Giuseppe Luongo knows that the sport has been through some tough times in recent months. Fighting a pandemic isn’t something that you can easily beat, but Infront Motorsports have worked harder than ever to make sure the riders and teams have a championship run and despite heavy financial loss by Infront Motorsports, they continue to try and put together a good calendar and of course the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations.

We caught up with the Infront Motorsport President Mr. Luongo and asked him about the coming months of the calendar and what he thinks of the relationship between USA and the GP promoters. Good news for the UK is it seems nearly sure that Matterley Basin will run a double header and the MXoN will go to America in 2022. Exciting times, despite these really tough moments of the World pandemic.

MXlarge: Obviously we have had many changes in the first part of the 2021 championship, with dates having to be changed for nearly every GP so far. It feels like despite the continued problems with Covid, we might have a good run with rounds in Turkey and Sardinia seemingly safe for the time being. The races in Turkey and Sardinia, how are they looking for crowds and has there been any problems getting those rounds organized?

Luongo: As you say, the situation continues to be very complicated because governments are endlessly changing the rules concerning restrictions and re-opening, with this situation it makes our job extremely complicated, but our strength and our aim remains strong and focused.  In Sardinia and Turkey spectators are allowed, but we are still negotiating about the exact numbers, we are hoping to be able to have the highest possible especially now where the majority of people are vaccinated.

MXLarge: The Monster Energy Motocross of Nations is always a big event and as you know having it mid-season is not perfect, but it is still the biggest race of the year? How do you feel with the situation with this race the at the moment and what can we expect for crowd attendance allowed?

Luongo: The Monster Energy Motocross of Nations remains the biggest event of the year despite all the complications. We expect the riders and teams to play the game as we have done during these hard times of the pandemic, I would like to remind you that for 2020 and 2021 we endured huge financial losses to permit MXGP to continue and with excellent calendars (18 events) allowing all the teams and riders to be able to fulfill their contracts with their manufacturers and sponsors and to be fully paid by them, so we hope from them to have the same spirit and fairness towards the fans and to all of us. For sure there will be some kind of reduction regarding the spectators, we hope to at least not have less than 50% of the capacity.

MXlarge: Despite a great relationship with America over the years and with this MXoN, there always seems to be question marks if they come or not. Sometimes the date is wrong, or other reasons. While Team USA for the ISDE and the VMXdN have already been selected, the American team for MXoN is still waiting to be announced. What do you think of what sometimes seems like politics gets in the way of the American team being selected?

Luongo: I don’t think it’s politics, I think they are working to put together the best team possible, and I confirm our relationship with the Americans is very positive. I believe for the fact that next year the Monster Energy MXoN will be in the USA they will send a strong team for this year’s event.

MXlarge: Speaking of support for the MXoN, KTM should always be commended for their support of the sport, they always seem ready to race, no matter what. What can you say about this type of support for the sport?

Luongo: KTM is a very long and trustful partner of MXGP and the MXoN, they make huge investments not only with the major riders and classes, but also and especially with youngsters and the European Championships.  They understand the big picture, and they know that if all together we make Motocross bigger and bigger it will be good for everyone, including themselves.

MXlarge: I hear rumours that German is a problem at the moment, but I watched a football match the other day from the German league and they had a big crowd. Can you give any details about this Grand Prix, if it is in any danger and what is possible with crowds if it does go ahead?

Luongo: You can understand our dilemma in managing the World Championship during these times because rumours and problems are arising every day around the pandemic all around the world, and we have to deal day by day with these problems.  But I tell you Germany will be on, the dilemma is only regarding the number of spectators that will be allowed, and the local organizers and we are in continuous negotiation for this.

MXlarge: We have mentioned before that Indonesia and Argentina will be difficult with the current situation around the World. I understand both countries are still excited to run the events, but what is your feeling, and can we expect a couple of triple headers to replace these events if they don't happen?

Luongo: Our belief is that for this year Indonesia and Argentina will have to be substituted with other events in Europe, very soon this will be announced. But both of them remain very strong and want to be on the calendar for 2022 when hopefully we will be able to travel freely.  Our commitment was and remains to have a calendar with at least 18 events, and this will be done.

MXlarge: Rounds in Spain, Portugal, how are they looking, and can we expect changed in dates or maybe venues?

Luongo: For the moment the MXGP of Spain and Portugal look fine, so, normally there will be no changes.

MXlarge: Matterley Basin was rumoured a few times to run the MXoN and also a double header. How close were we to seeing this happen, or was this just a back-up plan, that isn't needed now?

Luongo: There is a very good chance to have a double header in Matterley Basin as substitution for the overseas events. England is the country which is the most open in Europe and Steve Dixon is one of MXGP’s most loyal partners.

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