Yamaha could be facing a major shake-up to its Grand Prix structure ahead of the 2027 season, with the Japanese manufacturer reportedly set to be without a factory team in the MX2 World Championship.
Back in June, it was announced that Hutten Metaal Racing, who ran Yamaha’s factory MX2 World Championship programme, would be parting ways with the brand. The news left Yamaha’s plans for the class uncertain, while the Reisulis brothers attracted interest from across the paddock, including Honda and KTM. However, Yamaha were believed to have put forward a strong proposal, with confidence that both riders would remain with the manufacturer for 2027.
There now appears to have been a late twist in the situation, though, with Yamaha’s future in the MX2 World Championship looking increasingly uncertain.
No deal with Kemea Yamaha?
With Hutten Metaal Racing departing, Yamaha needed to find a new team to take over its factory MX2 World Championship setup for 2027.
Talks were held with Kemea Yamaha, the team run by Hans Corvers that currently operates Yamaha’s MXGP effort. However, it appears that an agreement has not been reached, leaving Yamaha potentially without a factory-backed MX2 team next season.
If that proves to be the case, it would represent a significant change for Yamaha, who have traditionally maintained a solid structure through the European classes and into the MXGP World Championship.
Monster Energy sponsorship blow?
Adding to the uncertainty, it is believed that Monster Energy, which has sponsored Yamaha for a number of years, has decided against continuing its sponsorship for the 2027 season.
Losing a major sponsor would represent another financial blow as Yamaha looks to finalise their plans for the future. With the MX2 programme already in question following Hutten Metaal Racing’s departure, the reported sponsorship decision could make the situation even more complicated.
Fernandez and Gajser to lead Yamaha in MXGP
While Yamaha’s MX2 plans remain uncertain, the manufacturer is expected to have a strong line-up in the premier class.
Tim Gajser signed a two-year deal with the factory Yamaha MXGP team, which takes him into the 2027 season. Meanwhile, Ruben Fernandez is expected to join the squad as a replacement for Maxime Renaux, who is understood to be heading to De Carli KTM.
The potential line-up would give Yamaha two established Grand Prix riders to lead its MXGP efforts, although the situation in MX2 could look very different.
Reisulis brothers on the move?
With the factory Yamaha MX2 programme not expected to continue in its current form, the Reisulis brothers are now set to move on, despite previously being expected to remain with the manufacturer.
Janis Reisulis, in particular, has been viewed as a major part of Yamaha’s future, with the young Latvian widely regarded as a potential world champion. Losing both brothers would therefore be a significant blow for the Japanese brand.
We should be able to provide an update on the Reisulis brothers plans for the 2027 season in due course.
For now, it is a worrying period for Yamaha, who have traditionally had a clear pathway from the EMX categories through to the MX2 and MXGP World Championships. With Hutten Metaal Racing departing, a potential loss of Monster Energy sponsorship and the Reisulis brothers seemingly heading elsewhere, the manufacturer’s plans for 2027 are certainly not looking ideal.
More news coming soon…
