Andrea Bonacorsi, reigning champion of the EMX250, is poised to step into the premier class alongside the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team for the remainder of the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship season.
This transition fills the vacancy left by Maxime Renaux, currently sidelined due to injury. Joining Calvin Vlaanderen, Bonacorsi will pilot a YZ450FM in the premier class, building on his impressive 450cc debut at last year’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations in Ernee, France, where he clinched third place in the Open class.
The 21-year-old Italian’s decision to move up to the 450 class stems from his conviction that the larger bike aligns better with his strengths and potential. Despite his success in MX2, evidenced by his recent third-place finish in Race Two in Trentino, Bonacorsi believes his prospects are greater in the 450 categories.
He approaches this new challenge with determination, aiming to swiftly adapt to the new bike and progress steadily, mirroring his development in MX2.
The team’s decision to enlist Bonacorsi was driven by various factors, including his physical attributes, which are deemed more suitable for the 450 class, as well as his prior performance on the YZ450FM during the Motocross of Nations.
With Jago Geerts and Maxime Renaux currently out of commission due to injuries, Bonacorsi’s addition provides stability to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team. At just 21 years old, Bonacorsi has already showcased his capabilities, instilling confidence in the team regarding his potential contributions.
As Bonacorsi prepares to make his MXGP debut at the fifth round of the Motocross World Championship in Agueda, Portugal, the team anticipates his progression throughout the season as he acclimates to the premier class.
However, they also express optimism for the eventual return of Geerts and Renaux, extending their best wishes for their recoveries. Bonacorsi’s integration into the team represents both a strategic move to fill the current void and an investment in the future potential of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP squad.
