Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Team’s Janis Reisulis has finished in a fine fifth overall at round one of the 2026 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship. The Latvian stormed to the holeshot in the opening race of the day before finishing fourth, then claimed sixth in Race Two to secure his impressive overall result. Teammate and brother Karlis also performed well in the warm conditions to place seventh on the day.
The first Grand Prix of the season was held in Bariloche, Argentina, and offered riders a fast and flowing circuit. Just as he did in Saturday’s MX2 Qualifying Race, J.Reisulis charged to the Race One holeshot aboard his YZ250FM, then led the way for almost half of the race. As the laps wound down, he lost a few positions but held strong to the end to finish an exciting first race of the season in fourth.
In Race Two, he didn’t quite execute the same start and completed the opening lap just outside the top five in sixth. The reigning EMX250 Champion then maintained his impressive speed throughout the race as he battled with a number of the MX2 class’s established stars. As the race neared its conclusion, the 17-year-old had reeled in his teammate but couldn’t find a way past on the final lap. Placing sixth secured a stunning fifth overall for J.Reisulis, who leaves round one sixth in the MX2 World Championship standings.
K.Reisulis also enjoyed a positive opening Grand Prix of the season. In Race One, he emerged from the first turn in third before slipping back to fifth on lap two. The 20-year-old maintained a strong and consistent pace until arm pump forced him to slow in the closing stages. For his efforts, K.Reisulis was rewarded with ninth.
Ensuring the team secured both holeshots in Argentina, K.Reisulis stormed to the lead in Race Two. Despite being shuffled back to second, the Latvian once again rode a smart race and maintained his position for several laps before making a couple of unfortunate mistakes. Crossing the finish line in fifth, K.Reisulis placed seventh overall on the day and sits eighth in the series standings.
With a positive opening Grand Prix of the season complete, the team will now return to Europe to prepare for round two of the campaign – the MXGP of Andalucia on March 21-22.
— Janis Reisulis
It was a really good day overall and a positive way to start the season. I was happy with how I managed the first start – there was no pressure and I felt comfortable straight away. The second moto didn’t start quite as well, but the speed was there all day. I still need to work on managing the race a little better and pushing more in the final laps, but that’s something I’ve already improved on compared to last season in the European Championship. Overall, I’m pleased, and I think this has been my best first race ever in a championship.
— Karlis Reisulis
Overall, it was quite a positive day, especially in the second moto. In the first race, my feeling was good at the start, but I struggled a bit with arm pump and I still need to work on my race rhythm. The second moto went much better. I grabbed the holeshot and was running up front for a long time. I made a few mistakes later in the race and lost some positions, but I kept pushing and finished fifth, and I was close to fourth in the end. It was a good experience overall and something positive to build on.
