MXGP Wednesday, 8th April 2026 Honda HRC PETRONAS aiming for victory in Sardegna

Honda HRC PETRONAS is targeting another victory as the MXGP series heads to the deep sand track of Riola Sardo in Sardinia, Italy. Following recent wins by Jeffrey Herlings in the opening round and Tom Vialle in Switzerland, the team is eager to build on this momentum. Both riders currently sit second and third in the championship standings, but they recognise the need to maintain their winning form to challenge for further titles. The upcoming race presents a crucial opportunity to extend their success on a surface that traditionally favours their riding styles. Tom Vialle has demonstrated resilience after a challenging weekend in the Netherlands, where he struggled initially but showed strong pace and overtaking ability on a difficult track. Meanwhile, Herlings enjoyed a highly productive off-weekend, securing four race wins across two countries, which should bolster his confidence ahead of the Sardinian round. The sandy conditions at Riola Sardo are expected to suit Herlings particularly well, given his proven expertise on similar terrain. Meanwhile, Ruben Fernandez and Valerio Lata, the other two Honda riders, are also preparing to capitalise on the sand track, with Fernandez aiming to convert recent strong performances into a podium finish and Lata eager to impress on home soil. The riders have expressed a mix of determination and cautious optimism ahead of the race. Fernandez admitted some frustration over missed opportunities in Switzerland but is confident that his sand riding has improved over the winter. Vialle acknowledged the difficulties he faced recently but remains motivated to secure another GP win. Herlings emphasised the importance of consistent point scoring to keep his championship hopes alive, while Lata highlighted the physical demands of the rough sand track and his focus on energy conservation throughout the race duration. From a team perspective, Honda HRC PETRONAS is focused on maintaining their strong start to the season. Team manager Marcus Pereira de Freitas noted that despite a break from racing, preparations have continued intensively to ensure readiness for the back-to-back challenges in Sardinia and the subsequent home GP in Trentino. With two wins already secured in the first three rounds, the team is aiming to extend their lead and sustain the momentum as the championship progresses. The upcoming races will be a significant test of both rider skill and team strategy on contrasting tracks.