Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Thibault Benistant will not participate in the final two rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship, scheduled for Shanghai, China, and Darwin, Australia, due to a minor knee injury sustained at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Despite racing with considerable discomfort at last weekend’s MXGP of Türkiye in Afyonkarahisar, where he impressively finished eighth overall, the 23-year-old Frenchman returned to France this week for a specialist consultation. A thorough medical examination revealed a small fracture in his patella, prompting the decision to end his season early to focus on recovery.
This injury marks the end of a significant chapter in Benistant’s career and his successful partnership with Yamaha, which began with his championship win in the EMX125 class in 2018 and his EMX250 title in 2020. Since joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team to start his professional career in 2021, Benistant has consistently proven himself as a podium contender, achieving nine race wins, 35 top three finishes, and 18 podium appearances, including three Grand Prix victories.
Yamaha Motor Europe and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team extend their heartfelt gratitude to Thibault for his invaluable contributions to the Yamaha family over the past decade and wish him a speedy recovery and every success in his future endeavours.
Alexandre Kowalski
Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager:
“It’s unfortunate that our journey with Thibault concludes prematurely due to injury, but we acknowledge that such challenges are inherent in the world of racing. We are extremely grateful for Thibault’s contributions to the Yamaha family over the past decade. Together, we have celebrated numerous memorable achievements, including his titles in the EMX125 and EMX250 classes, his first Grand Prix victory, and many podium finishes in MX2. We take great pride in these accomplishments, and it has been a pleasure to witness Thibault’s growth as a professional athlete. On behalf of Yamaha Motor Europe, I wish Thibault a swift recovery and success in all his future endeavours.”
