Honda HRC PETRONAS Ready for 2026 MXGP World Championship Campaign

Star-studded rider line-up and PETRONAS partnership set the tone for a global 20-round title challenge.

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Honda HRC PETRONAS has officially unveiled its 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship campaign, strengthened by the announcement of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) as title sponsor. With a refreshed rider line-up and a demanding 20-round global calendar ahead, the team is preparing for what promises to be an intense and competitive season.

The 2026 championship kicks off in Argentina before travelling across Europe, revisiting South Africa, and concluding in Australia. Speed, endurance, and consistency will be crucial across the globe-spanning schedule.

Herlings Targets More Titles in New Honda Era

Leading the charge in MXGP is five-time world champion Jeffrey Herlings, the most successful rider in Grand Prix history. Since joining the team on January 1, the Dutchman has been fully focused on adapting to his new machine and environment.

“It’s definitely been a hectic preseason so far, just learning the new bike, learning the team and just trying to get myself ready for the season ahead,” said Herlings. “We’ve made a lot of steps to get the bike where I want it, but we will keep working and testing to make sure that I’m as ready as possible for Argentina.”

Herlings not only aims to extend his all-time win record but also to add to his five world championship titles.

Vialle Embraces 450cc Challenge

Joining Herlings in MXGP is two-time MX2 world champion Tom Vialle, who returns to Europe after a successful stint in the United States, where he secured two Supercross titles.

For 2026, Vialle steps up to a 450cc machine for the first time and begins his journey on Honda machinery.

“The bike is completely different, but I’ve been riding it since November and we’ve done a lot of work to get things to a level that I’m happy with,” Vialle explained. “Testing is very different from racing GPs, but I feel ready to show everyone what I’m capable of on the bigger bikes.”

Fernandez Aiming for More Podiums

Ruben Fernandez remains a key pillar of the team after finishing fourth in the 2025 MXGP standings. The Spaniard showed impressive consistency and secured multiple podium finishes last season.

“I’ve had a really good preseason and I’m really excited to get down to Argentina,” Fernandez said. “Last year I was consistent, but not on the podium as much as I would have liked. Now the goal is to aim for the top three and make another step forward.”

Lata Confident Ahead of Second MX2 Season

In MX2, Valerio Lata enters his second season with growing confidence. After securing his first podium with the team in Australia last year, the Italian believes he is better prepared for the demands of a full 20-round championship.

“I feel like I have made a lot of improvements and I am much better prepared to race 20 races around the world,” Lata commented. “I have been riding with the other guys and it really helps to learn from their experience.”

Team Leadership Confident in 2026 Line-Up

HRC General Manager – MXGP, Marcus Pereira de Freitas, highlighted the strength of the squad heading into the new season.

“To have a line-up of riders with multiple world championships like Jeffrey and Tom really raises the profile of the team,” he said. “Now we must match that standard on the race track, but I believe all four riders are ready to compete at the highest level.”

Team Manager Giacomo Gariboldi also expressed optimism:
“I think all four riders are capable of winning races. We will get stronger as the season progresses and I can’t wait to see it all unfold.”

Countdown to Argentina Begins

With preparations nearly complete, Honda HRC PETRONAS now shifts its focus to the season opener in Argentina. Armed with a world-class rider line-up and strengthened by its partnership with PETRONAS Lubricants International, the team enters 2026 determined to compete at the very front of MXGP and MX2. The first gate drop cannot come soon enough.