Since the start of the 2024 season, Dutch based team, Hutten Metaal Racing have been responsible for operating Yamaha’s factory MX2 World Championship programme, taking over the role after Hans Corvers and the Kemea Yamaha structure stepped up to run Yamaha’s MXGP factory effort.
The Dutch-based outfit earned the opportunity after several successful years managing Yamaha’s official EMX250 project. Their achievements in the European championship were impressive, securing three EMX250 titles with Thibault Benistant in 2020, Rick Elzinga in 2022 and Andrea Bonacorsi in 2023.
Stepping into the MX2 World Championship is always a step up and has more challenges, but Hutten Metaal Racing have enjoyed some encouraging results during their tenure. For the 2026 season, the team fields Latvian brothers Karlis and Janis Reisulis under the Yamaha awning.
However, we understand that Hutten Metaal Racing’s current agreement with Yamaha is due to expire at the end of the season and, as things stand, it is understood that an extension is not expected to be agreed. Should that prove to be the case, 2026 would mark the final campaign in which the Dutch squad operates Yamaha’s factory MX2 programme.
It remains unclear what Yamaha’s next move would be should the partnership come to an end, although the Japanese manufacturer would most likely need to identify another structure to take over the running of its MX2 World Championship effort.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future with Yamaha, Hutten Metaal Racing are thought to be open to remaining in the Grand Prix paddock if they can secure a deal with another brand. Given their proven track record in EMX250 competition, perhaps a return to European competition could be considered.
As always with paddock rumours, the situation remains fluid, and we will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information emerges.
