Swiss MXGP stars Arnaud Tonus and Valentin Guillod are to join forces in the new Hostettler Yamaha team.

Tonus, who lost his factory Yamaha rider, will join Guillod and fellow Swiss Joel Elsener in the team run by the Hostettler group which is a Swiss company that has always backed motorsport. Czech rider Petr Polak will join Elsener in MX2.

Jef Janssen, team owner & manager: “We have a big job ahead of us, but we are excited about it. We have an excellent and highly motivated crew. With the hostettler group and Yamaha, we have the support of two of the most powerful partners that you could hope to have. We will start with the training shortly and I look forward to optimally prepare the team for the new season.”

Arnaud Tonus: “I’m really motivated and happy to stay with Yamaha. I have been on that bike for years now and it’s great to continue with them. Having the support from hostettler is very helpful und I’m thankful for that. It’s actually a challenge for a new team to put it all together, but we have a really good group of people and that makes the team perform well. We have a bit of time now before the season starts, let’s have a good preparation and a great season.”