YAMAHA 2014 MX GP ANNOUNCEMENT

Monster Energy Yamaha factory MX2 star Christophe Charlier has agreed an extension to his existing contract with the works team to remain on YZ250F technology for the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship. The soon-to-be 22 year old Corsican is one of just two riders to beat world number one Jeffrey Herlings in the ten rounds of the 2013 campaign to-date as the series heads to Finland this weekend.

The fresh agreement – that will see the Corsican begin his fifth Grand Prix term with Yamaha – means that Charlier will be one of the company’s leading MX2 runners next year as he will steer and evolve the brand new factory development YZ250F machine. The 2014 model features Yamaha’s most exciting engine design yet with the rear-slanted, forward intake and •snaking’ exhaust format derived directly from the YZ450F in MX1 and brings the YZ motocross family closer together for a formidable and competitive package. 

Charlier burst to prominence with a dominant spree through the 2009 European Championship winning 17 of 28 motos that year. A thorough apprenticeship at Grand Prix level meant some flashes of brilliance at the highest level but it was not until his union with the factory crew and the Michele Rinaldi-led operation that his potential started to shine in 2012. A first podium result was gained in the mud of Brazil and he has progressed with more trophies (France and Sweden) and a first moto victory this season. Charlier is currently fourth in the MX2 standings and 31 points behind Jose Butron as he pursues his goal of a top three final classification in 2013. 

‘I have ridden my whole career with Yamaha so it is fantastic for me to be able to continue for another year, especially with this team because I have a great feeling to be a part of it,’ said Charlier. ‘The factory bike has been amazing to ride but now I’m looking forward to working with the new model and I’m sure it will be another step up.’