The wait is lastly over! After a uncommon four-week break, the Monster Vitality Yamaha Manufacturing facility MXGP and MX2 groups are recharged and prepared for a relentless run of three consecutive MXGP rounds. The motion resumes this weekend in Lacapelle-Marival for the MXGP of France, spherical six of the FIM Motocross World Championship. Including to the joy, the venue will even host the opening spherical of the 2026 FIM Ladies’s Motocross World Championship, the place defending champion Lotte van Drunen will debut the #1 plate on her De Baets Yamaha Supported YZ250F as she begins her quest for a 3rd consecutive WMX title.
Whereas Lacapelle-Marival returns to the calendar for less than the second time, the circuit is way from unfamiliar. A staple for worldwide pre-season races, most riders are well-acquainted with its difficult format. The observe made its MXGP debut in 2021 and already holds fond reminiscences for each Maxime Renaux and Tim Gajser, who each stood on the rostrum that weekend.
For French sensation Maxime Renaux, this weekend represents greater than only a residence race. After a difficult begin to the season, the gritty Frenchman utilized the latest break to return to the drafting board, placing in intensive work each on and off the bike. With a grueling triple-header on the horizon, Renaux is targeted on discovering the consistency wanted to turn out to be a everlasting fixture on the rostrum. He seems to be ahead to returning to a observe he loves, hoping to harness the vitality of the house crowd to kickstart his climb again to the highest.
Constructing on the momentum of his first race win of the season in Italy, Tim Gajser arrives in France able to resume his trophy hunt. The four-week break proved well timed for the five-time champion, permitting him to correctly rehabilitate a rib damage sustained in Sardinia. After spending the final ten days fine-tuning his setup and logging laps with the crew in Italy, Gajser is nearing 100% and is able to battle up entrance.
Within the MX2 class, brothers Karlis and Janis Reisulis arrive feeling refreshed and ready. Janis utilized the hiatus to steadiness coaching with faculty exams whereas staying race-sharp with a profitable outing on the Dutch Masters. Karlis additionally stayed lively; after a brief journey residence to Latvia to reset, he joined his brother on the gate on the Dutch Masters. Having maintained a excessive stage of depth all through the month-long break, each riders are desperate to translate their refreshed mindsets into sturdy outcomes as an intense run of races begins.
Lastly, the EMX125 Championship resumes in France for its fifth spherical. It’s a vital residence Grand Prix for the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 crew, bolstered by the return of Levi Townley, who makes his long-awaited season debut following a shoulder damage. He joins French teammate Sleny Goyer, who at present sits third within the championship standings. With the passionate residence crowd behind him, Goyer shall be aiming squarely for the rostrum this weekend.
Tim Gajser
4th MXGP Championship Standings, 198-points
“The break within the calendar couldn’t have come at a greater time. It gave me time to heal and get well after breaking my ribs on the GP in Riola, after which racing with that damage in Trentino, so I used the primary couple of weeks to get well. Now we’re preparing for the second a part of the season, and I’m feeling good. Over this previous week I’ve spent numerous time in Italy, testing and pushing for small enhancements. I really feel like we’ve made one other step in the suitable route. We’re nonetheless constructing, however I do know what I’m able to, and I’ve crew round me. We’re all working actually onerous, and we all know what is feasible, so the aim from right here is to journey like I understand how, and to have enjoyable on the bike.”
Maxime Renaux
sixth MXGP Championship Standings, 178-points
“I’ve been locked in the previous few weeks. Working onerous each on and off the bike. I did some racing in that point too to get some begins in and keep within the rhythm of racing. The primary a part of the season didn’t go precisely the best way we had hoped, so we went again to the drafting board, did some extra work, and going into the remainder of the yr it appears like a brand new starting. We’ve got a very busy few months developing with numerous triple headers, so it’s going to be intense, and this a part of the season goes to be crucial. The aim is to be extra constantly within the prime three, and I hope to get some wins too. I’m wanting ahead to beginning once more, and with a house GP for me. I actually like Lacapelle. It’s a pleasant observe and I’ve at all times loved racing there. I do know there shall be an enormous French crowd with numerous enthusiasm, and I like racing with their assist, so it’s going to be weekend.”
Janis Reisulis
sixth MX2 Championship Standings, 170-points
“I spent most of my time coaching and recovering, alongside faculty work for my upcoming exams, however I nonetheless managed to seek out some free time to spend with my brother. The spotlight was positively the Dutch Masters races; it’s at all times enjoyable to be with the entire crew. My targets stay the identical—to go on the market, get pleasure from it, and journey my greatest. The observe is kind of good when it’s well-prepared, and I’m excited to get again to a hard-pack floor, so I’m hoping for end result.”
Karlis Reisulis
eighth MX2 Championship Standings, 150-points
“I went residence for every week, however principally spent my time specializing in bodily coaching and time on the bike. The perfect half was the coaching itself; it was tough, however I actually loved it. My targets stay the identical—to journey my greatest—and whereas I bear in mind the observe not being the most important, it’s good and technical.”
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