Every MX1 and MX2 world champion of the past six years is in action this weekend as the international racing season kicks off in Italy on Sunday. MXGP heroes Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli, Max Anstie, Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre, Shaun Simpson, Arnaud Tonus, Max Nagl, Gautier Paulin and Jordi Tixier clash in the sand of Riola Sardo in Sardinia. And world MX2 champ Pauls Jonass heads the entry in the 250s, where Briton Ben Watson will be making his Yamaha debut.

Cairoli is usually master of the deep sand of Riola Sardo as it’s where he spends his winter training, but Jeffrey Herlings will have other ideas as he’s the sand master who wants to prove he’s on top. And of course, the last time they all raced together it was Briton Max Anstie who showed them all a clean pair of heels so he’ll be aiming to prove he’s still on form.

All three men will be on the brand new spec 450 KTM or Husky, as raced in the AMA Supercross series which should form the new 2019 production bike. And it’s likely Jonass will debut the new-style 250 KTM which hasn’t been seen anywhere yet.

MX1

MX2