Hyundai named MX1 official sponsor.

Youthstream has reached an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe (HHIE) to be the official sponsor of the MX1 Motocross World Championship for the next three seasons.

Hyundai will have a strong visible and physical presence at each grand prix, with its earth-moving machines used for building and repairing the tracks, as well as close inspection by race fans.

"After a lot of hard work and investment, done with a lot of passion, we are very proud to have increased the [viewing and race attendance] figures for Motocross," said Youthstrean president Giuseppe Luongo. "Thanks to these improvements, the professional work and the excitement of Motocross, big brands like Hyundai Heavy Industries are now interested in investing in our sport.

"One of our main concerns is to develop the Motocross circuits to be more spectacular and at the same time safer and, for this reason, using the new high standard Hyundai machinery to work and to develop the track will help us and the organisers to continue to improve," he added. "We thank Hyundai Heavy Industries for believing in us and we will make the maximum effort to make a 'long road' together. Shortly we will announce other world-leading brands which will be joining us..."

The opening round of the 2007 MX1 and MX2 Motocross world championship will take place at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands on 1st April.