The JK Yamaha team have confirmed that Isak Gifting will miss the final two rounds of the 2026 MXGP World Championship, with the Swedish rider now fully focused on making a return to the Motocross des Nations.
With Gifting set to sit out the remaining rounds in Shanghai, China, and Darwin, Australia, JK Yamaha have moved quickly to find a replacement for the final two Grand Prix’s of the season.
The Italian-based team have confirmed that experienced MXGP rider Ivo Monticelli will step in to race the final two rounds of the championship.
Monticelli brings plenty of experience at the highest level of motocross and has previously competed against many of the world’s leading riders in the MXGP class. The opportunity will give the Italian another chance to compete on the world stage and showcase his speed against the very best in the championship.
For JK Yamaha, drafting in Monticelli provides the team with an experienced rider for the final two rounds, while the Italian will be eager to make the most of his return to MXGP competition.
The JK Yamaha team made the following announcement on social media:
“First, we would like to wish Isak Gifting a speedy recovery. Isak will be sidelined for the upcoming two rounds as he focuses on full recovery for the MXoN”.
“We are pleased to announce that Ivo Monticelli will step in as his replacement for the last two rounds in MXGP. Welcome back to the JK Yamaha family, Ivo”.
“On the MX2 side, we are proud to confirm Yang Jinyu for his home round. Yang is ready for the MX2 World Championship challenge”.
