MXGP Rumours/Silly season

MXMattii
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9/10/2025 5:30pm Edited Date/Time 9/10/2025 5:51pm
linhai wrote:

Rinaldi will not be involved on development next year. Japan will get more involved 

Interesting, can you send me a PM with more info, or tell more here? Who will develop the engines, run the MX2 team... Will they be as involved as Honda Japan for example or KTM?

linhai
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9/10/2025 10:39pm
linhai wrote:

Rinaldi will not be involved on development next year. Japan will get more involved 

MXMattii wrote:
Interesting, can you send me a PM with more info, or tell more here? Who will develop the engines, run the MX2 team... Will they be...

Interesting, can you send me a PM with more info, or tell more here? Who will develop the engines, run the MX2 team... Will they be as involved as Honda Japan for example or KTM?

I don't know about mx2. Was talking about mxgp

Anyway from mx2 from what I know the engines were build and developed by Frank, a dutch guy. Nothing to do with Rinaldi I think. Not 100% sure tho

rym
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9/11/2025 12:05am

So van Venrooy & Valk are not riding in China & Australia. What is the situation there?

1
Cortami79
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9/11/2025 12:16am
rym wrote:
What is up with Max Werner and what is he going to do in 26? 3rd to reisulis and Valin in emx125, rookie year top 10 in...

What is up with Max Werner and what is he going to do in 26? 

3rd to reisulis and Valin in emx125, rookie year top 10 in emx250 with top 3 finish and this year now 5+ sec of the pace? 

Cortami79 wrote:

He had quite a heavy injury at the start of the year. Never really recovered from that it seems like

JackLHyde wrote:

Did he ever, before and after the injury, finish a race on par or better to his first lap position?

Honestly, I don't know. What I do know is that last year he had a decent season, which earned him a factory KTM supported ride. He rode for JM Honda (2024) and it was his first year in EMX250 after doing really well in EMX125 on the Fantic. If I remember correctly.. haha

This year was really rough though. I wouldn't write him off after one season filled with injuries

2

The Shop

Cortami79
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9/11/2025 12:21am
rym wrote:

So van Venrooy & Valk are not riding in China & Australia. What is the situation there?

His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning of the season (which was a real positive surprise to me) and I think that they are not willing to make the costs to take the trip. I don't think it's a money issue, just that it's not really worth it for them.

9/11/2025 12:41am
rym wrote:

So van Venrooy & Valk are not riding in China & Australia. What is the situation there?

Cortami79 wrote:
His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning...

His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning of the season (which was a real positive surprise to me) and I think that they are not willing to make the costs to take the trip. I don't think it's a money issue, just that it's not really worth it for them.

They will probably split sooner or later...

1
rym
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9/11/2025 1:19am
rym wrote:

So van Venrooy & Valk are not riding in China & Australia. What is the situation there?

Cortami79 wrote:
His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning...

His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning of the season (which was a real positive surprise to me) and I think that they are not willing to make the costs to take the trip. I don't think it's a money issue, just that it's not really worth it for them.

They will probably split sooner or later...

Yeah this is what i was hearing as well so wondered if more is at play

JBone19
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9/11/2025 1:23am
Cortami79 wrote:
His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning...

His average last few GP's is like 20pts. Valin is 54 points ahead and Reisulis is 57 points behind him. His form isn't like the beginning of the season (which was a real positive surprise to me) and I think that they are not willing to make the costs to take the trip. I don't think it's a money issue, just that it's not really worth it for them.

They will probably split sooner or later...

rym wrote:

Yeah this is what i was hearing as well so wondered if more is at play

The announcer at the 2nd or 3rd Dutch masters race was telling about moving to a factory seat by that time already. But after that, the results went down pretty hard, not sure how the papers are looking at the moment. 

DeStouwer
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9/11/2025 1:25am
rym wrote:

So van Venrooy & Valk are not riding in China & Australia. What is the situation there?

Valk is having some health issues. He started the season very well, but all the racing and travelling weared him down, showing in his latest results. That's why he sat out the second raced in Turkey. He and his team opted to call it day for this year and focus on 2026.

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Brent
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9/11/2025 3:14pm Edited Date/Time 9/11/2025 3:26pm
rym wrote:
Its clear that the Yamaha program has issues, and Brent what you did for Elzinga a few years ago is awesome and i really applaud you...

Its clear that the Yamaha program has issues, and Brent what you did for Elzinga a few years ago is awesome and i really applaud you for that. 

But Benistant is 5th in points, won a moto, had 6 other top 3 finishes in the motos and in total had 14 top 5 finishes in the motos (excluding sprint races where he actually had 7 top 3 finishes including 4 wins).

Your man Rick is 14th in points and scored exactly one (1!)  5th place finish in motos this year (and one fourth in the saturday sprint).

If all 3 Yamaha factory riders had a season like Benistant there would be a lot less negativity surrounding Yamaha, so instead of only blaming Yamaha maybe it is also time to look at the riders performance. 

Elzinga is having a bad season.

Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. 

Rick leading the MX2 race and overall in Lommel last year until a small engine part broke was disappointing.  Leading the Swiss GP until the bike broke was more of the same. Top five on the first lap this year in Matterly was positive until the motor gave way once again.  

All of the bike issues and other stuff going on behind the scenes within that team has apparently taken a toll on the riders. 

Yamaha of Europe I think made a mis-step by not testing with the new sound regulations early and often enough to get a better motor package, but that's just my opinion.  IMO They should have just kept leasing the motors from Star and paid the extra money.

 Benistant should be taking moto wins and overalls like he did in 2023, and moving up to the MXGP class on a blue bike, instead, Yamaha casts Thibault off to go ride for a semi- private Honda Team.  He has not lost his speed or talent in two years.

Needless to say these guys are bummed knowing they have a disadvantage even before the gate drops - anyone who has eyes and ears can see the MX2 Factory YZ250 F is down on power as compared to KTM and Triumph, and in MX2 the start is everything.

They are all stand up guys and do not say anything publicly about their employer, , but im pretty sure it's common knowledge that they are upset about a wasted year.   I am hearing some the sponsors are not happy with the team as well.

 for Elzinga, its almost behind him now, as MXGP 2026 awaits - turns out he's a pretty good 450 rider...

 

7
4
mxxxeR1
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9/11/2025 3:30pm
rym wrote:
Its clear that the Yamaha program has issues, and Brent what you did for Elzinga a few years ago is awesome and i really applaud you...

Its clear that the Yamaha program has issues, and Brent what you did for Elzinga a few years ago is awesome and i really applaud you for that. 

But Benistant is 5th in points, won a moto, had 6 other top 3 finishes in the motos and in total had 14 top 5 finishes in the motos (excluding sprint races where he actually had 7 top 3 finishes including 4 wins).

Your man Rick is 14th in points and scored exactly one (1!)  5th place finish in motos this year (and one fourth in the saturday sprint).

If all 3 Yamaha factory riders had a season like Benistant there would be a lot less negativity surrounding Yamaha, so instead of only blaming Yamaha maybe it is also time to look at the riders performance. 

Brent wrote:
Elzinga is having a bad season.Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. Rick leading the MX2 race and...

Elzinga is having a bad season.

Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. 

Rick leading the MX2 race and overall in Lommel last year until a small engine part broke was disappointing.  Leading the Swiss GP until the bike broke was more of the same. Top five on the first lap this year in Matterly was positive until the motor gave way once again.  

All of the bike issues and other stuff going on behind the scenes within that team has apparently taken a toll on the riders. 

Yamaha of Europe I think made a mis-step by not testing with the new sound regulations early and often enough to get a better motor package, but that's just my opinion.  IMO They should have just kept leasing the motors from Star and paid the extra money.

 Benistant should be taking moto wins and overalls like he did in 2023, and moving up to the MXGP class on a blue bike, instead, Yamaha casts Thibault off to go ride for a semi- private Honda Team.  He has not lost his speed or talent in two years.

Needless to say these guys are bummed knowing they have a disadvantage even before the gate drops - anyone who has eyes and ears can see the MX2 Factory YZ250 F is down on power as compared to KTM and Triumph, and in MX2 the start is everything.

They are all stand up guys and do not say anything publicly about their employer, , but im pretty sure it's common knowledge that they are upset about a wasted year.   I am hearing some the sponsors are not happy with the team as well.

 for Elzinga, its almost behind him now, as MXGP 2026 awaits - turns out he's a pretty good 450 rider...

 

I just hope he doesn't end up on a beta.......

MXMattii
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9/11/2025 3:48pm
rym wrote:
Its clear that the Yamaha program has issues, and Brent what you did for Elzinga a few years ago is awesome and i really applaud you...

Its clear that the Yamaha program has issues, and Brent what you did for Elzinga a few years ago is awesome and i really applaud you for that. 

But Benistant is 5th in points, won a moto, had 6 other top 3 finishes in the motos and in total had 14 top 5 finishes in the motos (excluding sprint races where he actually had 7 top 3 finishes including 4 wins).

Your man Rick is 14th in points and scored exactly one (1!)  5th place finish in motos this year (and one fourth in the saturday sprint).

If all 3 Yamaha factory riders had a season like Benistant there would be a lot less negativity surrounding Yamaha, so instead of only blaming Yamaha maybe it is also time to look at the riders performance. 

Brent wrote:
Elzinga is having a bad season.Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. Rick leading the MX2 race and...

Elzinga is having a bad season.

Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. 

Rick leading the MX2 race and overall in Lommel last year until a small engine part broke was disappointing.  Leading the Swiss GP until the bike broke was more of the same. Top five on the first lap this year in Matterly was positive until the motor gave way once again.  

All of the bike issues and other stuff going on behind the scenes within that team has apparently taken a toll on the riders. 

Yamaha of Europe I think made a mis-step by not testing with the new sound regulations early and often enough to get a better motor package, but that's just my opinion.  IMO They should have just kept leasing the motors from Star and paid the extra money.

 Benistant should be taking moto wins and overalls like he did in 2023, and moving up to the MXGP class on a blue bike, instead, Yamaha casts Thibault off to go ride for a semi- private Honda Team.  He has not lost his speed or talent in two years.

Needless to say these guys are bummed knowing they have a disadvantage even before the gate drops - anyone who has eyes and ears can see the MX2 Factory YZ250 F is down on power as compared to KTM and Triumph, and in MX2 the start is everything.

They are all stand up guys and do not say anything publicly about their employer, , but im pretty sure it's common knowledge that they are upset about a wasted year.   I am hearing some the sponsors are not happy with the team as well.

 for Elzinga, its almost behind him now, as MXGP 2026 awaits - turns out he's a pretty good 450 rider...

 

mxxxeR1 wrote:

I just hope he doesn't end up on a beta.......

The Beta bike is at the moment not that bad, look at Watson. Would he do any better on another factory bike?

3
mxxxeR1
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9/11/2025 5:29pm
Brent wrote:
Elzinga is having a bad season.Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. Rick leading the MX2 race and...

Elzinga is having a bad season.

Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. 

Rick leading the MX2 race and overall in Lommel last year until a small engine part broke was disappointing.  Leading the Swiss GP until the bike broke was more of the same. Top five on the first lap this year in Matterly was positive until the motor gave way once again.  

All of the bike issues and other stuff going on behind the scenes within that team has apparently taken a toll on the riders. 

Yamaha of Europe I think made a mis-step by not testing with the new sound regulations early and often enough to get a better motor package, but that's just my opinion.  IMO They should have just kept leasing the motors from Star and paid the extra money.

 Benistant should be taking moto wins and overalls like he did in 2023, and moving up to the MXGP class on a blue bike, instead, Yamaha casts Thibault off to go ride for a semi- private Honda Team.  He has not lost his speed or talent in two years.

Needless to say these guys are bummed knowing they have a disadvantage even before the gate drops - anyone who has eyes and ears can see the MX2 Factory YZ250 F is down on power as compared to KTM and Triumph, and in MX2 the start is everything.

They are all stand up guys and do not say anything publicly about their employer, , but im pretty sure it's common knowledge that they are upset about a wasted year.   I am hearing some the sponsors are not happy with the team as well.

 for Elzinga, its almost behind him now, as MXGP 2026 awaits - turns out he's a pretty good 450 rider...

 

mxxxeR1 wrote:

I just hope he doesn't end up on a beta.......

MXMattii wrote:

The Beta bike is at the moment not that bad, look at Watson. Would he do any better on another factory bike?

Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he shows on that beta.....

2
9/11/2025 9:56pm
Brent wrote:
Elzinga is having a bad season.Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. Rick leading the MX2 race and...

Elzinga is having a bad season.

Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. 

Rick leading the MX2 race and overall in Lommel last year until a small engine part broke was disappointing.  Leading the Swiss GP until the bike broke was more of the same. Top five on the first lap this year in Matterly was positive until the motor gave way once again.  

All of the bike issues and other stuff going on behind the scenes within that team has apparently taken a toll on the riders. 

Yamaha of Europe I think made a mis-step by not testing with the new sound regulations early and often enough to get a better motor package, but that's just my opinion.  IMO They should have just kept leasing the motors from Star and paid the extra money.

 Benistant should be taking moto wins and overalls like he did in 2023, and moving up to the MXGP class on a blue bike, instead, Yamaha casts Thibault off to go ride for a semi- private Honda Team.  He has not lost his speed or talent in two years.

Needless to say these guys are bummed knowing they have a disadvantage even before the gate drops - anyone who has eyes and ears can see the MX2 Factory YZ250 F is down on power as compared to KTM and Triumph, and in MX2 the start is everything.

They are all stand up guys and do not say anything publicly about their employer, , but im pretty sure it's common knowledge that they are upset about a wasted year.   I am hearing some the sponsors are not happy with the team as well.

 for Elzinga, its almost behind him now, as MXGP 2026 awaits - turns out he's a pretty good 450 rider...

 

That's exactly what I've heard too.

DeStouwer
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9/11/2025 10:14pm
Brent wrote:
Elzinga is having a bad season.Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. Rick leading the MX2 race and...

Elzinga is having a bad season.

Broken bones, Epstein-Barr, training injuries, and bike issues have really spoiled his final season in MX2. 

Rick leading the MX2 race and overall in Lommel last year until a small engine part broke was disappointing.  Leading the Swiss GP until the bike broke was more of the same. Top five on the first lap this year in Matterly was positive until the motor gave way once again.  

All of the bike issues and other stuff going on behind the scenes within that team has apparently taken a toll on the riders. 

Yamaha of Europe I think made a mis-step by not testing with the new sound regulations early and often enough to get a better motor package, but that's just my opinion.  IMO They should have just kept leasing the motors from Star and paid the extra money.

 Benistant should be taking moto wins and overalls like he did in 2023, and moving up to the MXGP class on a blue bike, instead, Yamaha casts Thibault off to go ride for a semi- private Honda Team.  He has not lost his speed or talent in two years.

Needless to say these guys are bummed knowing they have a disadvantage even before the gate drops - anyone who has eyes and ears can see the MX2 Factory YZ250 F is down on power as compared to KTM and Triumph, and in MX2 the start is everything.

They are all stand up guys and do not say anything publicly about their employer, , but im pretty sure it's common knowledge that they are upset about a wasted year.   I am hearing some the sponsors are not happy with the team as well.

 for Elzinga, its almost behind him now, as MXGP 2026 awaits - turns out he's a pretty good 450 rider...

 

Not meant to be disrespectful towards Elzinga, but he will not play a significant role in MXGP, on any motorcycle.

9
9/12/2025 1:20am

I see the last Mx2 champion who rode a Yamaha was Maxime Renaux on 2021 before Renaux the small yamaha was a Championship winning bike in the hand of Tony Cairoli at 2007. 

From the year 2000 - KTM has 19 world chamoionshio titles to his name in the small class. The last non Ktm was Yamaha on 2021, with renaux, 2015 Gaijser won the title on a honda, then 2007 Cairoli with a yamaha, 2006 was Pourcel on a Kawi, 2005 was Tony on a Yamaha and on 2002 Mikael Maschio won 9n a 125 Kawasaki. 

So the past 25 years : 

KTM - 19 Titles

YAMAHA - 3 TITLES

KAWASAKI - 2 TITLES

HONDA - 1 Title

1
Snapper
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9/12/2025 3:48am
mxxxeR1 wrote:

I just hope he doesn't end up on a beta.......

MXMattii wrote:

The Beta bike is at the moment not that bad, look at Watson. Would he do any better on another factory bike?

mxxxeR1 wrote:
Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he...

Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he shows on that beta.....

Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way at all, but he's a solid 10th place guy on any bike. He could easily get a ride on a B team with production based bikes, but he's sticking with Beta. So the bike isn't that bad.

If Elzinga gets on the Beta and finishes around 10th in MXGP, he should be quite happy with that.

9/12/2025 5:40am
MXMattii wrote:

The Beta bike is at the moment not that bad, look at Watson. Would he do any better on another factory bike?

mxxxeR1 wrote:
Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he...

Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he shows on that beta.....

Snapper wrote:
Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way...

Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way at all, but he's a solid 10th place guy on any bike. He could easily get a ride on a B team with production based bikes, but he's sticking with Beta. So the bike isn't that bad.

If Elzinga gets on the Beta and finishes around 10th in MXGP, he should be quite happy with that.

Truth is Ben is also making good money riding on the Beta and would make considerably less on a B-team and probably no overseas races either.

2
9/12/2025 10:58am

Done deal for 2026 between Van Venroy KTM and Zanocz (MX2).

4
Cortami79
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9/12/2025 2:39pm

Done deal for 2026 between Van Venroy KTM and Zanocz (MX2).

That’s cool! Good equipment for him. And Valk?

9/12/2025 2:45pm
Cortami79 wrote:

That’s cool! Good equipment for him. And Valk?

No idea.

9/14/2025 4:22am Edited Date/Time 9/14/2025 4:24am
Rocketship wrote:

Apparently Valk = out at van Venrooy..

Well, it seems so. But question is: will he be out from KTM/Husky plans for the future?

1
Brent
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9/14/2025 9:55am
Rocketship wrote:

Apparently Valk = out at van Venrooy..

MXGP rider being added to the team they say, maybe a dutchie…

1
9/14/2025 10:10am
Brent wrote:

MXGP rider being added to the team they say, maybe a dutchie…

Bogers? Van de Moosdijk ?

DeStouwer
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9/14/2025 10:45am
Brent wrote:

MXGP rider being added to the team they say, maybe a dutchie…

Bogers? Van de Moosdijk ?

Elzinga.

2
1
9/14/2025 11:39am
mxxxeR1 wrote:
Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he...

Yes. I think so....with a well- prepared production honda - ktm- yamaha......you'll be better of......Watson is.in my opinion. also a much better rider than what he shows on that beta.....

Snapper wrote:
Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way...

Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way at all, but he's a solid 10th place guy on any bike. He could easily get a ride on a B team with production based bikes, but he's sticking with Beta. So the bike isn't that bad.

If Elzinga gets on the Beta and finishes around 10th in MXGP, he should be quite happy with that.

Rocketship wrote:

Truth is Ben is also making good money riding on the Beta and would make considerably less on a B-team and probably no overseas races either.

I'd be curious to know what you guys think Beta is paying nowadays. Obviously, they came in hot with Van Horebeek at around 250k...

1
burn1986
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9/14/2025 11:42am

JH84 Let’s go 👍

1
9/14/2025 2:50pm
Snapper wrote:
Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way...

Well he rode a factory Yamaha and Kawasaki and was always around 10th, just like he is on the Beta. Not knocking Ben in any way at all, but he's a solid 10th place guy on any bike. He could easily get a ride on a B team with production based bikes, but he's sticking with Beta. So the bike isn't that bad.

If Elzinga gets on the Beta and finishes around 10th in MXGP, he should be quite happy with that.

Rocketship wrote:

Truth is Ben is also making good money riding on the Beta and would make considerably less on a B-team and probably no overseas races either.

I'd be curious to know what you guys think Beta is paying nowadays. Obviously, they came in hot with Van Horebeek at around 250k...

around 150K I would estimate.

1

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