After several successful years with Yamaha, Jago Geerts is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his career. The Belgian talent has officially signed a two-year deal with Beta, joining the Italian manufacturer and Marchetti Racing team for the 2026 MXGP season. It’s a bold move for both parties – Geerts will look to rediscover his best form, while Beta continues to build momentum in the premier class.
After a challenging 2025 campaign where things didn’t quite click, Geerts is eager for a reset and motivated to return to the sharp end of the field. We caught up with him to discuss how the deal came together, his first impressions of the Beta machine and his goals for the season ahead as he prepares for this fresh challenge in red.
GateDrop: Jago, congratulations on the new deal – how does it feel to finally have the move to Beta confirmed?
Geerts: I’m really happy to sign with Beta for the next two years. All the deals were made very late in the season this year so I’m happy that its done and I can start to prepare for 2026.
GateDrop: When did talks with Beta first start, and what convinced you that this was the right move for the next step in your career? A lot of people are probably thinking: why Beta?
Geerts: The first talks with my manager where I think at the GP in turkey. After the last GP in Australia, I went to Italy to test the bike. I immediately had a good feeling on the bike and also a good feeling with the people from Beta and Marchetti racing. That made the decision easy.
GateDrop: I believe you tested the bike before signing. What was your first impression of the bike? I’ve heard you were very positive about the chassis and suspension of the bike…
Geerts: Yes, the chassis and suspension are super good. Also, the character from the engine is smooth and it fits with my riding style. I immediately had the confidence to push with the bike and that’s what I was missing in 2025.
GateDrop: After riding on an aluminium frame for so many years, what was your first impression when switching to a steel frame?
Geerts: It’s completely different so you can’t really compare it. A steel frame feels less stiff on the track so you can get a bit more input from the bike. But like we saw already for many years you can win championships on both.
GateDrop: You’ve spent a long time with Yamaha – was it difficult to leave after so many successful years together?
Geerts: No, I felt it was time for a change. To progress again I needed a new start and it gives me motivation to get back on my level.
GateDrop: When you look back at your season it was more positive than 2024, how would you reflect on it? Content or did you want more?
Geerts: For sure I wanted more but it doesn’t always go like you want. I gave my 100% every time I went on track but when you are not fully comfortable on the bike it’s just so difficult. I had some good moments but also a lot of difficult moments this year.
GateDrop: Consistency was one of your strengths during your MX2 career. This season wasn’t the most consistent you ever had. We weren’t surprised to see you battle close to the top 5, but the odd 13th place was also in the cards. Have you been able to pinpoint the reason behind this?
Geerts: Yeah, the start is really important because the level is so high. When you miss your start it’s so difficult to come back in the top 10. Also just struggling with the bike made it difficult many times.
GateDrop: Talk a little about Lugo. We know it all hasn’t been easy since your transitioned to the MXGP class. But you reminded the world what you were capable of that Saturday in Spain. Unfortunately, things happened and you couldn’t back it up on the Sunday. But how was it, in a way, to show – and actually see yourself – that you could win again?
Geerts: It was super nice to win in Lugo on Saturday. I showed to everyone that I could still win and for myself it was also a special moment. I still don’t understand how I could win this race with how I was feeling on the bike that day but it was super good.
GateDrop: This season, it seems Yamaha has faced some difficulties with their bikes, both in the MX2 and MXGP classes. Whether it was engine, suspensions, or chassis. We heard it all. Have you experienced these issues as well and were you searching and tweaking a lot during the season.
Geerts: Yeah, it was the same for me. We tried quite a lot of different things during the season but I can say that we didn’t find the good setup for me. From the first until the last race I was not comfortable.
GateDrop: What is the mindset approaching the 2026 season? The last few years, you were either in a position to win a title or expected to contend for one and that can weigh on you. Beta is relatively new in MXGP, and they have yet to get a top 5 in the class since they arrived in 2021. While I’m sure expectations are still high, one would expect you’ll be going into 2026 with less pressure, new goals, and a refreshed mindset.
Geerts: Yes, I think it’s a bit different now but my goal for next year is that I still want to fight for the top 5. I think it’s possible, I feel confident on the bike and I think we are going to be ready for it.
GateDrop: There’s always discussion about improving safety in the sport. You’ve worn an Airbag protector this season, and unfortunately, you’ve had to put it to the test on a couple of occasions. What’s your experience with this new safety feature and what areas do you think could still be improved to enhance rider safety? I believe airbags were only allowed this season…
Geerts: Yes, I used the airbag this year and a few times I was very lucky to have it. It’s a step in the good direction for the safety. For me it’s also very comfortable to wear. I think if more riders start using it there will already be less injuries.
GateDrop: Beta is still relatively new to the MXGP class – what excites you most about joining a manufacturer that’s still building and developing its program?
Geerts: I think for both of us we want better results. I want to be on my old level again and Beta want to be more in the front. So, it will be nice if we can achieve good results together and improve together.
GateDrop: I believe you had plenty of offers – at least two other MXGP offers – did they tempt you at all?
Geerts: Yes, I had a few different offers and they were all interesting. After testing the Beta in Italy it was an easy decision for me because I felt good with the bike and team.
GateDrop: I believe you also had a big offer from Brazil – did you ever consider that?
Geerts: No, it’s not the right time in my career to make a move to Brazil. I still have a lot to prove in MXGP. It can be nice for later in my career.
GateDrop: I understand that you’ll remain living in Monaco but go to Italy a lot during the season to test etc. Was staying in Monaco something important for you? Does it feel like home now?
Geerts: Yes, Monaco feels like home for me now. I will be more in Italy this winter to be close to the team and the factory from Beta. I think it’s important now to work together closely.
GateDrop: Will you continue working with Steve Ramon or will this be a new chapter for you and you’ll work with someone else?
Geerts: Yes, I keep working together with Steve. It’s always a pleasure to work with him.
GateDrop: Will you bring anyone over from Yamaha with you such as mechanic, practice mechanic or will it be new people you will work with, if so, do you know who yet?
Geerts: No I don’t bring anyone from Yamaha to the team so it’s really a fresh start for me.
GateDrop: How has the communication been so far with the team, and do you feel like they understand what you need as a rider? Will you have big input into the bike development?
Geerts: Until now it has been going super well. Yes, the team has a very close connection to the factory so we can really work together closely to set up the bike like it fits for me.
GateDrop: What are your long-term ambitions with Beta – is this a multi-year project to grow together, or is it a one-year deal at the moment?
Geerts: It’s a multi-year project. I think we can grow together and improve together also. I really wanted a two-year deal because I believe in the project and also the people at Beta are very motivated.
GateDrop: Seeing how fast the Coenen’s and Everts were at Ironman MXoN. How motivated are you to get back to your best so you can be in contention for Belgian MXoN selection again? Belgium are looking so strong for the future…
Geerts: I’m super motivated to get on my highest level again. It would be fun to ride again at the MXoN in the coming years for team Belgium. But for me it’s more important to first have a good season in MXGP.
