Former Dixon Kawasaki rider Vsevolod Brylyakov has joined Kevin Strijbos at the JWR Yamaha Racing a team next year, as the Russian makes the step up to the MXGP class on a  Yamaha  YZ450F. Strijbos was announced at the team’s first rider yesterday.

Injuries have stopped Brylyakov fulfilling his potential in the last two seasons, but he has refused to back down and keeps returning to the highest level. Brylyakov will also chase glory in the Swedish Championship aboard a YZ250F in the MX2 class.

Brylyakov said: “Finally! I am pumped to announce my new deal with JWR Yamaha Racing for the 2019 MXGP season! It is going to be my first year in the MXGP class and to be honest I do feel very excited. After the past two difficult years, with two big injuries, it is not going to be easy to go and race with the strongest and fastest guys in the world, but I am not scared of work and I believe in myself. I am happy to say that I have people who are giving me the same feeling and that is giving me some extra motivation and the will to succeed. Now it is time make some plans, pack my bags and start my trip back to Europe! My knee feels better and stronger day by day. I cannot wait to go and ride this YZ450F!”

Johan Westermark, the team manager, said: “Vsevolod Brylyakov will be an amazing addition to the JWR Yamaha Racing squad in 2019. Despite the various injuries that he has suffered in recent years, he has continuously shown flashes of speed that make him one of the most popular riders in the Grand Prix paddock. We look forward to unearthing that when the new season begins.”