Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1547197
Yamaha Restructuring MXGP Program Y amaha Motor Europe an- nounced a plan to "restruc- ture" its racing efforts in the FIM Motocross World Championship. This includes bringing the 450cc MXGP program back in-house to Yamaha's new Motorsport Research & Development facility at the Yamaha Campus in Gerno di Lesmo, Italy, along with the conclusion of their factory effort in the MX2 division. "Yamaha has a proud history in Motocross Grand Prix racing," said Andrea Dosoli, Motorsport Division Manager of Yamaha Motor Europe. "As we pursue our ambition to return to the top step of the podium in the premier class, we are refocusing our resources for the 2027 season. The Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP team will operate through a new, centralized structure at our Motorsport Research & Development facility in Gerno di Lesmo. Alongside increased investment in MXGP, we will conclude our factory involve- ment in MX2 and restructure our EMX250 and EMX125 programs. "I would like to express sincere gratitude to Hans Corv- ers and the Kemea Team for their contribution to Yamaha's achievements in both MXGP and MX2. Their efforts were instru- mental in securing the 2021 MX2 World Championship with Maxime Renaux, as well as four manufacturers' titles for Ya- maha. I would also like to thank Wim Hutten and the Hutten Metaal Team for their unwaver- ing commitment and profes- sionalism. Their dedication has played a key role in Yamaha's success, especially in EMX250, securing titles for Thibault Beni- stant, Rick Elzinga and Andrea Bonacorsi since 2020." Both of Yamaha's MXGP teams are currently run by Hans Corvers and the Kemea Team, similar to how Star Racing man- ages Yamaha's factory racing efforts here in the United States. Under the Kemea manage- ment, Yamaha won the 2021 MX2 World Championship with Maxime Renaux, along with four manufacturers' titles. This news means the team's current MX2 riders, Karlis and Janis Reisulis, are forced to find new homes for 2027, although they are strongly linked to Red Bull KTM with the departure of both Lucas and Sacha Coenen to the United States. Tim Gajser is still under contract with Yamaha for the 2027 season. CN WIND IN THE P34 Yamaha Motor Europe is restructuring its MXGP program, which includes cutting the factory MX2 team.