One rider who has really stepped things up in 2025 is Swedish talent, Isak Gifting, in what is only his second season competing in the MXGP World Championship.
Last year, Gifting signed a late deal with the JK Yamaha squad which meant he didn’t get the benefit of a full winter preparation. This time around he had exactly that, and the difference has been clear to see.
In the past, hard-pack conditions were an area of weakness for Gifting, but since moving to Italy with the JK Yamaha outfit he has improved significantly on the slick, rock hard tracks. The team has played a key role in his development as he continues to find his feet in the premier class after moving up from MX2.
Currently sitting sixteenth in the MXGP World Championship standings doesn’t tell the full story of Gifting’s season. An early injury at Arco di Trento forced him to miss some rounds, yet his speed and consistency when fit have shown real progress. The standout moment came at his home Grand Prix in Sweden, where he came agonisingly close to a moto win before crashing just a few corners from taking a race win. Gifting also clinched the MX1 Italian Championship with a round to go.
With these performances, speculation naturally followed about whether Gifting could land a full factory ride for 2026. However, we understand that the Swede will remain with JK Yamaha – but with the significant bonus of increased factory support. That backing is well-deserved recognition of both Gifting’s improvement and the team’s efforts in helping him run at the front of the MXGP World Championship.
The JK Yamaha structure has also provided a strong platform for young Latvian rider Jekabs Kubulins, who contested the EMX125 Championship this season. Kubulins impressed throughout the year, securing sixth overall and narrowly missing out on the top five. The plan is for him to stay with JK Yamaha and move up to the EMX250 category. It’s not yet confirmed whether he’ll be racing a two-stroke or four-stroke, but his EMX250 debut at Arnhem already showed strong promise.
With both Gifting progressing in MXGP and Kubulins set for the next step in EMX, JK Yamaha looks to have an exciting future ahead.
As always, we’ll keep you updated as more rumours and confirmations emerge from the paddock.
