The new 2021-spec factory MXGP Husqvarnas have broken cover and despite the new-look graphics and colours, look to be very little changed from the 2020 machines.

It’s expected that the bikes from KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas are prototypes for the 2022 production machines which are due for a revamp. But these bikes look very close to last year’s machines in terms of engines and frames. They do not have the strengthening braces across the front of the downtubes like the 2021 factory bikes in the USA which use modified production frames.

So it’s likely these GP-spec bikes, which can run prototype chassis, actually feature new frames with different stiffness characteristics engineered in. The team’s official info says:

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s MXGP class competitors Thomas Kjer Olsen and Arminas Jasikonis have both enjoyed highly positive, but very different, winter preparations ahead of the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship. With Kjer Olsen quickly adapting to the FC 450 as he readies himself for his first season of MXGP racing, Jasikonis recently returned to the track following his recovery from injury.

Continuing his pro racing career with Husqvarna Motorcycles following four highly successful seasons in the MX2 World Championship, Thomas Kjer Olsen progresses to the ultra-competitive MXGP division for 2021, focused on making a solid first impression. Undoubtedly one of the best performing MX2 riders in recent years, the tall Dane, who placed third overall in both the 2017 and 2018 campaigns before going one better in 2019 as series runner-up, is relishing his opportunity to race against new competitors.

Entering the 2021 season following six overall podium results in 2020, including two back-to-back GP wins, TKO unquestionably signed off his impressive MX2 career on a highly positive note. The FC 450 rider now looks ahead to making his mark in the MXGP category.

Arminas Jasikonis is set to take on his third term of MXGP competition with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, looking to continue his return to full fitness while focused on eventually getting back to challenging for regular podium results. Enjoying a positive start to the 2020 season with a third-place overall result at round two, when racing resumed following the coronavirus-forced break the Lithuanian charged to his maiden race victory at the fourth round of the championship.

In finishing second overall at round five, Arminas remained a podium threat as the series continued until a heavy fall at round nine brought his year to a premature end. Now, having undergone a period of intensive rehabilitation, the 23-year-old recently began riding his FC 450 with the aim of returning to full fitness in readiness for round one of the 2021 season.

The 19-round FIM Motocross World Championship is scheduled to kick off in the Netherlands on May 23.

Thomas Kjer Olsen – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing:“The upcoming season is really exciting for me as I make the move up to the MXGP class. I’ve had a really productive winter getting used to the FC 450 and I’m really happy with my bike and how I feel riding. It did take me a little time to adapt, and it was challenging initially because the bike’s more powerful, but now I feel really good. With the team we’ve made some good progress in recent weeks. It will be my first year in MXGP, but I believe I can battle inside the top 5. For sure there are a lot of talented riders in the class and it won’t be easy, but I am ready for the challenge and I’m really looking forward to round one.”

Arminas Jasikonis – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing:“My recovery from my accident has been going really well. Since my crash I had to start from zero and rebuild my physical conditioning, so it has been a long road, but I am getting stronger and fitter and I am really happy with my progress. I’ve recently returned to riding which has been great and I will continue to take things step-by-step. There is not a specific date for when I will return to racing at the moment. Until I am at the stage where I am able to push for 30 minutes plus two laps in tough conditions during practice then it will not make sense to race. For MXGP you need to be 100%, which is something that I am working towards every day. I’d like to thank my team for the support that they have given me throughout my recovery, they have been amazing to me.”

Calendar – 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship

Round 1: 23 May MXGP of The Netherlands – Oss
Round 2: 13 Jun MXGP of Russia – Orlyonok
Round 3: 20 Jun MXGP of Latvia – Kegums
Round 4: 4 Jul MXGP of Asia – Borobudur
Round 5: 11 Jul MXGP of Indonesia – Bali
Round 6: 25 Jul MXGP of Czech Republic – Loket
Round 7: 1 Aug MXGP of Flander-Belgium – Lommel
Round 8: 8 Aug MXGP of Sweden – Uddevalla
Round 9: 22 Aug MXGP of Finland – Iitti-KymiRing
Round 10: 29 Aug MXGP of Igora Drive – Igora Drive
Round 11: 12 Sep MXGP of Turkey – Afyonkarahisar
Round 12: TBA
Round 13: 3 Oct MXGP of Germany – Teutschenthal
Round 14: 10 Oct MXGP of France – Saint Jean d’Angely
Round 15: 17 Oct MXGP of Spain – intu Xanadu – Arroyomolinos
Round 16: 24 Oct MXGP of Portugal – Agueda
Round 17: 31 Oct MXGP of Italy – TBA
Round 18: 7 Nov MXGP of China – TBA
Round 19: 21 Nov MXGP of Argentina – TBA