De Baets AIT Racing have confirmed that they have parted ways with Lotte van Drunen after three seasons together, while the team have also revealed that they are evaluating their future in the paddock.
The announcement comes at a time of uncertainty surrounding Yamaha’s European racing structure, with the manufacturer recently confirming a restructuring of its MXGP programme, including its involvement in the European championships – we don’t yet know what it’s going to look like.
It remains to be seen whether De Baets AIT Racing will form part of Yamaha’s plans moving forward, with the team’s future yet to be confirmed.
What next for Van Drunen?
As for Van Drunen, the two-time World Champion is expected to create her own structure for the upcoming season, although the manufacturer she will represent has yet to be confirmed.
The Dutch rider is expected to continue competing in the WMX World Championship, while also targeting selected rounds of the AMA WMX Championship in the United States.
Having enjoyed considerable success in recent seasons including two world titles, Van Drunen will be looking to build on that momentum as she prepares for the next chapter of her career.
Uncertainty surrounding De Baets AIT Racing
With the team now evaluating its future, questions remain over what the next step will be for De Baets AIT Racing and whether they will continue to compete in the paddock.
Further news regarding both De Baets AIT Racing and Van Drunen is expected in due course as more details emerge.
The team posted the following update:
“De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha Thanks Lotte van Drunen After Three Successful Years After three seasons, the partnership between De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha and Lotte van Drunen has come to an end. The team looks back with pride and appreciation on a successful period during which they jointly secured two world titles. At the same time, discussions are underway behind the scenes regarding the future and the team’s next steps”.
“Over the past three years, the partnership between De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha and Lotte van Drunen developed into a particularly successful chapter for both parties. In 2024, Van Drunen claimed her first world title in the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX). A year later, she repeated that success, with the team and the Dutch rider once again crowned world champions.
“These two world titles stand out as the absolute highlights of a partnership built on hard work and a shared commitment to performing at the highest level. The team therefore looks back with great satisfaction on the past three seasons and the results achieved together”.
“De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha would like to thank Lotte van Drunen for her dedication, trust and the many great moments they have shared. The team wishes her every success in the next stage of her career”.
“With Van Drunen’s departure, a new chapter begins for De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha. The team is currently evaluating its future direction and how its activities will continue. Further information will be announced as soon as more details become available.
“De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha would also like to thank all its sponsors, partners and everyone involved who has contributed to the team’s successes over the past few years and the two world titles”.
