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The 17th round of the Motocross World Championship is taking place in Afyonkarahisar, drawing riders and fans from around the world to the city's Motor Sports Center.
Free practice and qualifying sessions began for a full lineup of categories, including MXGP Türkiye, the Motocross World Championship MXGP, the Motocross Junior World Championship MX2, and the European Motocross Championships EMX250 and EMX125.
Ogun Baysan, deputy chairman of the Turkish Motorcycling Federation, told reporters that timed races were set to begin following the qualifying rounds.
Newly added features have made this year's track considerably more demanding, reflecting nine consecutive years of continuous development of the championship.
Baysan said both the racing and festival elements of the event have grown stronger each year, with plans already underway to expand the program further.
At the request of Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Koksal, the festival is set to expand to 10 days next year, marking the event's tenth anniversary.
Organizers have also formally requested additional races from the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) for next year's edition, a proposal that is still pending approval.
This year's event already includes the EMX125 and EMX250 European championships alongside the main World Championship races, broadening its international scope.
Baysan described the event as more than a race, calling it a gateway that connects Afyonkarahisar to the world and serves as a major driver of sports tourism for the region.
The championship has brought significant numbers of international visitors to the city, showcasing local businesses, hotels, and residents to a global audience throughout the event.
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