HOnda HRC Petronas is now the new name of the Honda factory team in the Motocross World Championship. Just like Honda's official Dakar team, Monster Energy will also be riding the bikes of Jeffrey Herlings, Tom Vialle, Ruben Fernandez and Valerio Lata are featured.
It will take some getting used to for ex-Red Bull athletes Jeffrey herlings en Tom VialleAfter years of wearing the famous bull on their helmets, they now ride around with the equally famous green claw!
It has been a hectic winter period for everyone in the team.
Busy preparation for a tough season
New riders had to be integrated on the CRF450RW, while also working together with the new sponsors Petronas en Monster Energy took shape. For Herlings, this also involved adjusting to new equipment. The Bullit rode his entire professional career with Alpinestars boots and clothing, while wearing an Airoh helmet.
Now he has Fox boots on his feet, wears a Bell helmet one Fox clothing. Only the Oakley glasses remain from Herlings' classic setup!
With no fewer than four factory riders and a long calendar of 20 GP's spread all over the world, Honda HRC Petronas has certainly not been bored with the preparation in recent months
Jeffrey Herlings: chasing a sixth world title
For the 31 year old herlings – record holder for GP victories – it's not just about extending that record, but also about that coveted sixth world title. The Dutchman couldn't begin testing until January 1st. This marked the start of a super-intense period.
Herlings now uses a number pre-season races to build up his race rhythm before the starting gate drops in Bariloche, Argentina on March 7-8.
Tom Vialle: From America Back to Europe
Besides Herlings, another notable newcomer will be at the start: two-time MX2 world champion Tom Vialle (25) The Frenchman returns to Europe after an extremely successful stay in America, where he also won two Supercross titles.
2026 will be special for Vialle: it will be his first season at the 450 cc And the first time on Honda equipment. A double challenge for the talented Frenchman.
Ruben Fernandez: ready for the next step
Reuben Fernandez (26) returns to the team after a strong 2025 season in which he was fourth finished in the MXGP World Championship. The Spaniard, with race number 70, was consistent throughout the season and regularly showed flashes of speed.
That will result in three podiums for the former GP winner in 2025. Fernandez's goal for this season? To show those flashes of speed more often and compete for victory regularly!
Valerio Lata: podiumhonger in MX2
The sole representative in the MX2 is Valerio Lata. The 20-year-old Italian is facing his second World Cup campaign and is starting with much more confidence. Lata's 2025 teammate, Ferrucio Zanchi, moved to Beddini Racing Ducati in the off-season.
The former EMX125 champion concluded the season in Australia with his first MX2 podium finish. Now that Lata knows what it takes, he worked hard during the winter break to increase his chances of securing top-three finishes this season.
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: Fullspectrum / Bavo Swijgers
