Honda HRC PETRONAS Prepares for 2026 World Motocross Championship
As the 2026 World Motocross Championship approaches, Honda HRC PETRONAS is poised for a strong season with an impressive rider lineup. Leading the charge is Jeffrey Herlings, the most successful rider in Grand Prix history, who has joined the team after an extensive preseason preparation. Herlings, a five-time world champion, will leverage warm-up races before the series opener in Bariloche, Argentina, scheduled for March 7-8.
Joining Herlings is two-time MX2 champion Tom Vialle, who transitions back to Europe after a successful stint in the United States where he captured two Supercross titles. Vialle will compete on a 450cc for the first time, piloting Honda machinery in a significant shift for his career.
Ruben Fernandez, who completed the 2025 MXGP season in fourth place, aims to build on a consistent performance marked by multiple podiums. His focus is now to contest for top-three finishes regularly in 2026.
In the MX2 class, Valerio Lata enters his second season with renewed confidence after achieving a podium finish in Australia. With a complete offseason of training, Lata is eager to showcase improved performances across the championship.
All riders are currently finalizing preparations before their departure to South America, with evident optimism shared among the team members.
Key Quotes:
- Ruben Fernandez (#70): “I had a really good preseason… aiming for the top three and to make another step forward.”
- Tom Vialle (#16): “I’m confident in my ability… the bike is completely different, but I’m happy with our progress.”
- Jeffrey Herlings (#84): “It’s been a hectic preseason… enjoying the challenge and motivation is high for round one.”
- Valerio Lata (#18): “I feel much better prepared to race 20 rounds around the world… looking forward to Argentina.”
Team Insights:
- Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager – MXGP: “Our rider lineup shows the high caliber we operate at… all four riders are ready to compete at the highest level in Argentina.”
- Giacomo Gariboldi, Team HRC Team Manager: “I believe all four riders can win races… I’m excited to see their progress.”
With this robust lineup and focused mindset, Honda HRC PETRONAS aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, signaling their intent to compete aggressively for championships.
