Motocross: Lotte van Drunen leaves De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha
The newsroomUpdated on October 25, 20263 minWMX motocross: two-time world champion Lotte van Drunen and De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha part ways after three seasons; the team's future is uncertain.
Key point
De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha and Lotte van Drunen, WMX world champion in 2024 and 2025, part ways after three seasons, as the team's future depends on Yamaha's restructuring.
De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha confirmed on 25 October 2026 that it has parted ways with Lotte van Drunen after three seasons together. The Dutch rider, a two-time WMX world champion (the FIM Women's Motocross World Championship), leaves the team just as its own future in the paddock is in question.
Two world titles together
Van Drunen won her first WMX world title in 2024 and retained it in 2025, both times with De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha. The team describes the two titles as the highlights of the partnership. In its statement it thanks the rider for her commitment, trust and shared moments, wishes her success in her next steps, and also thanks its sponsors and partners.
A team weighing its future
The champion's departure comes with a second uncertainty. The team says it is evaluating its future in the paddock and has not yet said how its activities will continue. More information will follow when available.
The context: Yamaha recently confirmed a restructuring of its MXGP programme, including its involvement in the European championships. The new set-up is not yet known, so it is unclear whether De Baets AIT Racing will be part of the manufacturer's plans.
What next for Lotte van Drunen?
Specialist media say she is expected to continue in the WMX World Championship and target selected rounds of the AMA WMX Championship in the United States. She is also expected to set up her own structure for next season, but the make of her bike is not confirmed. No official announcement details her 2027 programme yet.
What is still unclear
Several points remain open: the scope of Yamaha's restructuring, how the team will continue its activities, which make Lotte van Drunen will ride and the details of her programme. The three sources we read agree on these grey areas and on the team's promise to share more information later.
Key points
- Split confirmed on 25 October 2026 after three seasons.
- Van Drunen is WMX world champion for 2024 and 2025.
- The team's future depends on the restructuring announced by Yamaha.
- The rider's 2027 programme is not yet official.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lotte van Drunen leaving De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha?
Yes. The team confirmed on 25 October 2026 that the partnership has ended after three seasons together.
What will Lotte van Drunen do in 2027?
Specialist media report she is expected to set up her own structure and keep racing in WMX, with selected AMA WMX rounds in the United States. Her manufacturer is not confirmed.
What is the future of De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha?
The team is evaluating its place in the paddock. Yamaha has confirmed a restructuring of its MXGP programme, the scope of which is not known.
Sources
- MX1Onboard — Lotte Van Drunen and Yamaha De Baets part ways
- MX Vice — De Baets AIT Racing Yamaha thanks Lotte van Drunen
- Gatedrop — De Baets AIT Racing part ways with Lotte van Drunen
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
Newsletter · free
The Friday paddock
The essentials of motorsport, every Friday in your inbox. Free, one email a week.
Choose my categories
