2026 FIM Motocross World Championship Update: Gajser Triumphs in Mantova
As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship opener in Argentina, the preseason action has kicked off with the second round of the International Italian Championship held in Mantova, Italy. Key MXGP participants highlighted this weekend’s competitive landscape.
Tim Gajser, competing in his debut season with the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team, showcased his prowess by qualifying first and securing a commanding 1-1 performance on the challenging wet and sandy circuit. This victory marks a significant improvement from the previous round in Sardinia, indicating a smooth adjustment to his new machine after a decade with Honda. Gajser’s strong results have solidified his status as a title contender ahead of the MXGP season.
In contrast, Jeffrey Herlings faced difficulties in his inaugural outing with the HRC Honda Team. Herlings qualified second but encountered mechanical issues during race one as a rock became lodged between the chain and sprocket. Despite the setback, he re-entered the race and finished 11th. Herlings rebounded in race two, finishing in third, resulting in sixth overall for the day. His comments on social media reflected the day’s challenges, stating, “Need to get back some race intensity, and I still look a bit rusty… Looking forward to the next gate drop in seven days.”
Overall, the Mantova round served as a critical indicator of athlete readiness as the series gears up for its opener, emphasizing both the potential and challenges faced by top contenders.
