Image: Supplied.

The long-anticipated signing of Glenn Coldenhoff to Monster Energy Yamaha has been made official, departing GasGas to ride the factory YZ450FM in the MXGP World Championship from 2021.

Coldenhoff, 29, will partner Jeremy Seewer and rookie Ben Watson in the three-rider line-up next season, replacing the retiring Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus in the premier class team.

“I feel very welcomed by the whole Yamaha family,” Coldenhoff said. “From the first moments we met, I felt there was a very motivated and ambitious team awaiting me. I am really thankful for the opportunity. I strongly believe that I can still make progress, win races and can fight for the championship – I know Yamaha will give me everything to achieve these goals.”

Currently recovering from a neck injury sustained at Lommel, Coldenhoff has indicated that his rehabilitation is on target as he works toward full fitness for next year: “My recovery is going well and I cannot wait to jump on the blue bike soon.”

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team owner Louis Vosters added: “It’s great to have Glenn Coldenhoff on board for the next years. He is a great rider who is still making steps forward year after year. I really believe that in the Yamaha structure with YZ450FM he will be able to achieve the best possible results.”

The signing of Coldenhoff will be instrumental in Yamaha’s 2021 plans and beyond, adding experience alongside the in-form Seewer – who finished second in this year’s standings – and also Watson, who has won multiple MX2 grands prix during 2020.

“We are really happy to welcome Glenn to the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team,” stated Alexandre Kowalski, Yamaha Motor Europe off-road racing manger
. “He is a very professional, focused and dedicated rider that is committed to his sport and being the best. He has a lot of experience and he has proven on countless occasions over the past two years that he is capable of winning GPs, so we are excited to welcome him to the Yamaha family.

“I know that Glenn and Jeremy have a good relationship already, which will be nice to see them ride together and push each other to be strong inside the competitive MXGP class. Together with Jeremy, we have a strong team with a lot of experience, and this will be nice for Ben to learn and grow from. It is exciting for Yamaha and our factory MXGP team to enter the 2021 MXGP World Championship with this incredible line-up.”