Honda HRC PETRONAS Dominate MXGP of Argentina with Vialle’s Victory

Bariloche, Argentina – Tom Vialle delivered a stunning performance on his debut with Honda HRC PETRONAS, winning the qualifying race at the 2026 MXGP of Argentina. The event also marked the first race for Jeffrey Herlings with the team, while Ruben Fernandez continued his campaign with the bolstered Honda squad.

Vialle’s Impressive Debut

Tom Vialle showcased immediate comfort and speed on the Honda CRF450RW, securing the holeshot and leading every lap of the qualifying race. This victory earns him the red plate for the two motos on Sunday. Vialle’s performance was particularly noteworthy as it was his first race in the MXGP class. He finished second in free practice and third in timed practice, demonstrating his quick adaptation to the competitive field.

Herlings’ Mixed Start

Fellow Honda HRC PETRONAS newcomer, Jeffrey Herlings, excelled in the earlier sessions, topping both free and timed practice. However, a challenging start in the qualifying race saw him boxed out and forced to battle through the field, reaching the top 10 before a late mistake dropped him down the order.

Fernandez Shows Promise

Ruben Fernandez finished sixth in the qualifying race, pushing for higher positions before a couple of errors cost him a place. Despite the setback, Fernandez remains confident in his speed and ability to compete at the front, especially with the support of his home crowd.

Lata’s Incident in MX2

Unfortunately, Valerio Lata experienced a crash in the second MX2 race, colliding with another rider in the first two turns. He sustained bumps and bruises but is expected to be fit to compete in Spain. Lata finished eighth in the first MX2 moto.

MX2 Results

Simon Längenfelder (KTM) dominated the MX2 class, winning both motos and securing the overall victory with 50 points. Guillem Farres (Triumph) finished second overall with 38 points, followed by Camden Mc Lellan (Triumph) with 37 points.

MX2 Race 1 Results

• 1. Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), 34:55.834
• 2. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), +0:04.422
• 3. Guillem Farres (ESP, Triumph), +0:13.557
• 4. Janis Martins Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:16.928
• 5. Mathis Valin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:19.977
• 6. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:21.342
• 7. Liam Everts (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:34.164
• 8. Valerio Lata (ITA, Honda), +0:36.712
• 9. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:45.409
• 10. Jens Walvoort (NED, KTM), +0:56.574

MX2 Race 2 Results

• 1. Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), 35:08.451
• 2. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, Triumph), +0:03.500
• 3. Liam Everts (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:20.975
• 4. Guillem Farres (ESP, Triumph), +0:34.985
• 5. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:36.783
• 6. Janis Martins Reisulis (LAT, Yamaha), +0:37.465
• 7. Mathis Valin (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:39.823
• 8. Cas Valk (NED, TM), +1:01.988
• 9. Julius Mikula (CZE, KTM), +1:08.553
• 10. Scott Smulders (NED, Husqvarna), +1:23.225

MX2 Championship Standings

• 1. Simon Längenfelder (GER, KTM), 50 points
• 2. Guillem Farres (ESP, TRI), 47 p.
• 3. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, TRI), 43 p.
• 4. Liam Everts (BEL, HUS), 41 p.
• 5. Mathis Valin (FRA, KAW), 38 p.
• 6. Janis Martins Reisulis (LAT, YAM), 38 p.
• 7. Sacha Coenen (BEL, KTM), 32 p.
• 8. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LAT, YAM), 29 p.
• 9. Cas Valk (NED, TM), 22 p.
• 10. Jens Walvoort (NED, KTM), 21 p.
• 11. Benjamin Garib (CHI, HON), 18 p.
• 12. Valerio Lata (ITA, HON), 17 p.

Looking Ahead to Spain

The Honda HRC PETRONAS team heads to Almonte, Spain, for the second round of the championship on March 21-22. With all four riders demonstrating strong potential in Argentina, the team is optimistic about continuing their success on the new circuit.