Interview: Jan Pancar – “I feel like I’m pretty close to my level now”

Jan Pancar has emerged as one of the standout independent riders in the MXGP World Championship, impressing last season by consistently challenging factory-backed competitors despite running his own team. However, his 2026 campaign has been more difficult, hampered initially by food poisoning at the opening round in Argentina and ongoing challenges in fine-tuning his bike setup. Despite these setbacks, Pancar remains optimistic, citing a recent strong performance in the Italian Championship where he comfortably beat Andrea Adamo in a moto as evidence that he is close to regaining his top form. The Slovenian rider explained that the early struggles this season were largely due to physical setbacks and difficulties with bike balance and cornering confidence. He detailed how frequent adjustments to suspension clickers, handlebar positioning, and clamps were necessary to find the right setup, underscoring how small changes can significantly impact performance. Pancar’s commitment to managing his own team structure rather than joining a factory outfit was a tough decision, but he remains hopeful that improved results in the latter half of the season will attract better offers. Pancar also shared insights into the current state of MXGP track preparation, noting that recent changes in dirt quality and track layout have influenced racing dynamics. He suggested that adding bumps on the inside of corners could encourage more competitive outside lines, while also critiquing the timing and compactness of dirt application, which has led to inconsistent surfaces. Reflecting on broader trends, he expressed a preference for a balance between hard pack and rutty tracks, highlighting the importance of visibility and smooth straightaways for better racing. Looking ahead, Pancar is confident that his best performances are still to come this season. He emphasised the importance of strong starts, acknowledging that starting within the top five is crucial to maintaining pace with leading riders. With his physical condition fully recovered and bike setup improving, the KTM rider remains determined to build on his promising early-season glimpses and secure a factory ride in the near future.