MXGP: TIM GAJSER JOINS YAMAHA FACTORY

Yamaha Motor Europe has announced the signing of five-time FIM Motocross World Champion, Tim Gajser, who joins the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for the 2026 MXGP season and beyond. The 29-year-old Slovenian, who will campaign a factory YZ450FM, brings an extensive record of success and experience. Having already established himself as one of the most decorated riders of his generation, Gajser has clinched five FIM Motocross World Titles, 97 race wins and 52 Grand Prix victories, which contribute to a total of 125 podium finishes.

After a dominant ascent through the European ranks, Gajser clinched the MX2 World Title in 2015. He made history the very next year, stepping up to the premier MXGP class to win the World Championship as a rookie – becoming the only rider to secure back-to-back MX2 and MXGP titles in less than 12 months.

Gajser solidified his elite status with back-to-back MXGP crowns in 2019-2020 and a fifth world title in 2022. After securing a runner-up finish in 2024, he continued his relentless form in 2025 and built a commanding lead with three Grand Prix wins and a 100% podium record, before a fall at Round 6 halted his charge. In a clear display of his dominance, he still held the championship lead for 10 rounds even while sidelined. He joins Yamaha with a clear objective: to add more world titles to his legacy.

Following Gajser’s signing, both Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams have also revealed a fresh new livery for 2026. In line with Monster Energy Yamaha’s global livery update, the design evolves its signature camouflage theme with a bold, contemporary accent of white.

As the blue team opts for a powerful two-pronged attack with two champions in the premier class, Yamaha’s new streamlined strategy allows the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team to focus entirely on its two elite-level athletes, ensuring both the YZ450FM and the riders are dialled in for an incredible championship campaign.

Gajser is joined by former MX2 World Champion Maxime Renaux, who has been in blue for more than a decade and is set to enter his fifth season aboard the factory YZ450FM. The 25-year-old Frenchman has faced his share of adversity since moving up to the 450 ranks in 2022, but his raw talent has never been in questioned as he has accrued 19 race wins, 31 podium finishes, and nine Grand Prix wins, along with an incredible 2021 MX2 World Title.

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team is executing a similar two-man strategy, with the team entering the new season with the unique sibling synergy of Latvian brothers, Karlis and Janis Reisulis. Karlis, the elder of the two, enters 2026 with now a full season in MX2 under his belt. Complementing him is his younger brother, Janis, who storms into the Pro ranks having won the 2025 EMX250 title.

Gajser and the Reisulis brothers lined up for the first time in 2026 on February 1 for the opening round of the Internazionali d’Italia, with the event’s second round set for February 8.