Lommel, July 21, 2023
After more than a month since the last grand prix, the European 125 class is back this weekend. Maximilian Werner and Elias Escandell will be the protagonists with the colours of the Fantic Racing MX team led by Marco Maddii.
The GP of Flanders, the thirteenth of the MXGP World Championship and seventh of the EMX125, is now a mid-summer classic. The circuit of Lommel has been completely renewed but didn't lose its reputation as "sandy hell" and remains one of the most demanding motocross tracks.
The two Fantic Racing MX riders have been training hard this month to prepare for the Belgian event in the best possible way. Both are fighting for a place on the final podium of the EMX125. Currently, Werner is in third place and aims to close the gap between himself and the top two contenders. Escandell, on the other hand, is in fifth place and lagging behind his teammate by a few lengths, but he also has his eyes set on the overall podium.
The MX2 Lommel Grand Prix will mark the long-awaited return of the 2021 Junior 125 world champion Hakon Osterhagen to the competition after getting injured seven months ago. The Norwegian rider has already been back in training for a few months, riding his Fantic XXF 250, and this weekend he will check his condition.
Marco Maddii (Fantic Racing MX team manager): "The GP of Flanders is the toughest of the season, from all points of view, both physical and technical, but we arrive in Lommel in good shape. Werner and Elias have been tirelessly training in the sand. I am confident Max is doing well on the sand, but Elias has also performed well during the training. Their conditions are good, and the guys will give their best. Osterhagen will also return this weekend. He has been training a lot during this period, he feels good, and in Lommel, he will test his conditions."
