The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are gearing up for a chilly but exciting weekend as the FIM Motocross World Championship hits Frauenfeld, Switzerland. This event marks the third round of the MXGP and MX2 seasons and will be supported by the second round of the European EMX250 and EMX125 Championships.

Nikki Malin/Yamaha story Fullspectrum/Yamaha Image

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Tim Gajser arrives at the Swiss GP with fresh momentum following a hard-fought podium finish in Almonte, Spain. He is looking forward to the familiarity of Frauenfeld—the first well-versed circuit of 2026—after the unexpected challenges that arose while navigating the unique territory of the opening two rounds. These initial races provided a valuable platform for Tiga243 as he continues to dial in his new YZ450FM and settle into his new environment. While the Slovenian admits there is still more to unlock, both he and the team are making rapid, consistent progress, and he arrives in Frauenfeld optimistic, motivated and buoyed by the memory of his dominant 1-1 sweep at the venue in 2024.

Maxime Renaux also heads to Frauenfeld eager to race on firmer soil. Despite a heavy fall at the venue last year, the gritty Frenchman is focused on his best memories from the track, which include an emphatic MXGP class win in 2023. Focused on scoring solid points and staying healthy, Renaux and the team are targeting consistent results and, if everything comes together, a spot on the podium.

Fresh off another impressive MX2 performance by brothers Janis and Karlis Reisulis, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team is looking to keep its momentum. Janis has established himself as MX2’s top rookie this season and is climbing the championship order, while Karlis arrives fired up by memories of his 2024 breakout, when he led most of Race Two and missed the podium by just two points. Now stronger, fitter, and faster, the #47 is primed to turn that raw speed into a solid top-five finish.

Adding to the excitement in MX2, De Baets Yamaha’s Lotte van Drunen returns to the gate for a second straight weekend, aiming to build on the point she scored in Spain. As the sole female rider in the field, the reigning WMX World Champion is using these races to sharpen her racecraft in preparation for the upcoming WMX season, which begins on May 24th in Lacapelle Marival, France.

Last but not least, VHR Yamaha Official EMX250 rookies Mano Faure and Jarne Bervoets, together with MJC Yamaha Official EMX125’s Sleny Goyer, will line up in Frauenfeld for round two of the European Championships. Faure arrives with momentum after a podium on debut in Spain, while Bervoets aims to race back to full fitness following arm-pump surgery in January. Meanwhile, Goyer comes into the weekend poised to challenge for victory after narrowly missing the top step at the opening round. The young Frenchman arrives second in the EMX125 standings, just one point off the championship lead.

"I’m definitely looking forward to the first hard-pack race of the year. The sand races haven’t been the most enjoyable recently, so I am really looking forward to getting back on the hard-pack. I really like Frauenfeld; I have a lot of really good memories there, including a GP win in 2023. The goal for the weekend is to continue putting decent points on the board, and obviously, to be on the box would be nice. So, the goal for this weekend is to stay healthy and push for the podium."

— Maxime Renaux, 5th MXGP Championship Standings, 75-points

"I’m looking forward to this weekend, not because I prefer one terrain over another—I enjoy both hardpack and sand—but I am really looking forward to racing on a familiar track this weekend. Starting the season on two completely new circuits was a challenge, especially while adapting to a new team and bike with virtually no data. It’s a good feeling to head somewhere we know well. I have amazing memories of Frauenfeld after going 1-1 for the win in 2024, but the main goal for this weekend is just to have fun. We are moving in the right direction and continuing to work hard. I know that when I’m enjoying myself and everything is clicking, I am really fast, so I can’t wait to get back behind the gate.”

— Tim Gajser, 6th MXGP Championship Standings, 74-points

“I’m really looking forward to this race — Switzerland has a great atmosphere, so it should be another round to enjoy, and I’m curious to see how I’ll do on hard pack. The track is interesting, with deep, bumpy ruts by the end of the day, but it doesn’t affect me because I always go to a race with the same mindset. I haven’t had great results there yet, but I’m looking to change that this weekend. The goal is the same as always: be myself — I’ll do my best, so I’m not worried about my abilities.”

— Janis Reisulis, 6th MX2 Championship Standings, 76-points

"I’m really excited to be heading to the hardpack in Switzerland; it’s going to be a great round. While it’s not the biggest track on the calendar, I really enjoy racing there because it’s quite unique. I have some great memories from 2024, especially that second moto where I led for most of the race, which gives me a lot of confidence heading into this weekend. My main goal for Frauenfeld is to stay focused on my riding and not set any specific expectations."

— Karlis Reisulis, 8th MX2 Championship Standings, 57-points