Why Joel Rizzi is switching back to MX2 after just one race in EMX250
By Andrew Hill on 1st Apr 22
Joel Rizzi is making a surprise switch back to the FIM Motocross World Championship after just one round in the EMX250 series.
Riley Yamaha Racing has announced that Briton Rizzi will miss the EMX250 round set for the Grand Prix of Portugal (Agueda) this weekend as he continues his recovery from a Covid-19 infection.
With that disappointment, the team and Rizzi have decided to switch to the MX2 championship once Rizzi has fully recovered.
Posting on social media, Riley Yamaha Racing explained: "Tim Eberg and Joel Rizzi wont race at the MXGP of Portugal. Both riders are recovering from the Covid-19 virus. Due to this setback, the team and Joel Rizzi have decided to step up to the MX2 class for the rest of the season to gain experience for next year!"
Rizzi said: "Because of the setbacks, me and the team have decided for the rest of the season to move up to the MX2 world championship, so gassed for that."
The Yamaha rider raced to 11th in the opening moto of the EMX250 series but DNF'd the following race. Last season, while with Team Honda 114 Motorsports, Rizzi finished 42nd in the MX2 standings, earning championship points at three rounds.
With such a shortage of British riders in the world championship, it's welcome news to see young Rizzi stepping back up to the class for some much-needed experience.
More like this…
Romain Febvre injury update: setback with more surgery for KRT star
Romain Febvre will not be able to return to racing during the upcoming rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship as the French rider requires further surgery on his broken right leg.
Will 2022 finally be Jago Geerts' year?
Whisper it quietly, but 2022 could finally be Jago Geerts' year.
Jeremy Seewer has positive vibes heading to Agueda for MXGP of Portugal
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP's Jeremy Seewer has made a strong recovery after a spectacular fall in Argentina.