Husqvarna today unveiled their rider lineup for 2016 MXGP and MX2.
The premier championship will be represented by Max Nagl and Christophe Charlier for Husqvarna. While over in MX2 – as Dirt Bike Rider first suggested in the summer – British rider Max Anstie and American Thomas Covington will run in the MX2 Factory team managed by the experienced Jacky Martens.
The impressive rider lineup shows Husqvarna’s intent – to reach the top step of the podium in both MXGP and MX2.
At the ripe old age of 22, Anstie will race his final season in MX2 next year and he’s a welcome addition to Husqvarna.
Despite a mixed start to his MX2 campaign this term, Anstie proved himself as one of the strongest and fastest riders during the second half of the season. He claimed nine race wins and ended the championship third overall.
Domestically, #99 dominated, just narrowly missing out on the British championship after he was unable to race the final round following his injury at the MXoN.
Now with 2016 marking his final season of MX2 competition, the Husqvarna rider will be pushing hard to end it as world champion.
But this is no one year deal – for 2017 and 2018 Anstie will move up to the MXGP class and compete for Husqvarna’s MXGP team.
Joining Anstie in MX2 is Thomas Covington. Securing a debut overall MX2 podium at the penultimate round of the series in Mexico, Covington is a rider with huge potential and sure to deliver promising results in 2016.
Competing for the Husqvarna’s MXGP Factory team, managed by Antti Pyrhönen, Germany’s Max Nagl will fight for the coveted title that agonisingly slipped from his grasp this year.
Nagl was the early leader of the 2015 championship until an injury at his home GP in Germany forced him to miss five rounds. Ending the series sixth overall with five race wins and multiple podiums, Nagl is focused on returning stronger and faster.
France’s Christophe Charlier joins Husqvarna for 2016. A familiar face within the MXGP paddock, the Frenchman recorded a season’s best MXGP result of seventh at round three in Argentina. With the full support of Husqvarna behind him Charlier will look to become a regular fixture inside the top 10 during 2016.
Young British talent, Conrad Mewse will compete in the EMX 250 championship for the Husqvarna’s Factory MX2 team. Further strengthening Husqvarna’s roster of youth talent, Mikkel Haarup will compete in the EMX 125 class aboard IceOne machinery.
The opening round of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship begins in Losail, Qatar on February 27.
Robert Jonas said: “Husqvarna are very pleased to be represented by Max Nagl and Christophe Charlier in MXGP and by Max Anstie and Thomas Covington in MX2 for 2016.
“Max Nagl delivered some incredible results during 2015 and showed the capability and strength of our FC 450. Unfortunately, his injury prevented him from delivering Husqvarna a world championship but I’m confident he can succeed. We have two very strong riders in MX2 and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can achieve with the FC 250. Everything is in place for a great season of racing.”
MXGP Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Antti Pyrhönen commented: “We have a very strong MXGP team for 2016 in Max and Christophe. Max proved himself as one of the best riders this year.
“Unquestionably the MXGP class is super-competitive, but it is our goal to do all we can to support Max in his quest to become champion next year. It’s also great to welcome Christophe to the team. He’s a strong rider with a lot of potential. I believe we have the right tools necessary for him to deliver some impressive results. In addition, knowing that Max Anstie will be joining the team for 2017 and 2018 ensures we have a strong base for the future.”
Jacky Martens, MX2 Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager said: “I’m looking forward to working with both Max and Thomas next year, as well as with Conrad Mewse in the EMX series.
“All are great riders and exciting to watch on the track. Max is very experienced and was one of the fastest riders in the final rounds of the 2015 GP series. We will work hard to carry that momentum into 2016 and help him achieve his goal of becoming a world champion. Thomas is another young rider showing lots of potential. His race victory in Mexico showed what he is capable of.”
