JM Honda Racing officially kicks off 2020!
The JM Honda Racing from Jacky Martens came together yesterday during their traditional launch event. The top team from Lommel is already starting its 26th (!) World Cup season. Julien Lieber, Benoit Paturel, Artem Guryev, the entire team structure, sponsors, media, family and friends made it a pleasant evening in Restaurant De Engel in Zandhoven, Belgium.
After an MX2 vice world title in 2019, four MX3 world titles, several EMX and junior world titles, JM Racing is entering a new era. After all, the coming MXGP World Championship cycle is not only about the switch to the premier class, because this autumn Martens and co. Husqvarna for Honda.
TV commentator Leon Van Gestel explained the enormous changes behind the scenes at the beginning of the evening. The past four months have been very intense - to say the least - for the former 500cc world champion. Even the team's survival at the highest level hung by a thread. Thanks to the support of a loyal group of sponsors, a new manufacturer and the holy fire of Jacky and his new team members, an ambitious new project was started.
Jackie Martens: “It has been a very intense period, so we have gone all out to build a completely new team with all new people. That challenge was enormous. Without the same drive you need to go for the world title as a rider, this would never have been possible. In any case, it will be a tough year, but I am very proud of what we have already achieved together with this group!
It's not easy to compete against the best in the world and develop an MXGP bike in a short time! But the 2020 Honda CRF450R is great as a basis. We will soon be competing against 14 factory riders, the level is definitely higher than ever! Our first mission is therefore to reach the top 10, although Benoit Paturel and Julien Lieber both have the potential to go for the top 5.”
Former MX of Nations champion Benoit Paturel said: “I had a difficult first two years in MXGP, so I am super grateful to have this opportunity at JM Honda Racing. To be honest, before Jacky called me, I thought I would have to stop being a professional motocross rider. My winter preparation with my trainer Joël Roelants went very well and everything is evolving in the right direction. It is very tough to get to the top again, but everyone works for that, from Jacky (Martens) to our team coordinator Björn to the mechanics and sponsors. I can't wait to start the season in Matterley Basin next week!”
The Belgian Julien Lieber is on the eve of his third MXGP campaign. The 25-year-old pilot from Malmedy has already achieved several podium finishes in MX2, while he has also shown his skills in the MXGP.
“My adjustment to the Honda went very smoothly, and I also had a good preparation in terms of fitness. Unfortunately, I am still struggling with an old wrist injury. So we have to figure out how best to deal with that. I want to keep building during the season to get back to the level I achieved last year before my injury. Ultimately, the goal is to move towards the top 5 in the second half of the season.”
Artem Guryev had his own team in the MXGP last year, but at the beginning of December the young Russian joined JM Honda Racing: “I am very happy to be part of the team. Our collaboration is actually still quite early, but we have already made progress with the bike and my way of riding. It is difficult to compete against the world's best, but I am looking forward to showing what I can do and having a good season.” The 23-year-old Russian will focus on the European MXGP rounds and the Dutch Masters of Motocross. Artem's girlfriend Irina will also support the team with videography and social media.
Next to JM Honda Racing's MXGP trio Yentel, the son of Jacky Martens, also spoke. For several seasons now, “Y-Mart” has successfully focused on French beach races. Yentel will help the team where he can, but will remain active for the French Dafy Michelin Wonderbike, also a Honda team. Until the preparation for the new beach racing season starts in the summer, you can use Martens Jr. mainly expect in French international competitions supplemented with races in Belgium and the Netherlands. At least as soon as Martens has recovered from the broken collarbone he suffered at Hawkstone Park. “The operation went very well, so we expect that it will not be long before I can start motorcycle training again.”
The JM Honda Racing team will start their 1-round FIM Motocross World Championship campaign on March 20 at the Matterley Basin.
Photos: Eric Laurijssen
Also to read
VIDEO: Highlights Supercross Philadelphia 2024
The fifteenth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship was held in Philadelphia. In the 250SX final, Max Anstie was able to capture his second supercross victory. Jett Lawrence who knew…Jett Lawrence increases his lead with victory
Another important victory for Jett Lawrence who takes victory in Philadelphia. The Honda rider wins the fifteenth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship 450SX ahead of Chase Sexton…Anstie wins in Philadelphia ahead of Vialle
In Philadelphia, Max Anstie won the eighth race of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship East Coast. The 31-year-old Briton won the final ahead of Tom Vialle and Haiden Deegan. …Micha Boy de Waal also the strongest in Marum
Earlier this month in Lochem Micha Boy managed to win de Waal. During the fourth race of the KNMV Dutch 500cc Championship, the Brabander won again. The JH MX Service rider…
Your reactions