In contrast to the hard-pack, hilly, and ‘natural style’ Ciclamino track in Pietramurata, the Mantova circuit is flat and soft with plenty of man-made jumps. The 1660-meter long venue has been a happy hunting ground for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer in the past, with the venue being the site of his very-first MXGP-class Grand Prix win, which arrived last year in 2020.
Fresh off the top step of the podium after celebrating his first Grand Prix win of 2021, Seewer arrives at the penultimate round of the MXGP series full of confidence. The Swiss star has had a challenging season that was heavily affected by Epstein Barr Virus, but after making progress in his recovery over the past few weeks, he has reached peak form, at least for this season, and is now competing for podium finishes and race wins. As a result of his early-season difficulties, the ‘91’ is currently fifth position in the MXGP Championship Standings, only 4-points from fourth – which is the best he can achieve in 2021 with the top-three positions in the series unreachable.
Coldenhoff has arrived in Mantova, Italy, in a determined mood. Like Seewer, the Dutchman has fond memories from the sandy Italian circuit where he has celebrated podium finishes at the venue in the past and a podium finish with Team the Netherlands at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations back in September this year. Currently seventh in the championship chase, the ‘259’ is no longer focused on the overall result but instead hopes to finish the season fast, consistent, and strong.
Ben Watson was also at the Motocross of Nations in September, and it was there that he celebrated his first-ever MXGP class victory. Returning to Mantova to draw the curtain on 2021, the 24-year-old Brit is excited to continue his bid for the title ‘Rookie of the Year.’ Currently 11th in the premier-classes Championship Standings, Watson is only 15-points off the leading rookie, Thomas Olsen, who is in 10th.
In MX2, the war has been won! Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Maxime Renaux wrapped up the MX2 world title with an emphatic race win and overall victory at the MXGP of Garda, just a few days ago. Following a sensational season aboard the YZ250FM, Renaux is uncatchable at the top of the standings with two Grand Prix rounds to spare.
Thus far, Renaux has 103 led laps, celebrated eight race wins, 20 top-three finishes, 12 podiums, and five Grand Prix victories. The 21-year-old Frenchman remains motivated to add to those impressive stats over the next two races.
After Renaux’s stunning victory, the focus is now on Jago Geerts as he chases last years’ World Champion Tom Vialle in the battle for the silver medal. Determined to return to his race-winning form, the 21-year-old Belgian is lining up for nothing less than the Grand Prix wins. He is currently third in the series standings, 16-points shy of Vialle.
Unfortunately, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s rookie sensation Thibault Benistant will not attend the final two rounds after sustaining an injury to his left knee. He is currently seventh in the series after an impressive season that included eight top-five race finishes, two race wins, and one podium celebration.
Coinciding with MXGP’s season-ending doubleheader, the Hutten Metaal Yamaha Official EMX250 team will also be onsite with the final two rounds of the EMX250 Championship that will take place on Saturday 6 and Tuesday 9 November. On Tuesday, the team will be joined in the paddock by the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 squad with their trio of youngsters returning to Italy for their ninth and final round of the 2021 EMX125 Championship.
