2026 FIM Motocross World Championships: MXGP of Sardegna Preview
RIOLA SARDO, Italy – The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championships resumes this weekend with the highly anticipated MXGP of Sardegna, taking place at the challenging Crossodromo Comunale “Le Dune.” This marks the fourth round of the series, following a brief pause.
Riders will encounter the notoriously demanding deep sand of Riola Sardo, known for its physical toll on both competitors and machines, especially under the typically warm spring conditions. The circuit has been a staple of the MXGP calendar since 2021, yet no rider has managed to secure more than two victories at this venue.
Key Competitors:
- Jeffrey Herlings of Honda HRC Petronas is a significant contender, having achieved victories in 2021 and 2023, the latter marking his 100th GP win.
- Lucas Coenen, the current MXGP points leader with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, clinched his inaugural MXGP win at this track last year but faced a crash in the second race.
- Romain Febvre, who captured the first overall win in his championship-winning season last year with Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, aims to build on his success.
In the MX2 category, reigning champion Simon Längenfelder seeks his first podium at Riola Sardo, despite previously winning a Qualifying Race on this track. Historical dominance is absent in the current MX2 lineup, with no former winners from this venue.
EMX Championships:
- EMX250 competitors return for the first time since 2023, where Francisco Garcia leads undefeated with a total of 100 points for Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki, followed by Australian teammate Jake Cannon and Brazilian rider Bernardo Tiburcio.
- In the EMX125 category, Moritz Ernecker from Norman KTM Factory Rookies holds a narrow five-point lead over teammate Ricardo Bauer. Other contenders include Liam Bruneau (TMX Compétition KTM) and Italian local favorite Andrea Uccellini (TM Moto CRD Motorsport).
As the riders prepare for the unique challenges presented by the sandy terrain of Sardegna, expectations are high for another thrilling chapter in the 2026 MXGP season.
