Jeffrey Herlings’ move to HRC Honda for the 2026 season has finally been confirmed, and the Dutch sensation has already started working on his new machine. The 31-year-old will focus primarily on the MXGP World Championship as he chases a sixth world title – a challenge that certainly won’t’ be easy, but if he can remain injury-free, Herlings is never one to be underestimated.
Switching from KTM, the brand he has ridden throughout his entire GP career, to Honda will be a key storyline of the season. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see how quickly he adapts and gets up to race-winning speed.
There have been strong rumours that Herlings will also compete in the British Championship in 2026 alongside his MXGP commitments. We spoke with his new team owner, Giacomo Gariboldi, who confirmed that Herlings plans to race selected British Championship events, but did not indicate he would contest the full series.
“Yes, this is in his plans, but I think just a few races, not all the championship, but it will be up to him,” Gariboldi told GateDrop.com.
Herlings already has permission from HRC Honda to compete in a limited number of British rounds, so it appears there will be no restrictions from the team if he decides to participate in the full series. In 2024, Herlings raced the full British series and claimed the MX1 title, but last year only contested the double-header in Duns, Scotland.
Scheduling conflicts with the Dutch Masters of Motocross mean Herlings may prioritize racing in front of his home fans instead, leaving the exact number of British Championship rounds he will contest uncertain.
British fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action on home soil, however, as Herlings is set to race at Hawkstone International on Sunday, 15th February – an event that promises to be one of the highlights of the early 2026 season.
