A little over a week ago the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship provisional calendar was presented, and for most of the people inside the paddock, it’s a good looking 2018.
Of course, Starting in Argentina is a massive plus for the sport. The positive comments about this event from around the world make it pretty much the perfect beginning to a new season.
With the inclusion of the Indonesian Grand Prix, at a different location, and in a dryer period of the year, plus US and Mexican Grand Prix running in the same week, making a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Many of the regular locations are still on the calendar, places like Trentino, Valkenswaard, Teutschenthal, Lommel and so many more of the main-stays of the series. Matterley Basin is back after having a rest in 2017 so they could run the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. So much to look forward to.
We sat down with HRC General Manager, Roger Harvey, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team manager Antti Pyrhonen to ask what they think of the calendar.
Harvey, who is a veteran of the sport really liked what he saw when the calendar arrived in his e-mail post.
“To be honest it’s a good calendar,” Harvey said. “We only just got it out last week and I like it a lot. The fly-aways have time on each side of them, so that is good. US followed by Mexico, which is good. The route in Europe looks like it’s been though out well, which is good. It isn’t easy making a calendar, because some events have traditional dates. We always ask for a good travel pattern and hopefully that will be better for everyone.”
Pyrhonen, who has like Harvey been a racer, and also has a long service to the sport is excited for what 2018 brings.
“First of all, I hope it could be the final calendar,” Pyrhonen said. “Because it looks really good. I know the calendar it is a demanding job, so I know some years it isn’t easy to make, and some years it’s easier. In 2018, we start in a great location in Argentina, that is very good. I actually liked Qatar, a nice facility and also Argentina is great. It is good as an opening Grand Prix, because first it is a good track and a great crowd, so it gives a positive feeling for the start of the season. I like starting outside of Europe, because it’s a little calmer, so when the first GP is in Europe, it is very hectic. Overall, it’s good. After Russia we go to Latvia, then Germany, and also America and Mexico, back to back weekends. I really look forward to next season with this calendar.”
So now it’s time to wait, and look forward to the continued improvement of the biggest motocross series in the world, the FIM Motocross World Championship.
