Published On: 10 april 2026
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NAfter a well-deserved weekend of rest, the riders of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team are gearing up for the fourth round of the Motocross World Championship in Riola Sardo, on the Italian island of Sardinia. All eyes are focused on Maxime Renaux en Tim Gajser, who travel to the tough sand circuit with confidence and ambition.

Both top riders gained confidence during the previous Grand Prix in Switzerland, where they performed strongly together. They now want to continue that positive trend on a circuit that suits them particularly well. It is no coincidence that they spent a large part of their winter preparation in Sardinia, where they trained intensively in the deep sand of Riola.

For Renaux, it is all about consistency and physical readiness. The Frenchman feels fresh after his short break and is looking forward to the challenge. “I enjoyed a nice weekend with family and friends. That really did me good. Riola is a very physically demanding circuit, both for the body and the bike. That kind of track suits me well. I want to fight at the front this weekend and score strong points for the championship again. Consistency is the key, and hopefully we can reward that with a podium finish.”

We are taking steps in the right direction, and that makes me satisfied.

Gajser also headed to Belgium after Switzerland, where he continued working on the setup of his bike with the team. That test week clearly gave him confidence. “After Switzerland, I went to the team base in Belgium. It was a very productive week of training and testing. We are making progress in the right direction and that makes me happy. I am really looking forward to Riola. We rode there a lot this winter, so I know the circuit well and it suits me. This weekend, I mainly want to get good starts and enjoy the ride. If I feel good and am having fun, then I am fast – that is the plan.”

With barely a one-point difference in the standings – Renaux fourth with 117 points and Gajser fifth with 116 – it promises to be a particularly exciting battle between the two teammates. The difference can be made in the treacherous sand of Riola Sardo, and both Renaux and Gajser seem ready to seize that opportunity with both hands.