Jago Geerts: It’s a big year for Jago Geerts. Three years of devastating injuries cost him two world titles and his rookie season in the 450 class. That is a momentum and confidence killer. Jago has the talent to win a MXGP world championship, there is no doubt about that, we all saw what he did at RedBud two years ago running with a flying Eli Tomac, but it is building blocks from here.
Geerts has had a steady pre-season as he gets his confidence back and hopefully he can stay fit all year, find the comfort on the Yamaha and really start to battle in the top positions by the end of the year. He’s too talented for injures to limit his potential, so fingers crossed Geerts can find his flow again in 2025, because the potential is incredible on a 450.
Calvin Vlaanderen: Until his injury, Calvin Vlaanderen was a revelation last season, especially when he was on his own in the factory awning. Injury unfortunately ended his season early but this really was the consistent speed and the potential that Vlaanderen showed in MX2 really coming to fruition in MXGP. He has the size and the talent and now Calvin looks to have the belief.
Back with Yamaha, the same bike and renewed confidence, Vlaandered should be one to watch this, podium and even GP wins should be his goal. Still maybe underrated by some, Vlaanderen can silence all the doubters this season.
Pauls Jonass: It was such a shame Pauls got injured so quickly after his GP last year but his factory ride with Kawasaki is well deserved. The former MX2 world champ, showed just why he has a world title to his name last year when he showed the speed to go with the title protagonists on occasion. He was working with Stefan Everts last year and is again this season with Everts saying he is trying to re-program Jonass and make his a calmer rider – it is working the the results were showing. Jonass, it seemed, never got the credit he deserved for his MX2 world title, back on a factory team the Latvian can show the world just how good he is in 2025 as long as he can stay fit for the whole year.
Team Fantic! Glenn Coldenhoff and Brian Bogers are both always just in the shadows it seems. Coldenhoff took a long time to get comfortable last year but when he did he put it on the podium at home while Bogers went from retirement to top ten and even top five level showings on the Fantic, underlining just how talented he is despite often being overlooked.
But this year, both are very happy with the improvement from Fantic and Glenn was on fire at Hawkstone Park, taking the win, expect Coldenhoff to start strong this year and Bogers to come out firing with a full pre-season under his belt. He has been given a second chance and he won’t be taking it for granted, with Fantic also seemingly stepping up their efforts in 2025, they could be the team to watch.
Mattia Guadagnini: An Italian talent on an Italian manufacturer is what dreams are made of for Mattia Guadagnini. Injury has absolutely killed the momentum the tall and technical rider since his move to MXGP, but the guy can ride a bike and flow when it’s all clicking.
This is a big chance for Guadagnini and he will have to take advantage of his opportunity. The talent is there, he has Cairoli in his corner and the experienced Seewer to learn from plus Lupino, who has seen racing from all sides. A new bike may bring it’s own problems but if Guadagnini clicks on the Ducati it could be site to behold, especially at an Italian GP!
