MXGP Rider Market: Who's Moving Where for 2026

The 2026 MXGP silly season has produced several surprises as manufacturers shuffle rider lineups in pursuit of elusive championship success. The most significant move sees Glenn Coldenhoff departing Fantic for a factory Kawasaki seat, ending speculation about whether the Dutch veteran would retire or continue seeking competitive machinery. Kawasaki's rebuilding effort gains credibility with Coldenhoff's consistency, though his age (33 at season start) limits long-term planning.

Fantic fills the Coldenhoff vacancy with Brian Bogers, who struggled for results on privateer equipment last season but showed flashes of the speed that earned him factory support earlier in his career. The Italian manufacturer continues investing heavily in MXGP despite modest results, viewing the championship as essential marketing for its expanding off-road lineup. Whether Bogers can deliver the results Fantic needs remains uncertain, but the pairing offers upside both parties need.

In MX2, the graduated class structure sees several talents moving to premier class rides. Liam Everts joins the factory KTM effort alongside established riders, fast-tracking the Belgian's career in a manner reminiscent of his father Stefan's trajectory decades ago. Kay de Wolf, should he secure the MX2 title, moves to Husqvarna's MXGP squad—a long-anticipated graduation that the Dutch rider has earned through consecutive championship campaigns. The MX2 field, consequently, looks younger and less predictable than recent seasons, with no clear favourite emerging from the pre-season speculation.