France welcomes Honda HRC PETRONAS after month-long MXGP break

The sixth round of the 2026 MXGP World Championship is set to take place in Lacapelle-Marival, southern France, marking the return to competition after a month-long hiatus following Jeffrey Herlings’ victory in Trentino, Italy. The Honda HRC PETRONAS team arrives in strong form, with Herlings, Tom Vialle, and Rubén Fernández all enjoying successful outings in various national races during the break. This busy period of competition across Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the UK has helped maintain the riders’ sharpness and confidence ahead of the French round, which promises to be a crucial mid-season test. Both Herlings and Vialle have prior success at Lacapelle-Marival, a demanding hard-pack circuit known for its tight and technical layout. Their familiarity with the track will be an advantage, but the level of competition this year means that securing a podium finish will require flawless preparation and teamwork to optimise their Honda CRF machines. Valerio Lata, the team’s MX2 rider, has also gained momentum after winning races in Italy, boosting his confidence as he returns to contest the world’s fastest 250cc riders with renewed ambition. The riders expressed a mix of optimism and determination ahead of the French GP. Fernández highlighted his consistent points tally so far but aims to push closer to the front of the field, building on his recent national race success. Vialle reflected on the unusual mid-season break and his positive experiences racing in the United States and at national events, looking forward to competing in front of his home crowd. Herlings emphasised the value of racing during the break over training, feeling fit and ready to resume the championship, while Lata acknowledged his earlier struggles and focused on translating his recent form into a strong GP performance. Team manager Marcus Pereira de Freitas noted that the entire Honda HRC PETRONAS squad has been active throughout the break, supporting the riders at various events and preparing intensively for the upcoming GP schedule. The victories secured during this period have bolstered confidence across the team, setting the stage for what is expected to be a demanding and competitive phase of the championship. With favourable weather forecasted, the French round is anticipated to draw a large crowd and provide an exciting spectacle for fans and competitors alike.