Jonathan McCready: It’s the most anticipated MXGP series in years and it is finally go time after a long winter waiting for blast-off! We have the legends versus the youngsters in MXGP as Jeffrey Herlings, Romain Febvre and Tim Gajser try to keep the next generation at bay! Rookies but all MX2 world champions, Adamo, De Wolf and Vialle are all ready to cause some damage now they are in the premier class and they all know how to win championships.
With a year of MXGP already under his belt, Lucas Coenen has the experience and proven speed already to be the guy to beat this year. That said, Jeffrey Herlings on a Honda might just be the one guy that can match Lucas on raw pace consistently, will Jeffrey have one last dance at being the FMOTP? He might need to get close to that level to beat Lucas. Tim Gajser has also looked very fast very quickly on the Yamaha and should be an immediate threat with the determined Romain Febvre never far away as he looks for his third world title. And let’s not overlook Febvre’s countryman Maxime Renaux, who should also be in the mix IF he can finally stay healthy. The field is simply stacked with talent in 2026.
In MX2 it is all about who can challenge Simon Längenfelder. The German ticks every box and is now experienced under title pressure. Liam Everts has a similar skillset and should be aiming for GP wins early to put a marker down. Sacha Coenen has so much speed but he needs the consistency of Längenfelder to challenge. Former EMX125 rivals Mathis Valin and Janis Reisulis could really be the two to watch this year along with Valerio Lata as the next generation get ready to shine but you can can never count out the Triumph boys, McLellan and Farres, they can win motos when they are on form and should have big ambitions this season.
MXGP
Argentina:
- Lucas Coenen
- Jeffrey Herlings
- Tim Gajser
World Championship:
- Jeffrey Herlings
- Lucas Coenen
- Tim Gajser
MX2
Argentina:
- Sacha Coenen
- Liam Everts
- Simon Längenfelder
World Championship:
- Simon Längenfelder
- Liam Everts
- Sacha Coenen
Andy McKinstry: Finally. The best series on the planet is back this weekend and I can’t wait. The best thing about MXGP is the different kind of conditions the riders face throughout the course of the season. They literally go from a rock hard pack track of Loket to the deep sand of Lommel – you have to be good in all conditions to be world champion in either of the classes.
It’s hard to look past Lucas Coenen. This time last year a lot of people were wondering what he was doing jumping up to MXGP so early and without a world title. Yes, he still hasn’t added a world title to his name but surely that day is coming. He learned a lot in his rookie season – he will have some pressure this year but that doesn’t seem to faze him. Provided he can be smart and think about the bigger picture he should be hard to beat. I do think Herlings will run him close and it’ll probably end up coming down who can stay injury free – 19 rounds is a long championship, it won’t be won or lost at the first round.
In MX2, the last rider to defend their MX2 title was Jorge Prado so it’s not easy to do. Andrea Adamo and Kay de Wolf have all failed to defend their championship and it’s not going to be easy for Simon Längenfelder either. He now has a target on his back and he’s the one guy everyone will want to beat but I am backing him to get the job done. If Sacha Coenen can find consistency though, he could take some stopping!
MXGP
Argentina:
- Lucas Coenen
- Romain Febvre
- Tim Gajser
World Championship:
- Lucas Coenen
- Jeffrey Herlings
- Tim Gajser
MX2
Argentina:
- Sacha Coenen
- Liam Everts
- Simon Längenfelder
World Championship:
- Simon Längenfelder
- Sacha Coenen
- Liam Everts
