Fuel violation at the MXoN: Great Britain retrospectively disqualified

One month after the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Ernée, France, the FIM has made a far-reaching decision: the British national team has been retrospectively disqualified from the entire event. The team, comprising Ben Watson, Taylor Hammal and Ben Mustoe, finished the event in 7th place. The decision stems from a breach of the fuel regulations by MX2 rider Ben Mustoe.

At the MXoN on 4 October 2026, the FIM had taken fuel samples from a total of nine randomly selected motorbikes from the MXGP, MX2 and OPEN classes. The riders tested included, amongst others, the American Cooper Webb, the Belgian Lucas Coenen and the South African Camden Mc Lellan.

The subsequent analysis revealed that the fuel sample taken from the British rider Ben Mustoe (start number 47) did not comply with the applicable FIM regulations. The fuel used could not be classified under any of the FIM-certified Category 2 racing fuel categories.

This constituted a breach of the provisions of the FIM Fuel Regulations as well as the Technical Regulations of the Motocross World Championship.

Disqualification affects the entire team

The FIM Race Director consequently decided to exclude Ben Mustoe from the entire event. In accordance with Articles 5.42.5 and 5.42.6 of the Motocross Regulations, the British rider forfeits all points and trophies earned at the MXoN.

The consequences are particularly severe for the British national team: as the Motocross of Nations is a team competition, the entire Great Britain team is also disqualified. All results, placings, trophies and prizes are revoked.

Decision is final

The FIM announced that no appeal against the race directors’ decision had been lodged with the FIM Stewards’ Panel within the prescribed time limit. The disqualification is therefore final.

The official final results of the 2026 Motocross of Nations have since been amended accordingly. The British governing body, the ACU, has accepted the decision in its official statement.