The 2024 season of the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship kicks off on March 8-10 in Argentina.
This year’s championship marks the most manufacturer factory teams since the adoption of the MXGP title in 2014 (MXGP was used briefly in 2003, but from 2004 to 2013, it was known as MX1 and MX2). Joining the Japanese contingents of Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha, along with the European KTM group consisting of GasGas, Husqvarna, and KTM, are Beta and Fantic, as well as newcomer Triumph. It’s highly anticipated that Ducati will soon add another factory team to the mix.
In the MXGP class, the opening round in Argentina delivered a thrilling battle, with GasGas, Honda, and Kawasaki claiming podium spots in both races. In the first race, defending champion Jorge Prado (number 1) took the win, followed by Romain Febvre (number 3) in second and Paul Jonass (number 41) in third.
The second race saw Tim Gajser (number 243), who made a comeback late last season and has been improving, secure the victory. Prado and Febvre completed the podium in second and third positions respectively.
In the MX2 category, Germany’s Simon Langenfelder (number 516) won the first moto, with Kay De Wolf (number 74) and Thibault Benistant (number 198) taking second and third places.
In the second moto, De Wolf claimed victory by a narrow margin. Mikkel Haarup (number 11), riding the Triumph for its maiden appearance in the world championship, finished approximately 1.5 seconds behind for a historic first podium for the TF-250X; Lucas Coenen (number 96) rounded out the podium in third place.