The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship returned in spectacular fashion at the MXGP of France, with scorching temperatures, passionate fans, and edge-of-the-seat racing lighting up the Circuit Georges Filhol at LaCapelle-Marival.
After a four-week break, the championship resumed with Jeffrey Herlings and Guillem Farres delivering masterclass performances to secure overall victories in MXGP and MX2 respectively. The hardpack French circuit tested every rider under brutal 34-degree heat, producing technical battles and dramatic moments across both classes.
The paddock also united in support of French rider Thibault Benistant after a heavy crash during the opening MXGP race. Fans, teams, and riders all shared messages of support as the Team Honda Motoblouz SR Motul rider was airlifted to hospital for further treatment.
In MXGP, Honda HRC Petronas star Jeffrey Herlings continued his remarkable comeback season by taking his 115th career Grand Prix victory. The Dutch legend finished second in race one before edging Lucas Coenen in a thrilling second-race showdown to claim the overall win on countback.
Coenen once again showed incredible speed for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, taking the opening race victory and narrowly missing out on the overall after relentless pressure on Herlings in race two. Despite the loss, the young Belgian retained the championship red plate by just two points.
French hero Romain Febvre delighted the home crowd by fighting through adversity to finish third overall for Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP. The reigning world champion recovered strongly after difficulties in race one and secured a podium finish with an inspired ride in the second moto.
Tim Gajser impressed again for Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP with a podium finish in race one, while Maxime Renaux battled through the heat to finish fifth overall in front of his home supporters.
The second MXGP race produced one of the season’s best battles as Herlings and Coenen pushed each other to the absolute limit. Lap after lap, the Belgian searched for an opening, but the experienced Dutchman absorbed the pressure perfectly to take a dramatic race victory by less than a second.
The MX2 class belonged to Triumph Racing Factory Team as Guillem Farres delivered a perfect 1-1 performance to secure his first-ever Grand Prix victory. The Spaniard was flawless throughout the day and showed championship-winning composure under immense pressure.
South African star Camden McLellan completed a historic Triumph 1-2 overall with an outstanding performance of his own. McLellan looked rejuvenated after the championship break and came agonisingly close to taking victory in the final race after an intense late attack on his teammate.
French youngster Mathis Valin continued his impressive rise with another podium finish for Kawasaki Racing Team MX2. Racing in front of his home crowd, Valin showed excellent speed and consistency to finish third overall.
Championship leader Simon Längenfelder endured a difficult weekend by his standards but still managed valuable points to maintain the MX2 red plate. Meanwhile, Sacha Coenen’s crashes and mistakes allowed the German to extend his championship lead to eight points.
The MXGP championship battle is now reaching boiling point. Herlings sits only two points behind Coenen heading into Germany, while Febvre has climbed back into contention with momentum building on home soil.
In MX2, Farres has firmly established himself as a genuine title challenger after cutting the gap to Längenfelder to just 20 points. Triumph Racing Factory Team also left France with massive confidence thanks to McLellan’s breakthrough podium performance.
With Teutschenthal next on the calendar, the championship intensity is only increasing. The hardpack German circuit promises another fierce showdown as motocross’ biggest stars continue one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.
