French teenager Gautier Paulin becomes the first rider to steer a YZ250F in the FIM MX2-GP World Championship for the Yamaha Monster Energy Motocross Team since 2005. The 19 year old joins the Yamaha family after finishing 3rd in the 2009 Grand Prix series and after having earned his first victories in what was just his second full season.

Paulin came to the immediate attention of the world championship paddock in 2007. The then 17 year old was performing with distinction in the European series at the time (which he would win at the final round) but his wild-card outings at Namur in Belgium (in which he was running in 3rd place until a mechanical problem) and across the thick Irish mud of Moneyglass ensured that he was hot property for 2008. A maiden season at Grand Prix level was then rendered forgettable by a broken wrist.

Stronger, wiser and determined to re-establish the excitement surrounding his name for 2009, Paulin won the rain-hit opening race in Italy and followed that up with another victory in Bulgaria. 7 podiums were interspersed with bad luck but he still managed to secure third overall and capped the year with a sensational victory on a 450 at the Motocross of Nations.

Likeable and hardworking, Paulin also boasts an eye-pleasing style across the dirt that was born through his schooling on a BMX bike; a discipline in which he excelled as a youngster and became world champion. The Frenchman will open his Yamaha career with several appearances in the West Coast Supercross Lites series in January and will then focus on placing the new YZ250F in the winner’s circle during the 15-round 2010 motocross campaign.