Joel Rizzi signs 2021 deal with 114 Motorsports Honda

By Andrew Hill on 20th Nov 20

MXGP Joel Rizzi Ruben Fernandez Axel Louis

Joel Rizzi has signed a 2021 contract with the 114 Motorsports Honda team as he steps up to the FIM Motocross World Championship to take on the MX2 class.

Livia Lancelot's 114 Motorsports Honda team has once again gone with a three-rider line-up for their 2021 campaign across EMX250 and MX2.

Rizzi will join Ruben Fernandez in MX2 while Axel Louis returns to EMX250 for his sophomore year and will feel higher expectations resting on his shoulders. "After a good end of the season where he scored his first top-10 in EMX250, he isn't in a learning process anymore and will fight for points every weekend," Lancelot said.

"I am very happy to be part of team Honda 114 Motorsports for 2021," said Louis. "I have had the pleasure of working with Livia Lancelot for five years and extending this collaboration is really good for me as I am very comfortable with the CRF250R."

Lancelot says they plan on taking many podiums in the MX2 class with Spanish rider Ruben Fernandez and will be looking for him to share his GP experience with their new youngster Rizzi as he makes that step up to the world championship stage.

"Ruben is one of the riders who was fighting close to the podium this year and this is really what we are working for. I really believe that with the CRF250R and a good winter with us he will be ready to finally jump on the box next season," said the former WMX world champion.

"Im so happy to finally be able to tell you all I will be riding for team Honda 114 Motorsports next season," said the Spaniard. "I cant wait to start working with everyone in the team. Im super excited about this, I like the bike and how professional the team is. I believe we will achieve good results together."

For Rizzi, it's been a tough year as he's struggled with a health issue but that looks like it could be behind him now. The super-talented 16-year-old Welsh wonder kid had an impressive 2019, finishing the season fifth in the EMX125 championship and claiming the British MXY2 title.

"Im super excited and very thankful to 114 Motorsports to have been given the opportunity to work with such an amazing team," said Rizzi. "I am counting down the days to be able to join up with the team to start the hard work in preparation for the season ahead."

Lancelot added: "Joel is young but already had some great results in EMX250 and we know that the level of this class isnt far from MX2. Riding with Ruben this winter will help him to improve."

Off-road Racing Manager, Gordon Crockard: "From Hondas side we are really happy to continue with 114 Motorsports to grow up and develop the next generation of potential Honda champions.

"The team has so much knowledge and experience to invest into their riders, we really feel this is the best environment for our young riders to accelerate their skills into success.

"Ruben is a talent I have studied for the past four years and have watched him climb into the elite group in MX2, right through from EMX250. He has the perfect career example to inspire Joel and Axel, they can both learn from Ruben and at the same time push Ruben to always try to be the fastest kid on the team.

"Between now and the season start in April, it will be exciting to see the positive impact of youthful energy and talent partnered with the professionalism and expertise of the Honda 114 Motorsports Team. Im delighted with the potential and look to 2021 with a positive vision."

Joel Rizzi signs 2021 deal with 114 Motorsports Honda

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