Evann Plaindoux secures the FFM wildcard with GMT94 for the WorldSBK round at Magny-Cours

Yamaha 700 Challenge leader Evann Plaindoux has secured the wildcard awarded by the French Motorcycling Federation (FFM), Yamaha Motor France and GMT94 Yamaha for the French round of the WorldSBK Championship, taking place from 4 to 6 September at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours (58).

The objective remains the same for the French Motorcycling Federation, Yamaha and GMT94: to promote the French Superbike Championship and provide young French talents with a genuine pathway to international competition.This structured sporting initiative gives a rider the opportunity each year to take another important step forward in their career.

At just 18 years old, Evann Plaindoux is enjoying an outstanding season in the Yamaha Challenge 700 France. Racing for De La Vega Motorsport aboard his #92 Yamaha R7, the young rider from the Var region established himself at the top of the standings from the very beginning of the season.

With three victories and four podium finishes in the opening four rounds, Evann has demonstrated the speed, consistency and maturity required to establish himself as one of the young riders to watch this season.

This wildcard rewards his performances and gives him the opportunity to experience the demands of international competition at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. It will be a unique chance for him to step into a new environment, learn alongside an experienced team and gain valuable experience for the next stages of his racing career.

In another recognition of the work being done in the French Championship, Mathieu Ginès will also receive a wildcard at Magny-Cours. Freshly crowned French Supersport Champion, he will compete in the French WorldSSP round with GMT94 Yamaha alongside Lucas Mahias and Roberto Garcia.

Sébastien Poirier, President of the French Motorcycling Federation

“The French Motorcycling Federation is delighted to continue this wildcard programme in 2026 alongside GMT94 and Yamaha Motor France. This initiative provides a genuine bridge between the French Superbike Championship and the international stage, while giving our young riders the opportunity to compete at the highest level. It is an extremely rewarding experience, both from a sporting and personal perspective, and can also represent an important step in their development and careers. I wish Evann every success and hope he makes the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

Christophe Guyot, GMT94 Yamaha Team Manager

“The Wildcard project, run together with the Federation, Pirelli, Yamaha France and Mutuelle des Motards, began when we entered the World Championship. Unique in the world, this initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to French riders dreaming of reaching the international stage. First of all, Evann Plaindoux (wildcard in WorldSPB aboard a Yamaha R7), who retained the lead of the Yamaha 700 Challenge after the Le Vigeant round. This category has revealed some incredible talents, and some riders may have regrets given how impressive their level has been. But Evann managed his campaign well enough to remain at the top of the championship and secure the wildcard, in accordance with the established rules. As for Mathieu Ginès (wildcard in WorldSSP aboard a Yamaha R9), I am proud to welcome the newly crowned seven-time French Champion, who was also an Endurance World Champion with GMT94. It is a wonderful symbol for the team.”

Gregory Lejosne, Managing Director of Yamaha France

“As a long-standing partner of the FFM, the Wildcard project allows the leading French rider in the YAMAHA CHALLENGE 700 to join GMT94 for the World Championship round at Magny-Cours. I would like to thank Christophe Guyot and the FFM for continuing to make our riders dream, but above all for helping to discover and develop the talents of today and tomorrow with the Yamaha R7. This shared ambition also led us to strengthen our commitment alongside the FFM in the FSBK in 2026.”