The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship gets underway this weekend in the spectacular surroundings of Bariloche, Argentina, with five-time world champion Jeffrey Herlings beginning a new chapter in his career as he lines up for Honda HRC Petronas for the very first time.
Set in the Andes Mountains in the Patagonia region, the new Bariloche venue is one of the most picturesque stops on the MXGP calendar. While it’s a long journey for teams and riders, the Argentine round has built a reputation for delivering a vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans, making it a fitting location for the opening gate-drop of the season.
For Honda HRC Petronas, the weekend marks the debut of both Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle in the MXGP class with the team, alongside returning rider Ruben Fernandez, while Valerio Lata represents the squad in MX2. All four riders have been working through a busy pre-season in preparation for the 19-round championship, and this weekend will provide the first real indication of how they measure up against the world’s best.
For Jeffrey Herlings, the Argentine opener signals the start of a completely new era. The Dutch superstar joined Honda HRC Petronas on January 1, marking the first time in his professional career he has switched brands. The five-time world champion and the most successful GP winner in motocross history hasn’t had a great deal of time to adapt to his new Honda CRF450RW, but a victory at the Lierop International last weekend was an encouraging sign.
Reflecting on that result and his build-up to the season, Jeffrey Herlings said the win helped boost his confidence ahead of the championship opener.
“It was good to get the victory at Lierop last weekend, just to boost the confidence a bit and get a couple more gate drops under my belt,” Jeffrey Herlings said. “I’ve done a lot of training leading up to this race, but I still think I’m a little short of gate drops, but that can’t be changed and now I have to make sure I’m ready for this first GP.”
He also admitted that the transition to a new team and bike has made this pre-season different from most.
“It’s definitely been a different preseason than usual, and I’ve enjoyed the challenge, however now I have to go out and perform and have a good first GP for Honda HRC PETRONAS.”
Alongside Herlings in the MXGP class is Tom Vialle, who has quickly settled into his new environment after returning to Europe following his stint racing in the United States. The Frenchman, a two-time MX2 world champion, has adapted rapidly to the Honda CRF450RW and enters his rookie MXGP season after producing three podium finishes in pre-season races.
Having raced in Argentina before, Tom Vialle believes the location provides a unique start to the championship.
“I’ve had some good races in Argentina before, and I think it is a nice place to have the first round,” Tom Vialle said. “It really makes you believe you are back in the world championship when you have this travel and just a complete change of scenery from being in Europe.”
The French rider admits the opening round is always difficult to predict but is hopeful his solid preparation will carry into the weekend.
“This first race is always tough to predict how you will do, but I’ve had a good preseason with some solid races so hopefully now I can get those same results here and start the campaign strongly.”
For Ruben Fernandez, Argentina holds special memories. The Spaniard claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory in the country in 2023 and arrives at the opening round in strong form after winning a round of the Spanish Championship last weekend. Having ridden the prototype Honda CRF450RW during the 2025 season, he also heads into the event with the most experience on the machine within the team.
The Argentine crowd also gives Ruben Fernandez a sense of familiarity.
“I am always excited to go to Argentina, even though I have had good and bad memories there,” Ruben Fernandez said. “I always say it is like a home away from home, with all the Spanish-speaking fans there and just a similar vibe to being in Spain.”
Despite the long journey to South America, the Spaniard is eager to kick off the new championship.
“It is a long way to come but I enjoy it and I am really excited to get this season started.”
In the MX2 class, Valerio Lata enters his second season in the category with a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at the front of the highly competitive class. His rookie campaign in 2025 delivered a number of positives, along with valuable lessons that he hopes will translate into stronger results throughout the 2026 season.
Heading back to Argentina for the second time, Valerio Lata believes his added experience will make a difference.
“I feel much more confident heading to Argentina this year, than I did last year,” Valerio Lata said. “I know a lot more about what to expect and I just have a lot more experience about racing at this level now.”
After a productive off-season, the Italian feels both he and the bike are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
“I’ve raced these guys for a full season and had some good results and with a good winter under my belt, I think myself and the bike are in a much better position to challenge at the front of this MX2 pack.”
Honda HRC General Manager – MXGP Marcus Pereira de Freitas said the team had worked hard over the winter to prepare for the new campaign, and he was encouraged by the condition and confidence of all four riders heading into the opening round.
“It has certainly been a busy winter for everyone at Honda HRC PETRONAS, but it has been extremely exciting too,” Marcus Pereira de Freitas said. “Two new riders, but also two riders the same who are feeling really confident gives us a lot to look forward to this year and I think it can be a really productive year for everyone involved in the team.”
While acknowledging the pre-season timeline has been tight, he believes the riders are ready to perform.
“All four riders are coming in fit and healthy and while we all would have liked a bit more time, at the same time, we know that these guys will rise to occasion and show all the fans what they are capable of.”
With the 2026 season spanning 19 rounds across the globe, the Argentine Grand Prix represents just the first step in a long championship fight. For Honda HRC Petronas and its four riders, the immediate focus is clear — start strong, stay healthy and build momentum as the new MXGP campaign gets underway.
