From the heat of Italy to the red clay of Agueda, Portugal, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are back in action this weekend for Round 10 of the MXGP World Championship. This marks the second stop of a gruelling mid-season triple-header where the temperatures—and the intensity—remain at an all-time high.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Tim Gajser arrives in Portugal looking to capitalize on the speed he showed last weekend. Although he took two moto wins in Italy, a damaged front wheel in race one—the result of contact with another rider—spoiled his chances at the overall. Gajser is notoriously quick in Agueda, a track he thoroughly enjoys and one where he has celebrated four race wins and four podiums in the past, including a Grand Prix victory in 2019.
Following a tough but rewarding weekend in Italy, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Maxime Renaux has centred his preparation for Portugal around rest and health. Having secured a podium finish while unwell, the gritty Frenchman has had a quiet week to recover before tackling the red clay of Agueda this weekend. His focus remains on consistent point-scoring and strong starts.
In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Karlis and Janis Reisulis are looking to capitalize on the speed they’ve shown throughout the early rounds. Both have proven they have the pace to battle up front; as they adapt to the intensity of the MX2 class, the goal is to continue building momentum and posting consistent results.
Tim Gajser
4th MXGP Championship Standings, 329-points
“I’m looking forward to Águeda. I really like the track; it’s always good. I missed it last year due to my injury, but I’m excited to go back. The goal is to try to have fun—a happy rider is a fast rider, you know? I’m feeling good at the moment. We’ll do some testing this week, and then we should be ready for Portugal. I have some great memories there, having won a few races and a GP.”
Maxime Renaux
5th MXGP Championship Standings, 305-points
“Águeda is a really nice track with a great layout and some cool jumps. I didn’t have the best feeling out there last year, but I hope to change that this time around. I won’t be doing much this week because my body needs as much rest as possible; I want to give myself every chance of arriving in Portugal at 100%, so I plan to focus on recovery to be fresh for the weekend. The goal is to be consistent and put good points on the board in every session—qualifying and both races.”
Janis Reisulis
7th MX2 World Championship Standings, 310-points
“Águeda is a really nice track when it stays dry. I always like these types of tracks, so I’m ready to give my all there. The plan to prepare stays the same: train, eat, sleep, repeat. I’ve won both EMX125 and EMX250 rounds there, so I’m feeling only positive vibes heading back. The goal is to find my flow on the track and really shine in Sunday’s motos.”
Karlis Reisulis
8th MX2 World Championship Standings, 244-points
“I’m excited to head into the Portuguese GP, as I really enjoy the track and the country itself. I’m sticking to my basic training schedule—getting some riding in while enjoying the summertime. I haven’t had any truly memorable moments there yet, but I’m looking to change that this weekend. The goal is simply to have fun on such a nice track.”
