Honda HRC’s rider line-up could undergo some significant changes heading into 2027. While Ruben Fernandez’s future remains undecided, with the Spaniard understood to have several options for next season, it would not be surprising to see the official Honda squad, managed by Giacomo Gariboldi, once again field a four-rider structure, with two riders in MXGP and two in MX2.
In the premier class, Honda HRC already has its 2027 duo in place with Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle, both of whom are under contract with the Japanese manufacturer. The next step will therefore be to define the shape of the MX2 programme, which could once again feature two riders next season.
At the end of 2025, Giacomo Gariboldi ended his collaboration with Ferruccio Zanchi, who is now racing with Ducati, while retaining Valerio Lata as the team’s sole MX2 representative. However, Lata’s time with Honda HRC is also expected to come to an end after the 2026 season, with the Italian now linked to the De Carli KTM team. That naturally raises the question: who will take over the MX2 mantle at HRC in 2027?
Maxime Grau on HRC’s radar?
We have good reason to believe that Maxime Grau could be in line for a factory Honda ride next season.
One of the revelations of the 2026 MX2 World Championship season, the Frenchman has taken an important step forward this year with Maddii Racing Honda. Regularly running at the sharp end of the field and capable of mixing it with the factory riders, Grau appears to have found the keys he had been missing to fully unlock his potential this season — while also staying clear of injuries.
His results are all the more impressive given that Grau is running at the front without factory equipment. On several occasions this season, the Frenchman has even been the leading Honda rider in MX2, despite running a package that differs significantly from those available to Honda’s official riders — to put it mildly, his bike is close to stock.
That progress has naturally not gone unnoticed. Grau is understood to have received several offers for 2027, including one from Ducati. However, the Frenchman is believed to have turned that option down in order to pursue an opportunity with the highly regarded HRC team.
A return to factory status would represent another important step in Maxime Grau’s career. Since his time with Nestaan Husqvarna, the Frenchman has not been part of another factory programme, but he has never stopped pushing forward. At just 20 years old, his potential for further improvement remains particularly interesting.
Born in 2006, Maxime Grau belongs to the same generation as Mathis Valin, Sacha Coenen, Ferruccio Zanchi and Julius Mikula. We are also hearing that the Czech rider, currently racing for Osicka KTM, could be in line for a strong opportunity with HRC next year.
As always, we will have to wait for official announcements to confirm or deny these reports. Until then, we will continue to keep you updated on the paddock rumours and the various moves taking place behind the scenes. And there are plenty of them
