HERLINGS AND HONDA

Five-time world motocross champion, Jeffrey Herlings has made the big move to the Honda HRC factory team, and without question, this is one of the most exciting things to happen, probably in the sports history.

Herlings, one of the all-time greats and greatest GP winner in the sports history will head into 2026 coming off a very positive end to 2025, where he finished with three GP wins and two second placed finishes.

A change from KTM to Honda is as big a change as anyone has probably ever had, but Herlings is up for the challenge and knows that with hard work, a lot of testing and riding, he will enter the opening Grand Prix in Argentina, with confidence and a good relationship with his bike.

“Everything is different,” Herlings told NOS1 sport channel in the Netherlands. “Not just the bike, but the clothing, the engine and the people I am working with. Everything is different. The relationship with me and the bike is a relationship where we have to find each other. 17 Years with KTM. I cannot remember somebody riding for the same brand for so long in professional motocross. In the media, this was a thing in our small sport of motocross. I had it good (with KTM), but a lot happened and I wanted a new challenge. Honda is a very big company. They have also delivered a lot of world titles. In my eyes, the Honda is the Ferrari of motocross and as a rider, I always thought it would be nice to ride for them.”

While the 31-year-old knows that he is at the back end of his illustrious career, he also knows that he is still fast enough to be a serious contender for the 2026 MXGP championship and try and grab that sixth world title.

“I am 31. I have two, three, four years, if I am really optimistic, but I think two more years is realistic. I have had a lot of luck (with lasting problems from injuries) and I feel really good, really fit. One and a half months before the first race and two months until the first world championship event. Try and stay fit, good testing, no injuries. To be world champion. From the last five rounds from 2025, when I was really fit, I won three and twice second, so I think I can (be champion again). We will see. I am going to do my best. If I can be first, second or third, I am okay, but the world title is the goal, and I think I can do it.”

Now, as the Dutchman spends every single daylight hour on the Honda and works harder than probably ever to get a bike up to speed, we, the fans, get more and more exciting as to what the outcome might be. Whatever the case, you just know that millions of people around the world will be setting their alarm blocks for March 8, when Herlings blasts out of the gate for the MXGP of Argentina.

Photo credit: Honda