FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
#04 | 23
October • November • December
CONTENTS 2
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE Chief Editor: Dalila Agrati Photo Credit: Dorna, Infront, MotoXRacing, Xiem, Yamaha. FIM EUROPE Viale delle Arti, 181 00054 Fiumicino (Italy) fimeuropepress@gmail.com FIM EUROPE PRESS OFFICE Dalila Agrati dalila.agrati@fim-europe.com
The articles pusblished in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of FIM Europe. The content of this pubblication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written. The copying of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has been requested from FIM Europe in advance and reference is made to the source (©FIM Europe).
#04
- SPORTING AND BEYOND-SPORTING COMMISSIONS’ MEETINGS
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Point of view - Michal Sikora
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Editorial - Dalila Agrati
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Sporting and Beyond-Sporting Commissions’ Meetings
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Final meeting of the FIM Europe Management Council
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2023 Nordic meeting
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Remembering Massimo Sironi
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Supermoto
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Road Racing
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Motocross & Snowcross
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Enduro & Rally
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BMW Roma test ride for the FIM Europe Touring Commission members
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FIM Europe Club Lapland Experience 2024
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- VALENCIA CROWNS THE CHAMPIONS 30
- BMW ROMA TEST RIDE 42
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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POINT OF VIEW
MICHAL SIKORA FIM Europe President
Time is passing really fast. Last quarter of the year is always a time for conclusions and crowning European Champions during the final races in various disciplines. And we already started a new season on 9th December in Krakow, Poland, with the first round of SuperEnduro European Cup! I’m really happy of the comeback of the Supercross European Championship which took place in Milan, in occasion of the 80th edition of EICMA, the International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition, well-known worldwide as the most important trade fair event for the motorcycle world. The single event held the outdoor area of the Exhibition on was a huge success with free entrance for the public. On 25th of November for the first time all the Sporting and Beyond Sporting Commissions
has met in new venue. After 10 years of meetings in Fiumicino, we decided to meet jointly with all the Commissions in one place. I believe that it was a good change and it will contribute also in terms of integration of members of our Commissions. On the next day we held Management Council meeting I our office in Fiumicino. We had talked about past season and activities during next year, draft of the calendar and about FIM Europe Congress in Fiumicino. Concluding, I would like to thank everyone involved in our activities - the riders, organizers, federations, sponsors, promoters, commissions members and chairman’s, secretariat employees and of course Management Council members for their great cooperation. And I wish all a really Merry Christmas and fantastic new season!
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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EDITORIAL DALILA AGRATI FIM Europe Press Officer
Here we are at the end of this incredible season. Once again it has been an intense year, full of emotions, races, challenges, events. Every weekend riders, teams and FIM Europe officials were in action to give us shows of the utmost professionalism. Experiencing them all together makes us more and more part of a big and passionate family. Every competition and event have a different flavour: from dirt, to asphalt, to snow, on circuits or through woods and forests. Each one is special in its own way. Each speciality gives us emotions and epic battles, ending with the crowning of the best. This is my fifth year experiencing
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these emotions with you: I’m honoured and proud to work with each and every one of you. We are a great team, a winning family: it was special meet you all together not only at the Congress in Zaragoza, but also in Rome in occasion of the Sporting and Beyond Sporting Commissions’ meetings. I want to say thank you to everybody for the efforts. There is still so much to do and I hope to start next year with some big news! I’ll continue to give to the FIM Europe a new image and the best communication. Waiting for the beginning of next season I wish you all a merry Christmas and a thrilling 2024! Read, be curious and ready for new adventures!
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
FIM EUROPE MET IN ROME FOR SPORTING AND BEYOND-SPORTING COMMISSIONS’ MEETINGS
The FIM Europe Sporting and Beyond-Sporting Commissions’ meetings took place on Saturday, November 25th, in Rome at the presence of the FIM Europe President Michal Sikora, the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco and all the FIM Europe office staff: Paola Bianchetti and Silvia D’Amico, responsible for sport matters, Silvia Monatti and Andrea Dia-
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mantini, responsible for beyond sporting matters. The day was also attended by the FIM Sport Director Jean Paul Gombeaud. In the late afternoon the Sporting and Beyond-Sporting Councils were chaired by the 1st Deputy President Manuel Marinheiro and the 2st Deputy President Roy N. Wetterstad.
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
MANUEL MARINHEIRO FIM Europe 1st Deputy President
“All the Sporting Commissions’ meetings took place in Rome. It’s the first time the FIM Europe organizes all the meetings together, for a full and productive day of work. All the Commissions discussed present topics and decided about the future. The chairmen motivated all the members to continue their important work for our sport”.
ROY N. WETTERSTAD 2nd Deputy President
“The Beyond Sporting Council and our three Commissions met in a friendly atmosphere in Rome. Politics, safety, environment and other important society issues are high on the agenda in our discussions. Organisational issues were also discussed, including how we can raise awareness in the national federations for the beyond sport work and how we can become stronger in this work together with the FIM”.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
SPORTING COMMISSIONS MARTIN HEJDUK Chairman Road Racing Commission The autumn RRC meeting confirmed all the progress of the 2023 sporting season. Great Mini Road Racing event was organized in Italy in the beginning of the season as well as good improvements were registered in the SSP300 and STK1000 European CUP with positive prospective for the upcoming season. The Idea of the RRC is to add SuperSport European CUP to complete the Pyramid between SSP300 and STK1000. Road to MotoGP program will be still part of the FIM Europe with NTC – ETC and under the promotion of Dorna. Big step on the Safety Standards for Circuits will be included into 2024 rules.
ROAD RACING COMMISSION
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
DRAG RACING COMMISSION JOB HEEZEN Chairman Drag Racing Commission
Friday afternoon the Commission had a meeting with DRE, the Promoter, to find a way to improve its involvement in the Championship. On Saturday were faced many topics as rules changes and plans for next season. Important decisions regarding Prostock bikes were taken and an addition to the Junior bikes was done. Soon the 2024 calendar will be announced.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
IVO TSVETANOV Chairman Supermoto Commission The autumn meeting put an end on the successful season 2023 and drew the directions in the development of the discipline for 2024. All events in the calendar of 2023 were analysed in order to be improved together with the common effort of the commission and the Promoter XIEM. The Calendar for 2024 is an exciting one, with new venues on the map as well as some returning ones. The Sporting Regulations will be correspondingly updated following the FIM CMS changes. As of 2024, the S3 Junior and S4 classes will move to a Cup status, and more support of the FMNs is needed in order to keep them active for the future.
SUPERMOTO COMMISSION 12
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
MOTOCROSS & SNOWCROSS COMMISSION ANDREA BARBIERI Chairman Motocross & Snowcross Commission
The Commission joined in Rome and had a successful day. The meeting went well with the main topics for discussion being 2024 championships and some amendments to the EMX regulations to bring them into line with FIM regulations at events. We are working on some new documentation to assist the officials at these events.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
ROBERT SVENSSON Chairman Enduro & Rally Commission Fruitful meeting. TT Rally promoter, Mr Stamatis Meletis, was present discussing how to improve the Cup in the future. The Commission spoke about the Mini Enduro Trophy on closed course for young riders (12-16 years), that was successful and will become a cup next year with three races. In agenda also Baja, Enduro, Hard Enduro and SuperEnduro. Nicoleta Olariu, from the Management Council, participated to the meeting.
ENDURO & RALLY COMMISSION
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
PIOTR SZYMAŃSKI
TRACK RACING COMMISSION
Chairman Track Racing Commission The meeting commenced with Medical Commission Chairman Srecko Magentic being invited to speak on a new initiative to record injured riders via an app called “Track Stats” which has been trialled in the FIM Speedway Grand Prix during 2023. The plan is to further develop this app for FIME competitions going forward. The FIM Sports Director gave an overview of the progression and development of electric bikes, together with some of the safety issues that need to be considered to ensure that both competitors and officials are safe should an accident or incident occur during a race. A number of rule changes/proposals were discussed and the 2024 Track Racing calendar was reviewed and finalised.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
MOTOBALL COMMISSION
PASCALE RESCHKO JACQUOT Chairman Motoball Commission
The Commission reviewed the 2023 season and discussed about guidelines and terms for the European Motoball Champion Cup in 2024.
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Chairman Trial Commission The Commission approved 2023 results and the 2024 calendar. Discussions about a proposal to lower the age of the youth class from 12 to 10 years was faced, but most of the Commission’s members agreed to keep 12 years-old. The point in the agenda with a lot of good discussions was the one about the future of the sport, that should be more accessible in order to attract more young riders. The Commission agreed that the work has to be done together with federation and clubs. At the end all the members thanked Anders Minken for his commitment in the Commission.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
MAGNUS LILJEBLAD
TRIAL COMMISSION
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
GIANLUCA AVENOSO Chairman E-Bike Commission In its second year of activity the Commission discussed about the realities operating in Europe and topics were addressed with the aim of encouraging the growth of this discipline which has enormous potential. The sector offers new opportunities every day and it is absolutely necessary to be prepared to embrace the opportunities that the market offers to organize increasingly attractive events for riders and spectators.
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E-BIKE COMMISSION
Chairman Vintage Commission
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
JOSÈ CAMPOS COSTA
VINTAGE COMMISSION
The Commission faced a productive meeting with open discussions from all members and fixed the dates for 2024 events. The point was made on the past season’s events in Road Racing, Enduro and Hill climb. For most of the disciplines it had been a good year, but support from riders in the Road Racing events had declined and discussions took place on how to reverse that trend by moving cut-off dates forward. This will mirror what is happening in Vintage events in the UK and Scandinavia in particular. Mr Jean Paul Gombeaud joined the meeting and outlined the FIM’s exciting plans to include Vintage machines in the future.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
BEYOND-SPORTING COMMISSIONS PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMISSION DIMITRIS MARGARITIS Chairman Public Affairs Commission The Commission held a comprehensive discussion covering crucial matters. These included the involvement of FMNs in Public Affairs activities, upcoming European Parliament elections and new directives impacting motorcycling, such as the Vehicle End of Life and the Driving Licence. Acknowledging the multitude of European issues, the members highlighted the necessity of involvement and support from significant FMNs like those representing the French, German, and Spanish motorcycle communities.
PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS Chairman Touring Commission The Commission evaluated the progress made over the past year and set new targets for 2024. The two touring events of 2023, the Lapland Experience and the FIM-Europe Club, were very successful, both in quality and attendance, setting new participation records. Both of them will be repeated in 2024: the Lapland Experience from 20th to 22nd March in Rovaniemi, while the Club Meeting is tba. In addition, the Tour Assistants Training & Certification program, to be carried out in Istanbul, Turkey in mid-August, will be extended to three days. The next year will see the launching of a totally new project for FIM Europe: the 1st European Women Riders Meeting, to be carried out with the cooperation of the FIM Women’s Commission and the kind assistance of the FMI. Early July, the Dolomites area of Bolzano will be welcoming women riders from all over Europe, to tour the area, exchange ideas and experiences and get to know each other.
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TOURING COMMISSION
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION GRAZYNA MAKOWSKA Chairwoman Environment Commission The Commission met once by Zoom after the Congress in Zaragoza and before Rome. On this occasion the members visited the sporting commissions for a short presentation of the activities and showed their expectations for better cooperation in the future. Next year the FIM Europe will celebrate 10 years of the project “Green Education Strategy”: it’s important to continue and educate not only young riders, but also environmental stewards and organisers of motorcycle events. In the nearest future the Commission will present the manuals for environmental stewards and organisers.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
FINAL MEETING OF THE FIM EUROPE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
From left to right: Roy N. Wetterstad, Juhani Halme, Manuel Marinheiro, Michal Sikora, Alessandro Sambuco, Martin de Graaff, Nicoleta Melania Olariu, Stijn Rentmeesters, Francesco C. Mezzasalma, Rodolfo Romeo, Silvia Monatti.
The FIM Europe Management Council met at the General Secretariat in Fiumicino (Rome) on Sunday 26th November. At the presence of the Honorary President Martin de Graaff and Vice Presidents, a lot of topics were discussed. During the meeting the usual points were on the agenda, including the Reports of the President, 1st and 2nd Deputy Presidents, Vice Presidents and Secretary General. The chairmen of the Sporting and Beyond-Sporting Council reported about Saturday’s meetings and councils, discussing about the 2023 season and next 2024 plans and proposals.
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
MICHAL SIKORA FIM Europe President
“We have finished an intensive but productive weekend in new location of EUR district in Rome. On Saturday we had meetings of all the Commissions: it has been very good for all our members to exchange their knowledge and experiences. On Sunday we had the last Management Council meeting of this year. We had discussed the outcome of the season as well as various proposal from commissions and applications for 2024 calendar”.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
2023 NORDIC MEETING
From left: Ville Salonen (SML Secretary General), Rusne Jankunaitè (LMSF Secretary General), Tonu Seil (EMF Sport Director), Tony Isaksen (NMF Secretary General), Giedre Leskauskiene (LMSF President), Martin Jarl (Svemo Secretary General), Anna Wilhelmsson (Svemo Coordinator), Robert Svensson (Svemo President), Emilie Westbye (NMF President), Erkki Heikkinen (SML President), Juhani Halme (FIM Europe Vice-President), Sören Andersen (DMU Sport Director), Dennis Skytte Bechmann (DMU Board Member).
SVEMO, the Swedish Motorcycle Federation, hosted the annual Nordic Meeting in Arlanda Airport, Stockholm. This important conference for FIM Europe and Nordic Federations, has been attended by Presidents and Secretaries General from the Nordic countries, Lithuania and Estonia. The meeting covered topics such as sustainability, environment, insurance and education, providing a platform to share countries’ experiences and knowledge in several important areas. Nordic countries benefit from each other’s insights and progress, promoting these aspects in motorsport. A par-
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INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
ticular focus was on the deepening cooperation in various areas, including insurance and licensing. The 2023 Nordic Meeting concluded with the appointment of Denmark as next year’s official venue. The FIM Europe and Nordic Federations strongly believe that this special occasion is fundamental to promote the cooperation and development of motorsport in the Nordic countries.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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SAD PASSING OF JØRGEN BITSCH
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REMEMBERING MASSIMO SIRONI The FIM Europe is saddened to inform about the passing of Massimo Sironi after two though years of fight against a disease.
simo will be hugely missed by the entire FIM Europe Family, who extends its condolences to his family and many friends at this difficult time.
He has been part of the FIM Europe Family from 2008 to 2018 as member of the Vintage Commission.
Alessandro Sambuco, FIM Europe General Secretary “I met Massimo many years ago and I can say with certainty that he is one of the biggest Enduro enthusiasts I have ever known. He was proud to belong to that geographical area that has given so much to Enduro: Bergamo. He was also proud of "his" Scuderia Norelli through which he spent all his energy in favor of Motorcycling and Enduro. He has also given a lot to the FIM EUROPE Vintage Commission to which he has continued to offer his collaboration even as an outsider, despite already being struggling with his illness. I will never forget a friend and a great enthusiast like Massimo”.
He was a great Enduro lover, who lived the motorsport with enthusiasm and dedication, involving family and friends in his passion and adventures. Founder and active member of the Motoclub Scuderia Norelli, he was President from 2003 to 2007 and then from 2021 until his passing. He made the “Valli Bergamasche Revival” an international event well-known and appreciated all over the world. Popular and familiar figure within the Italian motorcycling community, Mas-
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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MOTOCROSS &> SM SUPERMOTO SNOWCROSS JUNIOR EUROPEAN > EMX OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
ANDREA BENVENUTI WINS IN BELGIUM #04 ROUND
The penultimate round of the SM Junior European Championship was raced at the city circuit of Mettet, Belgium, an historic location scene of the most beautiful European by-invitation-races. A circuit that ensured a thrilling show. Andrea Benvenuti (KTM) comes back home after achieving the victory in Mettet and prevailing over his main rival Matej Kokes (Husqvarna). With one more race to go, both riders have the same number of points but the Italian rider has the red plate of Championship leader thanks to better results. Race 1 As the red lights blinked off Nathan Terraneo could not pull away so Andrea Benvenuti and Matej Kokes got the green light. The Italian rider took the lead of
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06TH-08TH OCTOBER
the race but could keep it for just a few corners as he was overtaken by Kokes at the start of the off-road. Matej tried to run away but Benvenuti did not let him go and chased the Czech rider till the final lap when he attacked him and eventually won the race. The third spot went to Nathan Terraneo. After this first race Matej Kokes is still holding the red plate of championship leader but his advantage shrank to two points only that divide him from Benvenuti. Race 2 Nathan Terraneo (KTM) did not fail the start of Race 2 and after the first corner was leading the pack followed by Andrea Benvenuti (KTM), who overtook his main rival Matej Kokes (Husq-
METTET, BELGIUM
varna) at the first corner. Terraneo immediately set a solid race pace in the first laps and could open a small gap over Benvenuti, who tried to keep the rhythm of the Swiss rider but when understood that Kokes was far he managed the race properly. Nathan Terraneo rode eight solo laps undisturbed. Courtesy of the two results achieved Andrea Benvenuti won the Mettet race and got back the red plate of Championship leader. Terraneo was second and Kokes rounded off the podium with the third place.
#05 ROUND The S4 and SM Junior European Championships got to their final race in Castelletto di Branduzzo, Italy, perfect scene for the last round of the season. The battle for the titles was still open. In the S4 Kevin Vandi and Francisco Gomez Requena were the main rivals, divided by a 10-point gap. The SM Junior was even more challenging with the head-to-head of Matej Kokes and Andrea Benvenuti, who arriver tied on points at this last race. S4 Race 1 Pole man Alessandro Morosi (Honda RedMoto Gazza Racing) did not make the best out of his starting position and lost it when Francisco Gomez Requena (Husqvarna) took it away from him; Kevin Vandi (L30 Racing Tm Factory) was third. Halfway through the lap Morosi made a small mistake and dropped down
15TH OCTOBER
CASTELLETTO DI BRANDUZZO, ITALY
to fourth place. The Honda rider got up to speed and recovered ground, so in the sixth lap moved ahead in front of Gomez Requena. It seemed like Alessandro Morosi could have won the race but in the final lap the Spanish rider took the lead and won the race. Kevin Vandi ended up third and lost five points in the standings but kept the lead.
thout making it. In order to win the title Gomez Requena only had one result available and in the final lap he took the lead and crossed the finish line first. Kevin Vandi was third. The two riders ended with the same number of points, but the title was awarded to Francisco Gomez Requena since he had a higher number of victories.
S4 Race 2 At the start of the final race Alessandro Morosi pulled away and took the lead of the pack but it lasted just a couple of laps because at the end of the main straight he slipped and was overtaken by Alex Gourdon Rafael (Husqvarna), Francisco Gomez Requena and Kevin Vandi. Gomez Requena and Gourdon Rafael opened a gap over Kevin Vandi but he did not give up and during the race got very close to his main rival and tried to overtake him wi-
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
SUPERMOTO > S4 AND SM JUNIOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
FRANCISCO GOMEZ REQUENA AND ANDREA BENVENUTI ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
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ROAD RACING > SSP 300 WOMEN'S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
POKER FOR BEATRIZ NEILA SANTOS #06 ROUND
06TH - 08TH OCTOBER
The 2023 season of the SSP 300 Women's European Championship came to an end at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. It was the perfect weekend for Beatriz Neila Santos (511 Racing Team), who took an amazing win at the end of a very tight race that was hard fought until the chequered flag. Thanks to a good advantage in the standings and this umpteenth success the Spanish rider conquered her fourth European title in a row. The reigning champion beat Sara Cabrini (Gradara Corse) in the final lap and the Italian was second at the finish line after fighting hard for victory and leading the race for a few laps.
Natalia Rivera (Trasimeno) was third in the race after a small mistake in the last corner, when she was fighting for victory with her compatriot. The Spanish vice-European Champion completed the podium ahead of Roberta Ponziani (Roc'n'DeA), fourth. Aurelia Cruciani (Roc'n'DeA) finished fifth behind her teammate Ponziani. Ran Yochay (Celo Racing) was sixth ahead of Patrycja Sowa (Sowa Racing), seventh, while Lena Kemmer (Bertlkr Racing) was eighth. Martina Guarino (MotoXRacing) and wild card Abigail Bosson (Trasimeno) closed the top 10 ninth and tenth respectively.
“The race went very well. It was amazing and I am very happy. Until the last corner I didn't know if I was first, second. But in the end, I won. I want to thank everybody for the amazing job done this weekend. The Championship was tough, especially at the beginning, but we did our best!”.
Beatriz Neila Santos
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IMOLA, ITALY
#06 ROUND
21ST - 22ND OCTOBER
GROBNIK, CROATIA
In mixed weather conditions the 6th and last round of the European STK 1000 and SSP 300 Cup was raced together with the Alpe Adria Championship at Automotodrom Grobnik, Croatia. The series went back to the track after the fourth round raced at the beginning of August. SSP300 In Race 1, declared wet race but with the track mostly dry, leader Mate Samado started from the pole position trying to set the pace. At his first race in the championship the Polish STK 1000 AA Champion Milan Pawelec took the lead in the first lap, ruling the manche and winning by a margin of 15 seconds ahead of the Hungarian. Third place for Praticia Sowa. Race 2 started as wet race. Again, Pawelec won ahead of Szamado and Sowa. A double second was enough for the Hungarian leader to confirm his leadership and took the European SSP300 title with 275 points. It was an amazing season for Szamado, who ruled most of the races with 7 victories and 5 second places. Silver medal for Polish Mateusz Molik, absent at this last round of the season, and bronze for the Czech rider Daniel Turecek.
STK 1000 STK 1000 Race 1 started on Saturday late afternoon under dry conditions with poleman Lenart Ulbl who took the win, but was disqualified after a technical protest. The victory went to championship leader Martin Tritscher. Second and third position for Macedonian riders Hristijan Buzalkovski and Sinisha Kochoski. Dry conditions in Race 2 too. Once more Ulbl ruled the manche conquering the victory ahead of Tritscher and Hungarian Daniel Ersek. The challenge for the title saw Tritscher took the gold medal ahead of Ulbel (-26) and Buzalkovski, respectively second and third.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
ROAD RACING > EUROPEAN SUPERSPORT 300 CUP - SUPERSTOCK 1000 CUP
SZAMADO AND TRITSCHER GRAB THE TITLES
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ROAD RACING > MOTO2, ETC, STOCK
SENNA AGIUS AND DANIEL MUÑOZ TAKE THE TITLE! #06 ROUND
08TH OCTOBER
The 2023 Moto2 European Championship, European Talent Cup and Stock European Championship were underway with the penultimate round of the season at the iconic MotorLand Aragon circuit in Spain. In the Moto2™ European Championship it was Senna Agius who flew to a mighty double, becoming the first Australian Champion in the class. In the European Talent Cup the title race is still on despite Maximo Quiles’ double. In the Stock European Championship Eric Fernandez beat Daniel Muñoz in a final lap belter, although 17-year-old Muñoz is the 2023 Champion.
Moto2 Senna Agius went from pole to lead all of Race 1 although he was under early pressure from a fast-starting Yeray Ruiz, who jumped the start and only got to serve one of two Long Lap Penalties before falling at Turn 2; thankfully, he was OK. Agius’ title rival Xavier Cardelus couldn’t replicate his strong pace from before, finishing P6. Ahead of the Andorran, the battle for the podium was unchained: teammates Roberto Garcia and Borja Gomez pipped Barcelona race winner Unai Orradre. In Race 2, Agius didn’t have it all his own way and the 18-year-old Australian had to deal with Alberto Surra for the first two thirds of action. Surra was pushing hard and trying to ruffle the Championship leader’s feathers but soon enough, Agius got ahead of the #67 to take another victory and with it, the title in 2023. A historic achievement with it being the first title for Australia in the class and once again, the class proves itself as a true stepping stone to the Moto2™ World Championship, with Agius moving up to the big time in 2024. Completing the podium in Race 2 was Borja Gomez, who took the second podium of the day just a few hours after the first of his career. An honourable mention to Alberto Ferrandez, who moved into the class for the first time this weekend and dazzled with a P5 and P4.
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ARAGON, SPAIN
ROAD RACING > MOTO2, ETC, STOCK
European Talent Cup Race 1 was a gloves off battle, like always in ETC but ultimately, Quiles took honours with a perfectly-timed move to the lead, having been at the front for so long earlier in the race. He overcame a Long Lap Penalty to beat title rival Uriarte and Jesus Rios, the latter taking a first podium in ETC. Also in the race-long battle, Ruche Moodley came from 20th on the grid to lead but retired on the final lap, with Rico Salmela and Pini completing Race 1’s top five. In the second duel, action was fiercer as Quiles tried to stretch the pack from pole but Pini was wise to this, knowing that with a 23-point deficit, he couldn’t afford to finish behind the 2021 Champion. The Italian hit the front in the early stages and immediately slowed the pace down, at times two seconds slower than the immediate opening laps. This allowed the pack to close up and a massive battle soon erupted, although it’d be over for Belgian Lorenz Toni Luciano, who crashed at Turn 4. Rios once again starred, along with Uriarte, Salmela, Dodo Boggio, Moodley and his teammate Leonardo Zanni. In the last two laps, Quiles broke free after contact for Pini and Uriarte on the front straight, making it a double win. Rios took a career-best P2 with Pini third, now out of the title fight. Uriarte’s fourth means he’s the only rider who can stop Quiles in Valencia from becoming the first double ETC Champion, albeit with an 18-point disadvantage.
Stock European Championship The initial staging was red-flagged for an incident involving Kike Ferrer at Turn 7. A six-lap restart was now on the billing, with a podium enough for Daniel Muñoz to be crowned Champion. However, Eric Fernandez was keen to lead and slow the race pace down, mirroring Pini’s attempts in ETC. He took over at the head of the field and the gap back to third place and Dino Iozzo went from 2.3s to just 0.5s. Desperate not to end up locked in a battle, Muñoz hit the front in the last two laps but Fernandez was resilient; the two pulled away again and after contact on the penultimate lap at the final turn, it was a head-to-head thriller. Side-by-side into Turn 16, Muñoz got there first but ran wide, allowing Fernandez to take a second win of 2023 but it wasn’t enough; Muñoz is the 2023 Champion with a round to spare, whilst Iozzo finished third.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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ROAD RACING > MOTO2, ETC, STOCK
VALENCIA SEASON FINALE CROWNED THE CHAMPIONS #07 ROUND
05TH NOVEMBER
VALENCIA, SPAIN
The sun set in style at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. The Moto2™ European Championship saw Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact Junior GP Team) sign off in style with victory from P17 on the grid, whilst European Talent Cup honours went to Guido Pini (AC Racing Team), although it was Maximo Quiles (Aspar Junior Team) who clinched the crown. Stock European Championship competition ended the day with David Muñoz (SP57 Racing Team) taking a fifth win of 2023.
Moto2 The title had already been secured by Senna Agius at Aragon but he faced a different challenge in the final Moto2™ ECh race of 2023. A penalty after qualifying meant that his original pole position had turned into a P17 grid start. Inside the top ten by the end of the opening lap, Agius powered himself into contention whilst Alberto Surra (Team Ciatti-Boscoscuro grabbed the early advantage. Agius was soon ahead of his rivals, with Roberto Garcia (Cardoso-Fantic Racing), Unai Orradre (STV Laglisse Racing) and Yeray Ruiz (FAU55 Tey Racing) all being dismissed by the charging #81. The Australian then made short work of closing down a 2.6s gap up to Surra but despite catching the Italian, it took three attempts at Turn 4 to make the move stick. However, once he made it work, Agius eased to a tenth career win and an eighth of 2023, becoming just the third rider to win ten races in the class. Surra was a strong second whilst Orradre clinched third. Agius finished 67 points clear of Xavier Cardelus (Promoracing) in the end with Surra third.
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ROAD RACING > MOTO2, ETC, STOCK
European Talent Cup The only title on the line coming into the final round of 2023 was that of the ETC, with Maximo Quiles vs Brian Uriarte (Team Estrella Galicia 0,0) being the rivalry. The race ignited with the #28 Quiles going all out from the start before a group of seven was formed, with Uriarte and teammate Rico Salmela part of it. Jesus Rios (MRE Talent) was a polesitter for the first time and swapped paint with Quiles before big drama occurred behind. At Turn 2 towards mid-race, Salmela tried to pass Uriarte but in doing so, ran wide; as he cut back, Uriarte was already under him and the two collided and crashed, ending the #51’s title hopes in a teammate clash. Quiles was now Champion whatever happened but he still fought hard against Pini, Valentin Perrone (Frando VHC Racing Team) and Rios. On the final lap, Pini rode to perfection for a last win with the #1 plate. Perrone took a first podium – also a first for Argentina in the class – whilst Rios was third with a third straight podium. Quiles in P4 became the first double ETC Champion; Pini finished second overall, leapfrogging Uriarte.
Stock European Championship The last Stock ECh event of the year was an intriguing one; Daniel Muñoz was already crowned Champion but wanted to finish strongly, with Eric Fernandez (FAU55 Tey Racing) likewise aiming to sign off his 2023 season as number one in race terms. Both battled throughout the 18 laps, with Fernandez even slowing the pace right down, as both engaged in a game of strategy. After a lap of cruising around with a 13-second advantage, Muñoz pulled the pin and eased away to win by eight seconds ahead of his main title rival. Third place had seemingly gone to Archie McDonald (MRE Talent) but for exceeding track limits throughout the race, he was handed a three second penalty which left him in P7, denying him a first podium. Taking profit, Marco Garcia (Easyrace Team) was third, with the top three in the race being reflected in the same order in the final standings of 2023.
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MOTOCROSS & SNOWCROSS > YAMAHA YZ BLU-CRU 65CC - 85CC - 125CC CUP 36
MAYMANN AND GORDON DO IT FOR DENMARK WITH YZ85 AND YZ65 VICTORIES WHILE MANCINI PUTS ON A MASTERCLASS TO WIN THE YZ125 08TH OCTOBER
ERNÉE, FRANCE
YZ125 As the French fans roared the YZ125 riders off the gate, it was fellow Italian Giorgio Orlando who rushed to the holeshot. Switzerland’s Noe Zumstein slotted into second, and Mancini found himself third. But he attacked hard and rode the wheels off his Yamaha to pass his two rivals early in the first lap. From this point, Mancini was remarkably controlled and settled, keeping up an impressive rhythm even when he needed to pass slower riders towards the end of the race – with five minutes (plus two laps) left, he had a lead of 7.8 seconds. The battle behind Mancini was a little more tense, with Orlando and Zumstein initially squabbling it out for second and home rider Felix Cardineau also showing them his front wheel. Latvia’s Jekabs Kubulins, who rode strongly in Saturday’s timed practice, moved into fourth place and looked to chase after the leaders with great pace. However, ten minutes before the end, just as he attempted a pass for the podium, he injured his foot without going down. He initially entered the pits due to the pain but bravely decided to continue, desperate to finish the prestigious race. He crossed the line in 25th, a result that belies his true potential. Cardineau also lost a place to his compatriot, Maho Simo, who moved into fourth in the latter stages of the intense race. Orlando and Zumstein did their best to hunt down Mancini, but it was clear they had to settle for second and third. The Top Female Rider was Nellie Fransson from Sweden. In each of the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale categories, the top three finishers and two wild cards will receive an invite to the bLU cRU Masterclass that will take place in mid-November. There, one YZ125 rider will win a place in a Yamaha-supported EMX125 team for 2024, while the top-performing YZ65 and YZ85 youngsters will earn added support from Yamaha Motor Europe for next season.
“For these two days here in Ernèe, my feeling with the bike has been fantastic, and I also felt great with his track. Yesterday, I took the fastest lap in timed practice, and to win today is a huge emotion. My family and team have put so much into this, and I want to thank them all. My goal when I arrived here was to get a victory, and I’m so happy to achieve it. I hope I can continue my career in the best possible way”.
Simone Mancini
“I had a really good race. I was thinking before the start that maybe I could win, and I changed my mindset to say that instead, I should win. I wanted to smile and have fun, plus I really love this track; I think all of those things helped me. I rode in the SuperFinale in France last year and came third; now I was able to actually win – it’s great! I hope I will have a good future in this sport”.
Willads Gordon
Storm Maymann YZ65 The YZ65 class saw Denmark take the double when Willads Gordon used the first gate pick he earned from setting the fastest lap in timed practice to great use, taking the holeshot and running away with it. After just two laps, he’d built an enormous lead of five and a half seconds, and with smooth and precise riding, he only increased this further as the race wore on. Maurice Heidegger (Austria) and Jann Huisman (Netherlands) went after the final two podium spots once it was clear that Gordon was uncatchable, and a small off for Heidegger further put paid to his chances. The front two seemed to be settled, but Huisman was hungry for more. However, the Dutch rider fell at the end of the race while trying to make up time, allowing local rider Ryan Lustenberger to snatch the final spot on the podium, much to the delight of the assembled fans. Huisman, therefore, finished fourth, while Alberto Rodriguez (Spain) completed the Top 5. Maria Inês Gandon was the Top Female Rider.
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MOTOCROSS & SNOWCROSS > YAMAHA YZ BLU-CRU 65CC - 85CC - 125CC CUP
YZ85 In the YZ85 class, it was Denmark’s Bertram Thorius who got first gate pick after he topped the timed practice session, but when the race rolled around, he lost out on the holeshot to Austria’s Davi Dür. It would turn out to be a three-way fight between the trio for the entirety of the race, although once Maymann took the lead, he settled into a great rhythm. The young Dane never looked back once he hit the front and controlled the gap to his rivals nicely. However, things remained close between Dür and Thorius. The latter managed to make the move into second with one and a half laps to go, but a small crash saw him lose the spot again before the chequered flag. Switzerland’s Luis Santeussanio and Kay Zijlstra from the Netherlands completed the Top 5. Elin Rotsthen of Sweden finished as Top Female Rider.
“I started well, getting into third off the start. After that, I was going for the lead, but I made a little mistake on the first step down, and I couldn’t jump it, so I lost some ground. Then I recovered and got to the front, and I felt really good. It’s amazing to take this victory - I worked really hard to achieve a good result here. It’s been a tough season for me; winning was my goal, and I did it!”.
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MOTOCROSS & SNOWCROSS > SUPERCROSS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 38
EICMA EXHIBITION CROWNED THE 2023 CHAMPIONS 11TH NOVEMBER
EICMA MILANO, ITALY
The Supercross European Championship set the action in Milan, in occasion of the 80th edition of Eicma, the International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition, well-known worldwide as the most important trade fair event for the entire two-wheel sector. The single event was a huge success in collaboration with the outstanding show of MotoLive: action, show and adrenaline that enlived the outdoor area of the Exhibition with free entrance for the public. After free practice, time practice and qualifying, riders of SX Men, SX 250, SX 125 and SX Junior 85 lined up for the main event. The winner of the EMX 65 / EMX 85 European Championship South West zone, Riccardo Pini (KTM), left a mark once more. After having pocketed five victories in the European Championship, the Italian rider won ahead of Andrea Uccellini (Husqvarna) and Francesco Assini (GasGas), conquering the SX Junior 85 European title.
In SX125 class three Italian riders fought for the title. Davide Brandini (KTM) came out on top as he defeated Francesco Zoriaco (GasGas) and Michael Conte (Fantic) at the end of 13 thrilling laps. Italian riders ruled SX 250 class too. Yuri Quarti (GasGas) won easily over Raffaele Giuzio (KTM) and Alessio Bonetta (Husqvarna), conquering the SX 250 title. In SXMen class was Filippo Zonta (GasGas) the best rider. The Italian won ahead of Angelo Pellegrini (Honda) and the French Poll Killiann (Husqvarna).
07TH - 08TH OCTOBER
CINGOLI, ITALY
The Sidecarcross and Quadcross of European Nations witnessed an astounding spectacle as it hosted the amazing attendance of many extra-European teams, with a warm audience at the track of Cingoli, in central Italy. The atmosphere was nothing short of electrifying and the crowd’s unwavering support for all the riders, especially the home team, giving more strength to Italy to race in front of its public. Team USA made up with Joel Hetrick, Bryce Ford and Chad Wienen took the top step of the podium at the Quadcross of European Nations, while Team Netherlands won the Sidecarcross of European Nations. Quadcross In all three races Team USA ruled finishing first and second. In Race 1 Third position for Team Great Britain with Harry Walker, while in Race 2 was the European Champion Patrick Turrini who battled with the American taking the third position. The third and final race was interrupted on the first lap due to a fault at the gate. At the restart, a wild Patrick Turrini conquered once again the third
position, managing to administer the race with speed and concentration. The United States won the Quadcross of Nations with 7 points, followed by Italy (44) and Argentina (46), tied on points with Ireland. Sidecarcross Hard-fought challenge for the Sidecarcross. Always finishing in the top three team Netherlands took the European title with the crew Box/Cermak, Keuben/Van der Will and Hermans/Van den Bogaart, who secured 14 points. With a double win (Race 1 and Race 3) and 17 points Team Great Britain finished second with the crew Foden/Humphrey, Brown/Chamberlain and Wilkinson/ Millard. 24 points for team France, third on the podium with the crew Prunier/Prunier, Hazard/Hupon and Auvray/Musset.
FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
MOTOCROSS & SNOWCROSS > SIDECARCROSS AND QUADCROSS OF EUROPEAN NATIONS
AMAZING UNITED STATES AND THE NETHERLANDS
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ENDURO & RALLY > BAJAS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 40
BAJA TT DO OESTE 06TH - 08TH OCTOBER
TORRES VEDRAS, PORTUGAL
After a relatively short break, the third and last round of the Bajas European Championship was raced from October 06th to 08th in occasion of the Baja TT do Oeste, official event for the Mini Baja Trophy and, internationally, for the FIM Bajas World Cup. The public took advantage of the good weather over the weekend to visit the tracks, enjoying a huge spectacle with the high participation of drivers from different nationalities. The Baja Oeste de Portugal took place on tracks designed in the municipalities of Torres Vedras, Bombarral, Azambuja, Alenquer, Óbidos, Sobral de Monte Agraço and Cadaval, the latter being home to the operations center for the Baja TT Oeste de
Portugal organized by Escuderia Castelo Branco. In this last round riders had to deal with Friday’s prologue of 6 km, plus a route that included two selective sectors, one with 229 km on Saturday and a second and final one with 150 km on Sunday. Total length of Baja was about 350 km of SS and additional 144 km of liasons, for a total of 490 km. The Portuguese rider David Megre won Moto class and also took the European title. Luis Fernandes won the Quad but the French Antoine Sanchez conquered the title thanks to the good advantage in the standings. In SSV home heroes João Monteiro and Nuno Morais won this round and the title too.
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SPECIAL CONTENT
BMW ROMA TEST RIDE FOR THE FIM EUROPE TOURING COMMISSION MEMBERS It's becoming a tradition... And traditions are important. For the second consecutive year, on 24th November, in occasion of the FIM Europe Commissions’ meetings, this year for the first time in a single session at the Hilton Eur La Lama in Rome, BMW Roma organized a Test Ride for the members of the Touring Commission. A route of over 300 km in total took the participants, accompanied by some members of the Moto Club Roma, to the fascinating scenery of the Tuscia Viterbese, with lunch in a well-known country restaurant near Torre Alfina.
Front row, from left: Jukka Lainkari (SML Finland), Giovanni Tardani (BMW Motorrad), Alessandro Sambuco (FIM Europe), Jesper Christensen (FIM), Panagiotis Kalaitzis (AMOTOE Greece). Second row, from left: Paolo Ginevri (MC Roma), Rodolfo Romeo (FIM Europe), Virginijus Visockis (LMSF Lithuania), Fabrizio Battaglia (MC Roma). Third row, from left: Gianfranco Ciatoni (MC Roma), Maurizio Di Tonno (MC Roma), Fausto Paoloni (MC Roma).
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ALESSANDRO SAMBUCO FIM Europe Secretary General
“For us, involving stakeholders is important because this can lead to a greater understanding of their needs and expectations. BMW is one of our stakeholders for both the sporting and tourism sectors. The proximity to BMW Rome, given that our General Secretariat is located in Fiumicino, I hope will allow us to interact with them more and more frequently, obtaining valuable feedback to identify any problems before they become critical".
SALVATORE NICOLA NANNI CEO of BMW Rome
“It was a pleasure to host representatives of the International Motorcycling Federation Europe again this year. It is a source of pride that FIM Europe recognizes BMW Roma as a company that is like them and in which they feel at ease, united by the values and passion for two wheels. The spaces of the renovated BMW Motorrad Roma headquarters in Via Salaria were therefore made available to the FIM Europe for their periodic meetings in the Roman capital, guaranteeing them an exclusive and authentically motorcycling context. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Roma motorcycle fleet allowed FIM Europe officials from all over Europe to experience a two-wheeled journey along beautiful routes around Rome”.
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SPECIAL CONTENT > FIM EUROPE CLUB
FIM EUROPE CLUB LAPLAND EXPERIENCE 2024
The FIM Europe and the Finnish Motorcycling Federation, in co-operation with the Snowmobile Guide Association, are pleased to invite the Members of the European Federations to live a unique experience on snowmobiles in Finnish Lapland based on the City of Rovaniemi. The experience will also represent an opportunity to develop cooperation between the Federations, share ideas and discuss issues related to Sport and Beyond-Sport Motorcycling.
Join us to cooperate in the development of European Motorcycling and enjoy Finnish nature and culture!
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Who is invited Are invited all the members of the European Federations and their guests. Tour’s organisation and guides: Snowmobile Guide Association Finland. Dates Arrival on Tuesday 19th March 2024 Departure on Saturday 23rd March 2024 Location Rovaniemi - FINLAND Accommodation: www.santaclausholidayvillage.fi Classic cottage 181€/ 2 persons / night Superior cottage 210€ / 2 persons / night Breakfast and transportations from and to the Rovaniemi airport are included. What we will do Excursions on snowmobiles Snowmobiles: Skidoo Renegade 600 ACE or Lynx Adventure 600 ACE (4 stroke, with double seat) 180€/day including driving gears (for the passenger also) and insurance (In case of accident, self-liability 800€) Registration fee of € 175,00 per person (including the lunch all days). The registration should be done to SML following the link: www.moottoriliitto.fi Accommodation and rental costs will be paid directly to the providers.
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FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE
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