The 2026 MX1GP Brazil season, the Brazilian Motocross Championship, started for the Honda Racing team just as the previous one ended: at the top of the podium. Making his debut for the team led by Reinaldo Almeida, Enzo Lopes was the standout name on Sunday (April 12) in Canelinha, Santa Catarina, with victories in both MX1 races and becoming the first championship leader. It was an even more special result for the rider from Rio Grande do Sul, as it marked his return to Brazil after a notable career in the United States. To complete the celebration, Belgian rider Jeremy van Horebeek secured second place in the combined race standings—both riders competed on the Honda CRF450R. Pietro Piroli was another highlight for the team and begins the year as runner-up in the MX2 class, riding the CRF250R.
The Canelinha circuit demanded technical skill and physical fitness from the riders, with constant climbs and descents and a surface that quickly formed deep ruts. In the first race, Lopes took the lead within the first few meters, followed by Horebeek. The gap between the teammates remained relatively small until the Belgian rider crashed and lost ground. The incident did not prevent Honda Racing from securing a one-two finish.
As tradition dictates, MX1 and MX2 bikes shared the track for the second race. Lopes started in second place and showed patience before taking the lead with a beautiful overtake. From there, the scenario resembled the previous race, as he built a comfortable gap and secured a perfect weekend with 100% results. Despite a physical limitation that he only revealed after getting off the bike:
“I don’t even have words. I had a good start, stayed a few laps behind second place, made the pass, pushed a bit, and then just managed the race—the second race ended up being quite calm. Winning both races is incredible. At the beginning of the week, I broke three fingers on my hand, and to end the week like this is amazing. I just have to thank the team and the fans—being back is a dream. I’m happy for myself and the team, and I hope to keep riding this good wave.”
This time, Horebeek had to show resilience. After being involved in a multi-bike crash at the first corner, he dropped to the back of the pack. With strong pace and dozens of overtakes, he fought his way up to third place at the checkered flag, earning second overall in the standings.
“It was a good day—I was the fastest in free practice and qualifying. I had a good start in the first race, but I felt arm fatigue, which made things difficult. I made a mistake, crashed, and finished second. I injured my neck and knee in the start crash of the second race, and I gave everything I had to recover—the third position was the best I could achieve. I’m happy to be okay, thanks to the team, and now we move on to the next one.”
It was also a positive start for Pietro Piroli in MX2. The rider from Rio Grande do Sul led much of the first race, finishing in second place—the same result he achieved in the second race.
“It was a very productive round and a great start to the championship. I led in the first race, my arms tightened up a bit, but I managed to hold on and finish close to the winner. In the second, I tried to maintain my pace, and again the gap was small. We still have a lot to improve and work on for the next rounds,” he summarized. Honda Racing’s motocross team is sponsored by Pro Honda, Honda Consórcio, Axalta, DiD, Ogio, NGK, Pirelli, Alpinestars, and ASW.
JP Pro Honda Baterias Pioneiro – The start of the championship was also more than positive for the satellite team JP Pro Honda Baterias Pioneiro. Cesar Aponte was the best in MX2Jr, with Arthur Gomes finishing seventh. The reigning champion Luanna Neves took the top step of the podium in MXF (Women’s class). Chilean rider Benjamin Garib recorded fourth and eighth-place finishes in MX2, while Aponte, returning to the track, placed tenth and ninth. In MX3, Marcus Vinícius Thorsternb, known as Mano, finished fifth, while Luanna placed 12th.
The second round of the MX1GP Brazil will take place on the 25th and 26th of this month in Ponta Grossa (PR).
