Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo repeatedly stated that his organisation will prioritise rider safety this year during Thursday’s opening press conference of the Grand Prix of Qatar at Losail that will launch the 2016 MXGP season on Saturday night.

The first of eighteen rounds counts on an entry list of just 21 athletes in the premier class with injuries ruling out at least another four competitors. “We know how big is this problem [sic]…” the Italian said. “It is a serious problem and we will do everything we can to make the sport as safe as possible.”

Youthstream have already appointed former MX2 World Championship runner-up Rui Goncalves as a rider liaison. “We have employed a rider on a part-time basis at the moment to provide advice and be the link for dialogue with the riders, “ he said “Your [directed to the riders] point of view is very important.”

“We want a great show,” he added. “And that only happens when you are happy and you feel safe.”

2015 saw criticism of several events for the poor level of track preparation and coupled with the high injury rate at the top of the MXGP category the issue of safety came to the fore repeatedly in paddock talks and riders’ interviews. A careful eye will be cast over the state of the racing surfaces during the season to come, and whether Goncalves can have much of an effect between his peers, Youthstream and the disparate groups, clubs and organisation that take care of the circuits.

The FIM are enforcing their back and body protection policy from this round.