The switch to a new team couldn't have started better for Jeffrey Herlings. During the 2026 MXGP of Argentina, he immediately made history by winning both motos (1-1) and securing the coveted red plate in the MXGP World Championship.
After a disappointing qualifying race on Saturday, where a crash kept him out of the points, Herlings made a strong comeback on Sunday. With a maximum of 50 points, he showed that he still belongs to the absolute top.
Despite an unfavorable starting position in the first race, Herlings grabbed the holeshot on his Honda. Together with teammate Tom Vialle, he immediately formed a Honda HRC PETRONAS 1-2. After a brief setback due to arm-pump, Herlings temporarily lost the lead, but he kept the gap small. In the final phase, he struck and still took the victory.
The second moto started a lot tougher. Herlings was pushed back to about tenth place but then showed his class. At a blistering pace, he worked his way forward and eventually ended up in second place.
The victory and thus the red plate seemed far away, but again Herlings made the difference in the final phase. With a decisive overtake, he took the lead and the overall win.
Thanks to his victory in the second moto, Herlings takes the lead in the championship from Vialle, even though they are tied on points. It's a powerful signal: Herlings is back and immediately a title contender.
The next round will take place in Almonte, Spain, a new circuit for all riders. However, with this dominant start, Herlings travels to round two with full confidence.
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