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Tom Vialle talks about his MXGP restart

  After three successful years in the USA, he returns Tom Vialle 2026 with the Honda HRC PETRONAS Team Back on the MXGP stage – and with one of the most exciting steps of his career. The two-time world champion is making the move up to the 450cc class and will compete for the first time in the premier category of the Motocross World Championship. New bike, new team, new opponents – and at the same time, familiar territory in Europe.

Before the start of the season, the Frenchman answered questions from the international press about his return from America, the switch to the 450, his expectations for his first MXGP year and the special motivation that drives him.

Tom, after three years in the USA you're back in Europe and will be competing in the MXGP class on the 450 for the first time in 2026. How was the transition for you?

It was actually a nice return. I spent three years in the USA and before that four years here in Europe. Adjusting wasn't a huge adjustment; I quickly got back into the rhythm. Of course, the 450cc bike is new to me—this is my first season in this class—so there's still a lot to learn.

What was the biggest challenge when switching to the 450cc class?

Definitely the bike. The 450's performance is completely different, plus there's a new team and new opponents I've never raced against before. I've been riding the Honda since November and we've done a lot of testing to find a good setup I'm happy with. But testing and training is different from racing GPs – that will be the real test.

You've already achieved tremendous success in the 250cc class, both in the USA and in the World Championship. What are your expectations for your first 450cc season?

It's hard to say exactly. I've only just finished my first 450cc race. GP races are completely different from preparation races. The first step is to get on the podium and, if possible, fight for wins. Consistency is key because the season is long – almost 20 GPs. I want to be at the front every weekend and improve throughout the season.

How does racing in Europe differ from your time in the USA?

The tracks are different, the format is different – ​​in MXGP we have two race days and a long weekend. I know the European tracks, but I need to get used to the rhythm again. However, I spent four years here in the 250cc class, so I think I'll adapt quickly.

A third World Championship title would put you in a special position historically. Is that something that motivates you?

To be honest, I didn't even know that before. But of course, that would be a dream. Right now, I'm focused on developing in the 450cc class. If we can compete for titles someday, that would be fantastic.

Chase Sexton mentioned that he'd like to see you at the Motocross of Nations in Ernée. Would that be a particular goal for you?

Motocross of Nations is always something special, especially in France. I was there in 2023 and we won – that was one of the best weekends of my life. If I'm selected, I'd love to race again and compete against Chase. We've trained together a lot, but we've never actually battled each other on the track.

How would you describe your starting position before the first GP in Argentina?

I feel well prepared. We've worked hard, the bike is at a good level, and I've quickly readjusted to Europe. Now it's about putting that into practice in the race and progressing step by step.

Red Bull Romananiacs

Manuel Lettenbichler: Seventh victory at the Red Bull Romaniacs

 Ralph Marzahn 

Manuel Lettenbichler has added another chapter to his impressive success story at the Red Bull Romaniacs. The KTM factory rider won this year's edition of the hard enduro rally in Romania with a clear lead, thus equaling the previous record holder. It was already his seventh overall victory in one of the toughest off-road races in the world.

Early lead and no period of weakness

As usual, the event kicked off with the prologue in the streets of Sibiu. After Lettenbichler had already won the qualifying round, he finished the spectacular final in third place.

However, the German driver's true strength lay in the off-road section. On the very first off-road day, he secured a victory with a lead of almost eight minutes, taking the overall lead. A day later, he extended his advantage to more than 19 minutes with another stage win.

Lettenbichler remained the man to beat on the third day of off-road racing. Although he was beaten by less than a minute in the day's standings after a close duel, his lead in the overall standings was never seriously threatened.

Dominance on the final day

On the final day of racing, the 27-year-old left no room for doubt. With a superb ride, he won the final stage by 44 minutes, securing his overall victory.

At the finish line, his lead was more than an hour – a demonstration of strength rarely seen at the Red Bull Romaniacs. With his fourth consecutive victory at the event, Lettenbichler also set another impressive record.

"I never would have expected that."

His reaction at the finish line was correspondingly emotional. “To be honest, it’s hard to put into words. As I rode across the last meadows, I couldn’t help thinking about how far my journey in the sport has taken me. I never would have imagined winning the Red Bull Romaniacs for the seventh time.”

Lettenbichler particularly appreciates the effort this race demands every year. "Every victory here means an incredible amount of work and preparation. That's why this success is so special." He also enjoyed the course despite its enormous challenges. "There were some incredibly difficult sections. Nevertheless, I was able to ride my own race and really enjoy the final day. Crossing the finish line is always a fantastic feeling."

Focus on the Hard Enduro World Championship

With his triumph in Romania, Manuel Lettenbichler continues his extraordinary run of success. Seven victories at the Red Bull Romaniacs speak for themselves and once again underline his exceptional status in hard enduro racing.

Following the success in Romania, the focus now shifts back to the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. August 20th to 22th stands with Come on Orza The fourth round of the World Championships is on the program in Sweden. Lettenbichler wants to prove his strong form there once again.

Jeffrey Herlings on his win at Lommel

Jeffrey Herlings dominated Lommel and with Lucas Coenen not racing and Romain Febvre’s mechanical in race two, Herlings looks to be on the verge of a sixth world totle barring a disaster. 

The Dutchman was so dominant at Lommel it looked like his MX2 days, winning by 45 seconds in race one and he even won moto two with a clutch issue!

Herlings said: “It was a great weekend. Just like last weekend. We were topping every practice and two holeshots today. Just didn’t get the (Fox holeshot) plate, think because I went a bit wide, but yeah, so two good stars led every single lap and especially first moto was really enjoyable.

“Yeah, I had a little issue in moto two, so I had to reduce my speed, but we kept the distance to 15 seconds average and I could, you know, happy to finish that motor and Yeah, 1-1-1, 60 points, massive points for the championship now. So now it’s being focused. Trying to stay sharp and yeah, you got five more race to go.

“Obviously, we got to really work focus on Honda because on the sand, yeah, we got some work to do, but the team works extremely hard day in, day out and they take it extremely serious. So yeah, we keep we keep fighting hard and trying to get better.” 

On his bike issue in moto two, Herlings said he barelt used the clutch all moto! “I think half of the race was still going to go. How do you react to that? Yeah, every finish jump. I was doing a parade. Okay, one more lap. We can get one more lap and then yeah, you try to save the bike as good as you can and it’s also race management, you know, like if 1-1-1 you have to save the tires and yeah, I just had to save the motoo and luckily, I could do it.

“I think if you take my clutch out, it’s brand new. I haven’t even touched it. So Yeah, very thankful. At least I got a good start and was straight up front and I could do my race So like I said, we’re gonna we had we had a problem I can’t deny, you know, like we had a problem at Latvia. We had a problem here So we need to really work hard to to to try to not have this an honor. It will be the last sand race But we keep doing our best. Like I said, the team has my full backing and all the way around as well. They work extremely hard. 

Had Herlings even more pace if he needed it?

“The second moto you could see I couldn’t push anymore, I  was just trying to finish the race, but that first moto I could do  a good speed And I think I maybe one or two seconds left (to push harder) But I didn’t want to take that risk because I didn’t need too,  I managed win that moto with 45 seconds still so I like I said, I didn’t I didn’t have to do that.

“I Think Lucas was the guy to beat but you know, he’s hurt he’s not here and but I think even like in the first moto I would have had something for him. I think I could have definitely fight it with him so yeah, hopefully he will be back before the end of the season to have some good  battles. 

“I felt really good. Like the first moto was just like really good training right? Because I had no pressure from the back,  no-one in front so that was great and yeah, second motor was putting a gap like I think five six seconds, then a 15 second gap but then like I said, I had a little issues. I had to keep that maintenance. I tried to keep a 15 second lead and that’s what we did.”

Herlings elaborated more on the Honda machine saying it’s like a baby! “I’m quite surprised about how the Honda was. Like I said, it’s 17 years on the KTM. I signed blindly with Honda without testing the Honda, so it was a big gamble and luckily it paid off in a good way.

“Plus this is a prototype bike This bike only just is in the shops right now. So it’s like a baby, we still have to make it work. And there’s still some children’s sicknesses in the bike because it’s a brand new bike. The bike Tim road last year had already multiple years on there and a lot of experience and knowledg, so we’re still learning and discovering but the bike just suit is me better. It’s a bit more snappy, The KTM is as a lot of torque, but is a more lazy bike and more harsh the Honda is moving a bit more and it’s much more sharper for the start. That’s something I requested that I needed and the first starts I did I know Giacomo was there as well in Spain, oh wow, this bike is insane!”

“So for me like I took again today two good starts & last weekend in Foxhill. So yeah, my side has improved and put together with the team, we also work extremely hard to do so and I just think this bike suits me realy good. And also on the sand now because beginning of the year we were a bit struggling on the sand but we changed some parts and right now in the sand like today you could see, it’s good and the bike is looking silky smooth.”

Herlings Looks Very Fast at Lommel

HRC factory rider, Jeffrey Herlings has won the Saturday MXGP qualification race with a near flag-to-flag performance. While it was Isak Gifting with the early lead, Herlings moved into the top spot quickly and was followed by Kay De Wolf, and those two Hollanders just took off. Third was Andrea Adamo on the KTM factory machine.

Jeffrey Herlings: You know, this crash shouldn't have happened. An okay start, second or third and managed to do my own speed and control the race. Pulled the win and looking forward to tomorrow.

Kay De Wolf: It is going to an extra 10 minutes tomorrow and I was playing it smart and then Jeffrey fell in the final lap. I felt comfortable being behind Jeffrey and I will try and get a tow to the finish line tomorrow.

Championship points are Jeffrey Herlings 625 points, Lucas Coenen 566pts, Romain Febvre 545pts, Tim Gajser 496pts, and Andrea Adamo 419 pts. A 59 points lead for Herlings leading into tomorrow.

MXGP Qualification race

Gifting with the lead in the MXGP qualification race, then Herlings, De Wolf, Vialle, Adamo, Gajser, Bonacorsi, Febvre, Van De Moosdijk, Elzinga and Fernandez. Herlings into the lead and De Wolf also passed Gifting and chasing after Herlings. Febvre a mistake and dropped back into ninth place.

Herlings got away from De Wolf, who got away from Adamo, who had passed Gifting and Vialle also passed the Swedish rider. Then came Gajser, Bonacorsi, Fernandez, Febvre and Van De Moosdijk.

De Wolf a little closer to the leader, but Adamo lost a lot of ground on the two Dutchmen, who were 10 seconds ahead, and Vialle five seconds behind Adamo. Gajser still fifth, but 20 seconds behind Herlings, then came Gifting, Bonacorsi, Fernandez, Febvre and Van De Moosdijk.

Febvre maybe in trouble as his bike started to smoke and he didn’t look comfortable. Herlings and De Wolf look spectacular in front and Vialle closing up on Adamo for third place. Top ten on lap seven was Herlings, De Wolf, Adamo, Vialle, Gajser, Gifting, Febvre, Bonacorsi, Fernandez and Van De Moosdijk.

Herlings still in control on lap eight, but de Wolf not giving up as he lost a little ground, with the gap between the two Dutchmen now 4.2 seconds, with Adamo 30 seconds back, and Vialle 32 back. The lead grew to 6.2 seconds, and de Wolf probably struggling with condition, after being out for some time.

Gajser catching Vialle and Febvre getting closer to Gifting. Herlings still way out front now, with nearly 10 seconds over de Wolf. Gifting a crash and Febvre into sixth position. Herlings despite a last lap slip up and hit the deck, wins it from De Wolf and Adamo.

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Jett on the All-New CRF450R

Could the Coenens Lose the Titles?

What happens if the Coenen brothers miss out on the World Cup title?

 Ralph Marzahn  July 29, 2026

Everything seemed to be decided long ago. Lucas Coenen and his twin brother Sacha are considered strong candidates for a move to the USA. There, they are expected to take the next steps in their careers from 2027 onwards and strengthen KTM in both the AMA Supercross and the Pro Motocross Championship.

Although this step has not yet been officially confirmed, hardly anyone in the paddock doubts that the brothers will be competing on the other side of the Atlantic in the future.

However, the developments of the past few weeks raise a question that can be discussed: Is now really the right time for a change?

Two title fights have completely changed.

Just a few weeks ago, there were strong indications that KTM would be moving to the USA with two newly crowned world champions.

Lucas Coenen dominated large parts of the MXGP season and had built up a comfortable lead in the World Championship. After his injury-related retirement in Loket, all of that is gone. Jeffrey Herlings has completely closed the gap and suddenly leads the standings by 49 points.

Nothing is decided in MX2 either. Despite losing the red plate, Sacha Coenen remains a title contender, but every Grand Prix demonstrates just how close the competition has become. A small mistake or a technical problem can change the course of an entire championship.

This is precisely what gives the discussion about the planned move to the USA a new dynamic.

Would KTM simply give up two title chances?

From a sporting perspective, a perfectly valid question arises. Why would KTM let two riders go who might be among the top title contenders in MXGP and MX2 again just a few months later?

Lucas Coenen, in particular, has shown that he already possesses the pace to win Grand Prix races regularly. Even if he narrowly misses out on the 2026 World Championship title, it would hardly weaken him. On the contrary, a lost title could even provide additional motivation for another season in Europe.

Sacha Coenen is also still developing. His speed is undeniable. Consistency and race intelligence often only develop with increasing experience. Another year in MX2 could be just the final step before he too makes it to the very top.

A look at the entire KTM squad

However, this consideration does not only concern the two Belgians.

Should Lucas and Sacha actually move to the USA at the same time, KTM will lose two of its biggest European talents in one fell swoop. Lucas, in particular, is already considered one of the riders with the potential to shape the face of MXGP for years to come.

Of course, KTM still has a strong up-and-coming talent pool, and with Maxime Renaux's potential move to DeCarli, the Italian branch of the KTM factory team, they have a top rider. Nevertheless, a gap is emerging that cannot be filled overnight.

On the other hand, the US factory team is exceptionally strong with riders like Eli Tomac and Julien Beaumer. Whether they actually need both brothers immediately is at least a legitimate question.

Contracts usually speak a different language.

However understandable these considerations may be, the reality in professional sports is usually different.

A move to the USA isn't decided just a few weeks before the end of the season. Such programs are often developed one or even two years in advance. Teams plan their driver lineups long-term, sponsors align their campaigns accordingly, and manufacturers adjust development, testing, and marketing to these decisions.

If there are already signed contracts, the outcome of the current World Cup is unlikely to change much.

Europe or America – both have their appeal.

The situation is also unclear for the brothers themselves.

Another year in Europe would give them the chance to make up for a potentially missed world championship title. At the same time, for many European riders, the move to the USA represents the next big career step. Supercross enjoys enormous global attention, the AMA Pro Motocross Championship is one of the sport's most prestigious series, and many manufacturers consider the American market to be of particular strategic importance.

So there are good arguments for both approaches.

The coming weeks could further fuel the discussion.

All these considerations have yet to progress beyond the discussion stage. There is no indication that KTM is actually reconsidering its plans or questioning decisions already made.

Nevertheless, the final stretch of the season could change the perspective on the planned move. Should Lucas Coenen actually lose the MXGP title or Sacha narrowly miss out in MX2, the question will likely be raised more loudly as to whether KTM should really send two riders with open world championship contracts to the USA immediately.

From a sporting perspective, another year in Europe would certainly be understandable. Whether this idea was ever a realistic option or remains merely an interesting thought experiment will probably only become clear in the coming months.

The time is now

Inside MXGP