After a brief weekend off, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are staring down a demanding triple-header to close out the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship. The gruelling run of three consecutive Grands Prix begins in Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye, for round 17 this weekend, September 5-6, before rolling straight into Shanghai, China, and culminating with the 19th and final round of 2026 in Darwin, Australia.
The MXGP of Türkiye will host the 17th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, and the final rounds of the EMX250 and EMX125 championships, with the event returning to Afyonkarahisar for the ninth time. Since its debut in 2018, the Afyon Motor Sports Center has established itself as a popular track on the calendar, due to its fast, wide, and jumpy layout. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Tim Gajser arrives with an impressive track record at the venue, having secured six podium finishes including back-to-back victories at the circuit in 2022 and 2023.
The final rounds of the EMX250 and EMX125 championships add extra intrigue to the Turkish Grand Prix, with MJC Yamaha Official EMX125’s Sleny Goyer holding third in the EMX125 standings and aiming to secure the runner-up position in the championship. Unfortunately, his teammate Levi Townley will miss the round after a heavy fall while racing a national race in Germany over the weekend. In the EMX250 class, VHR Yamaha Official EMX250’s duo of Mano Faure and Jarne Bervoets are both hoping to end their rookie seasons on a high note after campaigns that have been hampered by injury setbacks.
Following the Turkish round, the championship embarks on a journey across two continents. Shanghai has hosted a Grand Prix for the past three seasons, though at two different venues; this year the championship returns to the same circuit used last season, offering a familiar yet challenging test for the riders and team. Then, Darwin, Australia, with its impressive fast and flowing track, provides a fitting stage for the season finale. Gajser again arrives with confidence, having secured podium finishes at both venues last season.
Unfortunately, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team will be without Maxime Renaux for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. The Frenchman sustained a rib injury at the MXGP of Sweden, which was further aggravated during the MXGP of The Netherlands. Following medical evaluation, the decision was made for Renaux to sit out the final three rounds and focus on a full recovery.
With Renaux out, Gajser takes on the role of sole standard-bearer for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team. Though his body is still feeling the effects of a tough Dutch Grand Prix, the five-time champ is putting in the work behind the scenes with his physiotherapist and rehabilitation team to make sure he is as ready as possible for the final stretch. The #243 remains laser-focused on his goal: ending the year on a positive note. He is determined fight up front and targets a podium finish at all three rounds.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Janis and Karlis Reisulis are ready for the grind of three back-to-back GPs across different continents. Janis has impressed in his rookie season with two podium finishes, while Karlis is riding high after his maiden podium appearance in the Czech Republic. Their aim is simple: keep fighting for podiums to the very end.
Tim Gajser
3rd MXGP World Championship Standings, 611-points
“I’m feeling okay going into the last three rounds. I’m a bit sore and beat up from the Dutch GP, but I’m doing all that I can with my physiotherapist and rehab team to recover as best I can for the last three GPs. Three races in different areas of the world can be quite challenging with all the travel, different food, different time zones, jetlag and things like that. It’s a busy three weeks, but I’m looking forward to it. The goal is to finish the year on a high note. As always, I will give 100% to fight up front and be on the podium.”
Janis Reisulis
6th MX2 World Championship Standings, 587-points
“I feel very good, confident and ready, the same as for every other round. The biggest challenge will be to get the body 100% recovered for all of the last three rounds, but we will make sure to make it happen. The main goal is to keep up the speed I’ve had all season, but most importantly to maintain it until the finish line. The track in Turkey is quite nice actually, very wide and hopefully the lines will form so that some passes could happen. For the other two tracks, I haven’t been to China or Australia, but I expect good tracks, nice weather and best possible atmosphere.”
Karlis Reisulis
7th MX2 World Championship Standings, 473-points
“I’m feeling good heading into the last three rounds of this season — can’t wait to race, really. The biggest challenge when travelling so much is just fixing the sleep schedule as quickly as possible, but other than that it’s just a pleasure. The main goal is to take what I’ve learned through the whole season and put it to use. Turkey’s got a great track, hard and technical ground, while China is just more narrow and slightly sandier. Darwin has a really good track and it’s just a pleasure to ride there. I’m looking forward to it.”
