Yamaha Arrive in Holland
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are gearing up for an exciting weekend as they head into the 16th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Arnhem, The Netherlands.
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Arnhem hosts the Dutch Grand Prix for a fourth consecutive year, having made its debut on the World Championship calendar in 2023. While the venue is relatively new to the series, it is a familiar battleground for many top riders based in the region, who are well-acquainted with the track’s tight and sandy layout. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Tim Gajser approaches the weekend from a different perspective; while he does not live or train in the region, he is well-versed in the track’s characteristics from previous GPs and enjoys the technical challenge it presents.
Despite not being a traditional "sand specialist," Gajser’s record in the Netherlands is impressive. He has claimed Grand Prix victories at Assen in the MX2 class and at Oss in the premier class in 2021. His highlight reel in the Netherlands also features a second-place finish at Valkenswaard in 2020 and a third-place result here in Arnhem in 2024. This weekend, Gajser’s focus remains on dialling in his YZ450FM and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the event.
Joining him is teammate Maxime Renaux, who continues his progression toward peak fitness following a season impacted by a virus. Renaux’s recent competitive showings and steady improvement suggest he is on the right path, and finishing inside the top five is a realistic goal as he continues to build strength and find his rhythm.
In the MX2 class, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s potent siblings, Janis and Karlis Reisulis, arrive in Arnhem determined to push for a podium finish. Both brothers have demonstrated significant potential throughout the 2026 season, collectively securing three podium finishes to date. They remain focused on maintaining this momentum as the championship enters its final stages.
Beyond the factory efforts, Yamaha will also be well-represented in the support classes. The atmosphere in Arnhem will be electric as the WMX World Championship reaches its fourth and penultimate round of 2026, where the home favourite and reigning World Champion Lotte van Drunen looks to delight her fans with a Grand Prix victory.
This weekend also marks a milestone for Yamaha’s youngest official riders, Sleny Goyer and Levi Townley, as they step up to the EMX250 class. Lining up alongside VHR Yamaha Official EMX250 riders Mano Faure and Jarne Bervoets, the duo will gain valuable experience while benchmarking their speed against the elite of the MX2 feeder category.
"I’m looking forward to heading to Arnhem. It’s a nice track, and I always enjoy the racing there. The plan for the weekend is simple: to enjoy the riding and find my rhythm early, because I know that when I feel good on the bike, I can be fast."
— Tim Gajser, 3rd MXGP World Championship Standings, 575-points
“Last GP in Europe this weekend, in Arnhem, in the sand. Arnhem is a decent track, it’s tight in some places, and it gets pretty rough, which means it’s important to find a good flow. My plan for the weekend is to stay consistent, get good starts and give my all as always.”
— Maxime Renaux, 8th MXGP World Championship Standings, 449-points
"I feel very strong and confident for Arnhem this weekend. Not only will this be the last European GP, but it’s also a home GP for the team, so it’s a very special weekend. The track is very fast and demanding, so it will be tough on the body. I like the Dutch sand and I’m sure I will enjoy it. I won the EMX250 round there last year, which brought me really close to the title. The plan is to start in the top positions and fight it out until the last metre. The goal is to be Janis Reisulis."
— Janis Reisulis, 6th MX2 World Championship Standings, 552-points
"I’m feeling good going into this weekend. It’s strange that it’s the last GP in Europe; the season goes by very fast when you’re having fun. I like this track; it’s really demanding and I enjoy sand GPs. In my first year in MX2, I did well in Arnhem and I really felt the track then. My goal is to concentrate on better starts and just have some fun in the sand."
— Karlis Reisulis, 7th MX2 World Championship Standings, 441-points







