South Africa: Simon Längenfelder (KTM) wins MX2 qualifying race

MX2 qualifying race at the Grand Prix of South Africa in Johannesburg, Round 11 of the 2026 Motocross World Championship: Latvian Yamaha works rider Janis Martins Reisulis was fastest in qualifying and started from pole position. Defending champion Simon Längenfelder was just 0.2 seconds slower in fourth place.

MX2 qualifying:

1. Janis Martins Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, 1:56.264

2. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, +0.036

3. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, +0.082

4. Simon Längenfelder (D), KTM, +0.230

5. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, +0.489

6. Maxime Grau (F), Honda, +0.882

Start-to-finish victory for Simon Längenfelder

Defending German champion Simon Längenfelder took the holeshot and led from the first to the last lap. Guillem Farres (Triumph), who received five penalty points in Agueda for failing to observe waved yellow flags, initially had to fend off Janis Martins Reisulis and Julius Mikula before securing second place. As the race progressed, he managed to close the 4-second gap to Simon Längenfelder and moved within striking distance. Simon recognised the situation, picked up the pace again and ultimately won with a 6.5-second lead over Farres and local hero Camden Mc Lellan (Triumph).

First qualifying victory since June 2025

For Simon Längenfelder, it was his first victory in a qualifying race since the Grand Prix of Great Britain on 21 June 2025 – more than a year ago. Incidentally, he went on to win both races on Sunday as well, securing 60 points in England. Perhaps that’s a good omen.

Sacha Coenen only managed 7th place

World Championship leader Sacha Coenen (KTM) didn’t get off to a good start, emerged in 8th place from the first lap, overtook Mikula on lap 4 and eventually finished in 7th place, scoring just 4 points.

Situation at the top of the standings

With his qualifying victory, Simon Längenfelder managed to reduce his deficit to the top of the standings from 62 to 56 points. Guillem Farres reduced his deficit from 32 to 27 points.

MX2 Qualifying Race Results

1. Simon Längenfelder (D), KTM, 25:26.339

2. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, +6.577

3. Camden Mc Lellan (ZA), Triumph, +14.976

4. Janis Martins Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, +15.910

5. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, +23.784

6. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, +25.325

7. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, +29.992

8. Maxime Grau (F), Honda, +48.831

9. Jens Walvoort (NL), KTM, +55.195

10. Valerio Lata (I), Honda, +57.489

World Championship standings:

1. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, 481

2. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, 454, (-27)

3. Simon Längenfelder (D), KTM, 425, (-56)

4. Camden Mc Lellan (ZA), Triumph, 421, (-60)

5. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, 402, (-79)