Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2’s Thibault Benistant will not participate in the final two rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship, scheduled for Shanghai, China, and Darwin, Australia, due to a minor knee injury sustained at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Despite racing with considerable discomfort at last weekend’s MXGP of Türkiye in Afyonkarahisar, where he impressively finished eighth overall, the 23-year-old Frenchman returned to France this week for a specialist consultation. A thorough medical examination revealed a small fracture in his patella, prompting the decision to end his season early to focus on recovery.
This injury marks the end of a significant chapter in Benistant’s career and his successful partnership with Yamaha, which began with his championship win in the EMX125 class in 2018 and his EMX250 title in 2020. Since joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team to start his professional career in 2021, Benistant has consistently proven himself as a podium contender, achieving nine race wins, 35 top-three finishes, and 18 podium appearances, including three Grand Prix victories.
Yamaha Motor Europe and the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 team extend their heartfelt gratitude to Thibault for his invaluable contributions to the Yamaha family over the past decade and wish him a speedy recovery and every success in his future endeavours.
