The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are gearing up for an exciting weekend as they head into the 17th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Arnhem, The Netherlands. This round is particularly special as it brings the action close to home for the teams, with the event taking place just a short distance from their bases in Belgium and The Netherlands.
Arnhem is hosting the Dutch Grand Prix for the third time in history, having made its debut on the World Championship calendar in 2023. While the venue might still be relatively new to the series, it’s a familiar battleground for many of the top riders who live or train in the area, making them well-acquainted with the track’s tight and sandy layout.
Although born in South Africa, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Calvin Vlaanderen is half Dutch and is proud to represent his Dutch heritage. Fresh off his third podium finish in short succession, the #10 is determined to continue his momentum on home-soil.
Vlaanderen will be joined on the gate by teammate Maxime Renaux, who is still racing himself back to fitness after a season plagued by injury. While not yet at peak form, Renaux’s progress and recent fourth place finish suggests a return to the podium could be on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jago Geerts makes his return after missing the previous round, the MXGP of Sweden, due to injury. With a lifetime of experience racing in sand, Geerts is laser-focused on turning his 2025 season around.
In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s trio of Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga and Karlis Reisulis all arrive determined to reignite their 2025 campaigns. Benistant has shown flashes of brilliance this season, evidenced by his four MX2 Qualifying Race wins, and will be looking to translate that speed into a Grand Prix podium finish.
As for Elzinga, the Dutch talent will be lining up in Arnhem with plenty of friends, family and local fans rallying behind him. Bolstered by their energy, the #4 hopes to have a breakthrough performance. Meanwhile, Reisulis has been building experience in his first full season and hopes to deliver two strong top 10 finishes.
In addition to the MXGP and MX2 action, the fourth round of the WMX World Championship will also take place. Dutch phenom Lotte van Drunen carries a 6-point lead into Arnhem, where she dominated with flawless 1-1 sweeps in 2023 and 2024. Van Drunen arrives with a narrow 6-point lead in the championship but will have the full support of the crowd behind her as she aims to strengthen her grip on her WMX title defence.
Meanwhile, the EMX250 Championship is heating up as VHR VRT Yamaha Official EMX250’s Janis Reisulis arrives in the Netherlands with a commanding 27-point lead in the series. With just two rounds remaining in 2025, the young Latvian is focused on extending his advantage and riding with the same determination that has defined his 2025 campaign.
Calvin Vlaanderen
5th MXGP World Championship Standings, 480-points
“I’m excited for Arnhem—home GP only comes around once a year, so it’s a special one, and I’ve marked it on my calendar to be at 110%. Honestly, it’s not my favourite track in the Netherlands, but sand is sand, and that excites me. I don’t have any amazing memories from Arnhem yet, but I’ll try to change that this weekend.”
Maxime Renaux
7th MXGP World Championship Standings, 423-points
“Going into Arnhem, I’m looking to improve my results in the sand after a disappointing Lommel GP. I have had a bit more time to prepare in the sand going into this one, so I should be a bit more ready, even though I still need more time in the sand before being able to challenge for race wins. I like Arnhem, it’s a decent track and I think they have made some changes to it, so I look forward to trying it out. My goal is to make another step in the sand and start my build up for a strong year next year.”
Jago Geerts
14th MXGP World Championship Standings, 257-points
“I’m really motivated going into Arnhem. My knee is feeling quite good again and I’ve already ridden a few times, so I’m looking forward to racing again. I like the track—its deep sand and unique layout always get super rough. In 2023, I rode there with a shoulder injury and still finished fourth, so that’s a nice memory. I have a goal, but I’ll keep it to myself for now; I’m just looking forward to enjoying myself on the track.”
Thibault Benistant
5th MX2 World Championship Standings, 558-points
“I haven’t been to Arnhem in quite a while, but from what I can remember it’s a track I like. It’s sandy, but not deep like Lommel, it’s a bit of a harder sand. I like the layout and the flow of it. Just like every time I line up, I want to fight for the podium.”
Karlis Reisulis
12th MX2 World Championship Standings, 285-points
“This is like my second home GP, so I’m excited to be racing here. It’s not an easy track—you have to keep a good flow. Last year, I did okay here, but the key is to have fun and find your flow towards the end of the moto, so that’s what I want to do this weekend.”
Rick Elzinga
14th MX2 World Championship Standings, 227-points
“I’m looking forward to my home GP. It’s a vibe! I’m excited to try the new layout they have made. I remember leading some laps there, at my home Grand Prix, and that was definitely a highlight! My goal this weekend is simply to have fun.”
