After a six year absence away from contesting the Motocross World Championships, TM will make a return in 2024 after signing a deal with Yago Martinez to contest the MX2 World Championships. The Italian manufacturer have been in the paddock the past few years but been focusing on the EMX250 series instead so it is nice to see them decide to run an MX2 GP rider.
Yago Martinez has had some great results in the EMX250 series in the past but since making the move to the MX2 GP class, it hasn’t clicked yet but he still has a lot of potential.
We caught up with the Spaniard to discuss the move to TM and more.
GateDrop: Yago, you’ve secured a ride with TM Moto Steels Dr Jack for the 2024 season making you a factory MX2 GP rider for the 2024 season. How did the deal all come around?
Martinez: It was a difficult season, I felt that I wasn’t in my place, I struggled a lot during the races and finally I went home. It took me a few months to understand the situation and finally I started to look for a ride in America. I found something interesting there, but then TM called me. I just said, okay, let’s try the bike and then we will see. Well, the bike was actually good, and in the end I feel that I have something to do here in the GP’s before going somewhere else. So, I said yes to TM.
GateDrop: I believe it is a two year deal, 2024 and 2025 to contest the MX2 World Championships, can you confirm this is true? It must feel good to sign for two years…
Martinez: We have a two year deal and yes… It feels amazing, you know these guys are going with you 100%, and that’s what a rider likes to feel.
GateDrop: Obviously TM have been racing EMX250 for the past few years, but it is great to see the brand step up and contest World Championship action once again, we need as many brands as possible in the World Championships… I am sure you agree?
Martinez: Of course, I’m sure that everybody loves to see our sport growing up. But, I don’t agree with how the people inside the world championship are working. I mean, we are a few years away from the AMA Pro Motocross in America, they should copy them a little bit more and give some support to the riders and teams out there. I’m sure that 90% of people think like me.
GateDrop: I believe you’ve been testing the bike for a while now, how does the bike feel? Is it that much different from other brands you have experience with?
Martinez: The bike is something different but I like it, and my goal is to show the people that the bike can be as good as the rest of the brands out there, or even better, because the bike is actually really good!
GateDrop: I guess you will be based in Italy, how have you found Italy so far (you probably have experience being in Italy with Racestore KTM as well)?
Martinez: I’m feeling really good. I’m living in Italy and it’s a country not so different from Spain, but the important thing is the people. If the people make you feel good it doesn’t matter where you are, and they do.
GateDrop: Just on 2023, the start of your season you had some good rides trying to break into that top ten… How would you describe the start of your season?
Martinez: Well, we started good, but it is difficult to hold that when the things around you doesn’t help. Now, let’s think on the next season.
GateDrop: You then parted ways with the Racestore KTM team, what went on there and was it tough not having a team to end the season? Did you try and do something to end the season or just fully focus on getting something for 2024 instead?
Martinez: I guess it is complicated to find a team after many bad results. Anyways, I was resting my head at home while I was looking for a ride.
GateDrop: Heading into 2024, what are your goals for the MX2 GP season? Also, will you race the full series or just European rounds?
Martinez: The plan is to see how strong we can arrive in the first round and also after the preseason races. We will then make a decision if we make the overseas races or not. I won’t talk about results, I just want to give my best everyday and the results will come soon.
GateDrop: Everyone talks about MXGP and rightly so but MX2 is stacked as well, what’s your thoughts on the level of the MX2 class?
Martinez: We are living in the most talented era of motocross, the level has never been so high. There are many riders out there that are really fast and even in the EMX classes. I hope this will bring good to our sport and make more interesting races.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
