Van Venrooy KTM Racing Faces Mixed Results at Argentina MXGP Opener
Bariloche, Argentina – The 2026 MXGP season kicked off with a challenging weekend for Van Venrooy KTM Racing at the Grand Prix of Argentina. Riders Noel Zanocz and Mattia Guadagnini faced a fast and technical circuit, with varying degrees of success as they sought to establish a rhythm in the early stages of the championship. The team, based in the Netherlands, is aiming to build on its strong history in motocross, which dates back to the 1980s with Venko Racing.
Zanocz Navigates Tough Terrain, Focuses on Building Momentum
For Noel Zanocz, the Argentinian Grand Prix marked his first competitive outing of the 2026 MXGP season. He qualified for the main races with a 16th-place finish in time practice and 14th in the qualifying heat. The young rider secured another 16th-place finish in the first moto, but his second moto was cut short due to a crash after the start. Despite the setback, Zanocz remained optimistic about his performance and the potential for growth throughout the season.
“The circuit in Argentina was really fast and the layout was quite cool, but the surface was very strange and developed very sharp bumps in the fast sections,” Zanocz explained. “That is not the best combination, but it was still nice. It was a great experience to go to Argentina and it was really fun. I enjoyed it. I struggled quite a bit, but it is a good base to build on from here. We take the positives with us and learn from the negatives.”
Guadagnini Shows Speed, Battling Crashes in Argentina
Mattia Guadagnini demonstrated promising speed throughout the weekend, securing 13th in time practice and a strong 8th-place finish in the qualifying heat. But, crashes hampered his race results. A fall at the start of the first moto forced him to start from the back of the pack, ultimately finishing 15th. He finished 14th in the second moto. Despite the setbacks, Guadagnini expressed satisfaction with his bike and overall feeling.
“The speed and rhythm in the race were good, especially in the qualifying heat on Saturday. That one went really well and I finished eighth,” Guadagnini said. “In the two motos I had a few heavy crashes that affected the result a bit, but the feeling was positive. With a good start and by staying out of trouble You can definitely ride strong races. It was just the first race of the season, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Van Venrooy KTM: A Legacy of Dutch Motocross
Van Venrooy KTM Racing has a rich history in Dutch motocross, originating in the 1980s with the creation of Venko Racing, the first professional non-factory team in the Netherlands. The team now operates with factory support from KTM and is consistently recognized as a professional private outfit within the MXGP paddock. Their record includes six World Championship points, a best MXGP Championship classification of 6th, one Grand Prix victory in MXGP, three MXGP moto wins, four Dutch Masters Titles, seven MX of Nations appearances and two World Championship podiums. They also boast one pole position.
2026 Rider Lineup
The 2026 season sees Van Venrooy KTM Racing fielding a talented rider lineup. Mattia Guadagnini competes in the MXGP class, while Noel Zanocz steps up to the MX2 World Championship from the EMX250 series. Rounding out the team is Áron Katona, competing in the EMX250 class. The team’s commitment to developing young talent is evident in its rider selection.
Looking Ahead: Return to Europe
Following the opening round in Argentina, the MXGP paddock now heads back to Europe for the next stage of the 2026 World Championship. The Grand Prix of Argentina served as a valuable learning experience for Van Venrooy KTM Racing, providing a baseline for improvement as the season progresses. The team will be looking to capitalize on the positive aspects of their performance and address the areas where they encountered challenges.
The team’s performance in Argentina underscores the competitive nature of the MXGP series and the importance of consistency. For Zanocz, the focus will be on building momentum and refining his technique on the demanding European circuits. Guadagnini, meanwhile, will aim to translate his speed into consistent race results, minimizing mistakes and maximizing his potential.
Van Venrooy KTM Racing’s continued dedication to motocross, combined with its talented rider lineup and factory support from KTM, positions the team for a promising season. Fans can expect to observe continued development and competitive performances as the 2026 MXGP World Championship unfolds.
The next round of the MXGP World Championship is yet to be announced, but details will be available on the official MXGP website: https://www.mxgp.com/
What are your thoughts on Van Venrooy KTM Racing’s performance in Argentina? Share your predictions for the rest of the season in the comments below!
