Throwback: Roczen and Anstie triumph at the 2023 World Supercross British GP

The opening round of the 2023 FIM World Supercross Championship arrived in Birmingham with huge anticipation. A new season, a top class rider line-up, and a British crowd ready to bring the noise created the perfect setting.

In the SX1 class, it was Ken Roczen who delivered when it mattered most. Roczen came to Villa Park as one of the biggest names in global supercross, and he left with the overall victory after a dramatic 1-4-1 scorecard across the three races.

The short start straight and hard-packed surface made the opening moments of each race especially intense, forcing Roczen to fight through traffic and make decisions quickly. But that has always been one of Roczen’s great strengths, slugging it out when things got messy.

Across the evening, Roczen showed exactly why he remains one of the sport’s most complete riders. He was creative with his lines, aggressive when he needed to be, and intelligent enough to understand when patience was the faster option.

Early tacky conditions gave way to a dry, marbly surface, with rocks appearing in key areas before the moisture began to return later in the evening. It became a track that rewarded feel as much as outright speed.

Savatgy Starts Strong

While Roczen claimed the headlines, Joey Savatgy’s night was quietly one of the most important rides of the British GP. Savatgy finished second overall in the SX1 class with 4-2-2 results, giving himself a strong platform at the beginning of the campaign. He admitted afterwards that he did not feel like the fastest rider on track, but his consistency was exactly what a Championship campaign demands.

On a tight circuit where separation was difficult to create, starts, racecraft, and mistake management became crucial. Savatgy did all three well. He was at his best in the final two races, where he finished runner-up in both.

Roczen still had the edge overall, particularly in the way he carried momentum through the tighter sections, but Savatgy’s podium performance proved he would be a serious factor across the season.

Hill Shakes Up the Overall Battle

No look back at the 2023 British GP would be complete without mentioning Justin Hill. Hill’s second-race win helped shape the entire battle. Roczen won the first race, but Hill’s victory in the second changed the dynamic of the evening and ensured the overall result would remain open heading into the final gate drop.

Hill put himself in position, took advantage, and delivered one of the standout rides of the night. That unpredictability is part of what made Villa Park such a compelling round. Nothing felt guaranteed.

Friese Adds the Fire

Vince Friese was another central figure in the story at Villa Park. With 2-3-10 results, Friese was right in the fight early in the night and helped create the tension that made the opening round so entertaining. His starts were strong, his confidence was clear, and his early-race pace put pressure on the riders around him.

Although the final race dropped him down the overall order, Friese’s impact on the night was undeniable. He was a major part of the drama, especially across the first two races, and helped turn the British GP into a true season-opening test.

Anstie Carries the Home Crowd

If Roczen was the star, Max Anstie was the emotional heartbeat of the British GP. Racing at home in front of a loud British crowd, Anstie delivered a brilliant SX2 performance and came agonisingly close to the overall win. His 2-1-2 results gave him second overall behind Shane McElrath, but the margin between success and the top step was incredibly fine.

Anstie had speed all night. He looked composed, smooth, and capable of winning the GP outright. The home support inside Villa Park was unmistakable, and every time he moved forward, the atmosphere lifted with him.

A key moment came after a restart, when Anstie went for a move that could have changed the outcome of the GP. The track was slick, he slid out, and the chance slipped away.

McElrath Makes His Mark in SX2

McElrath’s SX2 overall win was another defining storyline. With 1-2-1 on the night, McElrath showed the balance of speed and control needed to conquer the British GP format. The three-race structure leaves little room for error, and McElrath handled the pressure superbly.

Anstie pushed him hard, and the home crowd made the SX2 fight feel even bigger, but McElrath remained composed. His victory immediately established him as one of the riders to beat in the class and gave the SX2 Championship battle a fierce early identity.

Of course, the season would later become a landmark campaign for Anstie, who went on to claim the SX2 World Championship and become the first British champion of an FIM-sanctioned supercross world championship.

British GP Returns in 2026

In 2026, the World Supercross British GP returns to Birmingham, with Alexander Stadium set to host the second round of the Championship on 10th October.

After the drama and energy of Villa Park in 2023, expectations will be high. Birmingham has already shown it can deliver a world-class supercross atmosphere, and the 2026 edition promises another unforgettable night as the best riders on the planet go bar-to-bar once again.

It is a new venue, a new season, and another chance for British fans to make themselves heard as some of the best riders in the world come to the UK