Darwin Qualifying: Camden Mc Lellan wins, Längenfelder not on the grid

MX2 qualifying race for the Grand Prix of Australia in Darwin: Defending champion Simon Längenfelder (KTM) did not take part in the qualifying race. The German had already complained of severe stomach problems at the Chinese Grand Prix. He took to the track in free practice but was forced to pull out after two laps. No official statement has yet been issued. It remains unclear at this stage whether he will be able to compete in Sunday’s races. If not, he could lose his fourth place in the 2026 World Championship standings in the final Grand Prix of the season.

Husqvarna works rider Liam Everts was the fastest in both free practice and qualifying and started from pole position ahead of European Championship title contender Guillem Farres (Triumph).

Qualifying, Darwin

1. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, 1:34.968

2. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, -0.026

3. Camden Mc Lellan (ZA), Triumph, -0.249

4. Janis Martins Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, -0.680

5. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, -0.945

6. Kay Karssemakers (NL), Kawasaki, -1.364

Coenen’s false start

Sacha Coenen (KTM) started too early, hit the starting gate, had to back off and was forced to start the race from last place. Janis Reisulis (Yamaha) took the holeshot and led the race for seven laps before Camden Mc Lellan closed the gap and overtook the Latvian. Liam Everts started around third place. The Belgian closed in on the leaders a little towards the end, but was unable to get within striking distance.

Title decider postponed until Sunday

World Championship leader Guillem Farres (Triumph) started around fifth place, overtook Janis Reisulis (Yamaha) on lap 3 and finished the race in fourth place. This means the title decider has been postponed until Sunday.

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Farres goes into the decisive races with a 45-point lead and is likely to clinch the title after the first race. Simon Längenfelder’s lead over Liam Everts, however, has shrunk to 18 points. Should the German fail to compete, he risks losing his fourth place in the World Championship standings.

MX2 Qualifying, Darwin

1. Camden Mc Lellan (ZA), Triumph, 23:43.715

2. Janis Martins Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, +1.288

3. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, +2.173

4. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, +30.495

5. Kay Karssemakers (NL), Kawasaki, +32.213

6. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, +40.142

7. Byron Dennis (AUS), KTM, +47.299

8. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, +50.990

9. Maxime Grau (F), Honda, +56.494

10. Ferruccio Zanchi (I), Ducati, +1:23.529

World Championship Standings

1. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, 866 points

2. Camden McLellan (ZA), Triumph, 821, (-45), (-45)

3. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, 780, (-86), (-41)

4. Simon Längenfelder (D), KTM, 768, (-98), (-12)

5. Liam Everts (Bel), Husqvarna, 750, (-116), (-18)

6. Janis Martins Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, 653, (-213), (-97)