With just two rounds to go in the 2021 season, here at Live Motocross HQ we caught up with Infront Moto Racing (MXGP) CEO David Luongo to get his thoughts and feedback on this season which has turned out to be one of the best to date with the Championship so tight in the MXGP class. We also discuss 2022, changes and more, so make sure you read on down to find out what David had to say.
How do you feel the 2021 season has gone so far with a couple of rounds to go? Obviously Covid is a big part of our lives still and has made this year a strange one again not just for MXGP but all motorsport events with calendar changes.
“2021 was still a very complicate year for us. We cannot forget that the Covid restrictions were still in place very drastically until the MXGP of Germany. Before this Grand Prix, we were obliged to limit the number of spectators onsite very often to an average of 25% of normal capacity. It is important to remind that motocross is a public oriented sport and we were missing the fans. Then, we have been forced to modify the location of some Grand Prix at the last minute because of some government’s decisions. From the MXGP of Sardegna on the 18/19th of September, we organized 10 GP in a row, which is an amazing achievement but very demanding for our staff. Thank to that, we will complete a season with 18 Grand Prix and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, and we are very proud of it. All the champions will deserve their titles. On top of that we guaranteed a complete season to all our partners, the teams, their partners and we secured in a way the jobs inside the paddock, which represent more than 1200 people. We definitely have better days in front of us.“
It’s fantastic to see the Championship title battles so close and making it look like it will go to the final round in Mantova on 10th November. What are your thoughts on this?
“We do our work for this kind of moments. This MXGP season will be for sure one of the most epic of the motocross history. We have 3 riders in 4 points after 16 Grand Prix (800 points distributed!) It is really special. Herlings, Gajser and Febvre are bringing the MXGP to another level this year. Prado did also a great season, and what can I say about Cairoli? For the last season of his career, he proved last week in Trentino that he can still win Grand Prix and fight with all of them for the victory. He finally won the MXoN with team Italy. He is one of the best ambassadors of our sport. I would like also to congratulate Renaux in MX2. Definitely, this season will stay in the memory of all and we cannot wait to be in Mantova for the Grand Finale.“
As we reach the end of the season will there be any changes to MXGP for 2022 which you can tell us? Will there be more rounds than this year? Could the format of one day remain or will Infront Moto Racing be looking to move back to the new race format for 2022?
“There won’t be major change or novelties in 2022. We will return to normality in term of format with the 2 days program for MX2 and MXGP. We expect a full calendar of 20 Grand Prix and the Monster Energy FIM MXoN to end the season in Red Bud.”
At the moment we are awaiting the 2022 calendar however are there any new countries or venues that could be seen on the calendar?
“The 2022 calendar will be released at the end of the season. Therefore I cannot mention for the moment any specification on the countries we will visit but I can say that we will see a lot of countries coming back to the calendar compared to the last 2 years. We really hope to be able to deliver a great and global season.”
Could we see more rounds of the FIM Womens Motocross World Championship in the future?
“It is not planned to change the program of the WMX championship. We always try to make a good balance between all the support races and WMX is one of them.”
2022 we head to the US to RedBud for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Could we see RedBud on the MXGP calendar more in the future?
“The last Monster Energy MXoN in Red Bud was a fantastic success and I am sure the 2022 edition will enter in the history, as we see a record of demands in regards of the ticketing! The future of the MXGP and MXoN in USA is very positive. For many years now, we are continually exchanging with MX Sports about projects in regards of the Grand Prix or MXoN. I am very confident that more collaboration will come in the future.“
Is there anything you would like to add on this season and moving forwards with MXGP?
“During the last two years, we had to face many new challenges to be able to complete the MXGP championships. I can say that the motocross community has never been so united. Therefore, I would like to thank all the stakeholders of the MXGP, from all our organizers that took the risk with us to organize a Grand Prix in such a challenging time, to the FIM that have been next to us in our decisions in regards to the calendars changes. But also, to all the partners of the MXGP that kept putting their trust in this fantastic sport. Finally, I would like to thank the manufacturers and all the riders, that are showing to all the motocross fans around the world the most exciting championship ever! I am very confident that next year we will be able to bring back the MXGP in many countries that were missing it for 2 years! I wish you to enjoy the end of the season! See you in Mantova!”
Photo Credit – MXGP
