Jeffrey Herlings (Honda): Qualifying victory in China on his 32nd birthday

Even though the title had already been decided in his favour, ‘The Bullet’ wants to end the season with victories. In qualifying on his 32nd birthday, he set the fastest lap time on the track in Shanghai at the 18th round of the 2026 Motocross World Championship, the Oriental Beauty Valley MXGP of China.

Brian Hsu, competing on a 350cc bike from Chinese manufacturer JHL, qualified in 12th place out of the 15-rider field, 8.3 seconds behind the leader. Kevin Horgmo sustained an injury and was unable to take part in the race.

MXGP Qualifying

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NL), Honda, 1:38.950

2. Romain Febvre (F), Kawasaki, -1.172

3. Pauls Jonass (LV), Kawasaki, -2.645

4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NL), Ducati, -2.655

5. Tom Vialle (F), Honda, -2.702

6. Jago Geerts (B), Beta, -2.726

7. Jeremy Seewer (CH), KTM, -3.082

8. Andrea Adamo (I), KTM, -3.181

9. Jan Pancar (SLO), KTM, -3.194

10. Dylan Walsh (NZ), KTM, -3.752

Febvre takes the holeshot

French Kawasaki works rider Romain Febvre took the holeshot ahead of Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle (both Honda). Pauls Jonass (Kawasaki) crashed in the first corner and was forced to chase the field. Herlings attacked on the very first lap and overtook the Frenchman on the inside to take the lead. After that, however, Febvre kept pace and remained within striking distance of the Dutchman, though in the end it wasn’t quite enough to pull off a passing manoeuvre.

Winner: Herlings

Jeffrey Herlings won with a 3-second lead over Febvre and Vialle. Vialle was already 22 seconds behind. Slovenian privateer Jan Pancar finished a creditable fourth. Jeremy Seewer (KTM) crossed the line in eighth place. Brian Hsu (JHL) finished twelfth, one lap down.

MXGP Qualifying Race, Shanghai

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NL), Honda, 24:12.465

2. Romain Febvre (F), Kawasaki, -3.007

3. Tom Vialle (F), Honda, -22.433

4. Jan Pancar (SLO), KTM, -37.266

5. Andrea Adamo (I), KTM, -40.834

6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NL), Ducati, -43.280

7. Jago Geerts (B), Beta, -44.482

8. Jeremy Seewer (CH), KTM, -46.709

9. Pauls Jonass (LV), Kawasaki, -48.671

10. Dylan Walsh (NZ), KTM, -1:32.329

World Championship Standings

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NL), Honda, 865 points

2. Romain Febvre (F), Kawasaki, 708, (-157)

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Yamaha, 659, (-206)

4. Lucas Coenen (B), KTM, 566, (-299)

5. Andrea Adamo (I), KTM, 565, (-300)

6. Tom Vialle (F), Honda, 553, (-312)