Brazilian talent Bernardo Tiburcio is set to take the biggest step of his career in 2026 as he leaves home soil behind to race a full season in Europe. After building a strong résumé in the Brazilian Championship winning the MX2 title this year, the highly rated youngster is now preparing for his EMX250 debut with a brand-new Yamaha-backed project led by former GP rider, Carlos Campano. With his pre-season already underway in Spain, Tiburcio is embracing the challenge of new tracks, deeper competition and life on the road as he targets steady progression on the European stage. We caught up with Tiburcio to discuss his move to Europe, the decision to join Yamaha, his expectations for EMX250 and his long-term ambitions beyond 2026.
GateDrop: Bernardo, it is finally official. You will be moving from Brazil to race full-time in Europe next year. When did you first start thinking seriously about making this move, and why is now the right time?
Tiburcio: Racing in Europe has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. For a long time, though, I felt I still needed more experience – more races in Brazil – to really be ready for such a big challenge. Now I truly feel prepared and confident to make my EMX debut.
GateDrop: How did the opportunity with Carlos Campano and the new team all come together?
Tiburcio: I already knew that my goal was to race the EMX250 series in 2026. Yamaha presented me with a package that really matched what I felt was necessary for this next phase of my career. I had known and admired Campano’s work for some time and having him close by will undoubtedly be an amazing experience.
GateDrop: You had a lot of success with Honda in Brazil, and I believe you had an option to stay with Honda in Europe. Was it a difficult decision to leave Honda and in the end why did you opt to make the switch with Yamaha?
Tiburcio: My two years with Honda were incredible and I’m very proud of the successful history we built together. I’m sure there was a lot of effort from both sides. However, the package Yamaha offered aligned perfectly with what I believe I need at this stage of my career.
GateDrop: I believe you also had an option to race in America. In the end, why did you decide to go with Europe instead?
Tiburcio: America is really cool, for sure, but I feel my riding style is a bit more suited to European tracks. Also, the idea of traveling the world racing and experiencing different countries really excites me.
GateDrop: When do you plan on getting to Europe to prepare for 2026 and where will you be based in the pre-season?
Tiburcio: My pre-season has already started. I’m training hard, working on bike setup and physical preparation together with Campano. At the moment, we’re based in Seville at the team headquarters.
GateDrop: The EMX250 field is extremely deep and aggressive. What do you see as the biggest differences compared to racing in Brazil?
Tiburcio: I believe the biggest differences will be the number of races, racing in many different countries, and the wide variety of track styles that make up the EMX championship. I’m very excited to face all of that and learn at every round.
GateDrop: European tracks are very different in terms of soil, preparation and ruts. Which types of tracks do you think will suit you best?
Tiburcio: I like all kinds of tracks, especially learning and adapting to different conditions. I’m really excited to discover and ride all the EMX tracks in 2026.
GateDrop: Lommel and Arnhem are on the EMX250 calendar next year – I can tell you they are gnarly tracks. Do you have anything like that in Brazil?
Tiburcio: The level of tracks in Brazil is getting better and higher every year, but without a doubt, those two tracks you mentioned are very challenging. I’m excited to experience and ride them.
GateDrop: Do you have any expectations in the EMX250 series in 2026 or is it just about learning as much as you can?
Tiburcio: The goal is always the top step of the podium, but I know this is a big and difficult transition that requires a lot of learning. I want to make the most of this opportunity.
GateDrop: Have you been paying attention to the EMX250 class over the past few years – do you know the kind of riders you’ll be racing against?
Tiburcio: I always watch past races to learn about the tracks and also about the riders I’ll be competing against. I’m already well aware of the level and the competition.
GateDrop: You raced a few British Championship rounds a few years ago – how did you find racing in England?
Tiburcio: Yes, I raced a few rounds of the British Championship in the past and it was an incredible experience. I gained a lot of experience – difficult tracks and very high-level riders.
GateDrop: You’ll be racing Yamaha machinery in EMX250. Have you done many laps with the bike yet and what are your first impressions?
Tiburcio: Yes, I’ve already been riding my new YZ250F and doing testing. I really like the bike, and I feel very comfortable on it.
GateDrop: Do you know yet which pre-season races you’ll do?
Tiburcio: We plan to do some good pre-season races to build race rhythm and further fine-tune the race bike, but we haven’t decided exactly which ones yet.
GateDrop: You’ll get to see a lot of different countries. Which ones are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
Tiburcio: One of the parts I enjoy most about this project is racing in Europe and being able to experience different countries, cultures, tracks, and people. I don’t have a favourite – I’m excited to experience all of them.
GateDrop: Do you think that you coming from Brazil to race in Europe will help bring more Brazilian attention to the GP series?
Tiburcio: Definitely. Brazil is getting closer and closer to MXGP. Many riders who race MXGP are coming to the Brazilian Championship, and now I’m doing the opposite – moving from the Brazilian Championship to EMX. I believe this will attract even more attention from Brazilian fans.
GateDrop: Where do you see yourself in three to five years if everything goes to plan? Do you see yourself in GP’s or is this more of a stepping stone before going to America?
Tiburcio: My plan is to move up step by step. Of course, racing in the GPs is the next goal – and maybe America someday too. We’ll see.
GateDrop: I have to ask you about the Ironman MXoN. How was that experience representing Brazil at such a big event?
Tiburcio: The MXoN is always different – it’s much more than just a race. It’s always a pleasure to represent Brazil at such a big event. This year was even better because I improved my personal results and as a team, we achieved the best result in Brazil’s history.
