Rider Reflections: 2026 MXGP of China
Read what a host of MXGP riders had to say about their weekend at the 2026 MXGP of China.
MXGP
Jeffrey Herlings: "It’s great to keep this winning streak going, but it certainly hasn’t been easy these past few GPs. Every time someone has stepped up and made life difficult for me, but I still managed to get the job done. Obviously my starts have helped me out, so a big thank you to the team for all their work with that, but yeah, I’m also on a nice run winning every session as well, so I’m just hoping to keep that rolling until the end of the season."
Romain Febvre: "I always feel good when it's really warm, though at least it's not so hot as last year. I have always been physically fit so I don't miss any energy and can push even when it's hot. After the first moto I knew it would be the battle between Jeffrey and myself; I could not quite make the pass even though I tried everything, but it was good to finally battle with him at the front again. With two laps to go I was there; we were close on the last lap but I cross-rutted on a jump, got sideways and I said OK."
Tom Vialle: "I had a crash in warm-up today which wasn’t nice, and I bit my tongue and hurt my neck, and while it wasn’t big, it was just annoying to ride with. I felt my speed was good for the first half of the races, but I couldn’t keep it going until the end, so that was a little frustrating, but overall, I am happy to be on the podium. Of course I want to try and win in Australia. I didn’t race there last year, but it is the final round of the season, and I will give it everything I have."
Calvin Vlaanderen: “It was a good weekend overall, I'm happy with my riding and my speed already from the first practice on Saturday. I had a good feeling with the track and the bike and I felt like I was fourth best all weekend long, so it was nice to get a good start on that second race and to finish in fourth overall. Let's carry this momentum into Australia for the final round; thanks to all the team and the crew for the hard work, and let's try and finish off with the good result.”
Pauls Jonass: "No mistakes today, but I just couldn't find my flow in the first moto. I had a good jump in the second moto, but I was just a bit too far outside going into the first turn; then I made some good moves through the first lap. It was hot and humid again, but at least it wasn't crazy like last year. Fifth doesn't look bad on paper, but it would be nice to end the season next week with a podium in Australia."
Image: Kawasaki
