Sand, Sweat, and the Red Plate: Previewing the 2026 MXGP of Sardegna

The FIM Motocross World Championships return to the Mediterranean this weekend for round four of the series, bringing the elite of the sport back to the punishing sands of Riola Sardo. The 2026 MXGP of Sardegna is more than just another stop on the calendar; It’s a brutal test of aerobic capacity and mechanical endurance at the Crossodromo Comunale “Le Dune” circuit.

For the riders, the challenge is constant. The deep sand of Riola Sardo is notorious for shifting every single lap, creating a surface that saps power from the engines and strength from the athletes. Combined with the typically hot spring climate of Sardegna—which shares a similar latitude to Andalucia—this event is widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding rounds of the year.

The Battle for the Red Plate

All eyes are on Lucas Coenen as he arrives in Italy. The teenage prodigy currently holds the MXGP red plate, marking him as the man to beat. Coenen has a history of speed here; he claimed his first-ever MXGP race win at this venue last year even as riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, though a crash in the second outing prevented an overall victory.

Given his recent form in the shallower sands of Almonte, Coenen enters the weekend as a strong favorite. Even though, maintaining the red plate in the deep dunes of Sardegna is a different beast entirely, and the pressure will be immense as the field looks to capitalize on any mistake the young leader makes.

Herlings and the Honda Transition

One of the most compelling narratives of the weekend is the return of Jeffrey Herlings to a circuit where he has historically dominated. Now competing with the Honda HRC Petronas squad, Herlings is looking to add to his impressive record in Riola Sardo. He previously secured victories here in 2021 and 2023, with the latter serving as a milestone event where he reached his 100th career GP victory.

Herlings is joined at Honda HRC Petronas by Tom Vialle, another rider with a pedigree in the Sardinian sand. Vialle previously took MX2 glory at this track in 2021, and 2022. The pairing of two riders who have both mastered “Le Dune” gives the Honda squad a significant tactical advantage in understanding how to manage the shifting terrain.

The Defending Champion’s Edge

While the red plate and the legends grab the headlines, Romain Febvre remains a primary threat. Representing the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, Febvre took the first overall victory of his title-winning season at this venue last year. His ability to maintain momentum in the deep sand will be critical if he hopes to challenge Coenen for the lead.

The historical data suggests that the 2026 MXGP of Sardegna will be a tight contest. In the five years since the island began hosting the GP in 2021, no single rider has won here more than twice. With Herlings, Vialle, and Kay de Wolf (who has taken the MX2 victory in each of the last two years for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing) all possessing two wins each, the stage is set for someone to break that ceiling.

Key Tactical Factors for Riola Sardo

To succeed this weekend, riders must balance aggression with energy conservation. The “Le Dune” circuit is a game of attrition. If a rider pushes too hard in the opening laps, the shifting sand can lead to premature fatigue, leaving them vulnerable in the closing stages of the motos.

• Traction Management: Finding the right line in sand that changes every lap is the difference between a podium and a mid-pack finish.
• Heat Tolerance: The Mediterranean climate often spikes during this window, adding a layer of thermal stress to an already grueling physical effort.
• Mechanical Reliability: The deep sand puts extreme stress on the engines, requiring precise tuning to ensure power delivery doesn’t falter.

For those following the action, the contrast between the technical precision of the hard-pack rounds and the raw power required for Sardegna is what makes this round a fan favorite. It is a race of survival as much as it is a race of speed.

Event Summary and Stakes

As the paddock prepares for the weekend, the focus remains on whether Lucas Coenen can withstand the onslaught of the sand specialists or if the experienced hands of Herlings and Febvre will reclaim the top step of the podium.

The series will move on from the dunes of Italy to the next challenge on the FIM calendar following the conclusion of the event. Stay tuned for live updates and full race recaps on Archysport.

Who do you think will master the sand this weekend? Let us recognize in the comments below.