A fan’s guide to this weekend’s Internazionali d’Italia in Mantova

The prestigious Italian series is back again this Sunday, March 14 for one final instalment in 2021 as Mantova once again takes its place as host for the final of the Internazionali d’Italia.

After the first two demanding sandy tracks, the time has come for the MX1, MX2 and 125 riders to ride on the mainland of Italy at the Tazio Nuvolari track.

Internazionali d’Italia – three rounds in three weeks

The Italian international championship is the perfect opportunity for riders and teams to benchmark their pre-season progress as they get ready for the tough — and long — MXGP season ahead. And at Mantova’s Circuito Internazionale Motocross, champions will be crowned.

The format is the same as in previous seasons. The 125cc class gets things underway with their first race in the morning. Then there’s a race each for the MX1 and MX2 classes, and the fastest riders then qualify for a combined Supercampione race at the end of the day. Before the Supercampione, the 125cc class go out for a final time.

Related: Mantova Results 2021 – Internazionali d’Italia MX

MX1

Rider entries for the Mantova MX1 class appear to be much higher in numbers but heavy hitters are disappointingly few and far between. The pre-entry list you’ll find below is subject to change.

Britons Adam Sterry and Conrad Mewse who are on the entry list, will not race this weekend, TMX has learned. Ben Watson and the rest of the factory Yamaha MXGP team, plus the factory Husqvarna squad are also missing Mantova.

That means the MX1 and Supercampione winners from Alghero, Glenn Coldenhoff and Thomas Kjer Olsen will not race in Mantova.

Jorge Prado, the 20-year-old Spaniard, will return for Mantova after skipping Alghero. He was on for a double at the opening round of Riola Sardo until a mechanical issue forced a DNF on the two-time world champion while leading the Supercampione race.

Former world champion Romain Febvre says he is getting stronger with each passing week — he’s been recovering from the nasty virus that has plagued the world this year.

Tony Cairoli is not expected to race this weekend and world champion Tim Gajser is certainly not competing in Mantova.

In the MX1 championship battle, Beta’s Jeremy van Horebeek and Prado are both on 120 points, while KRT team-mates Romain Febvre and Ivo Monticelli are five points back.

Ahead of them all are Coldenhoff and Olsen — both opting out of Mantova. Coldenhoff could still technically win the title with the 220 points he has amassed but a win for Horebeek, Prado, Febvre or Monticelli would end his time at the top of the standings.

Febvre is in a strong position in the Supercampione championship. The Frenchman is tied on points with Olsen at the top of the standings with 220 points. In third is Coldenhoff with 160 points and Horebeek holds fourth with 130 points.

MX2

The organisers say that Mantova will see Kawasaki riders of the F&H team — Mathys Boisrame, Mikkel Haarup and Roan Van De Moosdijk — and the Honda Assomotor team pair, Gianluca Facchetti and Emil Weckman, take to the track as Fantic’s Nicholas Lapucci defends the MX2 red plate.

Lapucci on his 250XX two-stroke will again give his all to defend against Jago Geerts and the rest of the four-stroke pack with the MX2 title on the line.

Fans

Sadly, due to the current public health situation, there will be no fans in attendance to watch.

How to watch Mantova Italian MX

Thankfully, organisers have found a way to make the EICMA series happen, which includes access to live streaming of each of the rounds, which can be purchased for only €5.49/£4.99 for each round. Live streaming starts Sunday, March 14 at 12:10 UTC.

In previous years, live streaming was available free of charge, but unless your Italian language skills were up to a high standard, you had to tune out the live blow-by-blow account and just enjoy the on-track action.

Although the live stream is no longer free, you do get a choice of either Italian or English commentary this year. That’s super cool and I know which option I’ll be going with!

Click here for the ENGLISH version.

Mantova Timetable

All times UTC:
– 12:10 Streaming starts
– 12:35 MX2
– 13:30 MX1
– 14.25 125 (moto 2)
– 15.15 SUPERCAMPIONE (BEST MX1 AND MX2)

Mantova Pre-Entry Lists

Mantova MX1 2021 Entry List

Mantova MX2 2021 Entry List

Mantova 125 2021 Entry List

More International Italian Championship

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Full Results: Mantova - 2021 Internazionali d'Italia MX

Mantova Pre-Entry List - 2021 Internazionali d'Italia (MX1, MX2 & 125)

How to Watch 2021 Mantova Live Stream

Full Results: Alghero - 2021 Internazionali d'Italia MX