MXGP #112 December 2022

#112 DECEMBER 2022

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MXGP MAG Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: MXGP INFRONT MOTO RACING MEDIA World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #112 December 2022 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Infront Moto Racing.

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David Luongo CEO of Infront Moto Racing

Dear MXGP Friends, We are heading to the end of the year and December is, as usual, a time to celebrate with our families.

IT IS PRIMORDIAL TO KEEP THE CLOSE CONTACT BETWEEN THE FANS AND THE ATHLETES

It also concludes a year of great racing with the FIM Awards that took place in Rimini on 3rd December. During this great event, all the motorcycles World Champions were present to be celebrated in front of the main between the fans and the athletes stakeholders of the industry and the which is really unique to our sport. different national federations.

We hope that this new event into the event contributes to this proximity!

Our champions Tim Gajser and Tom Vialle received their awards in MXGP and MX2 next to Nancy Van De Ven who received the gold medal in WMX, Ivano Van Erp in 125cc, Gyan Doensen in 85cc and Team USA for their MXoN victory.

During the same weekend, we hosted the annual Organizers meeting seminar where all the 2023 season’s Organizers attended to prepare the upcoming races. We took the occasion to present some of the novelties that we will put in place to improve the spectators experience onsite during the GP Weekend. One of these new activities will be the Paddock Show experience, which will be a unique structure in the paddock where the riders and the fans will have the opportunity to interact with live interviews on Saturday, music, and some other activities. For us it is primordial to keep the close contact

The new MXGP-TV Full Season early bird subscription is already available online if you want to follow the full live racing program of the MXGP World Championship, as well as all the support races. Besides, there are some events that have already opened the tickets pre-sales, so you can already book your favorite GP for 2023!

The season will start in less than three months, waiting for the first engines to turn on in Argentina, I wish you all a festive season greeting and a happy new year!

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H O AIR MIC A N DY

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AIROH HELMETS - A BRAND THAT WE ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH, RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE WORLD FAMOUS EICMA TRADE SHOW IN MILAN, AND WHETHER YOU ARE RACING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OR PREPARING TO THROW A LEG OVER YOUR MOTORCYCLE FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ITALIAN HELMET MANUFACTURER IS LOOKING FORWARD TO CELEBRATING THE NEXT 25 YEARS, AND NONE OF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE VISION OF ONE MAN; ANTONIO LOCATELLI.

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Antonio Locatelli originally formed his company back in 1986 but it would be more than a decade before he would re-brand from Locatelli S.p.a - a company that produced helmets for other known helmet brands - to the brand that we know it as today: AIROH. The company, based close to Bergamo, Italy, utilises the racing experiences of top flight riders from MXGP, MX2, WMX, EMX, AMA Supercross and Motocross, MotoGP, World Superbike, Speedway, Trial, Enduro and Rally-Raid, where feedback from the riders in these disciplines is vital in keeping the AIROH brand at the forefront of helmet manufacture and design, where safety has always been the number one priority when it comes to the helmets’ integrity.

From its humble beginnings in 1997, it took until 2005 before AIROH celebrated its first world title, when Italian Antonio Cairoli claimed the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship, wearing a brand of helmet that the nine-time world champion has remained with ever since; and when Rally-Raid rider Sam Sunderland crossed the line at the end of the Andalucian Rally on October 23rd 2022, the world title count for AIROH was elevated to 125 world championships. This was also the first time that AIROH had won this coveted world championship, quite appropriate, given that this is the 25th anniversary of the helmet manufacturer. It’s also a staggering number of world championships titles to have claimed, meaning that on average, there are five AIROH Helmet riders crowned as world champion every year across all disciplines.

Quality, research and protection are the pillars on which AIROH has been built which continues to make design, safety and performance its reasons for existence, starting from the needs of riders to bring everyday users the same technology and the same products used by great world champions: ‘In 1997, when I founded AIROH - Antonio Innovative Range of Helmets - I had the ambition to bring a breath of fresh air to the motorcycle helmet sector,’ commented Antonio Locatelli, CEO of the Italian brand, ‘and if I look back, the success of AIROH has been built thanks to the innovations that we were able to introduce. The insights that have led AIROH to be a global benchmark of two wheels are the result of work, consistency and knowledge of the sector, as well as courage for the pioneering choices we have made.’

At the recent EICMA show, AIROH created a space which was

reserved for some of the most iconic helmets that they had produced over the years, including the PR 2000, the road helmet which marked the beginning of AIROH’s success at the end of the 1990s; at the time, it was deemed as one of the most innovative helmet designs which included the flip-up chin guard, making it very versatile for all seasons of riding.

The off-road sector was represented by the Aviator, the helmet worn by Antonio Cairoli and others in the toughest motocross championship in the world, MXGP, albeit in its first and iconic version. Also making the display were the FIRE FOX, which was the first model of AIROH helmet used by professional riders, such as Cairoli. Then there was the RUNNER, produced in 2003, and deemed a pioneer of off-road helmets, and among the first to be produced in Thermoplastic.

The STELT, which was the first helmet in the off-road sector to weigh less than a kilogram, also confirmed its place in the display alongside the SIX DAY TROPHY; the AIROH celebratory helmet for the Enduro Trophy of Nations ‘Honor to the Captain,’ an un21

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precedented sporting event born as a tribute to the great champion Augusto Taiocchi, the rider who dominated the Italian Enduro series for more than two decades and who helped Team Italy to three, Six Day Enduro world titles.

From a motocross standpoint, AIROH has been a huge part of the MXGP paddock over the years, and in 2022 there were more than 20 supported riders across the different categories of MXGP, which also says a lot about the reputation that AIROH has established over the past quarter of a century. If you have ever been to watch a round of MXGP live, then you would have no doubt seen the AIROH support vehicle in the paddock.

The impressive rig not only has helmets on display, but also provides a place where AIROH supported riders can take their helmets between sessions to be cleaned, have inner linings and pads changed, and even ‘built up’ to cater for mud-race conditions, should the need arise. As a rider, you couldn’t ask for more and as an advertising tool, it allows AIROH to display everything it does, not only for the riders, but also showcases its product to those who just happen to pass by.

One rider who has enjoyed this kind of service over the years is Antonio Cairoli whose record speak for itself: The Sicilian won all of his nine world titles wearing an AIROH Helmet, along with all of his 94 grand prix victories, 182 race wins, 179 podiums and 358 top three race finishes. He also won the 2021 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations racing for Team Italy, which was a great way to round off a spectacular racing career.

Antonio Cairoli: ‘I had an AIROH Helmet in 1997 when I was racing 85cc; AIROH was born in 1997. I like that AIROH is a ‘Made in Italy’ product and working with them for so many years is like being part of the family. Antonio Locatelli became a friend, and I appreciate a lot that he has supported me from the very beginning when I didn’t win a world title yet, until today where we won nine world titles together.’

Cairoli’s MX2 world championship victory in 2005 wasn’t only the first in

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motocross for AIROH, but it was also the very first out of all the different disciplines.

After 18-years of racing, the chequered flag fell on Antonio Cairoli’s career on home soil at the MXGP of Citta di Mantova, a venue where the ‘222’ has stood on the top step of the podium no fewer than four times. On this occasion though, it was his teammate Jeffrey Herlings who took to the top step, on a day that saw him crowned world champion for a fifth time.

However, both Herlings and Cairoli stood side by side on the podium as AIROH CEO Antonio Locatelli presented both riders with commemorative gold helmets, celebrating Herlings’ personal milestone as well as Cairoli’s career, which had just come to an end. Herlings even

went down on bended knee and tipped his cap ‘chapeau’ style to the Italian legend, a moment which was appreciated by all who witnessed it, including TC222 himself.

Even though Cairoli is now retired and embarking on a new chapter as team manager, he is still loyal to the brand that protected him every step of the way, and as for AIROH, you can be sure that more riders will be adding even more world titles to its already impressive legacy, over the next 25 years. Congratulations Antonio Locatelli on everything you and your team have achieved over the past twenty-five years, and here’s to the next twenty-five and beyond, and we look forward to seeing you in the paddock again soon.

AIROH World Champions - Motocross Antonio Cairoli (MX2 / MX1 / MXGP) Livi Lancelot (WMX) Tyla Rattray (MX2) Steffi Laier (WMX) Marvin Musquin (MX2) Kiara Fontanesi WMX) Jeffrey Herlings (MX2 / MXGP) Kim Savaste (Junior 85cc) Jordi Tixier (MX2) Gianluca Facchetti (Junior 125cc) Jorge Prado (MX2) Jason Anderson (AMA Supercross FIM World Champion) Tom Vialle (MX2) Mattia Barbieri (Junior 85cc) Ivano Van Erp (Junior 125cc)

TIM GAJESER

2022 MXGP WORLD CHAMPION

TOM VIALLE

2022 MX2 WORLD CHAMPION

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

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L A I C O S P G X M @maximumgranville_ motoaxxe Les calendriers de l’avent sont là

@arne_fitkau Get ready @mqpmx_319_ @bud_racing @9mm_energydrink

De nombreux lots à gagner.

Venez les découvrir en magasin et tentez de remporter des places pour le motogp, le mxgp et plein d’autres lots.

Advent Calendar | Day 1 | MX2 Race 2 | MXGP of Great Britain 2022: Watch the MX2 Race 2 of the first 2022 round where Simon Langenfelder won his first GP in his career, but he was under pressure from Tom Vialle. Re live all the crashes of Tom Vialle and Kevin Horgmo in this amazing race!

@tomvialle28 @fimlive awards 2k22

@mxgpstore_official BLACK FRIDAY is NOW! Make sure to place your order on mxgp-store.com

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@rfme_oficial No todos los días tenemos el honor de contar con todos estos cracks, pilotos y expilotos de MX, que han hecho esta mañana un curso de formación de la @ fimlive del @mxgp Academy EP.4 Season Review Tim Gajser wins for the fifth time: In the fourth episode of the 2022 season review series, we see how Tim Gajser got and celebrated his fifth World Title!

@zarcophotography 3,2,1… @davidmx72 @mxgp @kawasakimxgp

@alessandro_diprima Postcard from @ eicmaofficial with my idol and favorite rider @ romainfebvre

@mxnewsonlinecom @jedbeaton14 I’m Interview.

Nach 6 Jahren MXGP verlässt der Australier die MX Weltmeisterschaft.

Mit uns sprach er über seine Beweggründe und Zukunftspläne.

@nancyvdven What a night yesterday evening at the official #fimawards2022 @fimlive ✨. So cool to meet such incredible champions and

MXGP Academy | MXGP: With the MXGP Academy we give you a better look at what the future stars of motocross learn during the few days they spend with us at the selected Grand Prix’s with professional trainers!

P G X M # D OF ORL W E H IN T

@_familyriders06_ Bon dimanche MXGP France 2022

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H T N O M A M E E T F TH O

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Triumph: Verb - achieve a victory; be successful

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES, ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC MOTORCYCLE BRANDS IN THE WORLD, RECENTLY ANNOUNCED IT WILL BE ENTERING THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD OF MXGP AND ENDURO IN A MOVE THAT HAS BEEN GREATLY WELCOMED BY THE OFF-ROAD RACING COMMUNITY AND ONE THAT WILL SEE NO FEWER THAN EIGHT DIFFERENT BRANDS OF MOTORCYCLE COMPETING FOR THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE. MXGP MAGAZINE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH THE TEAM BEHIND THE AMBITIOUS PROJECT TO SEE HOW THINGS ARE SHAPING UP AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT COME 2024 WHEN TRIUMPH WILL ENTER THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME.

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The history of Triumph motorcycles can be traced as far back as 1902 (120 years) when a bicycle produced at the Triumph Cycle Company was fitted with a Belgian-made Minerva engine. However, the British based company built its first in-house, all-British motorcycle in 1905, and by the end of that year had produced more than 250 motorcycles. In 1907, Triumph made its racing debut when Jack Marshall and Frank Hulbert left the start line in the Isle of Man TT. Year-onyear, more motorcycles were being produced and when the

First World War broke out in 1914, Triumph’s production was increased rapidly to provide motorcycles for the Allies.

Over the next four years, more than 30,000 bikes were built, including the ‘Model H Roadster’ better known as the ‘Trusty Triumph’ and from there, the company went from strength-tostrength. Designed to withstand the rigours of the Western Front, the ‘Trusty’ could lay claim to being the world’s first ‘off-road’ motorcycle.

Following on from the Second World War, Triumph owners were by now, modifying their own engines which prompted Triumph’s first foray into offroad racing and in 1948, the British built motorcycle took victory in the prestigious International Six Days Trial.

As a result, Triumph was fast becoming the ‘go-to’ motorcycle for the A-List community of

that time, including the likes of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, James Dean, Marlon Brando and Steve McQueen with the bikes even being showcased on the silver screen.

But, despite the highs, there were inevitable lows, and by the early 1980’s, Triumph Engineering Co. Ltd found itself battling financial issues due to a various number of reasons, including competition from other brands, and by 1983, the company declared itself bankrupt.

The Revival When the company went into receivership, a man by the name of John Bloor bought the name and manufacturing rights to keep the Triumph dream alive, along with the vision to restore the company back to its rightful place, and today, under the guidance of company CEO Nick Bloor, Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. is now the largest UK owned motorcycle

manufacturer, producing a vast range of road bikes where the model range includes Adventure, Roadster, Modern Classics and Special Edition Models. With such an array of road bikes to choose from, you can understand therefore, why the announcement to enter the off-road sector earlier this year was met with raised eyebrows, but if you follow MotoGP or the British and World Superbike Championships, then you will know that Triumph engines are proving a force to be reckoned with.

To make things interesting, the Triumph off-road project will be starting completely from scratch, and whilst the team of engineers may have engine know-how from its Moto2 successes, getting the chassis right for the demands of motocross could be more challenging, which is why it has acquired the services of some of the best riders and mechanical minds in the business to fasttrack their ambitions. So, what do we know so far, about the team behind the project?

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Let’s start at the beginning. On July 20th 2022, a press release was circulated announcing Triumph’s ambitions to enter the motocross and enduro worlds where ‘development is well under way on a comprehensive range of all-new competition Motocross and Enduro motorcycles’ before continuing with ‘… This will be accompanied by a landmark moment for Triumph and the MX and Enduro racing world with an all-new Triumph factory race programme, and a commitment to top tier championship racing in both Motocross and Enduro series.’

It was what came next which made our ears prick up, when the PR announced that ‘to race and win at the highest level in the sport, Triumph is proud to announce that global Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and fivetimes Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes have joined the Triumph family as active partners in both bike testing and preparation for racing.’

Wow! Talk about a bombshell moment. This tells you all you need to know about Triumph, that it is not just here to produce motorcycles for fun; Triumph is here to win.

Top Brass At the recent edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in the USA, we learned even more about the infrastructure of the racing division, and more importantly, who will be leading the race team when it takes to the grid in 2024. Heading up Triumph Racing Team will be Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni, one of the sports most experienced and successful team owners, who will field two of Triumph’s all-new 250cc 4-stroke motocross bikes in 2024 in the MX2 class, before following up with a 450cc in the MXGP class in 2025.

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Chizat-Suzzoni has been passionate about motorcycles since he was 5 years-old, after having ridden his first bike, an ITOM moped, on his parent’s farm in the south of France, and even if racing bikes was never on his radar, he thoroughly enjoyed watching anything off-road, whether it be enduro, motocross or rally-raid, which was in its infancy at the time. His older brother raced hill climbs, so he also got to witness first-hand what went on behind the scenes, something which would come in handy later on in his life.

With bikes on the back burner for now, Mr. Chizat-Suzzoni turned his attentions to his studies and after a time spent working in the medical field, he now owns a healthcare facility for dependent people; he also works in the real estate sector. Motocross is his real passion though, and in 2005, the Frenchman entered the world championship paddock, this time as a team owner: ‘I decided with a friend to create the TEAM CLS in order to participate in the Motocross World Championship with Mickael Maschio as a rider in the MX1 class.’

After three years though, it was time to move on, as he explains: ‘At the beginning of 2008, I told my partner that I was going to leave the team at the end of the season.

When Mr. Jan de Groot passed away in 2007, his wife Helen decided to stop the motorbike activity at the end of 2008 and (she planned) to sell the workshop in Schijndel in the Netherlands. I was fascinated by this place and the location was perfect for motocross, as it is located in the heart of Europe and with a lot of racetracks close to the workshop.

We made an offer to Helen to buy the workshop and the equipment, and the company ‘MX ESCA’ started in 2009, (where we went on to continue) with 13 seasons under the KRT colours.’

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During this period, Mr. ChizatSuzzoni got to work with some of the world’s best riders, such as Gaultier Paulin, Steven Frossard, Ryan Villopoto, Clement Desalle and Romain Febvre; the latter coming so close to delivering the team the MXGP world title they’d worked so hard for in 2021. That season was a particularly tough one though, as he recalls: ‘With Romain Febvre, it was a fantastic season in 2021 for the team. We fought until the last race for the title; it was an intense year in emotion because it was (also) the last race of MX ESCA. A thought today to all the people who collaborated with the team, the sport managers Yves Demaria and Jacky Vimond, my team manager François Lemariey, who stayed with me for more than 10 years. And of course, a special thank you to the staff who decided to stay with me. Vincent Bereni is one of them; without these people I would not be here today.’

Vincent Bereni will be the Team Manager, and it’s fair to say that he is a person who has definitely earned his stripes over the years, having worked on both sides of the Atlantic: ‘I have 25 years racing experience, from 15 years in MXGP to 10 years in the USA in both Supercross and Motocross. I have worked in every position in my career; from helper, to my role today now as Team Manager. I have worked with some great successful race teams and multiple manufacturers, along with some exceptional technicians and engineers. I have also worked with riders that were in my bedroom on a poster, to young exceptional riders.’

But what does his role as Team Manager entail?

‘My position as Team manager of the MXGP/MX2 Triumph Racing programme is to overlook the technical aspect. I’ve got a great team of technicians that are directly linked to the engineering department of Triumph in the UK who are running the technical 40

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plan and direction. It’s a real team work, not a one man show!’

Whilst we, the public, may have first heard about this new adventure earlier this year, Triumph had first muted it as far back as 2018, and having now committed to MXGP, the goal is to build the most professional and competitive racing team in the Championship, and with Thierry and his team, Triumph is well placed to be able to achieve that. So far, all details about the bikes are a very closely guarded secret, and whilst this will remain the case until official photographs break cover, when asked about where the bikes will be produced, Chizat-Suzzoni revealed that ‘all of the bikes have been designed, developed, and tested at Triumph’s Global Headquarters in Hinckley, UK. The components will be sourced from specialist manufacturers across the world, including Triumph’s own state of the art manufacturing facilities in the UK and Thailand, to ensure the highest possible quality and performance.’

As for all other aspects, such as the chassis and suspension components, we were told that ‘No details can be shared at this time, but Triumph will reveal all information in the coming months.’

The G.O.A.T One thing we do know though, is that Ricky Carmichael is a Triumph Global Off-Road Ambassador, and that he is very much part of the test team, something that came about through a mutual friend, as Jeremy Appleton, Triumph Global Racing Manager for both MX and off-road, together with Moto2, Supersport and road racing explains: ‘Ricky’s relationship with Triumph started through an old friend and colleague from his racing days, who now works at Triumph and knew he’d be the perfect fit for guiding the development of the new range of motocross bikes.

Ricky’s extensive knowledge and experience is invaluable in ensuring these bikes are going to

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be incredibly competitive from the very start. Contact with Ricky is constant and he has ridden the bike at a number of tests, both in the USA and Europe.’

As for ‘RC’ himself, he is clearly delighted to be part of such a historic brand, saying ‘Building something from the ground up is something that really is intriguing to me at this stage of my career.

Since the start of this project with Triumph, I have been amazed at just how hard everyone has been working. It must not go without mentioning, the whole R&D and engineering group that have been a part of the development of the motorcycles have done an absolutely incredible job,’ before continuing ‘From the first stages of the prototypes, I was really taken back at how well the performance was, since then, being in the UK testing the newest developments, I can tell you that it has the capabilities of winning at the highest level and I personally believe the riders, from professional to amateur, across the entire range of off road models, will really like what has been developed!’

As of now, Triumph is on track to deliver the project on time, and even if the team is starting from zero, some may think it comes as quite a challenge, but according to Chizat-Suzzoni, ‘everything is new so I would not say challenging, but exciting. The project is the motivation; Triumph is the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world and to be connected to this new challenge with them, is rewarding and motivating.’

Vincent Bereni is equally excited about how things are shaping up as well, and says ‘Triumph is new into motocross racing, and work with a very open mind.

The communication is very good between the race team and the engineering team. The group of engineers connected to the programme are extremely committed and reactive; we are really feeling like one and that is great.’

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Impossible is Nothing Of course, none of this would have been possible without the belief and backing of Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor, who enthused, ‘Our new partnership with Thierry demonstrates Triumph’s long-term commitment to competing at the highest levels of racing. We share a passion for delivering world-class performance, and the experience Thierry and his team bring will prove invaluable in our ambition to make our mark on a very competitive championship. Our entry into the FIM Motocross World Championship with a Factory supported Triumph Racing team signifies a landmark moment at the beginning of our new top-tier off-road racing campaign.’

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As for the team boss, Thierry Chizat-Suzzoni concluded that ‘Triumph have made a major commitment to build an MX bike and go racing in the FIM Motocross World Championship. I am happy that my team is going to be the official Triumph Racing Team in MX2 and MXGP. Nick Bloor and the Triumph Board of Directors have made their long-term ambitions for the project very clear and I see a huge amount of passion from everyone at the Factory. I am happy with progress on the bike, it looks great, has speed on the track and Vincent and my staff are working with the engineers at Hinckley on building it into a competitive package to entry into the MX2 Championship in 2024. MXGP continues to grow around the world, I am very happy to be

back and looking forward to going racing with Triumph.’

Until we get to the first race, it’s difficult to predict how successful this project will be. Of course, success is also measured in different ways - it will be a success just to see a new bike on the grid for instance. However, surely there will be a target that the team would like to achieve, and if so, what is that, and how long do they expect it will be to reach that goal?

Vincent Bereni: ‘Obviously, we’re out to win. From all the testing so far, we know the bikes will be very competitive right from the start. We have our own thoughts on how long it will take to get to the very top, but we can’t wait to get out on the track and start racing.’

Photos: Triumph & MXGP

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S R E Z I N A S G D R R O A P W G A X M M I F 3 202 TING & E E M

EVERY YEAR, MXGP’S ORGANISERS COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO MEET AND PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. THIS YEAR’S EVENT TOOK PLACE AT THE LITOREANO HOTEL SITUATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF RIMINI. THE HISTORICAL ITALIAN CITY IS SITUATED ON THE COAST OF THE ADRIATIC SEA WHICH ARBORED ONE OF THE MOST NOTABLE SEASIDE RESORTS IN ITALY.

The annual event gives the opportunity to all Organisers of the upcoming FIM Motocross World Championship season to gather and exchange about their successful strategies and learn valuable knowledge in a friendly atmosphere. The reunion is also an incredible moment for the international MXGP family to share their passion for the sport while planning for an outstanding season ahead.

Infront Moto Racing’s Marketing Director Marionna Leiva opened the event by introducing everybody present at the meeting including Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing COO Daniele Rizzi, Infront Moto Racing Director Nikos Gounaris, as well as every Infront Moto Racing Departments’ Managers present at the meeting together with FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, MXGP Race Director Ingo Partsch, FIM Technical Director Andrew Summers and FIM Medical Director David McManus.

Present and ready to deliver a fantastic season were the organisers of the 2023 MXGP rounds of Great Britain, Turkiye, France, Indonesia, Trentino, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic along with the organisers of the 2023 Junior World Championship from Romania and the organisers of the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations from Ernée.

Mr. David Luongo welcomed all officials and organisers to the event and shared his gratitude for all the work carried out by everyone over the 2022 MXGP season and added that “the world of motocross is a big family and made by passionate people, we are happy to gather together with the FIM and all the organisers to prepare the next season. The 2022 season saw for the first time since the pandemic the return to a sense of normality with the comeback of the public, the amazing overseas races in Argentina and Indonesia and

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the fantastic return of the Monster Energy FIM MXoN in the US which saw an American victory”.

Mr. Luongo highlighted the incredible season in MXGP, MX2 and the European Championships full of close battles and exciting actions until the very last race.

He also emphasised: “the importance of continuing to improve the championship from an organisation point of view, in order to keep growing the world of motocross”. Following that aspect, David Luongo added that we can expect some exciting novelties for the 2023 season and expressed his enthusiasm for the hugely anticipated Monster Energy FIM MXoN to Ernée which promise to showcase a fantastic show.

The Infront Moto Racing CEO praised and thanked the Organisers for their resilience over the last years due to the Pandemic, in which they showed great strength in keeping the motocross sport going.

Mr. Luongo then thanked the FIM for the excellent work, amazing support and partnership during these last tough years. He finished by voicing the desire to fully focus on the development of our sport and expressed his anticipation for the 2023 season that pledged to be even stronger.

FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela then took the microphone to thank everyone for a fantastic year, he also expressed: “his pleasure to share this important moment with you because these years make us stronger. We’ve been through difficult times and those 2 years have been really tough for the organisers, for Infront and for the sport in general. We want you to make events as safe as possible and feel that we’re going to be there with you, supporting you in all aspects”.

Following these speeches, the presentation of the key departments of MXGP included the key points to focus on for next season.

Valuable inputs were shared from each department which included paddock requirements, circuit preparation as well as the

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promotion of the events such as signage, logos and MXGP’s VIP Gold Skybox. Next season will also implement brand new promotional activities during events that will bring the fans closer to the riders and the teams.

Another highlighted aspect was the constant growth of the MXGP coverage across many digital and social media platforms including MXGP-TV, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok as well as a 31% increase in TV Broadcasting duration compared to 2021.

The presentation was followed by the introduction of the FIM Motocross World Championship new venues for 2023 such as Lombok in Indonesia, Arnhem in The Netherlands, Thanh Hoa in Vietnam and the comeback of Villars Sous Ecot as host of the MXGP of France. The Junior Motocross World Championship, which will be welcomed in Bucharest, Romania, and the Snowcross World Championship that is heading to Turkyie, Kayceri-Erciyes, plus the very much awaited comeback of the 2023 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Ernèe.

Ending the morning meeting, the FIM Race Director Ingo Partsch, the FIM MX Technical Director Andy Summers and the FIM Medical Director David McManus overviewed some important points on the work carried out by the FIM onsite at each event and gave some guidelines for track regulations, the medical and anti-doping code along with the minimum requirement for the safety and well conduct of each event. They thanked the organisers for their collaboration over the years and also reiterated the high standards of the preparation that is expected to make sure every event can be run at the highest level.

The afternoon was dedicated to more in-depth and individual meetings between the Organisers 54

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and Infront Moto Racing along with the FIM in order to provide them the most efficient tips and tools to guarantee the most amazing events for the upcoming season.

It is becoming now a tradition to host the MXGP Organisers Meeting during the same time of the Annual FIM Awards ceremony to top these important meetings with the celebration of the FIM World Champions. A pre-event of the FIM Awards programme included an autograph session with the FIM World Champions, at the historical Teatro Amintore Galli in Rimini.

It was a special occasion for the fans to come, meet and exchange with their favourite champions in a bustling yet relaxed atmosphere.

This year’s FIM Gala took place for the first time in Rimini at the astonishing Palacongressi. The evening opened with an elegant red carpet where guests could take the measure of the impressive Italian venue and the iconic and famous motorcycles showcased along the way, before being usherer in the main room. The ceremony was really special as it was headed by the newly re-elected FIM President Jorge Viegas, who welcomed the 800 people present to the event.

FIM President Jorge Viegas accompanied by prestigious presenters James Toseland, Barbara Pedrotti, Amy Reynolds and Matt Roberts welcomed our champions to receive their medals on stage such as the 2022 MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser and MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle.

Also celebrated was the Women’s Motocross World Champion Nancy Van De Ven as well as 125cc Junior Motocross World Champion Ivano Van Erp and 85cc World Champion Gyan Doensen amongst other champions in motorcycle sport.

Interviewed on the back of receiving their prizes the riders shared their experiences on their 2022 season and on their achievement.

85cc World Champion Gyan Doensen: “it is incredible, I worked

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so much for getting this medal and the championship so it’s an amazing feeling!” Three words to describe his season? “Crazy, fun and successful!”

125cc Junior Motocross World Champion Ivano Van Erp: “it is unbelievable to be here today as this season was one big rollercoaster but the last lap when I knew I was going to be 125cc World Champion was the best moment in my career so far!”

The Women’s Motocross World Champion Nancy Van De Ven: “Winning the World title was fulfilling, awesome and a long time goal of mine. At the end of the last race, I was so focused on claiming the title but when I crossed the finished line and saw all my family and friends there waiting for me, that was the best moment of the season!”

MX2 World Champions Tom Vialle: “This season was hard,

mentally challenging and very long, but the best moment of the year for me was when I won on the final lap of the last race.”

MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser: “if I have to use one word to describe this season it would be, everything! Because all I wanted in my life was to become a world champion, so winning my 5th medal means everything to me!”

At the end of the ceremony an FIM Special Prize went to the motorcycling legend Valentino Rossi to celebrate his long career and was received in front of a heartfelt standing ovation from the public present, prize that last year nine-time Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli got in Monaco.

After bringing the ceremony to a close newly re-elected FIM President Jorge Viegas ended by saying:

“Once again, the FIM Awards have been a truly amazing moment for the entire motorcycling community, the FIM family and all our 2022 FIM World Champions. Rimini has proved itself to be a great host and has delivered a highly successful edition of this important event when it comes to promoting our magnificent sport to the wider World.

Congratulations to our new and returning champions and everyone who has made tonight happen.”

With the Organisers Meeting concluded and organisers informed and well prepared for next season, and the champions of 2022 rewarded at the FIM Awards Ceremony, the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship season is coming one step closer to the extremely anticipated first gate drop in March!

Photos: FIM & MXGP

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E E M M A A N F N F O I T L L AC SE H

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JEAN CLAUDE TITLE LAQUAYE BELGIUM HAS BEEN FOR A LONG TIME ONE OF THE LEADING COUNTRIES OF OUR SPORT, PROVIDING MANY WORLD CHAMPIONS IN ALL CLASSES. IN THE 80’S JEAN CLAUDE LAQUAYE WAS ONE OF THE MAIN CONTENDER OF THE 250 GP’S, WINNING HEATS, SCORING EIGHT GP PODIUMS AND FINISHING FIVE TIMES IN THE TOP TEN OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP. HE NEVER GOT A MEDAL IN HIS CAREER, OTHER THAN THE ONE AT THE TROPHY AND MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS WITH TEAM BELGIUM, BUT FOR SURE HE DESERVES ONE GOLD MEDAL FOR HIS DEVOTION TO HIS LONG TIME FRIEND ANDRE MALHERBE, WHO HAS PASSED AWAY ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO. Born on 23rd April 1954 in Antheit near Huy, Jean Claude was a kid when he met Andre Malherbe around Belgian motocross tracks. André was supporting his father, while Jean Claude was a supporter of his neighbour, and that’s how both kids became motocross fans and were dreaming to become one day a racer.

It was not that easy for Jean Claude who had to wait his fourteenth anniversary to buy a Bultaco and he immediately start racing in local events. When he turned sixteen he was able to get an official licence at the Belgian federation, and straight got good results on his CZ; leader of the senior championship in 1970, he

lost all chances when he broke his wrist and missed the national title.

Moving to the International category he had to be patient to enter his first GP, as he was not on the Belgian grading list due to the fact that the country had too many good riders! He scored his first points in 1973 at the 250cc Belgian GP, and had the opportunity to do several more GP’s to finish his first season sixteenth in the standings, the second Belgian rider in the class behind Harry Everts and ahead of Joel Robert, Gaston Rahier or Sylvain Geboers!

1973 was a great season for him, as he was part of the winning team at the Trophy of Nations and beat his friend Andre Malherbe to win the famous ‘Coupe de l’Avenir’! Forced to go to the army at the end of that season, he didn’t improve his results in 1974, and then he signed with Bultaco to race the 500cc class in 1975 and 1976.

Back in the 250cc class in 1979 he 61

joined SWM with the support of multiple World Champion Joel Robert, importer of the Italian brand; he got his first GP podiums in Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, won the Belgian title and for the first time he entered in the top ten of a world championship with an eighth position.

Sixth in 1980 and seventh in 1981, he also had several opportunities to race the ISDE where he improved his abilities to ride in muddy conditions (his nickname in Belgium was ‘King of mud’) and collected several gold medals.

Then he signed with the Belgian importer to ride for Honda in 1982, and did his first race on a CR Honda at Le Touquet, where he replaced André Malherbe who was injured. Sixth of the 250cc series, second at the Trophy and Motocross of Nations, with the support of André, he finally got a better bike in 1983 as American Honda finally sent a factory bike to Europe for him. He was second at the first two GP of the season in Sabadell, Spain, and Chateau du Loir, France, and he was third in the standings after three rounds, but due to a couple of DNF he had to be satisfied again with another sixth position at the end of the championship.

He ended the season racing the Condroz rally with André Malherbe, both of them changing position (driver or co driver) stage after stage!

Jean Claude was thirty years old when he had another opportunity to jump on the podium at the 1984 Motocross of Nations, his last top result. He raced a few more GP’s and some international races until 1988, when he finally stopped his career to help his long time friend Andre Malherbe after his dramatic accident at the Dakar rally. Since that moment until his death, Jean Claude was fully dedicated to his friend, who needed support day and night, seven days a week and fifty-four weeks per year, as André was tetraplegic. A strong lesson for many of us!

Text and Photos: Pascal Haudiquert 62

1973:

16th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (Yamaha) Winner of the Cup de l’Avenir Winner of the Trophy of Nations with team Belgium

1974:

21st in the 250 MX World Championship (Yamaha)

1975:

15th in the 500 MX World Championship (Bultaco)

1976:

26th in the 500 MX World Championship (Bultaco)

1977:

3rd in the 500 Belgian Championship (Husqvarna)

1978:

10th in the 250 MX World Championship (Bultaco)

1979:

8th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (SWM) 250 Belgian Champion

1980:

6th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (SWM) 3rd in the 250 Belgian Championship

1981:

7th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (SWM) 2nd in the 250 Belgian Championship

1982:

6th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (Honda) 2nd at the Trophy of Nations with team Belgium 2nd at the Motocross of Nations with team Belgium 2nd in the 250 Belgian Championship

1983:

6th in the 250 Motocross World Championship (Honda)

1984:

12th in the 250 MX World Championship (Honda) 2nd at the Motocross of Nations with team Belgium

1985:

17th in the 250 MX World Championship (Honda)

1986:

22nd in the 500 MX World Championship (Honda)

1987:

40th in the 500 MX World Championship (Honda)

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S K L A T K C O D PAD

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1

Tim Gajser at the HRC Thanks Day celebration with MotoGP and Formula 1 racers

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Jorge Prado inaugurated a circuit in Spain dedicated to him

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Gajser made a special tour of the Kumamoto Factory of Honda, where they build the Honda CRF

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SDMCORSE - AVIOMETAL MX TEAM announces Nicholas Lapucci will be part of the team line up for the 2023 season

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Spanish rider Yago Martinez announced to be part of Racestore KTM Racing Team

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The Organizer of the MXGP of Germany enjoying the red carpet at the FIM Gala in Rimini

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Infront Moto Racing representative Patricia Maskarova visited the venue that will host the 2023 Junior Motocross World Championship in Romania

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Infront Moto Racing was present at SportPro Media, which took place in Madrid.

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8 7

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E L R A U I T C A E E SP F

‘MOTOCROSS’: FORMERLY KNOWN AS ‘SCRAMBLING’ DATES BACK TO 1924 WITH THE FIRST EVER RACE TAKING PLACE AT CAMBERLEY, SURREY, IN ENGLAND, BUT WHEN THE FIRST EVER SEASON OF THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOOK PLACE IN 1957, IT WAS SWEDEN’S BILL NILSSON WHO MADE HISTORY AS THE FIRST EVER WORLD CHAMPION. IN FACT, GREAT BRITAIN WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 1964 TO JOIN THE WIN LIST, WHEN JEFF SMITH WON THE FIRST OF HIS TWO TITLES. SINCE THEN, JUST FOUR OTHER RIDERS HAVE STRUCK GOLD AND IN 2001, JAMES DOBB ADDED HIS NAME TO THAT UNIQUE LIST OF ACHIEVERS WHEN HE WON THE 125CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, AND IT’S DOBB’S 2001 KTM125 SXS THAT WE WILL FEATURE IN THIS ISSUE OF MXGP MAGAZINE.

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James Dobb’s relationship with KTM began in 2000 when the Englishman switched from the British-based Rob Hooper Suzuki team, and as you can imagine, going from a satellite team to a factory team was an obvious step-up in terms of how the team operated, and as James recalls, ‘it was a bit of a change in terms of what you had at your beck and call.

As for differences between the two bikes, I had no big problems, they were both steel frames back then; it was mainly just everything I had to choose from in terms of parts.

I always felt I was quite good with engines, but I wasn’t the best with suspension, certainly not to where everything had to

JAMES DOBB 2001 KTM125 SXS

be perfect. As long as I knew it did the same thing every lap, that was kind of fine with me.’

In 2000, Dobb came up against a fierce competitor in the form of Grant Langston. The South African was also KTM mounted, albeit via the Champ KTM team, where he was also given factory support. When all was said and done, it was Langston who won the title, leaving Dobb a disappointed 2nd overall: ‘We went to some of the earlier sand races (2000) and Langston was obviously better than me in the sand, but his bike was insane! And (his team mate) Kenneth Gundersen’s was as well. So, the long and short of it, Langston won the championship, and there’s nothing worse than finishing 2nd.’

As Langston headed to America at the end of the year, Dobb was deemed the favourite to succeed the South African as world champion, and at the first winter test at the end of 2000, Dobb had a taste of what he’d been missing: ‘In 2000, KTM sat Harry Nolte down and said you can have factory bikes (at Champ) for Langston, but you can’t be playing with them, but if you do, you have to let us know anything that you may come up with. Anyway, at this test, Langston’s bike was sat there with his numbers on and everything. Nolte says to me ‘try this bike’ but I said there was no point because it’s exactly the same as what I’ve had this year, there’s no difference. Harry said, ‘well maybe there is!’ As

soon as Dobb opened up the throttle, he felt the difference immediately. Needless to say, the starting point for Dobb’s engine in 2001 was what Langston used to devastating effect in 2000.

‘Nolte had played with it and that was the biggest thing, and on top of that we changed engine guys that year and Leighton Rice became my engine guy instead of a guy from the factory. Form that side, the level of it was always consistent.’

As for the rest of the bike, which was based on the 125 SXS, it wasn’t much to look at, but Dobb’s mechanic Fred Kello said there was more to it than met the eye: ‘The bike looked bone stock really, but actually, nothing was stock. The chassis was hand welded. We also had different off-set triple clamps. Only the plastics were standard.

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‘Engine casings were all sand casted, they were not standard; everything was completely different. Different brakes, hand welded swingarm, frame and billet triple clamps.

There was no linkage, it was a PDS shock from WP and the position was different to standard because we had a specially made swingarm, which improved stability and handling. Everyone said that the WP progressive shocks were no good with no linkage and everything, but for us with that swingarm it worked great.’

One of the biggest changes from 2000 to 2001 was the exhaust pipe supplier; Leighton Rice takes up the story: ‘In 2000 we ran Pro-Circuit but for 2001 we switched to DEP who were based in the south of England. The main reason for this was because we couldn’t get changes done quick enough with PC, with them being based in the US, and it was just easier to go down to Craig Elwell’s (DEP) and get changes made quite quickly, you know? I’d make a quick trip over there; he’d make mods or I’d pick stuff up.

It was much better for getting stuff done quickly.’

The cylinder and cylinder head were factory, with particular attention being paid to the head, as Rice recalls: ‘We used to do the cylinder heads in-house; we used to cut the stock cylinder head out, and change the inserts and we had different inserts for different conditions. And this, we would do at the track, depending on how the rider felt on the track at that time.

We would do some pre-testing before the season, and we used to kind of have a ball park idea about what would work what wouldn’t, or whether it would detonate in the sand etc.’

The sand casted cases were hand-built, with a straight reed intake and different reed block inserted. The flat top piston was supplied by Vertex and modified accordingly as well, and with the factory Kokusan ignition, of which there were usually three to choose from and the Keihin 38mm carburettor, the bike was pushing out around 40bhp. Compare that to today’s production bikes which produce around 38bhp, you get some idea as to the performance of this bike more than twenty years ago. And back then, a production KTM 125cc churned out around 34bhp. But they’re the kind of gains you get with factory support. The 6-speed gear box also came with longer gears, from 1st to 4th.

Needless to say, Dobb was more than impressed: ‘It was the best bike on the track, there was no point denying it; I had an option of riding a bike with 42 bhp and mine was 40, but the spread of power was just huge, and especially with me and my weight at that time - I was 80kg - but compared to most in that class, I was a bit heavier. It was insane! It was just so strong, it had power for days!’

Suspending the bike at both ends were factory 52mm KYB forks and factory rear KYB shock which came with a bigger shock body, and neither Fred Kello (race mechanic) nor Leighton Rice (engine builder) were allowed to open or service the units. The prep here was only allowed by the KYB technician, which makes sense from a time and consistency point of view. One thing Jamie changed here in terms of his geometry was how he liked his front end: ‘Because I ride on the front a lot, I used a steeper steering

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angle so I could turn tighter.

Mine was quite aggressive.

Other riders didn’t care for it too much but that was what I liked about it.’

Brakes were factory Brembo, complete with 240mm and 220mm discs, the factory clutch was hydraulic and now in its fourth term with KTM, having first been introduced in 1997. Radiators were larger and braced for strength and the bigger, wider foot pegs were made from Titanium. The wheels and rims were supplied

by Talon and Excel, with Jamie using a thicker front axle, and to finish it all off, there was an array of titanium nuts and bolts holding it all together.

Dobb won the first grand prix of the year at Bellpuig but had to settle for 2nd in the sand of Valkenswaard behind Erik Eggens, who made the better start of the two riders. The next four rounds though belonged to Dobb, and after six rounds he held a 60-point lead. This season was also the first of the Dorna era and the one moto format. A first turn crash in the qualifying race next time out in Sweden left the championship leader with a broken collarbone which was plated 48 hours later.

With a one week break in the schedule, Dobb rode to 2nd in France and miraculously, still held a 64-point advantage at the top of the standings, but three days later at a media event close to his home, Dobb fell again, breaking his other collarbone in the fall: ‘After two different opinions I was told everything was fine, but a few days later (Monday) I was told the specialist had looked at it and it had in fact broke. The break was right at the tip and I was told it couldn’t be operated on and that I’m just gonna have to grit my teeth and get on with it.’

‘The next round was Namur, Belgium, and I went there thinking ‘am I even gonna be 72

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able to do anything?’ and it was weird; I had no pain! I literally had zero pain. It was the weirdest thing you could ever imagine. I don’t know what it was or maybe it just shows where your mind can be at times, but it was crazy.’

Dobb won the Belgian GP and followed up a week later with another win in Switzerland before arriving in Germany knowing he could clinch the title, with three rounds remaining. Coming into Germany, round eleven of fourteen, Dobb had won 7 GP’s and placed 2nd twice. His only non-score was the DNS in Sweden when he broke his collarbone. At Gaildorf, Dobb crossed the line in 4th, his ‘worst’ finish of the season and was crowned world champion at the age of 29.

‘At the beginning of the race, I was alright, but it was the one race all year where the bike, and I don’t know if it was nerves or what, but the bike wasn’t running as it normally did, and we didn’t know what the deal was.

‘I’m not sure if I got into the lead and I’m like ‘let’s get going now’ but for some reason, the weirdest thing; my hand wouldn’t do what I wanted it to do. It was a strange one. But, to tell you the truth, it was just a tough race, and I probably was riding tight.’

‘I’d just had my worst race but there’s a few things you remember from the weekend and everything, and that age, I was probably thinking after the first collarbone I’m alright, and then after the second I’m thinking ‘is someone trying to tell me something here, it’s not meant to be. But we got it done in the end, I suppose.’

With Germany done and the title in the bag, Dobb would not race the final three rounds after a massage prior to the next round in Lierop left him in a neck collar for the next twelve weeks: ‘After my second collarbone injury, Kurt Nicoll told me I couldn’t ride in the week; I could only race. When I won

the championship, I started training properly in the gym again, and I was just tight and sore, and I just needed a good massage. Joel Smets sent me to his guy, and that was it! He checked me out and looked at me and he adjusted my neck and I was like ‘woah, woah, woah! Stop! He went again and did the other way and basically, at three o’clock in the morning, I woke up and it felt like someone had stuck a knife in my neck and I was basically paralysed all down the left arm and side; he’d given me a prolapsed disc in my neck.’

During the 2001 season James Dobb claimed 7 GP victories on his way to the FIM 125cc Motocross World Championship title, and the third rider to do so in the class on a KTM. He also became only the fifth British rider to lift a world title after Jeff Smith (1964/’65), Graham Noyce (1979), Neil Hudson (1981) and David Thorpe (1985, ’86, ’89) and remains the last British rider to win a world motocross championship.

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S N R O O I T T I S E ED E U QO TH T ❝

I really liked the snowcross in the past, will there be a new edition next year?

Kostas

❞

Hi Kostas, Of course we just announced the date and the venue of the 2023 edition, you can find all the information’s by following this link: https://www.mxgp.com/ news/2023-fim-snowcrossworld-championship-dateand-venue-confirmed Thanks MXGP

❝ ❞

How can I see old 2009 races of Marc de Reuver?

Rosa

Hi Rosa, you will find all the old races of Marc De Reuver on www.

MXGP-TV.com. You just need to buy the “archive pass” Regards MXGP

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❝

Hi MXGP, How can we follow the news of this winter’s transfers in relation to the teams and drivers?

Marie

❞

Dear Marie, visit www.mxgp.com and you will find all the updates on teams and riders for 2023.

Best Regards MXGP

❝

Ciao MXGP, is there any discount for the season pass on MXGP-TV ?

Rodrigo Hello Rodrigo : Of course there is, find our Early Bird offer on the season pass online: www.mxgp-tv.com Thanks MXGP

❝

Hey MXGP, where can I find the latest issue of the magazine?

Iacopo

❞

Hi Iacopo, you can check out the latest issue of MXGP Magazine HERE: https://issuu.com/mxgpmag mxgpmag Thanks MXGP

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