After looking at the MXGP riders who are entering a contract year, it’s time to turn our attention to the MX2 World Championship paddock. The rider market in the smaller class is shaping up to be just as fascinating, with a number of highly-rated talents approaching the end of their current deals.
While some are expected to renew with their existing teams, others could be set for major career moves involving new teams, manufacturers, or even a switch across the Atlantic.
Here’s a look at some of the key names whose futures are set to dominate the headlines.
Guillem Farres
The factory Triumph rider has been one of the standout performers of the season. Farres currently sits third in the MX2 World Championship standings and remains a genuine title contender. His dominant 1-1 performance in France underlined just how dangerous he can be, and despite trailing Simon Längenfelder by three points and Sacha Coenen by 40, he is certainly not out of the title race just yet.
One thing is certain, however: the Spaniard ages out of MX2 at the end of the season. That means he won’t be lining up in the class in 2027.
The next step in his career appears to be one of two options — a return to America or a move into MXGP. Staying with Triumph and stepping up to the premier class could make sense, although much may depend on whether Triumph succeeds in attracting Romain Febvre. It’s definitely a situation worth watching.
Mathis Valin
The French sensation is enjoying a superb run of form. Four consecutive MX2 GP podiums, including an overall victory in Germany, have firmly established him as one of the hottest prospects in the paddock.
That German victory was historic for Kawasaki, making Valin the manufacturer’s first MX2 GP winner since Dylan Ferrandis achieved the feat back in 2016.
Valin signed a two-year deal with Kawasaki Racing Team, meaning he now finds himself entering a contract year. Unsurprisingly, interest from rival manufacturers is growing, with the KTM Group believed to be particularly keen.
It’s understood that Kawasaki may hold a right of first refusal clause, allowing them to match competing offers. Whether Valin stays green or decides to embark on a new challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: there will be no shortage of suitors.
Sacha Coenen
Technically, Sacha Coenen isn’t entering a contract year, but his future deserves mentioning because change appears inevitable.
The Belgian sensation is widely expected to leave the Grand Prix paddock and make the move to America. The current belief is that his future plans include Supercross as early as next season.
If that proves to be the case, it would mark one of the biggest stories in the rider market with both of the talented Belgian twins heading to USA.
Janis Reisulis
Despite being an MX2 rookie, Janis Reisulis has adapted quickly to the pace and demands of MX2 racing. The Latvian has shown plenty of promise and it feels like only a matter of time before he secures his first podium finish. With performances being impressive, it’s no surprise that interest in his services is already building.
His current contract expires at the end of the season, creating an intriguing situation. Yamaha would undoubtedly like to retain one of the sport’s brightest young talents, but rival manufacturers are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.
An additional factor is his brother Karlis Reisulis, who still has a year remaining on his Yamaha deal. Should Janis decide to move elsewhere, don’t be surprised if the brothers emerge as a package deal.
Valerio Lata
Honda’s decision to return with a genuine factory MX2 programme last year was a welcomed one, and Valerio Lata became one of the riders entrusted to lead the project.
Although his agreement was publicly described as a multi-year contract, it’s believed that the current deal expires at the end of the season.
Lata has shown glimpses of his enormous potential and Honda will have an important decision to make regarding whether they continue building around the talented Italian beyond 2026. They may also make the decision to run two MX2 GP riders instead of just one – to be continued…
Kay Karssemakers
Dutch rider Kay Karssemakers initially joined DRT Kawasaki last year as a replacement rider before impressing sufficiently to earn an extension for 2026.
His current contract runs until the end of the season, although it’s understood that an option exists for both parties to continue together should they wish. Given the stability and progress achieved within the setup, it wouldn’t come as a major surprise to see Karssemakers remain with the team in 2027.
Julius Mikula
After spending 2025 with TM, Czech talent Julius Mikula returned to familiar surroundings by signing with Osicka KTM, a team he had previously represented. The move has paid off handsomely.
Mikula has emerged as one of the most improved riders in the paddock, regularly producing performances that have caught the attention of those further up pit lane. His current agreement is understood to be a one-year deal, and if his upward trajectory continues, don’t be surprised if factory teams begin making enquiries.
Maxime Grau
Maxime Grau’s opportunity with Maddii Honda Racing came together very late ahead of the season, leaving him with limited preparation on the bike before his Grand Prix debut. That hasn’t stopped him from impressing.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Grau has established himself as a consistent top-ten threat on several occasions. A one-year agreement was signed, but both rider and team will undoubtedly be pleased with the progress made so far.
Cas Valk
After beginning the season with TM, Cas Valk opted to part ways with the Italian manufacturer before securing a ride with Chambers KTM. The Dutchman immediately looked revitalised back aboard a KTM and appeared capable of strong results before injury struck during the Dutch Masters series.
It now seems unlikely that he’ll return to Grand Prix action this season. His deal with Chambers KTM only covered the remainder of the current campaign, it remains to be seen where he’ll race in 2027.
Jens Walvoort
Jens Walvoort is an exciting prospect. Competing with the SB KTM outfit, a programme built entirely around him, Walvoort operates on year-to-year agreements. While the setup has allowed him to develop, support from a more established operation could represent the next step in his progression.
Whatever happens, he’s certainly a rider worth keeping a close eye on. Next year will also be his final year in the class so he’ll be extra motivated to impress.
Scott Smulders
Scott Smulders had begun turning heads after joining the SixtySeven Racing team. The Dutch rider took significant steps forward and was enjoying some of the strongest performances of his career before injury halted his momentum.
His current contract runs for one season, but based on the progress shown prior to the setback, it would come as little surprise if both parties decided to continue their partnership into the future.
The MX2 rider market is always unpredictable, but the class appears set for an especially busy silly season heading into 2027.
From the future of Guillem Farrés and emerging stars like Mathis Valin and Janis Reisulis, to riders searching for the right environment to unlock their full potential, there are storylines everywhere you look.
Some futures seem relatively straightforward, while others could trigger a domino effect across multiple manufacturers and championships. Add in the possibility of Sacha Coenen making the leap to America, and it’s clear that the coming months could reshape the MX2 landscape significantly. Simon Längenfelder if he doesn’t defend his MX2 world title won’t be forced to move up to MXGP but is expected to make the move up to the class anyway.
There will also be current EMX250 riders looking to make the step up to the MX2 World Championship – Francisco Garcia will no doubt be a wanted man.
As ever in motocross, contracts can change quickly and surprises are never far away. One thing is certain: the MX2 paddock will be one of the most fascinating places to watch as teams begin finalising their plans for 2027.
