Image: Supplied.

Yamaha Motor Europe will end its factory involvement in MX2 and take its MXGP operation in-house for 2027, announcing a major restructuring aimed at returning the manufacturer to the top step of the premier class podium.

MXGP development will be centralized at Yamaha’s new Motorsport Research and Development facility in Gerno di Lesmo, Italy, with the European division assuming direct responsibility for day-to-day operations and the program’s technical direction.

The move replaces the arrangement with Hans Corvers’ Kemea organization, which has operated Yamaha’s factory MXGP team since 2024 after previously overseeing its MX2 effort.

Yamaha will also restructure its EMX250 and EMX125 operations, although those plans remain unannounced. Further details of the new MXGP management structure and complete 2027 rider line-up will be released in due course.

“Yamaha has a proud history in motocross grand prix racing,” commented Yamaha Motor Europe Motorsport Division manager Andrea Dosoli. “As we pursue our ambition to return to the top step of the podium in the premier class, we are refocusing our resources for the 2027 season.

“The Yamaha Factory Racing MXGP team will operate through a new, centralized structure at our Motorsport Research and Development facility in Gerno di Lesmo. Alongside increased investment in MXGP, we will conclude our factory involvement in MX2 and restructure our EMX250 and EMX125 programs.

“I would like to express sincere gratitude to Hans Corvers and the Kemea Team for their contribution to Yamaha’s achievements in both MXGP and MX2. Their efforts were instrumental in securing the 2021 MX2 World Championship with Maxime Renaux, as well as four manufacturers’ titles for Yamaha.”

The announcement comes three seasons after Yamaha’s previous major grand prix restructure, when Kemea stepped up to MXGP and the Hutten Metaal organization moved from EMX250 into the factory MX2 role.

“I would also like to thank Wim Hutten and the Hutten Metaal Team for their unwavering commitment and professionalism,” Dosoli added. “Their dedication has played a key role in Yamaha’s success, especially in EMX250, securing titles for Thibault Benistant, Rick Elzinga and Andrea Bonacorsi since 2020.”

Yamaha’s factory MX2 roster this season consisted of Latvian brothers Janis and Karlis Reisulis – both linked to KTM from next season. In MXGP, Yamaha fielded five-time world champion Tim Gajser – still under contract for 2027 – alongside Renaux.