Interview: Nico Greutmann – “I’m a full privateer, I’m doing everything by myself”

Swiss rider Nico Greutmann has taken a bold step in his career by moving directly from the EMX250 class to the premier MXGP category for the 2026 season, foregoing the usual progression through MX2. After a strong 2025 campaign where he finished fourth overall in EMX250 and secured two podiums, Greutmann now competes as a full privateer, managing all aspects of his racing independently. This transition has brought significant challenges, including handling bike preparation, travel logistics, and race weekend management without the support of a dedicated team. Greutmann’s split from Meuwissen Motorsports Honda has left him largely on his own, with minimal mechanical assistance and no team infrastructure. He described the difficulty of juggling multiple responsibilities, especially after suffering a concussion during qualifying at the German Grand Prix, which compounded an already tough weekend. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic and acknowledges the vital backing he receives from MX Academy, which has helped him maintain focus amid these demanding circumstances. The decision to bypass MX2 and jump straight to MXGP was influenced by Greutmann’s physical build and the associated costs of competing on a 250cc bike at the World Championship level. He explained that although offers were available for MX2, the expenses related to overseas rounds and the need for a highly maintained bike made the move to the 450cc class more practical. Greutmann also expressed a personal preference for the 450cc machine, believing it better suits his riding style and physique, and he is confident that once he regains the form he showed during winter testing, improved results will follow. Racing alongside established stars such as Jeffrey Herlings, Pauls Jonass, and Maxime Renaux has been a surreal experience for Greutmann, who grew up admiring these riders. He highlighted the immense step up in speed and consistency at MXGP, noting that unlike in EMX, the top riders make very few mistakes, raising the competitive bar significantly. This exposure has fuelled his determination to establish himself at the highest level, despite the hurdles faced as an independent competitor. Looking ahead, Greutmann is focused on rebuilding momentum and refining his approach to the season, aiming to capitalise on the support network around him and his own resilience. His journey underscores the challenges privateers face in the elite motocross ranks but also the passion and commitment required to compete against the sport’s best. With his experience and determination, Greutmann remains hopeful that his best performances are still to come.