Category Archives: Fim Africa News

OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE KICKS OFF HISTORIC MXGP OF SOUTH AFRICA RETURN IN JOHANNESBURG

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), 3rd July, 2026 – The Opening Press Conference on Friday afternoon has officially kicked off the MXGP of South Africa in Johannesburg. At the Terra Topia circuit, all teams gathered to set up their bikes and take a first look at a track and preparing for the racing weekend.


The Opening Ceremony welcomed two national heroes, Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Triumph Factory Racing’s Camden McLellan, who will take part in their first ever home Grand Prix as riders, marking the FIM Motocross World Championship’s return to South Africa after 18 years. They were joined by David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO & President, FIM Motocross Commission Director’s Antonio Alia, MXGP of South Africa General Manager Rudy Muntonbo and CEO of Mlimi Racing Co Joshua Mlimi.


The press conference closed with a family photo bringing together all the wildcard South African riders taking part in this weekend’s Grand Prix.

Main Photo: (left to right) Joshua Mlimi, Calvin Vlaanderen, David Luongo, Rudy Mutonbo, Camden Mc Lellan, Antonio Alia
Head Photo: Family photo with South African Riders

Quotes from the Opening Press Conference:
David Luongo: “It’s a great day for motocross. It was a long wait to be back in South Africa, a country that’s genuinely one of the top markets in the world for bikes, riders and the passion of the fans. Getting back on the Grand Prix map here was only possible thanks to Rudy and his team, who worked incredibly hard to put all the pieces together. The track is wide, fast and full of character, and with two championships still wide open, this weekend promises great racing. For our two local heroes, racing in front of their own fans and family is a huge achievement.”


Antonio Alia: “It’s very important for the FIM to be here on this fabulous continent, where two riders who were kids not long ago are now fighting for world titles. Thank you to Rudy and everyone behind him for putting this together and making us feel so welcome. From what we’ve seen of the track so far, it’s long, wide and amazing. I wish these two guys, racing at home with plenty of supporters behind them, all the best this weekend.”


Rudy Mutombo: “It’s exciting to be part of the team that’s brought MXGP back to Africa after 18 years. It was a big challenge but seeing how people have responded makes it all worth it. We’re just excited to get things started and have fun with this.”


Joshua Mlimi: “Having raced with Calvin and Camden earlier in my career, I always knew we needed to bring international racing back to South Africa. Taking over this track in 2024, the idea was riders building it for riders, and we’ve beefed it up to reach international standards. Our local riders now have something to race towards at home. After 18 years, we’re finally back.”


Calvin Vlaanderen:“To race in front of my home crowd, in the country where I grew up, with my family and friends here, is honestly a dream come true. I was at Sun City in 2005 as a little kid watching my heroes race and asking for autographs. Now, 15 years into my own career in the paddock, to line up for a Grand Prix in South Africa with people cheering for me is something special. I just want to enjoy every moment, but it’s still a GP weekend, I’m focused, and my goal is to fight for a top five in front of my family and friends.”


Camden McLellan: “The timing feels close to perfect. I grew up 45 minutes from here and used to ride this track, it’s changed a lot since then, credit to Josh and everyone involved. Having my family here, my brother, my grandpa, my uncles, means everything. I don’t approach this weekend any differently, I’m here to win, like I am at every GP, and with the championship battle heating up as we get closer to Australia, this is the perfect time to get back to winning.”

Watch Full Opening Press Conference Here:

Published by: Infront Moto Racing

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE FOR FIM AFRICA FMNS

For those of you who missed the recent press release and launch of the FIM Africa Continental Sustainability Campaign for Motorcycling.

Please find here below the release for your reference and subsequent action.

FIM Africa is proud to be launching this new campaign with the support of Ross Branch, the newly appointed FIM Sustainability Ambassador.

Also attached below are links:

  1. Two versions of Ricky Rhino, the new mascot for the FIM Africa campaign which will be available to your FMN’s to use in promoting awareness and support of the campaign within the sporting and leisure riding communities.
  2. The campaign framework which has been shared with the members of the sustainability commission for implementation in your various countries and will be available for reference on the FIM Africa Website under the Sustainability commission.

It is our hope that you will embrace this new initiative and fully support the work of your local sustainability representatives in implementing the plan within your local context.

Kind Regards

Julie Wahome Director Beyond Sport


FIM AFRICA LAUNCHES CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN FOR MOTORCYCLING

FIM AFRICA LAUNCHES CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN FOR MOTORCYCLING

FIM Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Botswana’s internationally acclaimed Rally Raid rider and World Champion, Ross Branch, as the new FIM Sustainability Ambassador for Africa.

The announcement forms part of the launch of the 2026 FIM Africa Sustainability Campaign, themed:

“Ride Sustainably. Build Resilience. Regenerate Africa.”

The campaign represents a landmark commitment by FIM Africa to promote motorcycling across the continent as a sustainable, resilient and regenerative sporting and leisure touring ecosystem that reduces environmental impact, strengthens operational systems, builds adaptive event structures and creates lasting positive community and environmental legacies.

Ross Branch, one of Africa’s most recognised motorcycle riders and a leading figure in international Rally Raid racing, will serve as the public face of the campaign, helping to inspire riders, organisers, federations and communities to embrace sustainable practices in motorcycling throughout Africa.

Ross expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating:

“I’m very honoured to be invited to join the FIM Sustainability Ambassadors Programme. Africa is home for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up riding, training and racing in places that are so wild, beautiful and full of freedom. Those experiences are a big part of who I am, and they’ve given me a huge respect for the environment and the wildlife we are so privileged to share it with. I would love for future generations of riders and motorsport fans to have the same opportunities I’ve had, and I’m proud to play a small part in helping create a more responsible and sustainable future for our sport.”

Branch’s appointment reinforces FIM Africa’s commitment to ensuring that motorcycling continues to grow responsibly across the continent while preserving the natural environments, communities and opportunities that make Africa such a unique destination for riders and enthusiasts alike.

Speaking on the appointment, FIM Africa President Marco Comana said:

“Ross embodies the values of excellence, resilience and responsibility. His achievements on the world stage have inspired riders across Africa, and his passion for the continent makes him the ideal ambassador to champion sustainability within our sport. Through his leadership, we hope to inspire meaningful action that will benefit future generations of motorcyclists and the communities in which we operate.”

The six month campaign will be launched during the 2026 FIM Sustainability Week and will focus on five key pillars:

  • Reduce unnecessary consumption and environmental impact
  • Reuse materials, systems and infrastructure wherever possible
  • Recycle unavoidable waste through sustainable management practices
  • Build Resilience across motorcycling operations and events
  • Promote Regeneration by leaving communities and environments stronger after events

Throughout the campaign, FIM Africa will work closely with its member federations to implement practical sustainability initiatives, conduct baseline assessments, develop leadership workshops, establish community partnerships and create long term sustainability standards for events across the continent.

A significant component of the programme will focus on community engagement, environmental awareness, youth education and the development of local partnerships that strengthen both motorcycling and the communities that host events.

As Sustainability Ambassador, Ross Branch will support awareness campaigns, engage with riders and stakeholders, promote responsible riding practices and encourage meaningful environmental and community initiatives throughout Africa.

The campaign reflects FIM Africa’s vision of a future where motorcycling is not only measured by competition and performance, but also by the positive environmental, social and community legacy it leaves behind.

Through this initiative, FIM Africa aims to position African motorcycling as a global leader in sustainable sporting development while continuing to grow participation, strengthen communities and protect the natural environments that make the continent unique.

Click here to download and view the FMN Release

Click here to download and view more information on the campaign

Click here to download poster 1

Click here to download poster 2

Ross Branch

THREE DAYS OF LEARNING AND RIDER DEVELOPMENT IN KITWE, ZAMBIA

The FIM Africa Train the Trainer programme recently took place in Kitwe, Zambia, with three days focused on rider development, coaching education and practical training.

Facilitated by FIM Africa and the FIM Africa Women in Motorcycling Commission, the programme was hosted by Copperbelt Dirt Bike Riders from 28 to 30 April under the guidance of Andre Dearden.

Throughout the programme, participants explored a variety of important topics including nutrition, hydration, WADA education, braking techniques, body positioning, balance and training schedules. The sessions were designed to provide parents, trainers and rider supporters with practical knowledge to assist riders both on and off the motorcycle.

The learning continues this weekend as participants move into practical trackside sessions and hands on rider coaching, further building on the knowledge gained during the classroom component of the programme.

REMINDER: GSR WEBINARS REGISTRATION

All affiliated federations are reminded that the annual online webinars on the General Sporting Regulations (GSR’s) are coming up.

Attendance is required for all delegates serving on Sporting Commissions, as well as Observers. Please note that only registered participants will be granted access.

Webinar dates:

  • French: 25 April 2026
  • English: 30 May 2026

Secure your spot here:
https://forms.office.com/r/H9sqnqhCw5


RAPPEL : INSCRIPTION AUX WEBINAIRES GSR

Toutes les fédérations affiliées sont rappelées que les webinaires annuels en ligne sur les Règlements Sportifs Généraux (GSR) approchent.

La participation est obligatoire pour tous les délégués siégeant aux Commissions Sportives, ainsi que pour les Observateurs. Veuillez noter que seuls les participants inscrits auront accès.

Dates des webinaires :

  • Français : 25 avril 2026
  • Anglais : 30 mai 2026

Réservez votre place ici:
https://forms.office.com/r/H9sqnqhCw5

FIM AFRICA SUSTAINABILITY WEBINAR – 6 MAY 2026

FIM Africa will host an online Sustainability Webinar on Wednesday, 6 May at 18:00 CAT.

The session offers Sustainability Stewards an opportunity to stay current and build their knowledge. Attendance and the examination are free of charge. A fee will only apply should a licence be required after the webinar.

FMNs are encouraged to register their Sustainability Stewards. Delegates who attended the MSA seminar earlier this year are not required to attend again.

As this may be the only webinar scheduled for 2026, early registration is advised.

Register now using the link below and secure your place:

https://shorturl.at/XLkvO