It’s hard to remember a time when MXGP has looked this deep, this unpredictable, and this loaded with elite talent. Big-name switches, MX2 stars stepping up, and proven champions all lining up on new machinery has created a perfect storm heading into the new season. On paper, it already feels like a barn stormer, and once the gate drops at round 1, it could be even better.
Here’s why.
Tim Gajser, A New Chapter on Yamaha
Tim Gajser’s move to Yamaha is one of the biggest talking points of the off-season, and so far, it looks like a match made in heaven. Pre-season footage has shown him looking incredibly comfortable on the YZ-F, with the same aggressive, yet somehow smooth and controlled riding style that’s made him a multiple time world champion. There’s no sign of a learning curve, if anything, Gajser looks free, confident, and ready to let her eat. If he carries that into the season, he’s going to be right in the title hunt from round one.
Jeffrey Herlings, A New Bike, Same Bullet
Seeing Jeffrey Herlings on a factory HRC Honda already feels strangely normal. While it’s true that everyone looks good riding alone in pre season, there’s something about the way Herlings has been riding the CRF that suggests the bond is good. Flow, aggression, comfort, it’s all there. When Herlings is happy, he’s one of the most dangerous riders the sport has ever seen, and this new partnership could potentially unlock yet another chapter of dominance.
Tom Vialle, Back Where He Belongs
After his time in the United States, Tom Vialle’s return to MXGP on a factory HRC Honda feels like a natural next step. Now stepping up to the 450, he’s looked sharp in pre-l season and delivered a strong first showing at the Paris Supercross. Vialle has always been technically brilliant, and with a full blown factory team like Factory Honda behind him, he looks ready to make an immediate impact in the big boy class.
Andrea Adamo, Champion Mentality, Big Bike
Andrea Adamo’s move to the 450 class brings serious pedigree with it. A former MX2 World Champion, he’s already proven he knows how to manage pressure, race with his head, and deliver when it matters. Staying within the factory KTM structure gives him continuity, and that familiarity could be key as he adapts to the bigger bike. With his race craft and hunger, Adamo won’t just be learning the new class he’ll be attacking up front.
Kay de Wolf, A Dangerous Step Up
Kay de Wolf isn’t just another MX2 graduate, he was battling for the MX2 World Championship only months ago. Now stepping into MXGP with the same team, the transition should be smoother than most. Add in the fact that he’s already beaten Jeffrey Herlings on a 450 in the Netherlands, and suddenly he becomes a very serious contender. De Wolf has the speed, the confidence, and the belief to cause problems for everyone.
And That’s Not Even the Whole Grid
What makes this season truly exciting is that all of these riders will be lining up against an already stacked MXGP field. Romain Febvre, the reigning world champion, who will be fighting to defend his crown. Maxime Renaux is always a threat when things click. Pauls Jonass, and Kevin Horgmo bring consistency and experience. Thibault Benistant adds raw speed and youth in his move up to MXGP.
And then there’s the new Ducati era, with Calvin Vlaanderen and Andrea Bonacorsi joining Jeremy Seewer for the red brand’s continued push into MXGP, adding even more intrigue to an already wild mix.
When you look at the names, the manufacturers, and the storylines, it’s hard not to get excited.
2026 will be one for the books.
Big transfers. Young stars stepping up. Proven champions switching brands. Factory teams going all-in.
This MXGP season has everything you could ask for, and if even half of these riders hit their potential, we could be in for one of the most competitive, dramatic, and unpredictable years the championship has seen in a very long time.
Get ready.
MXGP is about to go off!
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