Honda HRC Ready for MXGP of China

Honda’s Tim Gajser, Ruben Fernandez, and Valerio Lata head to Shanghai for the 2025 MXGP of China, aiming for podiums and strong performances at the penultimate round of the season.

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The 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship heads to Shanghai this weekend for the penultimate round of the season, where the Honda HRC squad of Tim Gajser, Ruben Fernandez, and Valerio Lata will look to build on their encouraging form from Turkiye.

Gajser Targets a Podium Return

For Tim Gajser, the MXGP of China brings back memories of last year’s storm-hit event that was reduced to a single day of racing, a twist of fate that cost him vital championship points when he led the standings. This year, however, the Slovenian arrives with less pressure and renewed focus after recovering from a shoulder injury. Having narrowly missed the podium in the last two rounds, the five-time world champion is eager to step back onto the rostrum.

“China was definitely a crazy event last year, with the weather and the storm making it a one-day event,” Gajser recalled. “Hopefully, this year will be better because the fans are good, and it is nice to put on a show for them. I have heard the track has changed, which is always positive news just to keep things interesting, so I’m looking forward to it and really going to try to do my best.”

Fernandez Building Momentum

Ruben Fernandez continued his consistent form in Turkiye with back-to-back fifth-place finishes. The Spaniard, however, has his sights set higher as he prepares for Shanghai’s revamped circuit. Having already taken in the sights of the city, Fernandez is keen to translate that positive energy onto the track.

“I was happy with my riding in Turkiye and it was good to be consistent, but now I want to be nearer to the front,” he said. “I travelled straight to China after Turkiye. It has been a fun couple of days looking around and exploring Shanghai a bit more. I like to see new things, and I am looking forward to having a good GP and seeing lots of fans supporting us.”

Lata Ready for Chinese Debut

Rookie Valerio Lata will experience China for the first time, marking another milestone in his debut MX2 campaign. The Italian impressed with raw pace in Turkiye, where he set the fastest time in timed practice, but he knows consistency is key if he wants to fight near the podium.

“This is my first time visiting China, and so far it has been a very cool experience,” Lata remarks. “It is such a different culture from Europe, but I have had fun, and it is nice to be a tourist for a couple of days. Now, though, business is about to start, and I’m excited to see the track and go riding.”

Honda’s Big Weekend in China

For Honda, Shanghai is more than just another GP, it serves as a major showcase for fans and sponsors. The manufacturer expects thousands of spectators at the updated circuit and aims to deliver a strong performance both on and off the track.

“China is an important round for Honda HRC, with many important guests and sponsors, so we hope to put on a good show,” said Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager – MXGP. “Last year was crazy with the typhoon hitting the circuit and turning it into a one-day event, but we hope this year will run a bit smoother, and we can enjoy things a bit more. It should also hopefully allow some more fans to come and see what world championship motocross is like, which is always a benefit for the sport.”

With just two rounds left in the 2025 season, the pressure is on for the Honda HRC trio to close out the year on a high, and the Shanghai crowd will be eager to witness world-class motocross action first-hand.