Rider Reflections: 2026 MXGP of France
Read what a host of MXGP riders had to say about their weekend at the 2026 MXGP of France.
Jeffrey Herlings: "It was a tough weekend, with the weather and the track conditions, but to go one-two-one across the weekend is exactly what we wanted. I got the start in the second moto when I needed it, and although Lucas was behind me the whole race, I was able to ride a mistake-free race, and even getting some cramp near the end, I held on and took the victory. We did a lot of work during this break from the GPs, both racing and testing, so I want to thank everyone at Honda HRC PETRONAS for their efforts. This season is going to be a marathon, not a sprint, so I just need to keep going."
Lucas Coenen: “Honestly, I was careful today, and I didn’t quite understand why the first race was stopped, but, anyway, we regrouped for the second start, and I almost had the holeshot. I did everything I could: going left, going right and I couldn’t do any more. I felt like I was faster in some places and then trying also to avoid the roost. I felt also that I was the fastest guy today…but it was important to stay close in the championship and take the points. We all know it will be a long one. We’ll keep working like this towards the next round.”
Romain Febvre: "I wasn't expecting a podium after that first race; I used a lot of energy for that seventh after the crash. I had to fight hard again in race two for third, so I'm so happy to make it to the podium for the French fans."
Kay de Wolf: “It was a really demanding weekend physically because the track became super rough and the heat made it even tougher every lap. I felt good with the bike all weekend, and the speed was there, especially in qualifying, so that’s positive. The holeshot in race two was nice, but overall I just wanted a little bit more from the motos. Still, we stayed consistent, scored solid points, and we keep building.”
Maxime Renaux: "Looking at the bigger picture, it was still a good weekend for the championship. Of course, in the short term it’s disappointing to miss the podium at my home GP, but I just didn’t have the legs to push past Febvre in the second moto. Still, I’m taking the positives from the weekend. We know there are a few areas we still need to work on, so we’ll keep pushing and continue improving. We scored good points for the championship, but obviously we want to fight for more, so now we move on."
Andrea Adamo: “A pretty good weekend, pretty solid. I think I could have done a bit better in the second moto, but I was not feeling the best. The track was drier, and it was harder to find the lines and the right rhythm. P6 overall and only a few points from the podium. We need to keep working to get even closer. A satisfying GP.”
Rubén Fernández: "Solid weekend, and similar points to previous rounds, but I’m still not satisfied with it and would much prefer to be nearer the front guys. It wasn’t an easy track, and the weather didn’t help either, but the conditions were the same for everyone, and I just need to improve a couple of things and I think I’ll be close. Now we go to Germany, where I’ve had good and bad races, but I’m going to try and make sure 2026 is a good one."
Image: HRC MXGP
