Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, the decision has been taken to postpone the Thai GP.

As the global outbreak of coronavirus continues to develop, the Thai government has communicated that it won’t be possible to hold the OR Thailand Grand Prix on its original date. The FIM, IRTA and Dorna therefore regret to announce that the event, due to be held on the 22nd of March in Buriram, has been postponed.

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna are currently evaluating if an alternative date is possible for the event later this season.

Further updates will be published as soon as available.

Please find enclosed the Press Release / FIM Grand Prix World Championship Decision of the Grand Prix Commission, 28 February .

Click here to view the document:

https://eolstoragewe.blob.core.windows.net/wm-553616-cmsimages/DecisionoftheGrandPrixCommission,28February.pdf

The lights are excitingly hovering on red for KTM’s fourth MotoGP in the immediate wake of the the second and final pre-season test at the Losail International Circuit. Brad Binder was the fastest KTM RC16 rider after three days at the venue that will now open the 2020 campaign in two weeks on March 8th.

For the second day in a row (and of three) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Brad Binder and Pol Espargaro clocked more than 110 laps of the 5.4km layout as afternoon turned to dusk and the crew completed their set-up work towards the first Grand Prix of twenty to come.

Rookie Brad (9th) was the surprise act after more modifications to his works KTM RC16 allowed the determined South African to register an effort that would stand less than half a second from the quickest lap of the day and be three tenths better than teammate Pol Espargaro (14).

Next up is the Grand Prix of Qatar in a fortnight’s time.

Brad Binder:

“I was quite surprised to be honest. I felt comfortable and we made some changes today that helped me a lot and sorted many of my issues. I put in a new set of tyres and ‘bam!’ the lap-time came. The bike was good. I felt way more comfortable to get it stopped, turned quicker and also get on the throttle earlier. Once we figured that part out then it was a lot easier to put a fast lap together but it was still quite difficult to do 22 of them, so I have a long way to go! We made some good steps these three days and the team has been awesome. I’m looking forward to continuing at the GP.”

Published by: https://bradbinder41.com/

The Sports Authority of Thailand confirms that the event, set for mid-March, can safely take place.

Following communication from the Thai government, the FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports can confirm that the OR Thailand Grand Prix will go ahead next month. With the outbreak of coronavirus affecting a number of locations and events worldwide, the decision required official consideration as the situation in Thailand was monitored.

After consulting with the Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control, the Sports Authority of Thailand has officially communicated, on behalf of the Royal Thai government, that there is no major risk, with the country having infected patients under care and strict preventive measures in place - resulting in the highest rate of fully recovered patients worldwide.

The FIM, IRTA and Dorna therefore confirm that MotoGP™ will be back at Buriram from the 20th to 22nd March for another spectacular Thai GP.

As part of the promotion of tourism and leisure by motorcycle in Tunisia, the Tunisian Federation of Motorcycling and Associated Activities, FTMAA is organizing a 5-day (6 nights) tourist rally, « The Tunisian Touring Tour 2020 », between the central and southern regions of Tunisia.

This rally is registered on the Tourism calendar of the FIM International Federation for the year 2020 in category 2 "FIM World Touring Challenge".

We would be happy to count you among us in this great adventure and counting on your support by sending our poster and the program to your loved ones and contacts bikers or motorcycle clubs.

The price is 400 € in group rate and 450 € in individual all inclusive (light all inclusive: excluding drinks). Single supplement 60 €. Possibility for accompanying persons to follow the rally by car or bus (if sufficient number).

Places are limited and we recommend that you book as soon as possible and before March 10, 2020.

For more information or to book please contact:

• [email protected]
• +216 71 236 005 / +216 71 231 777
• [email protected]
• +216 27 220 022
• [email protected]
• +216 98 538 010

RIDE GREEN

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bonjour

Dans le cadre de la promotion du tourisme et loisirs en moto en Tunisie, la Fédération Tunisienne de Motocyclisme et des Activités Associées, FTMAA organise un rallye touristique « The Tunisian Touring Tour 2020 », de 5 jours (6 nuits) entre les régions du centre et du sud tunisien.

Ce rallye est inscrit au calendrier Tourisme de la Fédération Internationale FIM pour l’année 2020 dans la catégorie 2 « FIM World Touring Challenge ».

Nous serions heureux de vous compter parmi nous dans cette belle aventure et comptant vivement sur votre soutien en envoyant notre affiche et le programme à vos proches et contacts motards ou clubs de moto.

Le prix c’est 400€ en tarif groupe et 450€ en individuel tout compris (light all inclusif : hors boissons). Supplément single 60€. Possibilité pour les accompagnateurs de suivre le rallye en voiture ou en bus (si nombre suffisant).

Les places sont limitées et nous vous recommandons de réserver dans les meilleurs délais et avant le 10 mars 2020.

Pour plus d’informations ou pour réserver veuillez contacter :

• [email protected]
• +216 71 236 005 / +216 71 231 777
• [email protected]
• +216 27 220 022
• [email protected]
• +216 98 538 010
• Cordialement

RIDE GREEN

Click on the link below to view the programme:

https://eolstoragewe.blob.core.windows.net/wm-553616-cmsimages/ProgrammeduTunisianTouringTour2020.docx

Purdon starts the 2020 motocross season in victory

Tristan Purdon couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2020 season...

The Red Bull KTM motocross star left onlookers in awe as he went 1-1 to snatch MX1 victory at the opening round of the season in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

On a track notorious for its unforgiving sand and demanding weather conditions, Purdon’s performance was particularly impressive. Despite some slow starts by his own high standards, his consistent pace was unmatched as he worked his way up the ranks of what was a highly competitive field.

The victory comes at the perfect time for Purdon, who is still waiting to hear the outcome of the 2019 MX1 Championship. “I’ve been so excited for a fresh start and to put last season behind me, and winning the opening round was the perfect way to do it! I came into 2019 with a lingering wrist injury, so I feel like a different person starting the year with nothing holding me back,” said Purdon.

It was a somewhat disappointing day for Red Bull KTM teammate Kerim Fitz-Gerald, who received a DNF in the first moto of MX1 due to technical issues. In MX2, however, he managed to wrap the day up in sixth overall. As the reigning national MX2 Champion, Fitz-Gerald will look to come back swinging in defense of his 2019 title.

The journey to the start line of Rover Raceway was perhaps tougher than the race itself for Jonathan Mlimi. The rider was sent to the sideline in 2019 after breaking his leg during a practice ride. With a new appreciation of the sport, Mlimi managed to lead a portion of the second heat and finish the day in sixth overall. Having given but a glimpse of his true potential in the High School Class, Mlimi commented:

“It gave me a lot of confidence to see that I’m capable of pushing the pace up front. Unfortunately, I’m still dealing with a niggle from the accident and felt it in the second moto especially. I’m going to get that sorted before the next round and come back stronger!”

Published by: Louwrens Mahoney - KTM Motorcycles SA

On February 21/22, the opening round of the 2020 Freestyle Motocross season is set to explode with the 20th anniversary celebrations of NIGHT of the JUMPs taking stage in Germany’s capital of Berlin.

Creating an entirely new event for the Berlin crowd, NIGHT of the JUMPs hugely successful FMX Teams event will make its debut in the capital city with Freestyle of Nations hosting three of the strongest teams possible.

The Berlin crowd will witness not only the best Freestyle Motocross competition from their favourite riders, but in a new format featuring the best FMX Run from each rider, Best Whip, Synchro Comp with two riders jumping side-by-side and FMX Best Trick. Not to be outdone, some of the best Freestyle Mountain Bike riders will join in the competition in a very unique way.

The host nation, Team Germany will be led by the newest and youngest ever FMX World Champion, Luc Ackermann. Luc will be wanting to recreate the same magic which saw him win the 2019 World Championship, Red Bull Dirt Diggers and the 2019 Freestyle of Nations where Team Germany won in Hamburg last year with tricks like the crazy Double Backflip.

Luc’s older brother, Hannes Ackermann will return to Berlin fresh off a big year in 2019 after landing his first ever Front Flip combo’s. With the German crowd behind him, will Hannes be able to bring new combos to help Team Germany win, with the 3rd rider and Berlin local, Kai Haase, who oozes style and has the big tricks to back it up!

The World Team is overflowing with awesomeness with the return of the Unicorn and only rider ever to perform the Triple Backflip, Josh Sheehan from Australia. Josh had previously held the most consecutive World Championship wins in 2012 and will return for the first time in 5 years to NIGHT of the JUMPs. As a Red Bull X-Fighters Tour Champion and X Games Gold Medal winner, Sheehan will want to win his first ever Freestyle of Nations event also.

Returning to the World Team is the former World Champion, Javier Villegas from Chile. Villegas was part of the 2017 Freestyle of Nations winning team and won’t settle for second best in 2020. The only rider to have helped create, build and then compete on the Red Bull Dirt Diggers event, Jamie Squibb from England will return to the World Team in his hope to finally join the winning team, after being part of the 2018 and 2019 World Teams which were narrowly relegated to second place by Team Germany.

While Team Germany and the World Team have won the last 3 events between them, it will be Team Spain’s return to the Freestyle of Nations which should have even the best FMX riders worried. At the inaugural 2014 Freestyle of Nations on the largest ever indoor NIGHT of the JUMPs course, Team Spain were the clear winners. Maikel Melero who was part of that first winning team will return as a 5-time World Champion, and will be accompanied by the Spanish young-gun Marc Pinyol, who is ready to land something special in Berlin. The stage is set for History to be written by the 3rd ‚act‘, with the Spanish ‚Tandem Team‘ of Antonio Navas and Rocky Florensa who will ride the same bike in the first ever FMX competition ever. Team Spain is not a team to be underestimated.

Not only will the Freestyle Motocross competition be dominated by some of the biggest names in the sport, the MTB competition which forms part of the overall scoring will be just as big. With Germany’s own MTB star, Lukas Knopf being joined by Poland’s own super star, Szymon Godziek the bar for the MTB competition has also been well and truly raised. With the roll-in going from 6 metres high to a staggering 11 metres, the Berlin crowd can expect to see some wild MTB tricks by some of the best riders in the game.

With an all new event, and all new side events, the Freestyle of Nations in Berlin is primed to be the biggest spectacle to be held under the roof of the Mercedes Benz Arena.

NIGHT of the JUMPs / Freestyle of Nations

21./22. February 2020

Mercedes-Benz Arena

Berlin /Germany

Team Germany:

• Luc Ackermann
• Hannes Ackermann
• Kai Haase

Team Spain:

• Maikel Melero
• Marc Pinyol
• Antonio Navas / Rocky Florensa

World Team:

• Josh Sheehan
• Javier Villegas
• Jamie Squibb

Videolink NIGHT of the JUMPs Trailer 2020:

https://youtu.be/jxN1FUbk1X4

More info, photos and video at www.NIGHToftheJUMPs.com.

Two times FIM Cross Country Rallies World Champion Pablo Quintanilla is the latest rider to be inducted as an FIM Ride Green Ambassador and will join Takahisa Fujinami, Greg Hancock, Marc Márquez, Randy de Puniet, Alex Salvini and Laia Sanz in working for future generations by promoting a culture of sustainability in the day-to-day practice of sport and in everyday life.

Multi FIM MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the first ambassador to be appointed when the programme began back in 2012. Since then further ambassadors have been added to the programme who represent different genders and cultures, motorcycling disciplines and geographical areas, this diverse team of top riders lend their voices to convey the FIM’s sustainability policy and help to safeguard the future of the sport.

Chilean born Quintanilla, who before switching disciplines in 2012 was a thirteen times national motocross champion has the worthy pedigree to join his peers in this important mission, that puts top athletes at the service of humanity and the future generations. Along with the other FIM Ride Green Ambassadors, Pablo has been invited by the FIM to be a leader and play a major role in the contribution made by our sport to a greener and more sustainable World.

A regular competitor in the Dakar and other rally events in more recent years, which are hosted in some of the most beautiful and natural locations on the planet, Quintanilla is fully aware of the importance of the campaign for sustainable sport, and such is ready to accept his mission as a FIM Ride Green Ambassador, which will include: Representing the FIM in environmental activities; Supporting the campaign through social media; Be the FIM Voice for the Ride Green Campaign.

Pablo recognises that the voices of the Ambassadors are a powerful force that can captivate millions of fans. Sport represents a very valuable vehicle for the promotion of attitudes that are simple to adopt but represent a major contribution to the crisis and to mitigating climate change.

Speaking about his new role Pablo Quintanilla explained: “I am very happy to have been appointed as an FIM Ride Green Ambassador. It is an honour for me to join this great team of riders who are committed to protecting the environment and respecting the natural landscape in which we compete."

“Our sport is beautiful and a big challenge at the same time. The motorcycle connects us to nature and allows us to realise just how important it is to preserve it around the World.

Katia Juarez, Director of the FIM International Sustainability Commission added her comment: “Today we are very proud to welcome Pablo Quintanilla to help us raise awareness in Latin America, a continent that is very active in motorcycling. After eight years working with the Ride Green Team across all disciplines and Continents we can confirm that greater awareness has been achieved in our community through the work done by these fantastic athletes. Thanks to Pablo’s popularity and motivation to help protect the nature, we can expect to see still more inspiration amongst our fans thanks to the messages conveyed by these exceptional riders.”

 Picture Caption:  Pablo Quintanilla - 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship - Atacam Rally, Chile. © Rally Zone

Last weekend saw the annual FIM Conference of the Commissions, when all thirteen Commissions sporting and non-sporting gathered for this important meeting that welcomed almost three hundred FIM Family Members from all around the world, and yet again was declared a great success.

This meeting creates a unique opportunity for the commission members to meet and share ideas with their colleagues and with the FIM Board of Directors, the FIM Administration plus the FIM World Championship Promoters.

Diverse and different, but fundamentally linked aspects of the FIM’s core activities were addressed in the Plenary Session, which also showcased the Commissions’ activities. Following on from last year’s new initiative, FIM President Jorge Viegas again invited the FIM World Championship Promoters to join the Plenary Session. Each Commission Director and Promoter explained the main changes, projects and challenges for the year to come and the near future.

As part of the ongoing directive to open the FIM to the outside World, the FIM President welcomed international media from different disciplines, with representatives from Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy and Sweden to attend the Plenary Session for the first time.

In the framework of this Conference, the FIM Technical Commission hosted its first workshop, which was open to all FIM Family members and the international media in attendance. This event was headlined by three guest speakers – those being Jean-Philippe Cappelle - Michelin Competition 2 wheels Tyre Developer; Franco Gatto – Dainese D|air® System Coordinator and Professor Matteo Massaro – University of Padova who covered a wide range of engaging topics from their specialist spheres.

Over the weekend the various FIM Commissions conducted their own meetings to work on 2020 projects and activities. Everyone’s efforts and hard work over the two days were recognised and rewarded as the FIM Family as a whole enjoyed a cocktail and get together for a party at the FIM headquarters on Saturday evening.

Long and loyal service awards were presented to the following members:

• 10 years’ service: Mr ABOULWAFA Amr (QAT/QMMF) – CMI; Mr ALFONSO Bartolome (ESP/RFME) – CCR; Mr COLLINS John (GBR/ACU) – CEN; Mr COUTANT Patrick (FRA/FFM) – CCR; Mr CROWTHER Kevin (USA/AMA) – CMS; Mr DURAND Philippe (FRA/FFM) – CEN; Mr MAINDRON Jean Luc (FRA/FFM) – CRT; Mrs MAROZZA Francesca (ITA/FMI) - CAP; Mr MICHAUD Thierry (FRA/FFM) – CTR; Mr OLARIU Sabin (ROU/FRM) – CMS; Mr REQUEJO VIVES Carlos (ESP/RFME) – CCR; Mr RIETJENS Patrik (BEL/FMB) – CMS; Mr RUTKOWSKI Michal (POL/PZM) – CTR; Mr SASHIDHARAN Anand (IND/FMSCI) – CJI; Mr SIKORA Michal (POL/PZM) – CEN; Mr SZYMANSKI Piotr (POL/PZM) – CCP; Mr TSVETANOV Ivo (BUL/BMF) – CMS; Mr VAYSSIÉ Franck (FRA/FFM) – CCR.
• 15 years’ service: Mr PINEO John (CAN/CMA) – CTL; Mr RITA José (POR/FMP) – CRT
• 20 years’ service: Mr POSSELWHITE Mike (GBR/ACU) – CCP; Mr RIDA SBAI Larbi (MAR/FRMM) – CRT
• 25 years’ service: Mr MORAIS SARMENTO Gonçalo (POR/FMP) – CMI
• 30 years’ service: Mr BULCSU Rezso (HUN/MAMS) – CCR; Mr CHATTERTON-ROSS (GBR) – CAP; Mr EšKINJA Igor (CRO/HMS) - CCR
• 35 years’ service: Mr MOREAU Jean-Pierre (FRA/FFM) - CAP

Honorary Members: Mr BARRADAS DE CARVALHO CASTRO António Rui (POR/FMP) – CTR; Mr SUNGKAR Faryd (INA/IMI) - CMS ; Mr KRAENZLER Reinhard (FRA/FFM) – CMI; Mr Jan-Erik Sällqvist (SWE/SVEMO) - CMS ; Mr André Pahud (SUI/FMS) - CTI.

Expressing his satisfaction, the FIM President Jorge Viegas said: “The FIM depends on the Commissions and their expertise to deliver its events and its programmes. The Conference of the FIM Commissions is a key opportunity to meet their members and Directors as the year’s activities gear up. This event is also about thanking and rewarding the volunteers for their dedication and service to the FIM. Since last year I have welcomed the FIM World Championship promoters to participate in the plenary session. For the very first time, we have also invited international media from various disciplines to join the session so they could meet the people behind the scene of motorcycling. I will repeat this invitation in the future. One of my important wishes is to open the FIM to the outside world.”

Picture Caption: FIM Family members during the 2020 FIM Conference of the Commissions in Geneva, Saturday 15 February © Gilles Piel

What SA National Motocross Round 1 Report

Where Rover Raceway, Port Elizabeth

When Saturday 15 February 2020

Community South Africa National

National season opener stuns PE

The 2020 MSA South African National Motocross Championship powered by Cannabis Energy and TRP Distributors kicked off in quite literal flying style at a scorching hot, sandy and spectacular Rover near Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Highlighted by a thrilling premier class MX1 show, the racing was out of the top drawer all the way down the classes with some dominant performances, while other classes proved a fight to the finish every time as searing temperatures nudged 40 degrees.

2019 frontrunner Tristan Purdon opened his season in fine style aboard his Red Bull KTM as he fought off Lloyd Vercueil (Florstore on Trend Yamaha) and David Goosen (Out of Africa Monster Yamaha) to win a thrilling opening open class MX1 race and then went on to do the double over KTM teammate Kerim Fitz-Gerald and Anthony Raynard (Tintswalo Dragon Yamaha) in the second race.

Reigning MX2 champion Fitz-Gerald hit trouble in the first moto, while another favourite, Matthew Malan crashed his factory Husqvarna and struggled on injured to see Vercueil wind up second for the day from Raynard and Yamaha men Jesse Wright and Goosen, KTM riders Cameron Durow, Marco de Vrye, Regan Wasmuth and Johan Vogelesang, and Dylan Mostert, as Fitz-Gerald and Malan languished in 12th and 13th.

David Goosen (Out of Africa Monster Yamaha) got his season off to a perfect start with a double win, over Tristan Purdon (Red Bull KTM) in race 1 and Slade Smith (Summit Yamaha) in the second moto, but the consistent Anthony Raynard (Tintswalo Dragon Yamaha) was third in each race to take second overall ahead of Purdon and Smith for the day. Cameron Durow was best of the rest ahead of fellow KTM riders Kerim Fitz-Gerald, Bradley Cox, and Joshua Mlimi, Yamaha pair Keegan Hickson-Mahony and Ryan Angilley and Seth David van den Abeele (Husqvarna).

MX3 champion Ian Topliss (Motul Yamaha) made no mistakes as he started his over-40 Masters motocross title defence with a double win over over-30 Senior men Tyson Engelbrecht (The Roost KTM), Dwayne Kleynhans (Fast KTM) and Master rider Brett Bircher (Motul KTM). Jonathan Hubbard (KTM), Alec Combrink (Husqvarna), Andre Swart (KTM), Husqvarna men Gerhard Hanekom and Jaco van Zyl and Sheldon Watkins (Yamaha) rounded off the top ten.

Reigning champion Kayla Raaff (SA Bikewise Motul Kawasaki) picked up where she left off with a double Ladies Motocross win over Megan Jonker (Motul Leatt Husquvarna), who shared the seconds and thirds out with Natasha Rugani (KTM). Pegasus Husqvarna sisters Jadene and Cheyenne de Lima were next up from Kylie Kotze and KTM girls Savannah van Vuuren and Kelly Benn.

Ugandan Stav Orland (Orland Brothers KTM) and Ethan Hoffman (Dirt Rider Yamaha) shared the 125cc High School wins, but Orland took the championship leader’s red plate home thanks to his second race second place over Hoffman’s fourth. Liam Gilchrist (RPG Nutritech Husqvarna) took a second and a third en route to third overall ahead of Christiaan Cilliers (Out of Africa Monster Yamaha), KTM trio Mark-Anthony Filip, Jonathan Mlimi and Cuan Conway, Josh de Hutton (Yamaha) and KTM pair Miguel de Waal and Blake Young.

Zimbabwean Daiyaan Manuel (KTM) made 85cc Pro Mini his own over moto 2 second place lad Bryce Petersen (Linex Yamaha), Emmanuel Bako (KTM) and Kyle Townsend, who ended second in the first race on his Cannabis Energy KTM, with fellow KTM kids Luke Grundy and Wesley McGavin next up. Lucas Venter (Husqvarna) was seventh overall ahead of Tyler Tarantino (Motorex KTM), Wian du Plooy (Husqvarna) and reigning SA 85 Junior champion Seth Young (KTM).

Liam Botha (Eco Tanks Husqvarna) stamped authority on the 85cc Junior races with two wins, each time ahead of Alon Orland (Orland Bros. KTM) and Pieter Brink (Orange County KTM). Ryan Adler (Husqvarna) meanwhile fought Timo Maximo Toepfer (Fast Motul KTM) and Joshua Williams (Linex Yamaha) off for fourth ahead of Blake Osner (Husqvarna), Nathan Verster (KTM) and Yamaha duo Louis Mostert and Kodi Goosen.

Jordan van Wyk (CIT Husqvarna) won the second moto to take a surprise overall 65cc primary school motocross win for the day to carry the championship leader’s red plate to round 2in the Cape. Trey Cox (Motul Alfie Cox KTM) was second from Jack Pullen (Husqvarna) after reigning 65cc champion and race 1 winner Neil van der Vyver (Husqvarna SA) hit trouble in the second moto and only ended fourth for the day. Yamaha lighties Aiden Henley and Tyler Petersen, Husqvarna duo Sven Larsen and Christian Berrington Smith, Damien Venter (Yamaha) and Nicol Smit (Husqvarna) rounded off the top ten.

Last but not least, Andrew Wren (Yamaha) took Senior Support honours with a double win over KTM duo Connor Alcock and Denzyl Kennedy and Lario du Toit (Honda) in that order both times.

Chase Bekker enjoyed the perfect start to his baby 50cc Motocross season with two wins to claim the red plate aboard his Summit Racing Florstor on Trend Husqvarna over Trenton Kretzmann (Air Auto Africa Fox Husqvarna) each time, with KTM lads Maxwell Fourie and Aiden Retief sharing out the thirds to go third and fourth overall. Michael Enslin ended fifth for the day over Rayden Woolls (Supernova Husqvarna), Alex Cooper (Husqvarna), Motul Alfie Cox KTM duo Brody Bircher and Evan Frost and Skyler de Kock (iStyle KTM).

The South African National Motocross Championship is proudly presented and sanctioned by Motorsport South Africa in partnership with Cannabis Energy, TRP Distributors, Prepsol, Bridgestone, Thor, Gaerne, FMF, Pro Taper, 100%, Fly Racing, Ogio, Racestar Graffix and the Sunoco Race Shop. The second round of the 2020 championship will be at Cape Town’s Zone 7 on Saturday 28 March.

Issued on behalf of SA Motocross

Photography by: Ruben Louw

What South African Motorsport Wrap

Where International

When 15 - 16 February 2020

Community South Africa, International.

South African racers star home and away

South African motorsportsmen starred once again over the past weekend as extreme enduro wizard Wade Young stormed to an incredible win in France, SA champion Kyle Flanagan excelled in Italy and the SA National Motocross Championship and Rotax Max Cape Karting championships both delivered scintillating racing as both got off to scorching hot starts.

It was a great day for South African riders in Europe on Sunday as KZN hero Wade Young rode his Sherco to win the first rejuvenated Extreme Peyratoise extreme enduro in front of a massive crowd in France. Only five of the 200 riders to start the 200km race made the finish well after dark as multiple SA champion Young added another classic title to his growing list of wins including the Romaniacs and King of the Hill in Romania, Germany's Wiesel-X and XL Lagares, Poland’s Megawatt, the Sea to Sky in Turkey and several Roof of Africa titles including the youngest ever win at 17 in 2012, among others.

Sticking with enduro, SA champion Kyle Flanagan (KTM) from Paddock in KwaZulu Natal jetted overseas immediately after ending second in last weekend's season opening Lesotho SA chamionship round to settle in finish fifth in his debut in the 2020 Italian championship-opening Winter Black Hole Enduro on Sunday. Flanagan rode two a couple of sixth places and a third over the three tests on the day.

Closer to home, double wins were the order of the at a sweltering hot 2020 MSA SA National Motocross opener in Port Elizabeth, where Tristan Purdon (Red Bull KTM) beat Lloyd Vercueil (Yamaha) and teammate Kerim Fitz-Gerald to both MX1 wins. David Goosen (Out of Africa Yamaha) took the MX2 wins to beat Anthony Raynard (Yamaha) overall, while MX3 champion Ian Topliss (Motul Yamaha) beat Tyson Engelbrecht (KTM) and champion Kayla Raaff (Bikewise Kawasaki) picked up where she left off with a Ladies win over Megan Jonker (Husquvarna).

The junior classes proved good for up-continent riders as Ugandan Stav Orland (Orland Bros. KTM) and Ethan Hoffman (Dirt Rider Yamaha) shared 125cc High School wins as Orland took the day, while Zimbabwean Daiyaan Manuel (KTM) beat Bryce Petersen (Yamaha) to 85cc Pro Mini and Liam Botha (Eco Tanks Husqvarna) took both 85cc Junior wins over Alon Orland (KTM). Race 2 winner Jordan van Wyk (CIT Husqvarna) took 65cc honours after race 1 winner Neil van der Vyver (Husqvarna SA) hit trouble, while Chase Bekker beat Trenton Kretzmann to a Husqvarna baby 50cc 1-2 and Andrew Wren (Yamaha) won Senior Support.

It was even hotter in Cape Town where the opening 2020 WP Rotax Max Karting championship races where Sebastian Boyd beat Jason Coetzee, Charl Visser and Dino Stermin in dramatic DD2 gearbox class where the top three each wion a race in a day of contact and penalties. Conor Hughes, Roy Gruer and Jason Greyling also shared DD2 Masters wins, while Jason Coetzee took two Senior Max wins to Charl Visser’s one to take the day from consistent Tate Bishop.

In schoolboy action, Kyle Visser beat Troy Dolinschek two to one in under-15 Junior Max, Jason Macbeath edged class rookie Reza Levy two races to one in entertaining under-13 Mini Max, Reese Koorzen fought a feisty Joshua Smit off to triple under-11 Micro Max honours and Kai van Rensburg took won all three races in a baby Bambino class brim full of hopeful karting newcomers.

Issued on behalf of Motorsport Media

Left to right: Stephan Carapiet (FIM Asia President), Rob Dingman (FIM North America President & CONUs representative), Jorgen Bitsch (FIM Board Member), Giovanni Copioli (FIM Board Member), Martin De Graaff (FIM Europe President), Jacques Bolle (FIM Vice-President), Tony Skillington (FIM Chief Executive Officer), Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Ignacio Verneda (FIM Deputy President), Pedro Venturo Jr (FIM Latin America President), Jos Driessen (FIM Board Member),Marco Comana (FIM Africa President), Jan Stovicek (FIM Board Member), Glen Williams ( FIM Oceania President). © FIM

During its meeting, the Board addressed many topics, in particular:

Sport: All sporting disciplines were discussed with a specific focus on Enduro, E-bike, Sand races. Ensuring the highest level of safety for competitors worldwide remains a priority for the FIM. A Technical Laboratory (FIM Tech Lab) is currently under construction at the FIM Headquarters aiming mainly to perform technical checks of electronics and mechanical parts and homologations.

Circuit Homologation: The Board approved the creation of a Committee for circuit homologation.

KTM/WESS: Following a positive meeting held last December between the FIM and the WESS promoter concerning the “Extreme Enduro Series”, there is good expectation that a final agreement will be reached within a short period in order to create the first FIM Hard Enduro World Cup.

Safety in Rallies: The FIM is extremely concerned with the level of security in Cross Country Rallies events and therefore has called for a meeting to be held on 2 March in Lisbon between expert engineers, official team directors as well as the Dakar organiser, ASO. Important measures to increase the safety of riders are expected in order to minimise the risk of fatal accidents in light of recent events.

Ethical Chamber: For the first time ever, the FIM Ethical Chamber, composed of members of the International Commission of Judges (CJI) and other external legal experts and judges also representing the geographical diversity of the FIM will meet during a full day to share best practices. Mr Frantisek Schulmann, CJI member, was newly appointed by the Board to the Ethical Chamber.

IFM (International Foundation for Motorcycling): The Board appointed the first Foundation Board members for an initial mandate of 3 years. Mr Jorge Viegas - FIM sitting President is de facto the Foundation President. Mr Martin De Graaff - FIM Europe President, Mr Tony Skillington - FIM CEO, Mr Guy Maitre - FIM Family legend and former FIM CEO as well as Mr Giacomo Agostini - multi-time FIM world champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer were appointed IFM Board members.

We, the riders campaign (WTR): FIM considers WTR a strategic hub to promote and make publicly know important topics for motorcyclists and the 2-wheels industry. An encouraging overview of the impact of the campaign on the WTR digital platforms was presented by the Marketing and Communication department. The next step is to encourage FMNs and CONUs to participate in FIM’s web seminars/video tutorials with dedicated practical examples tailored on local needs or events. The FMNs and CONUs liason department will contribute to the development of these activities.

FIM Yearbook: The 2020 edition will be DIGITAL ONLY accessible on FIM-Live.com and FIM-Family.com in the members section (password required). The FIM adheres to high standards of data protection as well as to the transparency of the collection of personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Amendments to Codes: Revisions to the Statutes and By-Laws were voted on (submitted to approval by the GA in November) as well as amendments to the Medical Code and Environmental Code presented by the respective Commissions’ Directors. A newly sustainability policy aligned with the latest commitments to protect the environment was endorsed by the Board.

Commissions: Mr Jean-François Wulveryck was appointed CRT Director. Several other changes were made to the composition of the FIM Commissions. The new lists of members will be announced shortly. Commission Directors had the opportunity to address their main projects and concerns to the Board. All Commissions will meet over the weekend in the framework of the Conference of Commissions. A plenary session bringing together the Board of Directors, the Commissions, the Promoters and journalists will take place on Saturday, followed by a celebration party for FIM Family members at the FIM Headquarters.

Red Bull KTM has announced its 2020 line-up

The gates are about to drop for the first round of the National Motocross Championship...

As the season opener in Port Elizabeth approaches, Red Bull KTM has released its stellar 2020 line-up.

Stepping into the season with the MX2 red plate to defend is motocross star Kerim Fitz-Gerald. Having returned to his winning ways in 2019, the 10-time national championship will line-up with a new-found confidence.

Adding a particular sense of excitement to the season is the announcement that Fitz-Gerald will once again be racing in both the MX1 and MX2 Class. It doesn’t end there - perhaps even more surprising is the news that he will also be entering a select few races in the Enduro Championship this year.

He explained, “I went to watch the Roof of Africa in Lesotho in December and decided that it’s a race I’d really like to finish someday! I have no background in this sport at all, but nothing is holding me back from trying something new. I’ve decided to just go for it and enter some enduro races this season in preparation for the 2020 ‘Mother of Hard Enduro’!”

While it’s no secret that Fitz-Gerald has entered the latter part of his career, he lives by the motto that if he is “able to keep winning, he is able to keep racing”. From his performance in 2019, it’s clear that the rider’s best days are still ahead of him.

Entering the season on a somewhat bitter-sweet note is Tristan Purdon. The rider came painfully close to winning the 2019 MX1 Championship but was kept from national glory when the closing race of the series was cut short.

While the decision of whether he enters the season as the reigning MX1 Champion is still pending, Purdon is moving forward with the racing year ahead. In what he describes as his ‘best form yet’, the rider is more confident than ever as he prepares to stake his claim in both the MX1 and MX2 Class.

“Last year I came into the season with a wrist injury and only really found my rhythm halfway through the year. Things are different now and I feel really confident about my form as we head into the first round,” said Purdon.

The last member of the 2020 Red Bull KTM squad is Jonathan Mlimi – a rider ready to reinstate himself as a force to be reckoned within the High School Class. It was a disappointing 2019 season for Mlimi who was sent to the side-line after breaking his leg during training.

Grateful for a fresh start this season, Mlimi commented, “Last year was the lowest point in my career so far. I just had to pick myself back up again and build my confidence up with one training session at a time. I’m feeling more excited than ever as we head to Port Elizabeth with a new appreciation of being able to race.”

The National Championship kicks off in Port Elizabeth this Saturday, 15 February.

Published by: KTM

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INTRODUCING HUSQVARNA SOUTH AFRICA'S 2020 MOTOCROSS LINE-UP

As the start of the National Motocross season draws near, Husqvarna South Africa has released a mouth-watering line-up of riders ready to battle it out for the country’s premier motocross titles.

Flying the team’s flag in the prestigious MX1 class is 23-year old Maddy Malan. The 2019 season ended on a somewhat dramatic note for the rider who was on the cusp of snatching up the fifth championship title of his career. The nail-biting season finale was cut short due to stormy weather conditions, and the championship winner is yet to be decided.

As he shakes off the disappointment of 2019, the Pietermaritzburg rider is ready for a fresh start having unleashed but a glimpse of his potential. Malan has stormed to national glory as a 65cc Junior, 65 Senior, 85cc and Mx2 rider; and is now preparing to pull out all the stops in his pursuit of the seemingly elusive MX1 title.

“With the team that's backing me, I know it's going to be a good year. I can't wait for it all to start on Saturday - it's time to get my hands on that MX1 Championship title," said Malan.

Adding a particular sense of excitement to the team this year is the addition of 17-year old Dalton Venter.

As no stranger to the sport, Venter’s earliest memories of riding a motorcycle began at the age of four. It became apparently clear that he had a natural talent in this sport and it wasn’t long before he started sweeping up numerous regional championships. He went on to become the 65cc, 85cc and 125cc African Champion and the National Champion in both the 85cc and 125cc class.

At the end of last year Venter achieved the goal that he’d been dreaming about for a long time – to race for South Africa’s official Husqvarna factory team. With a new level of both motivation and support, Venter will enter the season with a strong determination to shake of his ‘rookie’ status and make a name for himself in the MX2 Class.

South Africa’s rising motocross star Neil van der Vyver will line-up on Saturday as the reigning 65cc Champion. The young gun boasts an array of titles and will be looking to get his hands on the fourth championship of what is undoubtedly a very promising career.

Van der Vyver, who has represented Husqvarna South Africa since 2016, is a talent stacked with potential for not only his team, but the future of South African motorsport as a whole.

Husqvarna South Africa’s Brand Manager Fred Fensham said: “My comments from the start of 2020 have been stacked with passion and pride – the Husqvarna line-up has never been more exciting! We enter what promises to be an action packed season with three champions on the line - and we intend to finish the season on that note!”

Published by: Fred Fensham

Cox storms to a double victory at season opener in Lesotho

Bradley Cox, son of motorsport legend Alfie Cox, couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2020 season...

Cox, a multi-disciplined star from KwaZulu-Natal, stormed to a double victory this weekend in both the National Cross Country and Enduro season opener in Lesotho.

The rider has fast made a name for himself in Cross Country in particular and stepped into the season as the reigning OR3 National Champion. With a strong determination to break into the world of enduro too, Cox signed up to compete in the E1 Class for the first time in 2019.

With every passing race it became increasingly clear that he would soon become a force to be reckoned with in this sport. It was a break-out season for Cox who managed to place third nationally, and later that year narrowly missed a top ten finish at the ‘Mother of Hard Enduro’ – the Motul Roof of Africa.

Fast forward to 2020, and Cox has spent the ‘off-season’ preparing for what looks to be one of the most exciting racing years of his career. In a highly competitive field this weekend he stormed to the top step of both the E1 and OR3 Class.

“I’m a bit lost for words to be honest. I always set big goals for myself so when I saw this weekend would be a double header, I wanted to go for both wins. I trained really hard this off-season because I knew that to achieve something like this my fitness had to be up there. I felt the pressure carrying the number one plate in Cross Country, but knew what I had to do and it all went super smoothly. It was my break-out season in enduro last year, so I’ve become really hungry to win the enduro title too. I just went for it – I’m paid to do a job, and that job is to win!” said Cox.

Brother Leader Tread KTM teammate and fellow multi-disciplined athlete Jarryd Coetzee had a solid start to the 2020 season too.

With a strong determination to defend his 2019 OR2 title, Coetzee managed to secure the second spot on the podium behind Brett Swanepoel. Perhaps even more impressively to some, Coetzee pushed the pace with the frontrunners in the E2 Enduro Class in his debut race to the sport of enduro entirely. He finished fourth in what is the most competitive national enduro class the country has to offer.

The opening round of the series was a far cry from what Scott Bouverie had hoped for by his own high standards. Bouverie lined-up as a favourite in Lesotho this weekend – a place that he tasted enduro glory multiple times in his career. After a crash in the first kilometers of the route, however, the rider was forced to limit his losses and pushed to finish the event fifth overall.

After his stellar performance at the 2019 Motul Roof of Africa, Bouverie has given but a glimpse of what he is truly capable of. It’s onwards and upwards for the rider as he continues his pursuit of what has been a seemingly elusive E2 title.

Rounding out the Brother Leader Tread KTM squad was Kirsten Landman, who after conquering the 2020 Dakar Rally was all too happy to be back on her KTM 250 XC-W TPI. As the only female in the E2 Class, Landman once again put on an impressive performance as she took her place as one of the select few to finish the unforgiving route.

Published by: Louwrens Mahoney - KTM Motorcycles SA

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Issued by: Avv. Giovanni Copioli - FMI President

Please find enclosed the Press Release / FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup 2020 Entry List, updated 11 February.

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 completed six days and hundreds of laps of the Sepang International Circuit in the first MotoGP testing schedule of the year. Brad Binder, Pol Espargaro, Miguel Oliveira and Iker Lecuona were joined by test riders Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio in both private and official IRTA sessions as work towards refinement of the KTM RC16 gathered pace.

Brad pushed to gather more mileage and understanding of the MotoGP machine and was content to be just half a second behind Espargaro by the time of the end of the test. Dani Pedrosa demonstrated his exceptional skills still remain firmly in place by clocking the 3rd fastest lap on day two. Mika Kallio ran the latest spec of the KTM RC16 in the final outing.

Both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 will unveil their 2020 racing colours in a special online presentation on February 18th.

MotoGP moves onto the second and final three-day test at the Losail International Circuit on February 22nd. The opening round of twenty in the 2020 campaign takes place at the same facility in Qatar on March 8th.

Brad Binder:

“In the first two tests I was 2.1 off and now I am 0.7. It’s a big step forwards for us. The feeling and the comfort on the bike is way-better but we have a long, long way to go. I need to keep working and it will pay-off soon. If you look at the position then it is dissatisfying but the main thing is the gap. A couple of tenths have made a good difference in the standings. I have seen that it’s not too difficult to make a fast lap but I need to do twenty of them! It’s been a positive six days. We’ve progressed every day. We can reset and start again in Qatar.”

Published by: Bradbinder41.com

What South African Cross Country Moto & Enduro Round 1 Preview

Where Maseru, Lesotho

When 7-8 February 2020

Community South Africa National

Lesotho off-road festival thrills

The past weekend saw both the South African Cross Country and SA National Enduro Motorcycle Championships getting off to a flying start at the unique Live Lesotho Double Header races near Maseru. It was a great meeting for KTM riders, Friday’s Cross Country winner Charan Moore and Saturday's Enduro winner Travis Teasdale, while Bradley and Dylan Cox both scored double wins over the weekend.

Friday's Live Lesotho Cross Country Moto race proved a dream come true for local expert and a man central to the pioneering race weekend as Charan Moore achieved a twelve year ambition by blasting his Live Lesotho Roost KTM to a compelling maiden Cross Country victory. He beat Brett Swanepoel (Pepson Plastics Husqvarna) and Brother Leader Tread KTM duo Bradley Cox and Jarryd Coetzee home with Gareth Cole (KTM Durban) and Kenneth Gilbert (Pepson Plastics Husqvarna) closing off the top six overall.

Local hero Charan Moore also took the open class OR1 win from Kenny Gilbert, who was delighted to be back on a bike following his season-ending testing injury last September and is now looking forward to a rapid return to full strength. Husqvarna trio Wynand Delport, Jaycee Nienaber (Holeshot Racing) and John-Care de Lange were next up in the open class ahead of Helderberg Yamaha rider Devan Marais.

Second overall, Brett Swanepoel meanwhile served notice of his intentions with a dominant 350cc OR2 class win over Jarryd Coetzee, Gareth Cole and 9th overall Ian Rall with Taki Bogiages (Pepson Plastics Motul Husqvarna) fifth in class from Darren Gray (Trimborn Yamaha). A chip off the old block, Alfie’s son Bradley Cox (Brother Leader Tread KTM) was in similarly imperious form in 200cc OR3, where Scott Heygate and 8th overall Davin Cocker completed the small class podium ahead of Stefan van Deventer (Mitas Yamaha), Ryan Pelser (Q-Kon EMD KTM) and Erik Merry (KTM).

Top ten finisher Wade Blaauw topped the thirty-plus Senior Cross Country race from Hannes Saaijman (Q-Kon EMD KTM), Werner Kennedy (KTM) and Achim Bergmann (Pepson Plastics Motul Husqvarna) with Marco Cocci (Yamaha) and Shabeer Moosa (KTM) next up, while Wayne Farmer (Biker's Warehouse Husqvarna) won the over-40 Masters race from Martin Poole (Yamaha) and Jan Bernining (KTM).

At the other end of the Cross Country age divide, Dylan Cox (RBS Yamaha) took a dominant High School win from Matthew Wilson (MCA Husqvarna), Kyle Mckenzie (Sherical Husqvarna), Etienne Zybrands (Droomers Yamaha) and Branden Swanepoel (KTM). The weekend opened a new Cross County era in the new 85cc Junior Interprovincial class, where Cobus Bester (MCA Husvarna) held Krige van der Merwe (Eddie 2 Race Husqvarna) and Stefan Zybrands (Droomers Yamaha) off for the win ahead of Brandon Clarke (MCA Husqvarna), Reinier van der Merwe and Johny Luck (MCA Husqvarna).

Several of the Cross Country riders were back in action against the cream of the Enduro racing crop in the second half of the weekend’s Live Lesotho Double Header in Saturdays South African National Enduro pipe opener, where E2 Open class rider Travis Teasdale rode his Cleanrite Sole KTM to the overall win over Kyle Flanagan (Bidvest Yamaha) and double-duty duo Brett Swanepoel (Pepson Husqvarna) and Jarryd Coetzee (Brother KTM).

It was a good day for Bradley Cox (Brother KTM) who added the E1 200cc win to his weekend tally ahead of Lloyd Kirk (Bidvest Yamaha) and Matt Green (Pepson Husqvarna), while Graham Hedgcock (KTM Cape Town) took Senior honours over both day riders Hannes Saaijman (Q-Kon KTM) and Achim Bergmann (Pepson Motul Husqvarna). Bidvest Yamaha duo Bruce May and Denzil Torlage beat Chris Rawlins (KTM) to Masters honours.

Dylan Cox (RBS Yamaha) was another rider to do the Live Lesotho double by also winning Saturday’s Enduro High School class from Alfie Cox Motul KTM duo Cayden Purchase and Calvin Calow, while Cobus Bester (MCA Holeshot Husqvarna) and Tristan Hedgcock (KTM Cape Town) were the only two new Junior Interprovincial riders to make Saturday's finish.

The next SA Cross Country national is in KwaZulu Natal on 18 April, with round 2 of the South African Enduro Championship being the Rover in Port Elizabeth on 14 March.

Issued on behalf of SA Cross Country Moto