Following an impressive display of speed, heart, and determination in Spain, the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP and MX2 teams are looking forward to the seventh round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Saint Jean d’Angely, France, this weekend. The MXGP of France marks the third of three consecutive Grands Prix and holds special significance for Yamaha’s France-based EMX teams, with the VRT Yamaha Official EMX250 and MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 teams donning Yamaha’s iconic white and pink YZ50 celebration livery.
Saint Jean d’Angely embodies the quintessential French motocross track—hard-pack, hilly, and notorious for developing tricky square-edged bumps. With its history dating back to 1984, this familiar venue has hosted 17 Grand Prix rounds, including the French Grand Prix in 2022, at which Rick Elzinga clinched the EMX250 crown.
This weekend, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Calvin Vlaanderen arrives in France poised to capitalize on his recent strong form. The South African rider has been steadily gaining momentum throughout the season and aims to spray a bottle of podium champagne in ‘Saint Jean’ for the first time this year.
At the same time, Andrea Bonacorsi is eager to test the YZ450FM on the challenging clay of Saint Jean d’Angely. As a newcomer to the premier class, Bonacorsi’s focus lies on gaining valuable experience and making consistent progress without setting unrealistic expectations for the season.
In MX2, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 Thibault Benistant is amped for his home Grand Prix. Benistant thrives on home soil, having won the French Grand Prix last year in Villar Sous Ecot and securing podium finishes in the previous two French Grands Prix. He finished third in Ernee and tied for the GP win in Saint Jean in 2022. This weekend, the 198’s goal is clear: He wants to go for gold.
Ahead of the French Grand Prix, Rick Elzinga is focused on maintaining peak performance amid the demanding run of back-to-back races. Despite the rigorous schedule, the Dutchman looks forward to the weekend, particularly because he is a fan of the track and has great memories of winning his European championship there in 2022. His goal is to get good starts and fight up front.
Adding to Yamaha’s presence at the Monster Energy MXGP of France, the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team will be on the gate for a third consecutive weekend, with the event hosting the fifth round of the EMX125 Championship, while the VRT Yamaha Official EMX250 team will be lining up for round four of the EMX250 series.
Calvin Vlaanderen
7th MXGP Championship Standings, 191-points
“I’m feeling good. The infection I had is completely gone and my body feels a lot better. I won’t change too much on my program, maybe squeeze in a bit more rest before the long drive to Saint Jean. I love the track. It’s one of my favourite tracks on the calendar, so I’m excited for it. The goal coming into the weekento grow from it.”
Thibault Benistant
4th MX2 Championship Standings, 226-points
“I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. Life does feel a little bit more rushed than usual with the three GPs in a row in terms of staying on my schedule, training, riding, plus washing and preparing everything for another race weekend. I can’t wait to go to Saint Jean this weekend. It’s where I got my first podium in EMX250 and was also on the podium in EMX125. Last time we raced there I won the first raced and tied on points for the GP win. I love the track and it’s my home GP, so it will be crazy with the fans. I hope I can do the same again, but better.”
d is to continue my form from Spain. I will fight for one of the spots on the podium!”
Andrea Bonacorsi
20th MXGP Championship Standings, 38-points
“I’m feeling good going into Saint Jean. I have been learning more and more on the bike so I’m just looking forward to racing again, and I really like Saint Jean, it’s a nice track. The goal is to just continue moving forward and progressing. Each weekend has been a learning curve so just trying to continue
Rick Elzinga
7th MX2 Championship Standings, 190-points
“Three GPs in a row is no a joke! Also, we will only have one weekend off after this one and then straight into another three in a row, so I want to make sure to think about injury prevention. In these situations, recovery is very important and taking the rest that is needed. I will do a bit less of training this week because I feel that my body needs some more rest time, but I will be looking forward to the weekend. I love the track in Saint Jean. I have some great memories there winning my European championship in 2022. So, I look forward to it. The goal is to get good starts and fight up front.”
