Husqvarna Motorcycles have posted a press release highlighting their rider line-up for the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship.
By Hayden Gregory
Husqvarna are eyeing off a world championship next year in both MXGP and MX2. With a team including Max Nagl, Christopher Charlier, Max Anstie and Thomas Covington, no one is going to be taking their aspirations lightly.
22 year old Anstie will serve his last year in the MX2 class looking to go out as world champion. This year saw the rider finish the season in extraordinary fashion claiming nine race wins to end the championship in third place overall.
Joining Anstie in the Husqvarna MX2 team is Thomas Covington. The American rider landed on the podium in Mexico last year showing potential for bigger and better things in 2016.
The MX2 team will be managed by Jacky Martens who has nothing but confidence in both riders.
“I’m looking forward to working with both Max and Thomas next year, as well as with Conrad Mewse in the EMX series,” Martens said. “All are great riders and exciting to watch on the track.
“Max is very experienced and was one of the fastest riders in the final rounds of the 2015 GP series. We will work hard to carry that momentum into 2016 and help him achieve his goal of becoming a world champion. Thomas is another young rider showing lots of potential. His race victory in Mexico showed what he is capable of.”
The Husqvarna MXGP team will be led by Germany’s Max Nagl who came agonisingly short of the title in 2015. Nagl was the early leader in the season before an injury forced him to miss five rounds. 2016 should see Nagl return to top form as a serious competitor in the class.
Christophe Charlier is a new recruit for Husqvarna, yet an experienced MXGP rider. The Frenchman’s best result in a MXGP is seventh overall so he will be hoping his new team can assist him in becoming a regular top ten rider.
MXGP Husqvarna Factory Racing team manager Antti Pyrhönen similarly commented on his excitement for the 2016 team.
“We have a very strong MXGP team for 2016 in Max and Christophe. Max proved himself as one of the best riders this year. Unquestionably the MXGP class is super-competitive, but it is our goal to do all we can to support Max in his quest to become champion next year.
“It’s also great to welcome Christophe to the team. He’s a strong rider with a lot of potential. I believe we have the right tools necessary for him to deliver some impressive results. In addition, knowing that Max Anstie will be joining the team for 2017 and 2018 ensures we have a strong base for the future.”
The opening round of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship begins in Losail, Qatar on February 27.
