What Is 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship

Overview

The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship marked the 63rd season of the premier off-road motorcycle racing series, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). It featured top riders competing in two primary classes: MXGP (450cc) and MX2 (250cc), with events spanning five continents.

Season highlights included dramatic comebacks, intense rivalries, and breakthrough performances from young talents. The calendar kicked off in Patagonia, Argentina, and concluded in Mantova, Italy, after 19 grueling rounds.

• February 23, 2019: The season opener took place at the Neuquén circuit in Argentina, setting the tone for a globally diverse championship.
• Tim Gajser: The Slovenian rider clinched his second MXGP title after returning from injury, winning 10 of 18 races.
• Jago Geerts: The Belgian rookie dominated the MX2 class, securing the title with three rounds remaining.
• 19 Grand Prix: Events were held across 14 countries, including new stops in Thailand and South America.
• Team HRC: Honda’s factory team supported Gajser’s title campaign with technical and logistical backing.

How It Works

The FIM Motocross World Championship operates on a points-based system across multiple rounds, with each Grand Prix featuring two motos per class. Riders accumulate points based on finishing positions, with consistency and race wins being critical.

• Points System: The winner of each moto earns 25 points, decreasing to 1 point for 20th place, with bonus points for overall Grand Prix podiums.
• Two Motos Per Round: Each Grand Prix includes two 30-minute plus two-lap motos, testing rider endurance and bike reliability.
• MXGP Class: Features 450cc motorcycles ridden by elite professionals, including past champions and rising stars.
• MX2 Class: Limited to 250cc bikes and riders under 23 years old, serving as a talent incubator for future MXGP stars.
• Team Structure: Factory teams like KTM, Yamaha, and Honda provide bikes, engineers, and travel support to top riders.
• Championship Scoring: The rider with the highest cumulative points at season’s end wins the title, regardless of race wins.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 MXGP and MX2 championships across key metrics:

The table highlights the generational shift in motocross, with MX2 showcasing younger talent and MXGP dominated by seasoned veterans. Geerts’ early success contrasted with Gajser’s experience-driven campaign, illustrating the sport’s evolving landscape.

Why It Matters

The 2019 championship had lasting implications for the sport, influencing team strategies, rider development, and global fan engagement. It also underscored the importance of youth programs and technological innovation in off-road racing.

• Global Reach: Races in Thailand, Indonesia, and South America expanded the sport’s footprint in emerging markets.
• Youth Development: MX2 served as a proving ground, with 6 rookies finishing in the top 10 overall.
• Manufacturer Competition: Honda, Yamaha, and KTM battled for dominance, driving technical advancements.
• Media Coverage: Live streaming and social media boosted viewership, with over 2 million online views per round.
• Environmental Adaptation: Riders faced diverse terrains, from sand in Italy to mud in Sweden, testing adaptability.
• Legacy Building: Gajser’s second title cemented his status as a modern motocross legend.

The 2019 season not only crowned champions but also reinforced motocross as a dynamic, globally connected motorsport with deep roots and an evolving future.