Yamaha Signs World Champion Tim Gajser for 2026 MXGP Season 

Slovenian motocross superstar joins Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team, forming a formidable lineup with Maxime Renaux.

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Yamaha Motor Europe has confirmed a landmark signing ahead of the 2026 season, announcing that Tim Gajser, a five-time FIM Motocross World Champion, will join the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for the 2026 MXGP campaign and beyond.

The 29-year-old Slovenian will race the factory YZ450FM alongside Maxime Renaux, creating one of the strongest rider lineups in recent MXGP history. Gajser arrives at Yamaha with an exceptional record, having claimed five world titles, 97 race wins, 52 Grand Prix victories, and an impressive 125 career podiums.

Gajser’s rise to the top of world motocross has been nothing short of remarkable. After progressing rapidly through the European ranks, he secured the MX2 World Championship in 2015. Just one year later, he stepped up to the premier MXGP class and won the title as a rookie, becoming the only rider to capture back-to-back MX2 and MXGP world championships within a 12-month span.

Nicknamed “Tiga” by fans, Gajser further cemented his legacy with consecutive MXGP titles in 2019 and 2020, before adding a fifth world crown in 2022. After finishing runner-up in 2024, he began the 2025 season in dominant fashion, claiming three Grand Prix wins and maintaining a perfect podium record before a crash at round six halted his momentum. Despite being sidelined, Gajser remarkably retained the championship lead for 10 rounds, underlining his competitive edge.

Now fully recovered, Gajser heads into the next phase of his career with renewed motivation and a clear objective: to fight for more world championships with Yamaha.

“I’m really excited to join the Yamaha family,” Gajser said. “After more than a decade with the same brand, it’s exciting to be entering a new chapter in 2026. A change like this brings fresh motivation. I can’t wait to get on the new bike. The most important thing is to stay healthy, be in good shape, and enjoy the racing. I’m ready to give it my all and hope we can fight for the title.”

Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager Alexandre Kowalski welcomed the signing, highlighting the impact Gajser is expected to bring. “We are delighted to welcome Tim to the Yamaha family,” Kowalski said. “A rider of his calibre brings not only a legacy of success but also an unparalleled level of professionalism and dedication. We are confident that with the YZ450FM and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory team, we can provide Tim with the ultimate platform to pursue another FIM Motocross World Championship.”

Gajser’s arrival marks a major statement of intent from Yamaha as it gears up for the 2026 MXGP season, signalling a renewed push for championship glory at the highest level of world motocross.