The FIM Motocross of Nations returns to France as the Motocross World Team Championship takes place in Ernée on October 3-4, 2026. As in previous years, more than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend, helping to create the unique atmosphere that surrounds the event.
This time, selecting the national team riders was somewhat easier for the Finnish Motorcycle Federation’s coaching team, with Finnish riders having competed in several international championships this season. For the first time in a few years, all three riders in the team also have previous Motocross of Nations experience.
“We have a strong team together and the feeling is high. Jere and Saku have been producing good results in the German ADAC series, and Emil is also getting back up to speed after his injury. All of the riders also have experience from the national team event, which will certainly help them achieve maximum performance. Reaching the A-final is the team’s absolute minimum goal,” says national team manager Kusti Manninen.
As team captain, Jere Haavisto (OPEN) will compete in the national team for the eighth time. Haavisto has primarily competed in the German ADAC Championship this season and has also won the EMX Open European Championship. Jere Haavisto was therefore the clear choice to captain the team.
“The Motocross of Nations is the biggest race of the year and it is really great to be part of the team again. I have already represented Finland twice in Ernée, but the results from those races have been anything but good. Now we’re going to change that and trust that the third time will be the charm. My season has gone well in Germany, as I’ve been able to fully focus on riding, and I’m heading to France feeling confident and ready to produce a good result,” says the newly crowned European Champion, Tampere’s Jere Haavisto.
National team rider Saku Mansikkamäki (MX2) is on a strong upward trajectory, with podium finishes becoming increasingly familiar for him in the German ADAC Championship this season.
“I’m heading to Ernée with good feelings. The track is new to me, so during practice it’s important to quickly get a good feel for the track and find the lines that work. The starting point for the weekend is, of course, to qualify through, but after that the goal is to ride solid and good motos, enjoy the race and give everything I have to the team. It’s really great to represent Finland for the second year in a row. It’s a great honour and one of the best opportunities of the season,” says Vantaa’s Saku Mansikkamäki about his selection to the national team.
Also competing in the German series, Emil Weckman (MXGP) is a strong addition to the team. Weckman last represented Finland in 2024 and is delighted to receive the call-up once again.
“It’s great to be back in the national team. This is already my fifth time, so I’m almost starting to feel like an MXoN veteran. The Ernée track is familiar to me both from the 2023 MXoN and from the French Championship. I like the track and, in a way, this is my home race because I lived in France for several years a few years ago, and during that time I became very familiar with the language, culture and tracks. Of course, as a team, the first goal is to qualify directly for the A-final and then improve on our performance from the last time,” says Emil Weckman, who now lives in Germany.
The 2026 Motocross of Nations (MXoN), the World Team Championship, will take place on October 3-4 at the Moto Club Ernée circuit in France. More than 30 countries will participate in the event, with each team consisting of three riders competing in the MXGP, MX2 and Open classes. It is also the only race in which riders represent their home country rather than their respective race teams.
Ponsse, a leading manufacturer of forestry machinery, will continue as the main partner of the Finnish motocross national team for the 2026 season. The team’s other supporters are Finnish specialist retail chain Motonet, which sells automotive spare parts and accessories, tools, and home and leisure products; growing Finnish vehicle inspection company CityKatsastus; and Finnish motorcycle and cycling equipment brand Yoko. Brandix Oy, a company specialising in corporate textiles and promotional and business gifts, is responsible for the team’s clothing. Finland’s leading specialist off-road motorcycle magazine Xracing serves as the team’s media partner.
Follow the Finnish national team on social media. Information about the team’s preparations, news from the riders and results from the event will be shared through the national team’s official channels.
