Welcome Press Conference to Kick-Off the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina.
The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina, the third round of the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship was officially declared open during with a welcome press conference.
The kick off press conference took place in the Media Centre of the Patagonia Race Track circuit which in attendance included Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Organizer of MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina David Eli along with local politicians Neuquén Governor Omar Gutierrez, Mayor of Villa La Angostura Fabio Stefani, Neuquén Minister of Tourism Sandro Badilla and Neuquén Minister of Sports Alejandra Piedecasas and Track Designer Lucas de La Fuente who shared their excitement and support for the event taking place this weekend.
The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina is the first overseas event of the FIM Motocross World Championship following the pandemic and the first international event to take place in Argentina that includes public, riders and teams travelling from abroad to the country.
Infront Moto Racing CEO, David Luongo: “It is really a big pleasure to be back here in Patagonia; Argentina was the upcoming GP in 2020 when we were forced to stop the Championship because of the Covid-19 situation so for us it is really important that the first event outside Europe would be Argentina again in Villa La Angostura, besides there is no doubt that this track is one of the most beautiful in the world and everybody in the paddock can confirm that. We are almost at the other side of the world but from the first time we stepped out of the plane we feel happy because the atmosphere here is amazing. I would like to thank Omar Gutierrez, David Eli and all the people in this room for all the efforts that they put into making this race happen and I have no doubt that the MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina has a great future. Finally, I wish everybody to enjoy this beautiful place and enjoy the weekend of racing”.
FIM/CMS Director, Antonio Alia Portela: “Having lived from the very beginning the evolution of the MXGP Patagonia – Argentina, I have been privileged to know how things are dealt with and how the group of +Eventos care about single details that make their events stand out from the rest. Although it is a little too far away for people from Europe, we all know that the moment the plane forks right and heads to Bariloche’s airport runway, we are about to enter a world that looks like paradise. It goes without saying that it is thanks to this group of passionate people, in this blessed land, not only a balance between sport and nature has been found but also a stronger bond between all the parties involved, +Eventos with David Eli and Lucas de la Fuente, Infront Motor Racing David Luongo and the local and provincial authorities so that the future of the event is secured.”
Organizer of MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina, David Eli: “I just want to thank the many people who make so much effort to make this event happen, especially the services made available by the province, which many times are invisible, but which are always ready to help whenever we need them”.
Neuquén Governor, Omar Gutierrez: “Thank you very much to all those who have made it possible for the event to be back here. This event allows us to integrate and approach the world. This event is the result of two years of waiting and the great work of the parties involved. I also take this occasion to highlight that the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina is a tradition here and to announce that next year the FIM Motocross World Championship will be again around Villa La Angostura.”
Mayor of Villa La Angostura, Fabio Stefani: “I am very happy and proud of this sixth edition of the MXGP in Villa La Angostura. I wish to thank everybody who has worked so hard to make it happen. The bar is set very high, but we go for more, and so we have made all our efforts to make this a big party for everyone!”
Neuquén Minister of Tourism, Sandro Badilla: “The long-awaited day has come and we are so glad! The FIM Motocross World Championship has come back to Neuquén and to Villa La Angostura. In our province, tourism and sport go together, that is why organizing this event involves all government areas.”
Neuquén Minister of Sports, Alejandra Piedecasas: “We are very pleased to welcome over 80 riders, the best in the world. This event is going to be broadcasted worldwide and over 700 million people are going to see images from our province.”
Track Designer Lucas Fuentes: “I am very happy to be here again after these two years. All the parties in this matter made a great effort to be able to come and I hope this event will stay here for many more years.”
Later this afternoon, the opening day of the Grand Prix will conclude with the typical warm welcome by the fans in the city centre of Villa La Angostura, where various riders from MXGP will take part in an autograph session and photo opportunity with the local supporters.
Bild/Text: Infront Moto Racing