Taylor Hammal will never forget the 2026 MXGP of Great Britain at Foxhill. Twelve months after watching his home Grand Prix from the sidelines as he recovered from injury, the British DRT Kawasaki rider returned to line up against the world’s best—and delivered the ride of his life.
Backed by a passionate home crowd that roared him on from start to finish, Hammal charged to an outstanding eleventh place in the opening moto, running with factory riders and setting impressive lap times. It was a performance that announced him on the MXGP stage and left many wondering whether it could even strengthen his chances of representing Team Great Britain at the Motocross of Nations.
We caught up with Hammal to reflect on an unforgettable weekend, the incredible atmosphere at Foxhill and what the future might hold after his breakthrough ride.
GateDrop: Taylor, you were a spectator at your home GP last year. I bet you are glad you lined up at Foxhill this year?!
Hammal: I am so glad I choose to do it, last year I wanted to, but I had come off an injury and I don’t think I was ready. Looking back it was the right choice and to wait for this one. I am definitely glad I went for it this year. I was all in and up for it. I knew I was riding a lot better this year and was really optimistic I could potentially get a good result, but I wasn’t sure. Looking back on the day it paid off.
GateDrop: Talk me through that first moto, wow! You looked really comfortable running the pace – surely that’s the best moto of your life so far?
Hammal: It was the best moto of my life, you’re right. Just with everything, I felt I couldn’t have done more really. It wasn’t like I started up front and dropped back; I actually went forward. The opening laps I made some really nice passes on some good riders and even some factory guys. I got lucky with one or two riders crashing but I stuck in there and kept pace with the ones at the front. Halfway my lap times were seventh fastest on track. I almost had a top ten, but Oliver got me on the last lap but I can’t describe the feeling after finishing that moto, I was over the moon.
I got a bit emotional after at my camper and my family too, it was special to do it for them also. My friends and family that support me all came over and gave me a massive cheer and that moment was amazing – I’ll always remember it.
GateDrop: The atmosphere was unreal. What was that like having the fans cheer you on?
Hammal: It was on another level, with the track layout and the valley it made it really loud. I could hear everyone especially halfway through that race. It’s funny, my Dad said the commentary didn’t really mention me the first half but must’ve noticed I was up there and then they all got behind me which was nice. I think it’s one of those moments without knowing everyone that cheers you on they all come together to support British riders. As I was the leading Brit it felt amazing.
A funny moment was halfway through I see the Factory Kawasaki was pit boarding and cheering me on for the rest of the race. I was like what the f**k, have they mistaken me for Jonass? But after he crashed again, they carried on – that was cool! When I crossed the line, it was the best feeling ever, the noise and everyone congratulating me. Thank you to everyone that was cheering me on means a lot!
GateDrop: The track, woaw. Maybe a bit too deep for Saturday but for Sunday it was so good. Did you like the changes etc and the conditions?
Hammal: For the first practice I told myself it was going to be similar to normal just a bit more on steroids. Wow I was wrong. The ground was so deep and technical that it caught me off guard. I must admit, I didn’t like it at first. But by Saturday qualifying race it was amazing, it was so technical and rutty. Everything I like. It may have been a bit too much but on the Sunday the track was probably the best track I’ve ever ridden, it was so good! I can’t believe how much work had gone into it and it paid off. Hats off to everyone that put that event on, I hope it continues because it was so good for British Motocross!
GateDrop: After that performance, if I am Mark Chamberlain I am picking you for the MXoN – surely a ride like that should help your chances?
Hammal: Man, I hope so. I did sort of hear before that I got to do a GP to see and what I can do to be in contention. I hope I proved that. I had never done a round of MXGP before. With the prep, equipment and everything behind the scenes like me working full time I’m on the back foot compared to my competitors. I showed I want to be at this level, and I’ll throw everything at it to try do the best at that level and for a chance to be in for the MXoN. I know myself I’ll always go for it no matter the occasion and I just hope it showed Mark.
GateDrop: Just how does MXGP compare to the British Championship? The level in MXGP this year is insane!
Hammal: It was obviously different. The main difference I felt was the intensity. I am normally used to battling three or four guys and most of the time we get gaps in between. That first race I was battling the whole time at a fast pace. I enjoyed it and I feel like if I do more it will help bring me on. Although it’s a high level at the British with Conrad, Ben and Oliver at the moment as well, they’re really fast and both of them have shown good results in MXGP so I think we are doing okay.
GateDrop: Please tell me the plan for 2027 will include more MXGP races? It’ll only help bring you on and then you can bring that pace to the British as well…
Hammal: (laughs) I was actually planning on potentially going to Loket this weekend but not now after the crash in moto 2. I have been trying to do a few more this year like France and Loket, but it’s not fitted well with the teams plans to take me with everything that goes into making it happen other than just the riding. I don’t know yet but I’ll have to see.
GateDrop: For 2027, have you any plans yet? After that GP maybe you’ll get some interest!
Hammal: I haven’t at the moment and I haven’t had any talks with current or any other team yet. A friend said to me after race one, someone from factory Fantic said to him “who is Hammal?” he replied, “A British rider that fits doors in the week” they replied with “no, what does he really do?” he said that and they then just went silent and walked off (laughs).
Going forward I’m not sure what my plans are yet. I’d definitely like to do some more rounds of MXGP after this weekend, that’s for sure.
