Upholding the tradition of hosting the Annual MXGP Organisers Meeting during the FIM Awards, this year’s gathering unfolded at the Holiday Inn Express in the heart of Liverpool. Organisers for the upcoming 2024 MXGP season gathered to get prepared were invited to prepare another exhilarating season.
Words & Images: Infront Moto Racing
The day commenced on a high note with a captivating video recapitulating the highlights of the MXGP 2023 season, showcasing the thrilling actions of the riders throughout the year. Marionna Leiva, Infront Moto Racing’s Marketing Director, set the tone for the event by introducing the key officials, including Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing COO Daniele Rizzi, as well as department managers from Infront Moto Racing and together with FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, MXGP Race Director Ingo Partsch, FIM Technical Director Andrew Summers, and FIM Medical Director David McManus, among others. Most of the organisers were present and the day unfolded as a series of meetings as everyone geared up to deliver another spectacular season ahead.
Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo welcomed all officials and organisers to the event and shared his gratitude for all the work carried out by everyone over the 2023 MXGP season:
“It gives us great pleasure to welcome you here in Liverpool during the FIM Awards, a tradition we have now every year. Reflecting on the past season, we are immensely proud and happy. It marked a sort of ‘year zero’ post-COVID, with most countries lifting restrictions, and public attendance surged at many races. TV audience figures also saw a significant increase, the largest in the last 20 years, reaching over 52 million viewers. This boost is crucial for the sport’s popularity. I want to express my gratitude to each one of you. Despite facing one of the toughest periods in the last 50 years with COVID, the World Championship kept going due to your solid and consistent support. Without your commitment, the championship would have faced a disastrous situation. Thank you for staying on board, for saying ‘yes’ to the races, and for putting in the effort and sacrifices needed to make each race possible.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the future. We have a long journey together, collaborating keep develop the sport because we are always striving to improve. A special thanks to FIM for our longstanding partnership for over 40 years. Our cooperation has been crucial in the growth of this sport, and I am grateful for our fantastic collaboration. Wishing all of us a fantastic 2024 season! Enjoy the day and the evening festivities. Thank you very much.”
FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela then addressed all the attendees:
“The FIM team and I would like to thank Infront Moto Racing and all the organizers for the great collaboration that has increased enormously, and which is improving the way we work together. This step brings up all the benefits on the sporting side, the marketing side and the image which also impacts on the local and national markets. That is why we always try to improve and get better and better, so we are there to support organizers to step into that direction. When we find that collaboration and that symbiosis between the three bodies that make these events a reality, things get much easier. Thank you all for being present”
Following the warm welcome speeches, the MXGP presentation delved into key departments, shedding light on crucial focus areas for the upcoming season. Each department was covered with updates and important aspects, ranging from paddock requirements, infrastructures, circuit preparations, and TV/media metrics to marketing strategies. The complete overview set the key elements that will shape the 2024 season.
The spotlight then shifted to the notable venues of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship, showcasing their exceptional contributions. Additionally, the presentation of the 2024 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin added excitement to the room.
FIM Race Director Ingo Partsch, FIM MX Technical Director Andy Summers, and FIM Medical Director David McManus then took centre stage to outline critical points regarding the FIM’s onsite efforts at each event. Expressing gratitude to organizers for their collaboration, they emphasized the high standards of preparation expected and provided guidelines to ensure every event runs smoothly.
The meeting concluded with an introduction of the new MXGP official ticketing partner WeezEvent.
The weekend culminated with the 2023 FIM Awards, where champions received their medals from FIM President Jorge Viegas on the grand stage. Among the honoured champions were 2023 MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado, MX2 World Champions Andrea Adamo, Women’s Motocross World Champion Courtney Duncan who could not be present but addressed a video message to the attendees, 125cc Junior Motocross World Champion Mathis Valin, and 85cc World Champion Dani Heitink, 2023 SNX World Champion Aki Pihlaja alongside FFM President Sebastien Poirier who collected Team France’s 2023 Monster energy FIM MXoN winning award and other outstanding figures in motorcycle sport.
The FIM Awards concluded with a video unveiling the brand-new logo that will celebrate their 120th Anniversary in 2024 which will be used from 1st of January 2024 onwards.
Overall, the meeting achieved great success, gaining positive feedback from organisers and addressing essential details to ensure full readiness for the upcoming 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship season.
