nThe 2025 motocross season is set to kick off with a bang as the iconic spring classic in Mantua,northern Italy,promises an electrifying showdown between some of the sport’s biggest names. The event, part of the open Italian championship “Italia Assoluti,” will see Honda star Tim Gajser, Ducati’s factory team, and the Red Bull KTM squad go head-to-head in what is shaping up to be a thrilling start to the year.
The international race in Mantua, scheduled for february 9th, marks the official start of the motocross season. As always, the event will attract a host of top riders from the Motocross World Championship, making it a must-watch for fans. Among the standout competitors is Honda’s Tim Gajser, the 2024 MXGP vice world champion. Gajser narrowly missed out on the title last year, losing to Jorge Prado of Red Bull KTM in a nail-biting finale. With Prado now racing in the USA, Gajser is widely regarded as the favorite for the 2025 season. The Slovenian rider is currently honing his skills in a private training camp in Sardinia, preparing to hit the ground running.
This year’s Mantua event will also feature a historic debut for Ducati’s factory team in the MXGP category.The Italian manufacturer has signed Swiss rider Jeremy Seewer and Italian Mattia Guadagnini, both of whom have been rigorously testing on Italian race tracks in recent weeks. Their participation adds an exciting new dimension to the competition, as ducati aims to make its mark in the motocross world.
the Red bull KTM team, led by the De Carli squad, will also be in attendance. All eyes will be on Belgian MXGP newcomer Lucas coenen,who is expected to make a strong impression. The team also includes MX2 riders Simon Längenfelder and Sacha Coenen, adding depth to KTM’s lineup.
A week after the Mantua race, the international Italian cross series will conclude in Montevarchi, Tuscany. Like Mantua, this track is a classic GP venue, steeped in motocross history. Fans can expect another round of high-octane action as the season continues to unfold.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Event | Italia Assoluti, Mantua |
| Date | February 9th, 2025 |
| Main Competitors| Tim Gajser (Honda), Ducati Factory Team, Red Bull KTM |
| Notable Debut | Ducati’s MXGP factory team |
| Follow-up Event | Montevarchi, Tuscany |
As the countdown to the season opener begins, motocross enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the clash of titans in Mantua. Will Tim Gajser live up to his favorite status? Can Ducati make a splash in its MXGP debut? And how will the Red Bull KTM team fare against the competition? All these questions will be answered as the 2025 motocross season gets underway.
2025 Motocross Season Preview: Clash of Titans in Mantua and Ducati’s Historic MXGP Debut
Table of Contents
The 2025 motocross season is set to kick off with an electrifying start as the iconic Mantua race in northern Italy brings together some of the sport’s biggest names. With Tim Gajser aiming for redemption, Ducati’s historic MXGP debut, and the Red Bull KTM squad ready to defend their legacy, fans are in for a thrilling start to the year. We sat down with motocross expert Marco Rossi to dive deeper into what promises to be an unforgettable season opener.
The Mantua race: A Season-Opening Spectacle
Senior Editor: Marco,the Mantua race is always a highlight of the motocross calendar.What makes it so special, and what can fans expect this year?
Marco Rossi: Mantua is iconic because it’s the official start of the motocross season, and it attracts the best riders in the world. This year, the stakes are even higher with Tim Gajser looking to dominate after narrowly missing the 2024 MXGP title. Add to that the debut of Ducati’s factory team and the always-competitive Red Bull KTM squad, and you’ve got a recipe for an explosive start to the season.
Tim Gajser: The Favorite for 2025?
Senior Editor: Tim Gajser is widely regarded as the favorite for the 2025 season. What’s your take on his chances?
Marco Rossi: Gajser has been incredibly consistent, and his planning has been meticulous. He’s been training intensively in Sardinia, and with Jorge Prado now racing in the USA, the path is clearer for Gajser to reclaim the top spot. Having mentioned that, motocross is unpredictable, and the competition is fierce.He’ll need to bring his A-game from the very first race in Mantua.
Ducati’s Historic MXGP Debut
Senior Editor: This season marks Ducati’s entry into the MXGP category. How notable is this for the sport?
Marco Rossi: It’s a monumental moment. Ducati is a legendary name in motorsports,and their entry into MXGP is a testament to the growing popularity of motocross. With riders like Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini, they’ve assembled a strong team. While it’s too early to predict their performance, their presence adds a new layer of excitement and competition to the sport.
Red Bull KTM: Defending Their Legacy
Senior Editor: The Red Bull KTM team has always been a force to reckon with. What can you tell us about their lineup this year?
Marco Rossi: KTM’s lineup is as strong as ever. They’ve got the De Carli squad leading the charge, and all eyes will be on newcomer Lucas Coenen, who’s expected to make a big impact. Plus, with seasoned MX2 riders like Simon Längenfelder and Sacha Coenen, they’ve got depth and versatility. They’ll be looking to defend their legacy and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Montevarchi: A Fitting Conclusion to the Italian Series
Senior Editor: After Mantua, the action moves to Montevarchi.What’s the importance of this event?
marco Rossi: Montevarchi is steeped in motocross history,much like Mantua. It’s a classic GP venue, and it’s where the international Italian cross series concludes. Fans can expect high-octane action as riders continue to battle for supremacy. It’s the perfect follow-up to the season opener and sets the stage for the rest of the championship.
Conclusion
The 2025 motocross season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With the Mantua race kicking off the action, Tim Gajser aiming for the top, Ducati’s MXGP debut, and the Red Bull KTM squad ready to defend their legacy, fans are in for a thrilling ride. Let the countdown to February 9th begin!
