Herlings and Vialle look ahead to the French GP

The MXGP World Championship returns to Lacapelle-Marival in southern France for its sixth round, following a month-long hiatus after Jeffrey Herlings’ victory in Trentino, Italy. The break has allowed the Honda HRC PETRONAS team to maintain momentum, with Herlings, Tom Vialle, and Ruben Fernandez all securing wins in national races across Europe. This busy period has kept the riders sharp and confident, with the team arriving in France well-prepared to tackle the technical, hard-pack circuit known for its tight layout. Valerio Lata, the MX2 rider, has also found renewed form after success in Italian national events, setting his sights on returning to the podium among the world’s fastest 250cc competitors. Both Herlings and Vialle have previously triumphed at Lacapelle-Marival, giving them valuable experience on the demanding track. However, the high calibre of this year’s competition means that podium finishes will require flawless bike setups and strong teamwork. The forecast for sunny and dry conditions promises an exciting weekend for riders and fans alike, with a large French crowd expected to witness the action. The Honda HRC PETRONAS squad is eager to deliver a strong performance and build on their current momentum as the season progresses. Herlings expressed satisfaction with his active break, emphasising the benefits of racing over training to maintain fitness and competitive edge. He credited his team for their support during the period and is ready to refocus on the championship. Vialle, meanwhile, reflected on the unusual mid-season pause, noting a refreshing trip to the United States before returning to intense preparation. He is motivated by his past success at the venue and the prospect of racing in front of his home fans, which adds to his enthusiasm for the weekend. Ruben Fernandez acknowledged consistent but improvable performances in the early rounds and aims to convert his potential into stronger results, including podium finishes. His recent national race success has helped build confidence ahead of the French GP. Valerio Lata also highlighted his determination to bounce back from a disappointing result in Trentino, drawing confidence from his recent Italian national victory. He is optimistic about the French track and eager to challenge the leading riders in the MX2 class.