Following Team GB’s disqualification from the 2026 Motocross of Nations after failing a fuel test, team manager Mark Chamberlain has taken the time to speak to us to explain what went wrong and take responsibility for his part in the mistake.
While the situation has been hugely disappointing for everyone involved, Chamberlain insists the infringement was not intentional and has made it clear that the responsibility lies with the management team rather than the rider.
Chamberlain discusses the circumstances behind the failed test, apologizes to the fans, reflects on the changes needed to ensure it never happens again and gives his thoughts on the ACU aligning British motocross regulations with FIM standards from 2027.
GateDrop: Mark, it’s now been confirmed that team GB have failed a fuel test and as a result have been disqualified from the MXoN. I guess the first thing to ask – is that this wasn’t done intentionally?
Chamberlain: No, it wasn’t that is for sure. It was a genuine mistake and for my part I will hold my hands up to say I should have checked it more in-depth. The headline numbers like Octane, oxygen and say lead were all either under or in the case of lead zero. The bottom line is an additive (nepthane % was over the legal limit) was in the fuel that shouldn’t have been. I have learnt from it and we all have the hard way.
It took days to get the report from the fuel company as even they weren’t sure to start with what what that level should be. Once we knew that we didn’t ask for a retest of the second sample instead worked with the FIM to understand the error.
GateDrop: As team manager, I am sure you are as gutted and disappointed as everyone else is?
Chamberlain: I am very and in that regard I’m always hard on myself so I will remember in the future to change the way we do things. That said you have to move on and forward. I’m gutted for the boys who put a decent shift in and I don’t want Ben Mustoe to get any flack he doesn’t deserve. It’s not on him and also the boys (Ben Watson and Taylor Hammal) who done us proud.
GateDrop: There are probably people out there that will blame Ben for this, but I highly doubt he’s the one putting fuel in his bike. I guess the management team have to take the responsibility for this?
Chamberlain: Yeah it’s not for a rider to check, going forward we will have a more robust system. Like I said I’m happy to take responsibility for my part and also I’m not going to point at anyone as we are a team for that weekend, so we learn from it and take the punishment for our mistake.
GateDrop: I mean it’s not the first time it has happened. It happened Italy at RedBud a while back – the main thing to take from it is to make sure this never happens again, right?
Chamberlain: Yes, correct and that’s the plan.
GateDrop: The ACU have already made rules to their rulebook for 2027 so it’s the same as the FIM in terms of fuel and noise regulations. I think that’s a step forward and actually if we want riders to go to Europe – it probably should have always been like that!
Chamberlain: I think what they have done is really the right way to go and will make it better for all of the teams racing in Europe. The technical rules were being debated and worked out before this but it does make it very clear now. It’s false economy to have a better bike in the UK then change it for the GP’s or EMX. I think the Motocross committee headed by Steve McCauley and then the series with Paul Irwin and Andy Summers being more involved in the technical side can only be a good thing.
GateDrop: It’s one thing saying that the ACU will have the same regulations as Europe – but are you aware that testing will be done at each round?
Chamberlain: I understand there is going to be regular testing. I’m not involved to a level where I know details but I’m confident Paul and Andy will manage it well.
GateDrop: Do you see this having an impact of your role as team manager in the future? I know the ACU make the final decision and it’s out of your hands but has it been discussed as yet?
Chamberlain: I would like to think it won’t but I don’t take anything for granted. I’ve always been open to the ACU and always try to do the best for our Sport. Team GB isn’t mine – it’s the ACU and the fans. On that note I would like to apologize to all of the fans and people involved that support the team!
