MXGP World Championship
Catch Up: Rasmus Jorgensen
Rasmus Jorgensen on his squad.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team is one of the most exciting in the paddock, with rising stars like Kay de Wolf and Maxime Grau. The experienced hand of Jed Beaton, who is entering his final year in MX2, adds a lot of strength to that line-up as well. It is highly likely that the team will make a splash when racing begins in Russia in less than a month, so this seemed like an ideal time to find out how the off-season has gone for the trio. Rasmus Jorgensen, the team manager, talked us through everything that has happened and what to expect.
MX Vice: It has been the longest off-season in history, but how has it gone for you and your three guys? Wrap the last couple of months up for us.
Rasmus Jorgensen:Â Yeah, obviously it has been really long. It feels like forever ago that we were in Trentino, but when you look back then the time has gone fast. It is always like that though. There was a changing of roles a little bit, with Thomas [Olsen] moving up to MXGP and Kay [de Wolf] moving into MX2. There are not too many new faces in the team. The atmosphere in the team has been really good, like last year, and the transition onto the factory bike has been nothing but positive for Kay. Not only do I think that he has made a good step riding wise, but also mentally.
With Jed, I believe that he too has improved in certain areas compared to last year. It has been positive. Our new guy, Maxime [Grau], has been a good addition to the team as well. It is always good to have a young guy in the EMX class, so we can try to get him ready for MX2 whenever he will be ready. It is not a must that he has to be ready for 2022. It is always quite interesting to guide these young guys into the MX2 class, just to see them grow. When we get them that young it is almost like watching them become a man. It is like what we have done with Kay.
With someone like Kay, who goes from EMX250 to MX2 in the same team, what changes? There was no full-factory bike in EMX250, so that is a big change. I guess there is a lot more to test as well. What about his off the bike programme?Â
Yeah, like you said, there are a lot more options with the bike. You can personalise the bike a little more. We do not want to spoil the EMX riders too much, because if you give them all of the good material straight away then there would not be anything to add or anywhere to progress. We always try to bring our riders to the best level possible in our team, no matter what class they are in. We need to adapt with younger guys and whatnot obviously, with what level they are on and what they can handle. The intensity for Kay has gone up, but he is still super young and just 16. The training is more, I would say, professional and there is more intensity. I think that for him it was his mentality towards training that changed a lot and that was on himself. It is obviously a big step, but the things that we have done with him seem to have worked. We are just working off of that.
You could have signed another MX2 rider and left Kay in EMX250 for another year. I guess that you could see that he was ready for this though, so why not bump him up?
Yeah, exactly. You do not want to move them up too soon and burn them out. When you have a promising talent like Kay, with a good family behind him who will back him up fully, then you know the ingredients are there. It was a good time to make this step. I think that it is very important to come into the first year in MX2 as an underdog too, so that you can enjoy that moment. No matter how much we try to prepare him for the challenge this year, mentally, you have to go out and experience it for yourself. You need to experience the travelling, the heat in Indonesia, the intensity in the motos and all of these things. You need to experience that to realise how tough it is, and the only way to do that is by doing it. I think this was the right decision.
Kay was impressive in Sweden at the weekend too. Was that not much of a surprise for you? It was a rough weekend for Jed, on the other hand, but it was only a warm-up race, so moving on…
We knew that Kay made a big step. I was surprised to see how well he controlled the races from the front and passed the guys for the lead, plus that he stayed calm. There were still a few mistakes and crashes, which took away the overall on both days, but it does not really matter. It is all a learning process, and this was just a pre-season race. The same with Jed. We do these races to feel where we are with the bike – to see how the changes that we have done perform when the gates drop and the pressure is on – and the physical conditioning. It is usually a bit of a different feeling compared to training. A race like that is just to confirm everything and make sure that the steps we made were the right ones. The guys seem to be very happy with their bikes and are feeling good, so we are looking forward to Russia.
What was it that you wanted Jed to improve on in the wintertime? What things were outlined towards the end of last season?Â
It is difficult when you have a guy who is battling for podiums. When Jed would get a good start, he would be right up there. Starts, for sure, as those are always super important and then consistency. Jed had a super good year and achieved the goals that he set – we wanted to have a healthy season, be on the podium a lot and be in the top five in the standings. He was in the battle for third the whole way as well. When you get to that level, it is the small details that make a big difference. We have worked on that. I feel like Jed is in a good mental place; he knows that he can do it now and is ready for the challenge. It is his last season in the class, so it is going to be a very interesting year. We will see what happens. The competition is tough, but I feel like we have done our homework. Jed is in a good place, happy and calm.
Do you notice that this being his final year in MX2 changes him in either a positive or negative way? Is he different? It could make him more focussed or he could put more pressure on himself. Do you see that it impacts the way that he does things?
I would say that it does impact it a little bit. The MXGP class is so stacked, so you always want to get results that make you deserve a good ride. On the other hand, however, you cannot really force the issue. If you are too set on that then you are going to lose your focus. Jed is in a good mental place right now, like I said, and he is quite realistic about it. If he performs and deserves a ride then he will get one, but if not then it is a different situation. It is not easy. They are 23, so when they do not have deal then it is not an easy situation. We will see.
It looks like we are going racing in Russia. What are your thoughts on the schedule? Russia is not the easiest place to start, then there are a lot of races in a row.Â
I think the calendar is good. Russia is not the easiest place to start, in terms of organisation. We are starting so late now and I would prefer this calendar over doing triple headers again. I know that a lot of people enjoy the one-day format, but I also feel like it is nice to have the Saturday as a warm up when we are travelling that much. It is what it is. We just need to make the best out of the situation right now and the calendar is good. It is going to be intense for the guys, but it is the same for everybody.
It is tough to talk about expectations, but is it realistic to sit here and say that Jed is going for a world title? Is the focus more on getting a medal then, hey, maybe that ends up being gold?Â
I think that realistically you have to take one race at a time. I think the same applies to anyone who finished in the top five the year prior. You have to focus on yourself and take one race at a time to see where you are towards the end. To talk about wanting to be world champion too much, when you have not done it before, is a bit dangerous. There are so many races and so much can happen. You have to take one gate drop at a time and minimise the mistakes, then see where you are. Our goal is to win. That has always been the goal – the same goes for Jed himself. He got a taste of winning in Mantova and definitely wants more. We just have to keep our heads down and keep working. I feel like we are in a good place.
Interview: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Bavo Swijgers
MXGP World Championship
2024 Spain Intu Xanadú – Arroyomolinos – MXGP Results
We will post the 2024 MXGP results of Spain Intu Xanadú – Arroyomolinos GP all weekend. Get the latest updates to your phone through MX Vice.
MXGP Championship
MXGP Overall
MXGP Race Two
MXGP Race One
MXGP Qualification Race
MXGP Timed Practice
MX2 Championship
MX2 Overall
MX2 – Race Two
MX2 – Race One
MX2 – Qualification Race
MX2 Timed Practice
WMX Race Two
WMX Race One
EMX 250 Overall
EMX 250 – Race 2
EMX 250 – Race 1
EMX 250 – Timed Practice
MXGP World Championship
//PEARCY Stats Preview MXGP Intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos
Once again, our resident stats guru, Paul Pearcy, provides a breakdown of the MX2 class going into Intu Xanadu. Famed more for its access to a shopping mall and McDonald’s than actual passing, the MX2 contenders will be looking to make their mark. Last year, Simon Laengenfelder reigned supreme and was unstoppable on Sunday, with no rider able to match his pace. If you were a betting man, who would be your winner?
MXGP Intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos Preview
MX2
Kay de Wolf
Venue Visits: 21’, 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 3rd
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 3rd
- Qualifying Race Finish: 4th
- Qualifying Points: 7
- Race First Lap Position: 6th
- Race Finishes: 5th in Race 1, 11th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 8th
- Race Points: 54
Total Points: 61
Simon Laengenfelder
Venue Visits: 21’-23’
- Race Podiums: 4; 22’, 23’
- Race Wins: 2; 1-1 in 23’
- Overall Podiums: 2; 22’, 23’
- Overall win: 1; 23’
- Race Laps Led: 34; all in 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 4.667
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 4th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 3rd
- Qualifying Points: 8
- Race First Lap Position: 5.167
- Race Finishes: 4.333 in Race 1, 5th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 4.333
- Race Points: 113
Total Points: 121
Thibault Benistant
Venue Visits: 21’-23’
- Race Podium: 1; 23’
- Race Laps Led: 1, 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 6.667
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 4th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 5.5
- Qualifying Points: 5
- Race First Lap Position: 12.667
- Race Finishes: 5.667 in Race 1, 6.333 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 6.333
- Race Points: 92
Total Points: 97
Mikkel Haarup
Venue Visits: 21’-23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 9th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 12th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 12th
- Race First Lap Position: 12.5
- Race Finishes: 12.333 in Race 1, 9.667 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 10.667
- Race Points: 60
Total Points: 60
Andrea Adamo
Venue Visits: 21’-23’
- Race Podium: 1; 23’
- Overall Podium: 1; 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 11th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 9.5
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 6.5
- Qualifying Race Points: 6
- Race First Lap Position: 11.667
- Race Finishes: 9.333 in Race 1, 12.667 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 10.333
- Race Points: 70
Total Points: 76
Lucas Coenen
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 6th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 2nd
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 2nd
- Qualifying Points: 9
- Race First Lap Position: 17.5
- Race Finishes: 6th in Race 1, 26th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 14th
- Race Points: 15
Total Points: 24
Sacha Coenen
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 19th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 24th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 17th
- Race First Lap Position: 8.5
- Race Finishes: 9th in Race 1, 11th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 9th
- Race Points: 22
Total Points: 22
Rick Elzinga
Venue Visits: 22’, 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 10th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 14th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 21.5
- Race First Lap Position: 4.25
- Race Finishes:13th in Race 1, 10th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 14.5
- Race Points: 27
Total Points: 27
Jack Chambers
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 22nd
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 15th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 15th
- Race First Lap Position: 24.5
- Race Finishes:17th in Race 1, 16th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 17th
- Race Points: 9
Total Points: 9
Oriol Oliver
Venue Visits: 21’, 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 17.5
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 16th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 13th
- Race First Lap Position: 12.75
- Race Finishes:17th in Race 1, 17th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 17.5
- Race Points: 19
Total Points: 19
David Braceras
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 16th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 14.5
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 15.5
- Race First Lap Position: 12.75
- Race Finishes:14.5 in Race 1, 16th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 16.5
- Race Points: 23
Total Points: 23
Emil Weckman
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 17th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 10th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 11th
- Race First Lap Position: 12.5
- Race Finishes: 15th in Race 1, 19th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 18th
- Race Points: 8
Total Points: 8
Bobby Bruce
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 20th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 12th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 26th
- Race First Lap Position: 23rd
- Race Finishes: 27th in Race 1, 21st in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 17th
MXGP
Jorge Prado
Venue Visits: 20’-23’
- 1st in Timed Practice: 1; 22’
- Qualifying Race Podiums: 2; 22’, 23’
- Qualifying Race Win: 1; 23’
- Qualifying Race Laps Led: 12
- Race Podiums: 6
- Race Wins: 2
- Overall Podiums: 2; 20’, 21’
- Overall Win: 1; 20’ (1-1 in 20’)
- Race Laps Led: 56
Averages
- Timed Practice: 3rd
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 2.5
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 1.5
- Qualifying Race Points: 10
- Race First Lap Position: 2.125
- Race Finishes: 2nd in Race 1, 5th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 3rd
- Race Points: 160
Total Points: 170
Romain Febvre
Venue Visits: 20’, 21’, 23’
- Race Podiums: 3
- Race Win: 1; 21’
- Overall Podium: 1; 20’
- Race Laps Led: 11
Averages
- Timed Practice: 5.667
- Race First Lap Position: 8.5
- Race Finishes: 1.5 in Race 1, 5th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 3.5
- Race Points: 81
Total Points: 81
Tim Gajser
Venue Visits: 20’-22’
- 1st in Timed Practice: 1; 20’
- Race Podiums: 4
- Overall Podiums: 2; 20’, 21’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 1.667
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 5th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 11th
- Race First Lap Position: 3.5
- Race Finishes: 3rd in Race 1, 3.333 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 3rd
- Race Points: 119
Total Points: 119
Pauls Jonass
Venue Visits: 21’, 22’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 8.5
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 3rd
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 9th
- Race First Lap Position: 7.25
- Race Finishes: 7.5 in Race 1, 7th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 7.5
- Race Points: 55
Total Points: 55
Maxime Renaux
Venue Visit: 22’, 23’
- Race Wins: 2; 22’ (1-1 in 22’)
- Overall Win: 1; 22’
- Race Laps Led: 31
Averages
- Timed Practice: 4th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 5th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 13th
- Race First Lap Position: 2nd
- Race Finishes: 1st in Race 1, 1st in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 1st
- Race Points: 50
Total Points: 50
Jeremy Seewer
Venue Visits: 20’-23’
- Qualifying Race Podium: 1; 23’
- Qualifying Race Laps Led: 1; 22’
- Race Laps Led: 5
Averages
- Timed Practice: 6.5
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 2nd
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 4th
- Qualifying Race Points: 8
- Race First Lap Position: 5.375
- Race Finishes: 8.5 in Race 1, 5.25 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 7th
- Race Points: 115
Total Points: 123
Jeffery Herlings
Venue Visits: 21’, 23’
- 1st in Timed Practice: 2; 21’, 23’
- Qualifying Race Podiums: 1; 23’
- Race Podiums: 4;(Jeffrey has podiumed 100% of the races he has competed in)
- Race Wins: 3; (Herlings has won 75% of the victories he has vied for)
- Overall Wins: 2; (100% win rate)
- Race Laps Led: 27
Averages
- Timed Practice: 1st
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 2nd
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 2nd
- Qualifying Race Points: 9
- Race First Lap Position: 4.75
- Race Finishes: 2nd in Race 1, 1st in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 1st
- Race Points: 95
Total Points: 104
Glenn Coldenhoff
Venue Visits: 20’-23’
- Qualifying Race Win: 1; 22’
- Qualifying Race Laps Led: 12
- Race Podium: 1; 22’
- Overall Podium: 1; 22’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 7.25
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 4th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 3.5
- Qualifying Race Points: 5
- Race First Lap Position: 5.125
- Race Finishes: 6th in Race 1, 6.5 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 5th
- Race Points: 123
Total Points: 128
Calvin Vlaanderen
Venue Visits: 20’-23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 12th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 14.5
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 11th
- Qualifying Race Points: 2
- Race First Lap Position: 15.625
- Race Finishes: 11.5 in Race 1, 12.75 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 12.25
- Race Points: 71
Total Points: 73
Valentin Guillod
Venue Visits: 20’-23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 18th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 19.5
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 12.5
- Qualifying Race Points: 1
- Race First Lap Position: 14.75
- Race Finishes: 12th in Race 1, 15.25 in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 14.25
- Race Points: 62
Total Points: 63
Ben Watson
Venue Visits: 21’-23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 14.667
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 20.5
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 24.5
- Race First Lap Position: 16.5
- Race Finishes: 19th in Race 1
- Overall Finishes: 22nd
- Race Points: 2
Total Points: 2
Ivo Monticelli
Venue Visits: 20’, 22’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 12th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 9th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 24th
- Race First Lap Position: 16.75
- Race Finishes: 15th in Race 1, 13th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 13th
- Race Points: 28
Total Points: 28
Kevin Brumann
Venue Visit: 23’
Averages
- Timed Practice: 17th
- Qualifying Race First Lap Position: 20th
- Qualifying Race Finishes: 20th
- Race First Lap Position: 20th
- Race Finishes: 14th in Race 1, 17th in Race 2
- Overall Finishes: 15th
- Race Points: 11
Total Points: 11
Photo: KTM Group
MX Vice Podcasts
Between The Races Podcast: Adam Sterry – MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina Recap and Spain Preview
Listen now.
The Between The Races podcast returns with Adam Sterry, Ed Stratmann and Brad Wheeler, as they review the 2024 MXGP season opener and look ahead to Spain.
The Between The Races podcast is always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Fly Racing, Monster Energy, Fox Racing, Parts Europe, Scott, Bell Helmets, Acerbis, AS3 Performance, Kawasaki UK, KTM UK, O’Neal and Even Strokes for supporting the show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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