Husqvarna Motorcycles has announced that the IceOne Racing team, run by Finnish former Grand Prix racer Antti Pyrhönen, will continue as Husqvarna Motorcycles’ official MXGP representatives in the FIM Motocross World Championship. Following a two-year extension of their existing agreement, IceOne will manage the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP team during 2018 and 2019.
Completing a highly successful season in the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MXGP riders Gautier Paulin and Max Anstie were among the standout riders. With Paulin finishing third in the series, Anstie was the best placing MXGP class rookie and delivered dominant performances at the end-of-season Motocross of Nations in Great Britain.
Completing extensive off-season testing and preparations ahead of the start of the 2018 MXGP series, both Paulin and Anstie have shown impressive speed in recent international events. Starting with the opening round of the Internazionali d’Italia Motocross series where Anstie placed as runner-up in the MX1 and SuperFinal races, Paulin finished third in the MXGP class at the Hawkstone International MX with Anstie finishing third at the Lacapelle Marival International.
Competing aboard their Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing FC 450 machines, Paulin and Anstie will start their challenge for the 2018 FIM MXGP World Championship title in Argentina on March 4. Making its first stop in Europe on March 18 with the MXGP of Europe at Valkenswaard, the 19-round series will conclude in Imola, Italy on September 30.
“We are excited to extend our working relationship with the IceOne team, managed by Antti Pyrhönen,” said Head of Motorsport at Husqvarna Motorcycles, Diego Clement. “The impressive results they’ve achieved in recent MXGP World Championship seasons is testament to the professionalism and hard work within the team.
“We are extremely proud of not only the team’s racing successes and stature within the MXGP paddock, but importantly also the way that Antti and his team consistently represent Rockstar Energy and Husqvarna Motorcycles in a positive and professional way. We look forward to watching the team continue to improve and wish both Gautier Paulin and Max Anstie all the best for the upcoming start of the 2018 MXGP season.”
Team Manager, Antti Pyrhönen said: “Knowing that we have the full support of Husqvarna Motorcycles is a hugely positive for everyone involved in the team, especially as we prepare for the first MXGP race of this year. Working hand-in-hand with the dedicated staff within Husqvarna’s Motorsport Department has played a huge role in allowing us to compete at the very highest level.
“Being able to offer our riders the very best bikes, material and support is important to us and is exactly what we’re able to do with Husqvarna. Together with Husqvarna we’re looking forward to what we hope will be a rewarding and successful season of MXGP competition.”
