While it might just be 23 riders lining up for this coming weekends Chinese Grand Prix, I think there is a lot to look forward to. Firstly, of course, the battle for the title, between Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado, but I am really excited to see how the two Aussies, Todd Waters and Kirk Gibbs do against the top GP riders.

While both Aussies are veterans of the sport, I could see both finishing around the top ten and knowing that they are not the best two Australian based riders at the moment, their results will give us some indication of what names like Kyle Webster, Jed Beaton or Nathan Crawford might do at the Aussie GP in 2025.

The Australian ACU have mentioned they will support the GP in Darwin with a lot of Australian riders involved and we might even get to see former Belgian GP winner, Dean Ferris lining up, if he continues to race next year. Add names like Luke Clout, Todd Wilson and maybe even Japanese based Aussie, Jay Wilson lining up, it would be great for the sport in OZ.

I am still crossing my fingers and hoping with the Aussie GP set to be run in September, that the Lawrence brothers will have a weekend free and also race. For now though, lets enjoy seeing what Waters and Gibbs can do this weekend. They are ranked fourth (Gibb) and sixth (Waters) in the 450 championship points. Young Aussie, Jayce Cosford who is sixth in the MX2 class in Australia, will also line up for the Aussie contingent in the MX2 class.

As we reported last month Nathan Crawford will not race the MXGP of China this weekend, or the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, in October, after picking up an injury racing in the Australian motocross championship.

“I knew something was wrong as soon as I got up," Crawford said. "Something felt off in my hand, and it turned out that my wrist was injured. We were at the pointy end of the championship, so the focus was just getting that race finished, which we did, so that was good. I got back from the race and got in to see Dr Steve Andrews on the Monday. Fortunately, between Steve and Racesafe, we were able to come up with a management plan to get me through QMP, and the whole crew executed that perfectly. We got through and managed to secure P3 in the championship, so thank you to everyone for making it happen for me. I’ve been in for surgery, and everything went well, now the focus shifts to making sure we’re ready for the first round of Australian Supercross.”

“This is a great opportunity for the riders compete on the international stage, in an FIM world championship where so many Australians and New Zealanders have performed with distinction in the past,” said Peter Doyle, Motorcycling Australia CEO. “It’s certainly going to be a baptism of fire for the younger riders against seasoned MXGP competitors, but that’s what sport is all about – pushing yourself to the limit and taking on new challenges. The MXGP of China project will be a stepping stone as we build towards the MXGP of Australia in 2025.”

MXGP Entries

1 Prado Jorge GASGAS

2 Febvre Romain Kawasaki

3 Waters Todd Husqvarna

4 Horgmo Kevin Honda

5 Van doninck Brent Honda

6 Gibbs Kirk GASGAS

7 Fernandez Ruben Honda

8 Herlings Jeffrey KTM

9 Brumann Kevin Husqvarna

10 Seewer Jeremy Kawasaki

11 Guillod Valentin Honda

12 Wang Junkai Honda

13 Guadagnini Mattia Husqvarna

14 Monticelli Ivo Beta

15 Bonacorsi Andrea Yamaha

16 Bogers Brian Fantic

17 Pu Yang Yamaha

18 Gajser Tim Honda

19 Pancar Jan KTM

20 Coldenhoff Glenn Fantic

21 Forato Alberto Honda

22 Rongzhe He Husqvarna

23 Renaux Maxime Yamaha

MX2 Entries

1 Mc Lellan Camden Triumph

2 Haarup Mikkel Triumph

3 Coenen Sacha KTM

4 Braceras David Fantic

5 Karssemakers Kay Fantic

6 44 Elzinga Rick Yamaha

7 Reisulis Karlis Alberts Yamaha

8 Fang Xiangliang Yamaha

9 Everts Liam KTM BEL

10 Zanchi Ferruccio Honda

11 de Wolf Kay Husqvarna

12 Adamo Andrea KTM

13 Coenen Lucas Husqvarna

14 Shaohui Zou Honda

15 Benistant Thibault Yamaha

16 Prugnieres Quentin Marc Kawasaki

17 Walvoort Jens KTM

18 Laengenfelder Simon GASGAS

19 Cosford Jayce Yamaha

20 LI Haoyu KTM CH