RIOLA SARDO WELCOMES MXGP AND KICKS OFF THE MXGP OF SARDEGNA WITH THE OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE.
The Official Opening Press Conference of the MXGP of Sardegna took place today in the Media Centre at the iconic Crossodromo Le Dune in Riola Sardo, welcoming everyone to the fifth consecutive edition of the FIM Motocross World Championship held on this stunning Mediterranean island.
In attendance were Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Tourism Councillor’s Private Secretary Stefano Piano, Mayor of Riola Sardo Lorenzo Pinna, and President of Motoclub Le Dune Fulvio Maiorca — all of whom expressed pride in once again bringing world-class motocross to Sardegna. A special guest and home hero was welcome to the press conference, which is the 2023 MX2 World Champion, Andrea Adamo from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.
This year’s event marks five straight seasons of hosting the MXGP in Riola Sardo, a venue that has become an early-season highlight thanks to its technical deep-sand layout and the warm welcome it offers to riders and teams. The Grand Prix is now not only a key sporting event but also part of a broader initiative by the region to promote Sardegna as a year-round sports tourism destination — the “Island of Sport.”
David Luongo: „Returning to Sardegna for the fifth year in a row is a testament to the strength of this Grand Prix. Riola Sardo is now a reference point on the calendar — not only for the racing, but for its value to the teams, many of whom spend their winters here to train so pretty much everybody knows this circuit. It’s a track the riders know and respect, and the improvements in infrastructure and organization year after year show the passion of everyone involved. Sardegna is not just a race location; it’s a partner in our sport, and we’re proud to continue this journey together. I want to thank all the people from the city, from the region, and from the island for all the support they give to the organizer, to this race. And we hope to continue to come here for many year.“
Antonio Alia Portela: „It’s always a pleasure to return to Sardegna. Every time we see this race on the calendar, there’s a sense of excitement. The island offers a special combination: a technical and demanding track, great weather, and local institutions that work with true professionalism and heart. Beyond the perfect setting, it’s the people behind the scenes who make everything run smoothly. And of course, the strong support from local institutions, the town hall, and regional authorities truly makes a difference. It’s clear to us that Riola Sardo is more than ready to host MXGP, and we look forward to seeing it grow even further in the years to come.
Andrea Adamo: „For me, Sardegna has always been a special place to train and race. In the winter, riders usually split between Spain and Sardegna — and I’ve always chosen Sardinia. It’s in Italy, which I love, and the conditions here are perfect: deep sand at Riola, plus a variety of other tracks nearby. This is the only real sand circuit we have in Italy, and it’s been on the calendar every year since 2021, which is great because it means we get another home GP. I also feel a personal connection, coming from Sicily — another island — so racing here means a lot to me. I saw firsthand how much work goes into preparing this Grand Prix, and I really want to congratulate the organizers. They’ve done an amazing job. As for the weekend, expectations are high — I’ll do my best to stay up front and keep improving.“
Stefano Piano: „The Grand Prix of Sardegna is a key opportunity for us to promote the island’s image worldwide. We’re proud to welcome thousands of fans, athletes, and teams outside of the traditional summer period, helping to extend the tourist season and boost the local economy. Events like this reflect our commitment to positioning Sardegna as a top destination not only for its natural beauty but also for international sporting events.“
Lorenzo Pinna: „This event fills us with pride. For Riola Sardo and the whole region, hosting MXGP represents a chance to grow, to showcase our identity, and to invest in the future. What once felt like a dream is now a reality, and we are committed to making it even stronger. The partnership between local institutions, Infront Moto Racing and the FIM is a winning formula that we want to continue developing.“
Fulvio Maiorca: „Five years ago, we welcomed MXGP here for the first time — and now, Riola Sardo has become one of the most respected sand circuits in the world. Beyond the race weekend, we’re proud that international teams choose this track for their winter training. Our goal has always been to raise the level of what we offer, and with the continued support of Infront, the FIM, and our region, we’ll keep growing. Sardegna is without a doubt the island of motocross.“
Text/Bild: Infront