts. That was exemplified when Paulin unveiled the French Jersey to the crowd at Villars sous Ecot for the MXGP of France, prompting the crowd to start an impromptu intonement of ‘La Marseillaise’ which will go down in history and give an indicator of the fans’ excitement.

In that context, everybody will look at the home nation as one of the favourites. Team France, boasts an impressive team with Romain Febvre, Maxime Renaux and Tom Vialle. The potential is huge with three on-form Motocross World Champions riding alongside each other with the support of the home fans. Arguably in the best form of his career at the moment, Febvre will lead a solid team as Renaux is coming back to his best after clinching the podium in Turkiye while Vialle gained a lot of experience across the Atlantic this season.

THE FAVOURITES LEADING THE CHARGE

This is also across the Atlantic Ocean that the defending Champions will come from, with the mission of retaining the Chamberlain Trophy and winning for the first time since 2011, the MXoN in Europe. Team USA has ended their 11-year dry streak last year and added another line to their already successful history in the competition, which is simply the best of any nations with 23 titles. Thanks to their victory in 2022, the well-oiled machine of Team USA can now ride on that experience to come full of confidence in Ernée. Their line-up has been recently announced and

the lucky riders who will harbour the American colours are Aaron Plessinger, R.J Hampshire and Christian Craig. If one this is assured, this competitive team will definitely come for one thing and one thing only, the Chamberlain Trophy.

Over the last weeks, many of the teams have been unveiled and if one thing is certain is that the competition will be ferocious with a huge participation involving 39 teams in total which nearly equals the historical record of 40 teams at the 2013 Monster Energy FIM MXoN in Teutschenthal. Many of the teams will be capable of taking the Chamberlain Trophy home.

The youngest of them all will be Team Belgium with an average age of 19.3 years old. Although young, the team will be another strong contender in Ernée with Jago Geerts, Liam Everts and Lucas Coenen. The all-MX2 line up have shown an incredible level this season with Everts winning three Grand Prix and in contention for the MX2 title, Geerts after a MX2 season that was his for the taking if he didn’t get injured and the rookie L.Coenen who showed an extraordinary speed and determination this season on his first season.

One of the most anticipated team was announced earlier this month with Team Australia that called-up with no surprise the Lawrence brothers who have been incredibly successful this season in America. Jett Lawrence boasts an incredible perfect record of 22 race wins out of 22 this season in the US in Pro Motocross 450cc while Hunter won in 250cc in a dream year for the siblings. The third rider selected is Dean Ferris who won the Australian MX1 Championship for the fourth time this season. The hype surrounding Jett and Hunter Lawrence will be somewhat of an exciting moment for Team Australia that will try to better their third place of last year in RedBud and win the first Chamberlain Trophy for Australia.

Another Favourite for the top spot will be Team Germany that will also mark the incredible return of Ken Roczen at the Nations, five years after his last apparition in 2018 in RedBud. Roczen will compete in MXGP and his incredible experience will be invaluable for the Team as Roczen knows what it takes to win the Nations. The German won the Chamberlain Trophy in 2012 in Lommel alongside

Maximilian Nagl and Marcus Schiffer. His last appearance in Ernée goes back to 2009. Team Germany will also count on Simon Laengenfelder who is one of the most successful MX2 rider this season and has shown blistering speed throughout the season to win 2 Grand Prix and many podiums. Completing the team will be Tom Koch who will be the Open rider and is also an experienced rider.

There will be other teams will be riding for the top spot which includes Team Netherlands, Team Italy and Team Spain. The Spanish team could well be displaying an MXGP World Champion in the person of Jorge Prado who is tantalisingly close to the Title before the last two Grand Prix of the MXGP campaign. Prado will ride along GP winner Ruben Fernandez and David Braceras to give Spanish a good chance of podium. Team Netherlands’ line-up will be the same as last year with Glenn Coldenhoff, Kay de Wolf and Calvin Vlaanderen. They will come back woth a point to prove following their 7th place in RedBud. Team Italy will boast a young line-up combining strength, determination, ardour and talent with Andrea Adamo, Alberto Forato and Mattia Gudagnini while

Besides the obvious favourites for the Nations, there are other team that could play the troublemakers and produce some exploits such as Team Latvia composed of the Reisulis Brothers, Janis and Karlis, led by Pauls Jonass who has signed his return to the top in MXGP last month. We cannot forget Team Switzerland who is going to play on their massive experience with the likes of Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus and Valentin Guillod.

Many other teams are gearing up for the big event with the likes of Team Canada, Team South Africa, Team Puerto Rico, and many more! Favourites or not, every nation will harbour their colours high and proud and will battle until the very last race to clinch one of the most precious trophies in the world. The biggest gathering of the year will promise an unforgettable atmosphere, a lot of thrilling battles and in the end, the best nation will be crowned 2023

Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Champions and lift the Chamberlain Trophy. Let’s the show begin…

EXPERIENCE THE MXON!

Live It In Ernée

The most thrilling event of the year deserves the most amazing VIP experience and for the first time ever will offer offering two different VIP Packages.

The crème de la crème being the NEW VIP PLATINUM SKYBOX that offers the very best views you can experience in Ernée with the most privileged Standpoint that puts you at the heart of the action with the most panoramic view of the venue. Get the VIP treatment with an Exclusive Meet and Greet with the riders and many more perks.

The other option is the VIP GOLD SKYBOX that places you amongst the buzz of the paddock and at the heart of

the action surrounded by the incredible and unique atmosphere of the MXoN!

Get access to the Skybox Terrace to watch the starts and hear the roaring sounds of the engines as they speed across the starting gates.. in other words, be as close as it gets to the best riders and teams throughout the weekend!

The VIP PLATINUM and GOLD SKYBOX tickets can be purchase HERE while the General Admission Tickets HERE

Watch It At Home

For those who are gearing themselves up to watch the MXoN in the comfort of their home, between friends or in family, the best way to do it is through MXGP-TV.com.

With a three-day programme specific to the MXoN, MXGPTV.com will give viewers the possibility to watch in exclusivity the iconic Team

Presentation on the Friday in front of all the fans. The electric communion between all the teams and riders and the incredible fans of the Motocross of Nations is something you cannot miss. The Friday’s buzz is what kickstart the whole event and is a unique moment that sets off the whole weekend.

The weekend is then broadcasted LIVE on MXGPTV.com with Qualifying Races on the Saturday and the big Show on Sunday that sees the crowning of the best Nation of the biggest off-road event of the year!

All you have to do to enjoy this immense show is, Subscribing to MXGP-TV or get your pass for the 2023 Monster Energy FIM MXoN HERE

You now know what you have to do to live the most exceptional event of the year, simply pick you favourites and enjoy the show!

HALLOFFAME

TITLE

BRIAN ‘YOGI’ JORGENSEN

DURING HIS LONG CAREER, FORMER 125CC EUROPEAN CHAMPION BRIAN JORGENSEN SCORED TOP TEN POSITIONS IN BOTH 125CC AND 500CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, WITH A FOURTH PLACE IN THE MAIN CLASS IN 2003. THAT YEAR HE WON HIS ONLY GRAND PRIX WITH AUTHORITY, WINNING BOTH MOTOS IN GERMANY TO BE THE ONLY DANISH RIDER TO EVER WIN A GP IN THE MX1 CLASS.

Born on 17th March 1975 in Copenhagen, Brian had a tumultuous first experience on a motocross bike when he was four years old. As his older brother was racing, he convinced his father to let him try his bike but that was not really a great experience as he crashed pretty hard and nearly lost an eye. When he came back from the hospital with his father, his mom was so upset that it took nearly two years before he had another opportunity to ride a bike!

In 1985 Brian was finally allowed to enter his first competition, as in Denmark you were not able to participate in a race before you turned ten years old. He was immediately succesful, won his first races and got his first title. Brian dominated the little classes winning the Danish championships in the 80cc small wheels and then in

the 80cc big wheels, then he moved to the 125cc when he was fourteen. Two years later his father tragically passed away, and to be able to race Brian had to find a job to get some money. In 1993 he found some budget to enter the European championship and he finished seventh of the series. He was able to set up his own team with the support of Honda Denmark for a memorable 1994 season, as he fought all year long with Sébastien Tortelli to finally clinch the 125cc European title and the Danish title.

Moving to the GP’s in 1995, he scored some points during the season, and had his best result during the last round in Germany with a sixth position. It was enough to convince Rob Hooper and Suzuki UK to offer him his first professional contract, and that season he got a first GP podium at the GP of Italy and an eleventh

position in the 125cc class at the end of the 1996 season.

In 1998 he was sixth overall and in 1999 he moved to the 250cc class, but one year later he was back on a 125cc Yamaha. Brian missed many races in the first part of the season, and he finally won his first ever GP moto during the Belgian GP and got his best ever result in Finland with a second position behind Grant Langston.

When he moved to the 500cc class in 2002 as a Husqvarna factory rider, there was only one moto per GP and Brian finished half of the races in the top ten for eighth overall. The following year he was fourth, only twelve points from the podium, and Brian had his best day ever in 2004 when he beat all his rivals during the MX1 Grand Prix of Germany. He was unstopable that day, winning both races in front of Stefan Everts, Cédric Melotte, Josh Coppins and Joel Smets. Missing the last rounds of the series due to injury, he got his last GP podium at Namur in 2005, winning one moto there to finish runner up behind Stefan Everts. Brian stopped his career at the end of 2007 after he conquered his seventh national title, to become a famous coach for Team Denmark and later for Yamaha.

“I had a great career, find my own way as I had no people around me and I made mistakes, but also learned a lot. Winning in Teutschenthal was a life achievement for me because it was everything I had dreamed and lived for. Then I wanted to share all my experience, and it’s a pleasure to work with young guys.”

Text and Photos: Pascal Haudiquert

1987: 80cc Danish Champion

1988: 80cc Big Wheels Danish Champion

1993: 7th in the 125 European Championship (KTM)

1994: 125 European Champion (Honda)

125 Danish Champion

40th in the 125 World Championship

1995: 20th in the 125 World Championship (Honda)

125 Danish Champion

1996: 11th in the 125 World Championship (Suzuki)

125 Danish Champion

1997: 18th in the 125 World Championship (Honda)

1998: 6th in the 125 World Championship (Suzuki)

1999: 14th in the 250 World Championship (Suzuki)

2000: 13th in the 125 World Championship (Yamaha)

2001: 14th in the 125 World Championship (Yamaha)

125 British Champion

2002: 8th in the 500 World Championship (Husqvarna)

2003: 4th in the MotocrossGP World Championship (Honda). Win 1 GP

2004: 8th in the MX1 World Championship (Honda)

2005: 13th in the MX1 World Championship (Yamaha)

2006: 17th in the MX1 World Championship (Honda)

2007: MX1 Danish Champion

T ’S TIME TO GET

GNARLY!

joy of the wind in their face. Well, the all-new 2023 KTM 450 SX-F was engineered for something else entirely. So, if you’re serious about kicking ass,

PADDOCKTALKS

1 Opening Ceremony of the MXGP of Turkiye in Afyon began with a family photo between Infront Moto Racing

COO Daniele Rizzi, FIM/CMS Directot Antonio Alia Portela, TMF Vice President

Mahmut Nedim Akülke, Afyonkarahisar

Mayor Mehmet Zeybek, Forestry and Water Minister Veysel Eroğlu, Akparti Afyonkarahisar Deputy Hasan Arslan, Akparti Afyonkarahisar Deputy İbrahim

Yurdunuseven and Afyonkarahisar

Governor Kübra Güran Yiğitbaşı along with MXGP,MX2, WMX and EMX250 riders.

2 Romain Febvre signs new contract with Kawasaki Racing Team for 2024

3 Mathis Valin makes the switch to BUD Racing Kawasaki to compete in EMX250 next season

4 MXGP extends its collaboration with the Uddevalla to host the MXGP of Sweden until 2026. (left to right: FIM/ CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo President of BMK Uddevalla, Mr. Tobias Revelj, FIM Board Member Håkan Leeman

5 Former Dutch International Footballer Andy Van Der Meijde during pre-grid interview in Arnhem for the MXGP of The Netherlands

6 Selfie time with the top 3 of the 2023 WMX Championship. (Left to Right: Lotte Van Drunen, Courtney, Daniela Guillen)

7 First Paddock Talk for Mattia Guadagnini to mark his return to the competition since his injury sustained in France.

8 Team France Manager Gautier Paulin was present in Arnhem for the MXGP of The Netherlands to watch the French riders before the MXoN

9 Jeffrey Herlings and Andrea Adamo during the crowded signing session with Swedish fans in Uddevalla for the MXGP of Sweden

ANTONIO CAIROLI 2009 YAMAHA YZ450F

AFTER CLINCHING HIS SECOND MX2 WORLD TITLE IN 2007 WITH TWO ROUNDS REMAINING, ANTONIO CAIROLI LINED UP AS AN MX1 WILDCARD AT THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX AT DONINGTON PARK ON A YZ450F, PROMPTING SPECULATION ABOUT HIS FUTURE IN MX2. WHEN HE WON THE GP WITH A 2-1, HE SLIPPED BACK INTO MX2 MODE FOR THE FINAL ROUND, AND WHILST HE WOULD RACE ANOTHER SEASON IN MX2 IN 2008, HE HAD SHOWN THE WORLD THAT WHEN HE EVENTUALLY MOVED TO THE PREMIER CLASS, HE WOULD CERTAINLY BE A CONTENDER.

That debut season was 2009, and it ended with Cairoli winning his third world title, and it’s his Yamaha YZ450F that we will feature in this issue of MXGP Magazine.

After picking up a knee injury at the South African GP in 2008, round 10, Antonio Cairoli’s dream of winning a third MX2 world title was over, and so was his season, and with his Red Bull De Carli team already committed to MX1 for the following 2009 season, the Sicilian was facing a race against the clock to be ready for his rookie season in the premier class.

His first ride on his new YZ450F wasn’t until November and whilst testing may have gone

well, Cairoli’s pre-season races left many scratching their heads, wondering if he was maybe a year too early with his move.

On a positive note, the pressure was off, but after his impressive 2007 British GP debut, the fans and media wanted more and their expectation was that he should have been winning immediately. The opening round of the new season began with a muddy Italian GP at Faenza, where Cairoli managed 5th in race one - the only race of the GP - which he followed up with a 7-4 (6th overall) in Bulgaria. However, by round three at Istanbul in Turkey, the ‘222’ stormed to an impressive 1-1 to claim his first win of the season, and with it, the championship leader’s Red Plate. From there, Cairoli controlled the series,

and by the time we reached the penultimate round in Lierop, Cairoli knew he could wrap up his first MX1 world championship. When he crossed the line in 4th place in race two, he had realised his dream of winning the MX1 world championship.

But what about the bike that took him to the first of his 7 premier class titles?

The first thing that Tony and the team had to do after his move from the YZ250F, was to make him comfortable on his new ride, and that meant dialling in the ergonomics. At that time, the YZ450F was a much taller bike than the 250cc, but Cairoli’s flamboyant, attacking riding style meant that he was tucked ‘into’ the bike as opposed to sitting on top of the bike. Therefore, the first modification was with the seat, and by reducing the seatheight by a few millimetres with a neat ‘cut-away’, Cairoli was on

his way to the perfect set-up, but the seat was just one of a number of changes in order to help him feel at ease.

The suspension supplier at the time was SÖLVA, and the owner, Roland, set about producing a shorter rear shock-body which came complete with a titanium spring in order to prevent sag. With SÖLVA aluminium yokes and triple clamps married to Tomaselli 0550 bend of handlebar, the ‘cockpit’ was as he wanted it, and all he had to do now were the final bits of fine tuning for that perfect fit. A lighter-feel to the clutch action was also made possible thanks to a different shape lever by Reikon, which in turn was married to a Reikon adjuster. All of a sudden, the bike was beginning to feel very 250-esque! The front forks were also supplied by SÖLVA. The Nissin brakes were standard, including the front brake lever, reservoir, calliper and cable but the front disc was switched from 250mm to 270mm. The 240mm rear disc was of standard size, but its thickness was around 1mm thicker than production.

The standard aluminium frame came with a carbon fibre subframe and air box which was larger than standard, and supplied by CRM in Italy. The footpegs were Titanium and came from the USA, but the footpeg brackets were made inhouse by Claudio De Carli. The swingarm was standard and there was an array of titanium nuts and bolts to help keep things nice and light.

Black Excel rims and black anodised (aluminium) Kite hubs meant the wheels were lighter and stronger than standard, with the colour scheme offering up a real factory flavour. But don’t be fooled. This YZ450F was not the factory-spec bike. The factory YZ450FM was being ridden by David Philippaerts and Josh Coppins over at the Rinaldi team. As a result, De Carli was able to go its own way when it came to

how they wanted to tune the engine.

The Athena cylinder and head came with different Nikasil plating and it was around about this time that GET was beginning to emerge on the scene, producing an ignition with two map settings; one for START mode, the other for RACE mode.

All of the engine internals were standard, but with modified cams, and the exhaust system was supplied by Leo Vince, complete with carbon fibre end cap; the overall system designed to match the Athena cylinder. The carburettor was larger than standard, and while the piston was the same size as production, it was made from a different material. The 5-speed gearbox and ratios were also standard.

The aluminium clutch covers were also supplied by SÖLVA and were specially designed to help the flow of oil for more effective clutch use and reliability. The radiators were

standard but the rad-caps were different, going from 1.1 psi to 2.0psi.

As for the ride itself, Cairoli’s YZ450F was very deceptive, and that was mostly down to his riding style and how he rode at that time. His aggressive style made it look like this bike was explosive out of the turns, but the opposite was actually true. In reality, the bottom-mid power was not as hardhitting as you’d think, and so due to its smooth nature, was a lot more user-friendly. The advantage here was that Cairoli could carry more speed through the turns in a controlled manner, and when he emerged on to the straights is when the engine came into its own, thanks to its smooth transition of power from mid to top.

But with good straight-line speed, you need even better straight-line stability, and this bike had it in abundance. Everything from the chassis to the suspension set-up ensured this bike performed

to the highest standard, but entering the turns under braking, and what the bike was able to ‘give back’ through the turns was where this bike really excelled.

Cairoli’s first victory of the season in Turkey was the catalyst that kicked off what would be a historic season, but over the course of the campaign, TC222 won a total of nine races, won four GP’s and stood on the podium a total of nine times, and whilst he might not have dominated the series with double-digit race wins (that came later) his consistency enabled him to wrap up the title with a round still remaining. Pretty good going for a rookie.

Cairoli’s title win was the 23rd world title for Yamaha (in all classes) and the fifth in six years in the premier class since the world championship was rebranded to MX1 in 2004, but there would be a six-year wait before the blue corner would win again in the premier class.

TIM GAJSER 2022 MXGP WORLD CHAMPION TOM VIALLE 2022 MX2 WORLD CHAMPION

“WE SELL WHAT WE RACE, WE RACE WHAT WE SELL”

TOTHEEDITOR

QUESTIONS

❝ : Hi MXGP, where can I buy tickets for the MXoN of Nation in Ernee?

Lucie:

Hi Lucie: , you can buy tickets at https:// tickets-mxgp.com/en/ . There you can have a look at the different ticket options and also buy VIP Gold or Platinum Skybox Tickets. Thanks MXGP

❝

Hi MXGP, I want to try out the MXGP-TV pass without committing myself to the full year, is that possible?

Leon

Dear Leon, Of course it is! You can now subscribe for a monthly Subscription and cancel at any time. Go on https://www. mxgp-tv.com/subscribe to see all the options available.

Best Regards MXGP

Hello, when is the MXGP of Great Britain this year?

Hughes

Hi Hughes, The MXGP of Great Britain will be on the 23-24 September at Matterley Basin. You can also check every other MXGP event on the calendar of the MXGP website at https://www.mxgp. com/calendar.

Thanks MXGP

Hi, I’d like to buy a MXGP hoodie and gloves, where is the best to get them?

Justin

Hi Justin, the only MXGP official merch can be purchased at https:// www.mxgp-store.com and we also ship worldwide.

Regards MXGP

Hi I was in Arnhem and I would like to have photos from the events. Can you tell me how to get them?

Daniella

Hello Daniella : we hope you enjoyed it. You can go on the MXGP Gallery and see a large selections of photos from the Grand Prix. Visit www.mxgp. com and then go in the photo section. Thanks MXGP