Welcome Press Conference officially presents the restart of 2020 MXGP!
Infront Moto Racing is pleased to officially present the MXGP much-anticipated return for the first of three events to take place in Latvia as the MXGP of Latvia, the MXGP of Riga and the MXGP of Kegums.
The EMX250 and EMX Open action from today saw the first gate-drop in five months since the last race took place at Valkenswaard in March.
As the European Championship riders lined-up for their races in sunny Kegums, they were welcomed by a crowd of fans who were eager to cheer on their favourites from the public area which made for an even more special day.
Following today’s action on track here in Kegums, Latvia, the opening press conference took place to welcome everybody to MXGP of Latvia which marked the official return of the FIM Motocross World Championship in action.
The panel of officials included Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Latvian Motorcycle Federation President Martins Lazdovskis as well as the MXGP of Latvia Organizer Kristers Sergis who shared a few words on the comeback of the FIM Motocross World Champiomnship as well as more details on the three events which are taking place in Latvia.
Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: “Eventually we are back and I’m sure it was a very long wait for everybody. We have worked hard over the last five months to find the best solution that would allow us to return to racing and continue this 2020 season, it was challenging as we have also explained in our press releases, the situation has changed on a daily and weekly basis, country by country, regarding logistics, safety restrictions and the possibilities of holding events.
The work of the promoter is to keep the Championship alive and Infront Moto Racing had to work very hard in order to make this season happen and finally we are here in Latvia as a result of the the cooperation with the FIM, the Latvian Motorcycling Federation and the local organizer. I would like to thank the FIM for the great support and trust they gave in order to run this new 2020 calendar as well as the local Organizer who welcomed the restart of the championship in Kegums and especially the Latvian Motorcycle Federation President Martins Lazdovskis for the effort he put these past months, because he has been in constant contact with the Latvian government which supported Infront Moto Racing, as Motocross is a very important sport for Latvia. In order to make this event possible we have had many safety requests from the Latvian government, thus in the last weeks Infront Moto Racing have put together an official protocol thanks to the cooperation of the FIM, the Latvian Motorcycle Federation and the Local Organiser, we all cooperate to set and respect all protocol procedures to host an international event here in Latvia with the authorisation to welcome the public as well. The fact to have the public is very exciting because this is one of the first international sporting events worldwide welcoming spectators.
This is also the first time in the history of the FIM Motocross World Championship that 3 events will take place in just over a week, this is very demanding but it shows the motivation and the professionalism of all the people involved in the sport who couldn’t wait to be back racing respecting all duties and protocol given. “
FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela: „On behalf of the FIM and, in particular, the CMS I would like to thank Infront Moto Racing for all the efforts they have put together to make this comeback to racing activity a reality. It goes without saying that without the cooperation of the Promoters, Organizers and the Federations it would have been impossible to present a calendar under the present situation we are going through these days. However, the will to overcome this situation is stronger than the restrictions and limitations we have to put up so here we are, in Kegums, Latvia, to resume the FIM Motocross World Championship with new procedures and attitudes that every single person involved in the MXPGs accepted with an open mind in order to adapt to comply with the national requirements and to guarantee the success of the whole series. At the FIM we have been preparing for these days and together with Infront Moto Racing will do our best to achieve this goal.“
Latvian Motorcycle Federation Martins Lazdovskis: “First of all I want to welcome all the MXGP community here in Latvia, Kegums. I cannot describe how proud and happy I am today. A few months ago, it all was still unclear whether we could organize a GP or not. All postponements and the worldwide uncertainty made us also consider the cancellation of GP this year but eventually thanks to the cooperation of all parties we made it, for a week Latvia will be in spotlights of all motorsport world.
But I have to be honest, it was the most challenging GP we are organising and there no enough words to thank Infront Moto Racing for encouraging and supporting us to make it happen. Without the strong relationship and cooperation we have with Infront Moto Racing, the FIM Motocross World Championship would not take place.
It also wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of responsible government bodies who supported on the setting of a proper safety protocol. Safety protocol was one of the most complicated matters especially regarding those who are coming from yellow/red listed countries. But all of us have to understand how crucial is to stick with these safety requirements to make the MXGP World Championship back again in Latvia”
MXGP of Latvia Organizer Kristers Sergis: “I wish to thank everybody for finding the opportunity to visit our country for MXGP despite the worldwide pandemic. I want to express how proud I am of my country, Latvia, and its people as well as the Latvian Government for the successfully management to establish the environment in which we can organize the MXGP and visitors as well as local spectators can feel safe. I also want to thank Infront Moto Racing, the FIM and the Latvian Motorcycling Federation for the smooth cooperation which has led us to a historic event to have three GPs in a bit more than 1 week. I really think that all of us as a motocross community can be proud of facing together during this difficult time and proving to the world than FIM Motocross World Championship can handle these moments.”
As tomorrow the FIM Motocross World Championship will see its return for round three of the calendar, the whole MXGP community is thrilled for the first of the three EPIC races at the Kegums circuit which will be available to follow LIVE from home on MXGP-TV.com.
Text/Bild: Infront Moto Racing