It was recently confirmed that Isak Gifting would remain with the Italian-based JK Yamaha Racing team for the 2026 season, and the team have now announced three more riders who will stay under their awning next year.
Young Latvian talent Jekabs Kubulins had an impressive season in the EMX125 class and even raced the EMX250 series at Arnhem, where he turned heads by running at the front of the pack in the deep sand. Off the back of that performance, Kubulins will remain with JK Yamaha for 2026 and make the full-time step up to the EMX250 Championship, where he’ll look to continue his promising development.
From Sweden, Nellie Fransson also returns to the squad after using the 2025 season as a valuable learning year in the WMX World Championship. With a year of experience now under her belt, Fransson will look to take a step forward and consistently battle for stronger results in 2026.
Rounding out the trio, Italian rider Manuel Iacopi will once again focus on the Italian Championship, continuing his long-term relationship with the JK Yamaha team as he looks to build on his domestic success.
The team won’t stop there though as they will run at least one more rider and will make the announcement in due course.
Jekabs Kubulins: I’m really excited to continue working with JK Yamaha for next year, I really enjoyed working with them this season. It’s difficult to say, but I would like to be in the top 10, but I try not to pressure myself. I will be riding with the Yamaha 250 2 stroke in EMX250 class, it’s another level as everyone knows, but I already showed what I can do in Arnhem, of course it was only one round, but that really gave me confidence and I’m looking forward to racing. I’m really thankful for this opportunity to Yamaha and JK.
Nellie Fransson: I’m really happy to stay with JK. There is a family feeling in the team and I really look forward to improving together. 2025 has been a learning year and now I’m so ready to take on the 2026 season.
Manuel Iacopi: I am super happy to start a new season with JK. We finished this 2025 in the best way with the Italian title and this gives me extra motivation for the next season. I will try to work hard this winter to get 100% at the start of the races. Thank you to the team that continues to believe in me.
The team posted the news on social media:
Our 2026 lineup is taking shape. We’re excited to confirm Jekabs Kubulins, Nellie Fransson, and Manuel Iacopi to the JK Yamaha family alongside Isak Gifting. The lineup’s looking strong — and we’re not finished yet! Together, we race as one team, one family, one goal.
