Henry Jacobi – the former bad boy of the MX2 class (remember the petulant punch he threw at Adam Sterry at the 2019 German GP?) – has teamed up with Michele Cervellin on JM Honda Racing machinery for his second season in MXGP.
The 24-year-old German, a former Junior world champ and MX2 front runner, struggled with injuries this year but proved on a number of occasions that he possessed the speed to run inside the top 10 and obviously impressed his new team boss Jacky Martens.
“I’m really looking forward to start working with the JM Honda Racing crew,” said Jacobi. “I’m sure to be part of a really good team and it will be cool to tap into all the know-how that Jacky has. From the bike to the parts and the support around me I will have everything at my disposal to get good results.”
Also 24, Cervellin is a double European SX and seven-time Italian champ who was showing promising pace in MXGP this season before a big crash in Faenza.
“I’m really, really happy with this deal,” he said. “JM Honda Racing will give me a great opportunity to grow as a rider because I will move to Belgium to work closely with Jacky Martens and the team. To take the next step in my career with such a good team is super motivating, I cannot wait to start working for the new season!”
Team boss Jacky Martens, world 500cc champion in ’93, is happy with his two-man team.
“We’re super-pleased with our rider line-up for 2021 and very excited about our technical package based on the all-new CRF450R. Henry is a very dedicated rider who’s committed to keep improving. As for Michele, we’re very keen to provide him with the tools to fully exploit his bike skills.”
Former British champion Gordon Crockard, Honda’s Off-Road Racing Manager, is looking forward to the new season.
“After the turbulence of 2020, we are delighted to go into 2021 with such promising young riders partnered with JM Racing,” he said. “The new riders with the new bike in the new season all makes for vibrant energy. I think the MXGP calendar starting point in April is an advantage for our new riders to build development and grow with Jacky and his team. I am very happy and welcome Henry and Michele into our Honda family.”
