＜FIM Motocross World Championship＞ Jeffrey Herlings Claims MXGP World Championship Title

– Crowned World Champion in His First Year with Honda HRC PETRONAS –

TOKYO, Japan, September 7, 2026 - Honda HRC PETRONAS rider Jeffrey Herlings (31, Netherlands) claimed the series championship in MXGP, the premier class, at Round 17 of the 2026 FIM* Motocross World Championship (MXGP), the Türkiye GP, held from September 5–6.

Herlings joined Honda HRC PETRONAS for the 2026 season and made a strong start with victory at the season-opening Argentina GP. By the end of Round 16, the Netherlands GP, he had recorded 10 victories, including five consecutive wins, and held a commanding 143-point lead over the second-ranked rider, putting him within reach of the championship.

At Round 17, the Türkiye GP, Herlings won the Qualifying Race and then took the holeshot and victory in Race 1. With his resulting points advantage over the second-ranked rider, he secured the MXGP championship with two rounds remaining. He went on to win Race 2 as well, completing an overall victory at the Türkiye GP to celebrate his championship success.

The title is Herlings’ third MXGP World Championship and was achieved in his first season with the team aboard Honda’s factory machine, the CRF450RW.

^{* FIM: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme}

Jeffrey Herlings, Honda HRC PETRONAS

“Wow. What a ride it’s been to win this sixth world title. Even since my last one in 2021 to finally get number six is just an incredible feeling. Joining Honda HRC PETRONAS on January 1st and everything being new, new bike, new team, new gear, and it hasn’t always been easy but I think you can see all the work that we’ve done and you can see the results on the track. Just so glad to have made it happen and a big thank you to the team and to my friends and family who have supported me through some tough times.”

Marcus Pereira de Freitas, Honda HRC PETRONAS Team Manager

“It has been an amazing effort from Jeffrey and the whole team. This year has been one of the hardest years, but I think it proves that hard work pays off because when you look at the performances that Jeffrey has been putting in this year, especially these last few weeks, this championship is exactly what he deserves. He is a tremendous talent and his determination is second to none, and to win this championship in his first season with the team, and on Honda machinery just shows how capable he is as a rider, and the strong capabilities of the bike. A big thank you to Jeffrey, to the whole team at the races, and also everyone back at Japan for helping make this happen, I am proud of everyone.”

Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation

“I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to Jeffrey Herlings for winning the MXGP World Championship in his first year with Honda HRC PETRONAS. In a new environment with a new machine and a new team, he won from the opening round and demonstrated throughout the season the speed and strength of a rider competing at the highest level in the world. In particular, during the second half of the season, he continued to take victories in a variety of track conditions and made powerful progress toward securing the title, inspiring all of us along the way. This title is the result not only of Herlings’ tireless efforts, but also of the entire team—including Team Manager Marcus and all of the staff and riders—coming together under the new structure and continuing to take on the challenge as one. Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors and everyone involved who have supported Honda HRC PETRONAS, as well as motocross fans around the world for their passionate support.”