Romain Febvre has extended his contract with the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team it has been announced at the MXGP of France.
There was pit talk that he could switch colours and that only intensified following a public spat with team-mate Jeremy Van Horebeek in Germany. Despite this we tipped Febvre would see out another season with Michele Rinaldi’s Yamaha crew.
The deal adds another three seasons to the Frenchman’s term, 2017 to 2019 inclusive.
“I’m really happy that Yamaha and I have reached a new agreement that reflects the great work we have achieved so far together,” said Febvre. “It is a great feeling to be appreciated for my riding skills and dedicated approach to racing.
“We share open minds and ambition to be the best, that is a great asset for our future together. I’m really excited for the coming season, we are going to continue building an unbeatable team together and create more stories of success in MXGP.”
Febvre, who’s in his second term in the premier class of world motocross, took the series by storm in his rookie year. He started 2015 confidently as he acclimatised to the power from his YZ450FM and soon gained confidence, claiming his maiden podium at the second round of the season in Thailand.
He followed that up with his first moto victory by the seventh round at Matterly Basin, Great Britain.
From there he checked out, winning a further 14 motos on his way to claiming a stunning championship victory for Yamaha, some 143 points ahead of countryman Gautier Paulin.
The defending MXGP World Champion is determined to give everything he’s got to hold on to his crown and although not fully fit has six moto wins from nine rounds so far. Febvre holds second place in the standings as he heads into his home race in France this weekend.
On the announcement Yamaha Motor Europe COO, Eric de Seynes, said: “It is with great pleasure indeed that we make this announcement to continue our partnership with Romain for a further three years.
“Our defending champion is a true talent and perfectly reflects the values that we hold dear in our racing activities.
“As a rider he is not only extremely professional, but also passionate and dedicated to pushing us to achieve the best possible results together. He is a real “Blue” rider, and combined with our class leading YZ technology, that he in part helps to develop, I am confident we can look forward to not only the continuation of a fantastic season this year, but also to three more years of success, inspiring passion in Yamaha and for all our motocross fans across the world.”
