Henry Jacobi and Michele Cervellin to JM Honda!
JM Honda Racing just announced a strong new rider duo for 2021. Former youth world champion Henry Jacobi and Michele Cervellin - both 24 - will compete for their second season in the MXGP on the brand new Honda CRF450R.
Henry Jacobi achieved two MX2 podiums and a strong fifth place in the final World Championship standings before moving up to the premier class. The combative German made a strong MXGP debut in Matterley Basin with a 9th place. However, due to successive injuries, he was unable to fully utilize his potential in the special 2020 season.
Jacobi, known for his commitment and determination, rode to a promising 8th place this season despite his physical problem in Mantova 1, finishing 11th twice in the final standings. With good winter preparation, the 2018 ADAC MX Masters champion should be able to surprise and mingle with the established MXGP values.
Italian Michele Cervellin returns to Honda after two years in the MX2 World Championship on the CRF250R. The double European SX and seven-time Italian champion has made a name for himself through his beautiful style and helmsmanship skills.
After several top-5 results and a seventh place in the MX2 World Championship two years ago, “Micky” quickly adapted to the heavier bike in his first MXGP campaign. Cervellin showed flashes of his ability, showing top-10 pace regularly. Unfortunately, Michele's progress came to a standstill due to a heavy fall in Faenza.
The 2021 MXGP World Championship starts on April 3 in Muscat, Oman.
Henry Jacobi: “It has not only been a very busy but also quite stressful year for everyone in the Motocross World Championship. But for me this is a great way to end the season! I'm really looking forward to working with the JM Honda Racing crew. I'm sure I'll end up in a very good team and it will be cool to be able to call on all the know-how that Jacky (Martens) has. From the bike to the parts and the support around me, I will have everything at my disposal to achieve good results. When I was on Husqvarna I already looked up to Jacky because he ran the factory team in MX2 and I wanted to go there. In the meantime, we know that things turned out differently for me, but now I still get the chance to work with him and the JM Honda Racing team!”
Michele Cervellin: “I'm really, really happy with this deal! JM Honda Racing gives me a great opportunity to grow as a rider. For example, I will move to Belgium to work closely with Jacky Martens and the team. The next step in my career to drive for such a good team is super motivating. I can't wait to start working for the 2021 season! Of course it is also nice for me to be on Honda again. I raced with Honda for ten years, starting on the CRF150R and progressing to a professional career. Especially now that I'm getting started with the great new CRF450R, the timing couldn't have been better to choose Honda again.”
Jacky Martens, team manager: “We are very satisfied with our team composition for 2021 and very enthusiastic about our technical package. Let's say the all-new CRF450R, because we know we already had a great bike this year and that we will take another big step for 2021. Our first year in the MXGP class and all the conditions of the last racing season were very challenging, but we proved that the basics are good. Henry is a very dedicated rider who is always committed to continuing to improve. He has already shown great things in MX2 and there is no doubt that he can also distinguish himself in MXGP. As for Michele, we would like to give him the tools to fully utilize his driving capabilities. He's a rider I've been following for a while and his first test on the CRF450R was already impressive. Coming back to a Honda is a bit like coming home for him. For JM Honda, he and Henry (Jacobi) are the perfect fit going into the 2021 season!”
Gordon Crockard, Honda off road race manager: “After the turbulence of 2020, we are excited to enter 2021 with such promising young drivers for JM Racing. When I think of the new CRF450R, in many ways it fits perfectly with JM Honda Racing: Henry and Michele in the 450 cc MXGP class, young, fresh, exciting and with a lot of potential. The new riders, with the new engine, ensure that we face the new season with a lot of energy. I think the start of the MXGP calendar in April is an advantage for our new riders to develop and grow together with Jacky and his team. I am very pleased and would like to welcome Henry and Michele to the Honda family.”
Photos: Honda Pro Racing, shotbyBavo
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