Yamaha MX development manager Scott Bishop has indicated the logistics of signing two new riders at opposite ends of the country was the key factor in the brand’s restructure for 2020, where the Yamalube Yamaha Racing and WBR Yamaha Bulk Nutrients Racing teams will field riders in both the MX2 and MXD categories.

For the past two seasons, Yamalube Yamaha Racing has hosted riders in only the MX2 and MX1 classes, while the WBR squad has been the sole Yamaha MXD team.

It was revealed this week that South Australian Alex Larwood will join the Victorian-based WBR Yamaha outfit next year alongside Maximus Purvis, as Queenslander Levi Rogers will pair up with Jay Wilson at Yamalube Yamaha Racing located in Brisbane.

“We had two talented riders in Alex and Levi coming out of juniors and its important we keep hold of hard-working and successful young riders,” Bishop explained.

“In the past, both riders would have gone to the dedicated MXD team, WBR Yamaha, but we believed it would be of more benefit to place the riders to the teams nearest them and also with a more experienced teammate so they can understand what it takes to succeed at the next level.

“Alex is based in Adelaide and Levi is from Blackwater in central Queensland, so for one team to handle the logistics of a rider living so far away would be difficult.

“With Alex teaming up with WBR, who are in Echuca, Victoria, and Levi with Yamalube Yamaha, based in Brisbane, both riders will get the same level of support but be able to work closely with the team both in terms of an off-track relationship as well as maintaining practice bikes and equipment.

“It’s our endeavour that both Alex and Levi continue their long and successful relationship with Yamaha and wish them well as they embark on their professional careers.”

Yamaha will field Kirk Gibbs and Hayden Mellross in the premier class with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team next year.