The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are set to open a new and ambitious chapter, having travelled more than 12,000 kilometres from Europe to the brand-new uncharted territory of San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, for the opening round of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship.
Poised to unleash a fierce title charge from the very first gate drop, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team arrives in Patagonia with its powerful duo of Tim Gajser and Maxime Renaux raring to go. Together, this potent pairing brings a staggering wealth of success to the line, a combined total of 156 career podium finishes, 116 race wins, 61 Grand Prix victories, and six FIM World Titles.
Gajser arrives supremely confident, having closed his preseason preparation with a dominant victory against some of his fiercest rivals—a clear statement of his immediate intent. The five-time World Champion also boasts the best record of any rider on Argentine soil, with three Grand Prix wins, seven podiums, and five race wins to his credit. Renaux is also proven in the region. The former MX2 World Champion lands in Bariloche bolstered by a strong winter and the momentum of his victory at last year’s Argentine season opener in Córdoba. The Frenchman is determined to convert that winning form immediately. His potent blend of raw speed and gritty race craft makes him a genuine threat not only for early podiums but for a sustained championship campaign across the demanding 19-round season.
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In MX2, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team is set to leverage a unique dynamic this season with the Latvian brother pairing of Karlis and Janis Reisulis. Karlis brings a year of valuable MX2 experience and consistent development into the new campaign. After a productive winter, he aims to build on the solid foundation of his rookie season, which started with an impressive eighth-place finish at last year’s Argentine round and was highlighted by a seventh overall at the season finale in Darwin, Australia. Focused on the process and riding to his potential, the #47 is poised to take another step forward.
At the same time, his younger brother Janis carries the momentum of his 2025 EMX250 Championship title into his highly anticipated MX2 debut. An uninterrupted, healthy winter has the #772 fully prepared and confident—a feeling confirmed by his impressive speed and multiple race wins during preseason preparation. The 17-year-old’s clear objective is to adapt quickly, perfect his starts, and compete at the front from the outset. Adding to the excitement, this weekend marks his first experience of Argentina’s legendary racing atmosphere on a brand new circuit that is a total mystery to the entire field.
Tim Gajser – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP #243
“I’m really looking forward to starting the season—it’s been a long and busy off-season, so I’m excited to finally race. I don’t know exactly what to expect from the track, but from what I’ve seen on Social Media, it looks good: fast, with big jumps. I like the look of it. My goal for the first GP is to learn as much as possible. Obviously, I want to do well, but I need to be realistic. Everyone starts the year hungry, and for me, I’m with a new team, on a new bike, so there are some unknowns. I understand it’ll be a weekend of learning, but I feel really good and I know what I’m capable of. I don’t want to set expectations—I just know that if I ride the way I can, I can be up front. I have a lot of good memories from Argentina. I’ve won a few GPs there, and the crowd and fans are always amazing. I expect it’ll be the same this year, and I really look forward to being back.”
Maxime Renaux – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP #959
“I’m feeling pretty good heading into the first round of the 2026 season. I had a strong winter and some good preseason races, so I’m coming in with confidence. I don’t know much about the track yet, but I hope they prepare it well—last year it was really nice. My goal is to start the season with a solid result and get off to the best possible start. I have a really good memory from last year in Argentina, winning the first GP and taking my first MXGP red plate. I’m looking forward to hopefully creating another nice memory like that one in Argentina.”
Karlis Reisulis – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 #47
“I’m feeling good after the long winter—ready to get the season started. I don’t know what the track looks like yet, but I’m excited to see it and get out there. I’m not really setting a specific goal this time; I’m just focused on riding my best and enjoying the process. I have some good memories from last year here, with a few strong finishes, so that gives me a confident feeling heading back.”
Janis Reisulis – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 #772
“I’m feeling very good and full of confidence heading into this year. We did some preseason races as well, which helped, though I’m still getting fully back into race mode. I had a very good winter—I attended every training session and, most importantly, stayed injury-free. That alone made this winter ten times better than previous ones. My goal is to really understand this class and nail my starts so I can fight up at the front, which is where I want to be. This will be my first time ever in Argentina. I’m really excited to explore the world while racing in the world championship—I believe there couldn’t be a better combination in my life than this.”
