Source: Supplied.

It’s been revealed Frenchman Gautier Paulin will join the Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team for the 2019 MXGP World Championship, joining Arnaud Tonus aboard the capable YZ450F.

Paulin, who’s been a member of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team for the last two years, captured his first premier class victory aboard Yamaha machinery in 2011.

“We are very excited to have Gautier back on Yamaha and in paddock blue,” said Yamaha Motor Europe’s MX manager Erik Eggens. “He has always been a rider that can fight for podiums and he is definitely capable of challenging for race wins as well, and we saw that a few years back when he joined Yamaha and won his debut grand prix on a YZ450F, which is an outstanding achievement and something that not many riders can say they have done.

“We believe that with the support of the Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP team he can still achieve these results, and this is something we look forward to. The team is very motivated and is a team that has shown great improvement and stability over the years, which is something a high caliber rider such as Gautier needs. With that said, we wish Gautier a warm welcome back, and we look forward to having him back on blue.”

Paulin currently sits sixth in the championship standings, while next month he’ll represent Team France at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in the USA, where the squad will attempt to a earn fifth successive Chamberlain Trophy.