The following press release is from Yamaha:
Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga & Karlis Reisulis Remain with Yamaha & Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 in 2025
Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to confirm that the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team will remain unchanged in 2025, with title hopefuls Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga, and Karlis Reisulis set to return. All three riders will once again campaign Yamaha’s factory YZ250FM in the MX2 class of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
With eight race wins and 17 podium finishes to his name, Thibault Benistant is a proven force in MX2. Having spent over a decade with Yamaha, Benistant has celebrated titles in both the EMX125 and EMX250 championships before stepping up to MX2 in 2021. Although the past few seasons have been hindered by injury, the 22-year-old Frenchman enters his final season in MX2 more determined than ever to achieve his dream of becoming World Champion.
Rick Elzinga’s rise through the Yamaha Racing ranks has been admirable. After securing podiums in the EMX125 class and dominating the 2022 EMX250 Championship with four round wins and five race victories, Elzinga has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. As he enters his third and final season in MX2, the Dutch rider—who has celebrated two podium finishes in 2024—will be fully focused on challenging for a World Championship medal in 2025.
Karlis Reisulis has been a revelation in 2024. After making the last-minute decision to step up to MX2 mid-season from the EMX250 ranks, the 18-year-old Latvian has exceeded all expectations. Since making his MX2 debut in Indonesia in June, Reisulis has delivered impressive performances, quickly adapting to the factory YZ250FM. He has led 23 laps and secured a career-best second-place finish at the MXGP of Switzerland. Reisulis is now poised for his first full season in the pro ranks in 2025.
Thibault Benistant
“It is nice to continue with Yamaha and the team for another season. I have been with Yamaha for quite a long time, so it’s nice to stay with the same familiar bike, people and set-up. In 2025, I want to be fighting for the title. I will do everything I can in the winter and the off-season to be ready to give everything.”
Rick Elzinga
"I’m really happy to have the opportunity to continue with Yamaha. Although this season started rough due to my back injury and the lack of time to train or test before the opening race in Argentina, I feel like I have made some good improvements throughout the year. I feel at home with the Yamaha Factory MX2 team and I’m delighted to stay for another season!"
Karlis Reisulis
“It was the nicest feeling to get the news that I can stay with Yamaha and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team next season. It gave me a big boost of motivation to give everything. I am really happy that Yamaha and the team have put their trust in me, it’s nice to have their full support. I love the YZ250FM, it’s honestly the best bike I have been on in my life, so I am really looking forward to seeing what I can do in my first full season in MX2.”
Thorsten Lentink, Yamaha Motor Europe MX Racing Specialist
“We are happy to continue with Thibault, Rick, and Karlis for another season. All three riders have come up through our step-up program, with both Thibault and Rick reaching the Monster Energy Factory MX2 team after winning their respective EMX250 titles in 2020 and 2022, while Karlis showcased his potential during his MX2 debut this year. We know these riders well. We know they are fit, fast, and talented, and we’re confident that with a focused winter of testing and preparation, they’ll be ready for 2025.”
Main image courtesy of Sergio Luis Clot
