Before the 2024 season, HRC Honda didn’t have a full factory MX2 Grand Prix rider since Calvin Vlaanderen who was under the awning in 2018 and 2019. Since then of course there was the 114 Motorsports Honda team ran by Livia Lancelot but they weren’t a full factory effort and have since left the paddock. Apart from that JM Honda have always committed to an MX2 GP rider but again not full factory.
For the 2024 season, HRC Honda did commit to an MX2 GP rider for the first time in five years with the signing of Ferruccio Zanchi who is enjoying his rookie season in the class. The Italian has showed good pace but his season has been disrupted with injury. Despite this he still does sit tenth in the MX2 World Championship standings after fourteen rounds and will be hoping to end his season on a high.
The good news for HRC Honda, who for the past few years have been set in MXGP with Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez, are set to run two MX2 GP riders in 2025 which will see four riders under the awning.
After hearing the rumour the team would expand on their MX2 GP efforts, we asked the question to team owner, Giacomo Gariboldi, who confirmed the news.
“Yes the plan is to line up a second rider in MX2 and we are very pleased about it because you know how I love this class and working with young riders”, Gariboldi told GateDrop.com.Â
“In 2025 we’ll have the new CRF250 so it will be exciting to see two factory bikes at the gates! About the rider, nothing is yet signed and we have multiple open contacts and hopefully we could finalise the deal soon”, added Gariboldi.Â
It is nice to see HRC Honda value the MX2 World Championship again and attempt to sign the young up and coming talent emerging. It’ll also benefit them in the long run if they can guide them into MXGP like they did with Tim Gajser who has won MX2 and MXGP world titles for Honda – five in total.
The team’s MXGP rider line up in the form of Tim Gajser and Ruben Fernandez is expected to remain for the 2025 season with Ferruccio Zanchi also expected to stay but with another rider joining him so it’ll be a very strong rider line up.
Like always, we will continue to keep you updated as and when more news is available.
