After a weekend off following the long trip to Argentina, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are back in action this weekend as MXGP returns for round two of the FIM Motocross World Championship. Taking place at a brand-new track in Almonte, Spain, this weekends’ Grand Prix will also host the opening rounds of the EMX250 and EMX125 European Championships.

Nikki Malin/Yamaha story and image Fullspectrum

A brand-new circuit is a leveller: with no prior data or previous track knowledge to guide teams in terms of set up, the advantage will go to those who learn fastest and adapt quickest to the unknowns.

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team arrives off a steady opener and a productive week of testing; Tim Gajser and Maxime Renaux both hope to build on the progress made and be in the fight for podiums.

In MX2 the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory squad is buoyed by an impressive season start from brothers Karlis and Janis Reisulis. In addition to taking two holeshots aboard his factory YZ250FM; Janis gained crucial experience leading races while Karlis proved he can sustain the leaders’ pace for race distance, and both aim to keep that momentum in Spain.

The Spanish Grand Prix also marks the debuts of VHR Yamaha Official EMX250 rookies Mano Faure and Jarne Bervoets. Both riders have stepped up to the GYTR kitted YZ250F and will use this season to gain valuable experience while building their confidence in the MX2-feeder class, EMX250. Meanwhile, in EMX125, the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team will only field their newest recruit Sleny Goyer as Levi Townley has been sidelined after damaging shoulder ligaments in training.

Tim Gajser: “It’s a new track for everyone. I have seen that it is a bit sandy, similar to Kegums. It’s the second GP of the year, so it’s still early in the season. Obviously, I want to do well, I will always try to win. After Argentina we went back to work, and together with the team we put in some good hours testing, and training hard as always. I’m really looking forward to racing again this weekend, and hopefully it’s going to be a good one!”

— Tim Gajser, 5th MXGP World Championship Standings, 36-points

Maxime Renaux: “New track on the calendar — I’ve seen some pictures. It looks sandy and fast, so I’m looking forward to trying it. My weekend off was good; we did some work to build on what we learned in Argentina. The goal for the weekend is to replicate the good start from Argentina, find a strong feeling with the track and the bike, and get the most points out of the weekend.”

— Maxime Renaux, 6th MXGP World Championship Standings, 34-points

Janis Reisulis: “I’ve seen some clips of the track — it looks a bit sandy with nice jumps, so it should suit me. The weekend off was necessary to rest while keeping my form with varied training. The goal for the weekend is to be myself: good starts and results matter, but I’ll focus on being the best version of me.”

— Janis Reisulis, 6th MX2 World Championship Standings, 38-points

Karlis Reisulis: “I only know a little about the track — I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve been studying what I can and preparing for different conditions. I did some riding in the weekend off and took a day off to catch up with everything else in life and make sure I’m fresh. My aim is simple: be the best I can be.”

— Karlis Reisulis, 8th MX2 World Championship Standings, 29-points