RUMOUR: JK Yamaha to draft in Benoit Paturel?

French motocross rider Benoit Paturel is reportedly set to make a temporary return to the MXGP paddock with JK Yamaha. The team is looking to bring him in as a stand-in while their regular rider, Isak Gifting, continues to recover from injury. Paturel, who spent the last season competing in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in the United States, is said to have accepted the offer to fill this short-term vacancy. Paturel’s move to America last year marked his first full campaign in the AMA series, where he faced the challenge of adapting to new tracks, race formats, and a highly competitive field. Despite these hurdles, he managed to finish fifteenth in the 450MX championship riding for HEP Suzuki. Now, as he seeks a fresh opportunity for the 2026 season, the chance to ride for JK Yamaha in MXGP offers a timely platform to showcase his skills on the world stage once again. The Frenchman is expected to make his debut with JK Yamaha at the Italian Championship round in Fermo this weekend, before participating in selected MXGP rounds. The duration of his stint remains uncertain, as the team awaits Gifting’s recovery progress. Gifting has recently resumed cycling and is targeting a return to racing in late June, with the Montevarchi or Agueda rounds being considered as potential comeback events. For Paturel, these upcoming races could serve as a valuable opportunity to re-establish himself within the MXGP paddock, demonstrating his speed and experience to teams and fans alike. JK Yamaha’s decision to bring him in reflects both their confidence in his abilities and the practical need to maintain competitiveness while Gifting is sidelined. Further announcements from the team are anticipated in the coming days.