MXGP China schedule: Plenty of excitement despite a reduced field of riders

The organisation of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai is traditionally exemplary. This makes it all the more regrettable that half of the MXGP top 10 have been ruled out due to injury for ‘The Oriental Beauty Valley MXGP of China’, and that the already sparse rider line-ups will be further thinned out. At least Ivo Monticelli will be taking the start in Shanghai in place of the Swede Isak Gifting, who has also had to withdraw due to injury.

Top-10 riders who have withdrawn due to injury

Weather forecast

The weekend is set to bring plenty of sunshine to Shanghai, with temperatures reaching up to 29 degrees. On Sunday, it is expected to remain sunny throughout, with temperatures of 30 degrees. However, due to the high humidity, the weather is likely to feel significantly hotter and more gruelling.

MXGP features a Chinese manufacturer for the first time

The MXGP title was already decided in Turkey in favour of Jeffrey Herlings. JHL will be the first Chinese manufacturer to take part in the championship, with Brian Hsu riding for them. We can look forward to this debut and the glimpse into the future it offers.

MXGP World Championship standings after Round 17 of 19

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NL), Honda, 855 points

2. Romain Febvre (F), Kawasaki, 699, (-156)

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Yamaha, 659, (-196)

4. Lucas Coenen (B), KTM, 566, (-289)

5. Andrea Adamo (I), KTM, 559, (-296)

6. Tom Vialle (F), Honda, 545, (-310)

7. Ruben Fernandez (E), Honda, 523, (-332)

8. Maxime Renaux (F), Yamaha, 449, (-406)

9. Kay de Wolf (NL), Husqvarna, 428, (-427)

10. Pauls Jonass (LV), Kawasaki, 366, (-489)

Topic of the week

A stuttering start to the Bahrain Grand Prix: the FIA narrowly avoids a fiasco like the one in Indianapolis in 2005

Fans could hardly believe their eyes at what they witnessed at the Bahrain Grand Prix: cars crawling along, racing cars that simply came to a standstill. The FIA narrowly avoided a fiasco like the one at Indy in 2005.

Mathias Brunner

Read More

Suspense in the MX2 World Championship

The title is up for grabs in the MX2 World Championship. If Spanish Triumph works rider Guillem Farres manages to increase his lead over Camden Mc Lellan from the current 50 to 60 points, he would be crowned MX2 Champion ahead of schedule in Shanghai.

A field of riders with podium chances

Sacha Coenen (KTM) took a heavy fall in Turkey and lost points. As a result, the Belgian dropped from second to third in the standings. Simon Längenfelder is now just 20 points behind, meaning he still has a real chance of finishing the 2026 World Championship on the podium.

MX2 World Championship standings after Round 17 of 19

1. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, 806 points

2. Camden Mc Lellan (ZA), Triumph, 756, (-50)

3. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, 746, (-60)

4. Simon Längenfelder (D), KTM, 726, (-80)

5. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, 696, (-110)

6. Janis M. Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, 607, (-199)

7. Karlis A. Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, 502, (-304)

8. Valerio Lata (I), Honda, 414, (-392)

9. Julius Mikula (CZ), KTM, 383, (-423)

10. Mathis Valin (F), Kawasaki, 352, (-454)

Here’s how to follow the races*):

Saturday, 12 September 2026

Sunday, 13 September 2026

*) All times are in CEST and are subject to change