MXGP returns to the hills of Tuscany this weekend for round nine of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship, with Montevarchi hosting a Grand Prix for the first time in two decades and bringing a classic Italian venue back into play for the modern era.
The circuit has previously staged seven Grands Prix, first appearing on the calendar in 1980 when Michele Rinaldi claimed victory at the inaugural event. It later became the stage for one of the sport’s most memorable single-day performances in 2003, when Stefan Everts won both the 125cc and premier class races, before returning again in 2006 for the most recent GP held at the venue.
This weekend, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Tim Gajser arrives in Italy carrying renewed confidence after using the short break in the calendar to reset both physically and technically. The five-time World Champion sits fourth in the MXGP standings, 94 points behind championship leader Lucas Coenen, and is looking to close the gap as the season moves past the halfway mark.
Gajser’s preparation included a mix of recovery work, testing and time away from racing, all aimed at rebuilding strength and refining his bike set-up ahead of the demanding summer stretch.
“The weekend off was good. We did some testing and went to Croatia for Spela’s birthday, which was nice. It was good to have a break after three races in a row, but I still kept training hard, and we did some testing too,” Gajser said.
“I’ve also focused on my recovery, and that is getting better; I am feeling much better now. I think in Montevarchi I will be able to race without a lot of pain, so I’m feeling positive.”
Having raced at Montevarchi in Italian national competition earlier in his career, Gajser is familiar with the layout, although he expects a slightly different version of the track for its GP return.
“I have raced in Montevarchi a few times—some Italian championship races and also some races when I was little. I’ve seen they’ve made some changes, so it should be good,” he said.
“It’s a small track for a GP, but I hope they prep it well. I just want to enjoy and have fun on the bike. I know what I am capable of, but the main thing for me is to enjoy riding, because I know that when I feel good and I am having fun, I can be really fast and up front.” he concluded.
