PRESS CONFERENCES AND BALLOT LAUNCH MONSTER ENERGY FIM MXON WEEKEND AT MATTERLEY BASIN.
The media day at the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations began with the welcoming Press Conference and the Ballot to determine the starting grid for the RAM Qualifying Races scheduled for Saturday.
Friday’s activities commenced with a warm welcome Press Conference, featuring Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela and Moto Club Ernée Vice President Steve Dixon, who shared insights about the preparations for this weekend’s proceedings.
Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: “Welcome everybody to Matterley Basin for the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. It is great to be back at Matterley Basin for the third time, we were here in 2006 and of course in 2017. The MXoN is the biggest off-road event of the year and the most exciting event of the year. It’s an event where the riders, ride and fight for their country, not just for their personal targets. And it’s a race that gives us always big surprises, big emotions and big drama. We hope that the weather will be kind to us, and that everybody will enjoy a fantastic weekend of racing. I would like to thank Steve Dixon most of all, for all the effort he has been putting in. Without Steve then for sure Matterley Basin would not be happening. I wish everyone a safe and successful weekend of Motocross, at the home of Motocross where the sport was born, and I’m sure it will be a fantastic event.”
FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela: „Hello everyone on behalf of the FIM, I would like to welcome all of you to the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. It has been a fantastic season and it’s great to be in the UK, where the sport was first created, and at this amazing natural amphitheatre of Matterley Basin, which is truly one of the best Motocross circuits in the world. The line-up we have this weekend is one of the best we’ve ever seen. We hope that the weather will be gentle, not as bad as 2017 anyway, and that the riders will enjoy a successful weekend for them without any injuries. It’s a great pleasure to be here and I’m looking forward to a great weekend of Motocross.”
2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Organiser, Steve Dixon: “Welcome everyone to Matterley Basin, it’s great to be hosting the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations for the third time here, I would like to thank the FIM and Infront Moto Racing for inviting us to hold the event here once more. The 2006 and 2017 races were absolutely classic and I’m sure, with the line-up we are seeing here this weekend, that 2024 will be even better. The quality of riders here reminds me of 2006, as again we have the best of the best racing in front of us. So again, massive thanks to David, Antonio, Infront, and the FIM, as well as all of our amazing sponsors and partners here. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys the show!”
After the press conference, the teams gathered in the media centre for the official ballot to define the starting grid for tomorrow’s qualifying races. First team out of the draw was Romania, with a lowly number 28 position. The first of last year’s podium teams was Italy, and they were grateful for pick #5. Reigning Champions France got a decent #12, while double MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado will be very happy with Team Spain’s fourth pick!
Germany have a tough position with the final pick on the gate, and team USA not much better in P24. The Netherlands got #8, and with just four on the board and the #1 still available, Team Switzerland were dismayed to draw number 35!
The number 1 position finally went to one of the top contenders, Team Belgium! One observer was heard to mention that “They used up all of their bad luck before the race!”
The qualifying starting grid is as follows:
1. Belgium
2. Japan
3. Estonia
4. Spain
5. Italy
6. Latvia
7. Venezuela
8. The Netherlands
9. Croatia
10. Ireland
11. Poland
12. France
13. Lithuania
14. Brazil
15. Denmark
16. Iceland
17. Australia
18. Canada
19. South Africa
20. Austria
21. Slovenia
22. Norway
23. Portugal
24. USA
25. FIM Latin America
26. Finland
27. Chile
28. Romania
29. Great Britain
30. Czechia
31. Sweden
32. New Zealand
33. Greece
34. Slovakia
35. Switzerland
36.Germany
Text/Bild: Infront