The 2025 MXGP season roared into action in Argentina, and it didn’t disappoint. Despite skepticism surrounding the new venue, the track proved to be a winner, delivering exciting racing with big jumps, technical sections, and different line choices.
Maxime Renaux returned to the top step for the first time in nearly two years, while both MXGP and MX2 saw multiple race winners – suggesting we’re in for a highly competitive season. From Ducati’s impressive full-season debut to standout performances from rookies and privateers, round one gave us plenty to unpack. Let’s dive in!
The track: There was a lot of negativity as Infront Moto Racing unfortunately had to move away from the previous track in Argentina (this was out of their control due to a new land owner). People didn’t want to give the new circuit a chance but it turned out superb. A lot of overnight rain but after the first MX2 moto, conditions were pretty much bone dry. Big jumps, technical sections and not completely one lined. Credit to everyone involved as a lot of work went into it – over a million tons of dirt was brought in to make it possible.
Maxime Renaux: It’s nearly been two years since the Frenchman has stood on the top step of the box. His awful foot injury was a major setback but whilst he looked strong in pre-season, he was even on another at round one. It’s only round one so let’s not get too hyped yet but if we isolate that one race he looks back to his best.
No run away winners in either class: There’s no doubt that coming into the season, many people thought that Kay de Wolf (MX2) and Tim Gajser (MXGP) are heavy favourites to win the titles. Whilst they still are and could end up running away with the things – the opening round saw three different race winners in MX2 and two different race winners in MXGP without Gajser winning a moto. Let’s hope this can continue and we nice seeing plenty of battles at the front of the field.
Lucas Coenen: Coming into the event, everyone interested heard about the Belgian and the potential injuries he might be carrying. He was aided by two wrist braces and Saturday was not good to say the least. However, the 18 year old showed his battling qualities when it mattered on race day battling to sixth overall on what was his MXGP debut. Hopefully he hasn’t made the injury any worse and he doesn’t do much until Cozar. Speed won’t be his issue moving forward anyway so hopefully he’s 100% ASAP. The 450cc isn’t a toy which he has already figured out but fingers crossed he can then stay injury free when he recovers.
Ducati: The MXGP project has been in the works for a while now but it was great to see the new brand in Argentina in what is their first full season. They managed to get two holeshots on race day so the bike is certainly fast out of the gate. Guadagnini was very impressive finishing fourth overall with Jeremy Seewer twelfth overall but he had the speed for more with the sixth in moto one reflecting that.
Valentin Guillod: It’s hard to be impressed with the Swiss talent. After being in a situation of having no ride for 2025, he didn’t moan. Instead he setup his own privateer effort and is riding a bike anyone can buy of the shop. Fifth in race two, fantastic and hopefully he can keep it up – he deserves a ride!
Laengenfelder throws it away: The young German won’t want to be reminded of the weekend. He totally had the GP win in the bag and if the race was one lap shorter he’d have stood on the top step of box. However, it wasn’t and the heat affected him badly – it looked like he could barely ride and as a result crashed twice dropping to third overall. Despite being spent physically on the podium it was nice to hear him talk about winning the world title and it is his goal to become champion this year.
Liam Everts: We didn’t official know until Tuesday before the GP that the Belgian would even race. He went to the first round with zero expectations and even told Paul Malin on Friday the biggest win is the fact he could even line up. The Nestaan Husqvarna rider got better every session and ended up fourth overall. The ride of the weekend without question and he can now be considered a serious MX2 title contender.
McLellan needs starts: We didn’t see too much of the South African on TV because he couldn’t get out of the gate. He quietly had a great weekend finishing fifth overall and if he can get out of the gate he could be dangerous moving forward. It was also nice to see his team mate, Gullem Farres back racing GP’s as he ended up seventh overall despite not racing much the past few years due to injures. He’ll only get better.
EMX250 graduates: You can’t deny the pace the MX2 rookies have. Cas Valk with a sixth overall, Valerio Lata ninth and Mathis Valin thirteenth despite not scoring points in race one after crashing out challenging for the lead. As they adapt to racing the World Championship and gain experience they’ll only improve.
