The MXGP of China—the eighteenth and penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Championship—is taking place this weekend at the Shanghai International off-road circuit in Haiwan Town, on China’s central coast, approximately 50 kilometers from Shanghai.
The 1,620-meter hard-pack track, features a modern layout that alternates fast rhythm sections with massive jumps.
After setting the 8th fastest time in free practice, Calvin Vlaanderen secured 4th place in the timed practice session, lining up for the qualifying race. Despite a start hampered by contact just out of the gate, the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team rider managed to make up ground, moving up to sixth place within the first two laps. Aboard his Desmo450 MX, the Dutchman spent the entire moto battling for a top-5 spot, ultimately finishing 6th.
The MXGP of China also marks Ferruccio Zanchi’s return to the MX2 class. The Beddini Racing Ducati Factory MX2 Team rider—sidelined since the British Grand Prix on July 19th—returned to competition for the season’s final two rounds in China and Australia after missing five GPs. Although he placed 11th in both practice sessions, the Tuscan rider was forced to retire from the qualifying race after two laps due to a technical issue.
