Lucas Coenen clinches MXGP South Africa victory as Gajser finishes fifth

The eleventh round of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship took place on 5 July at the new Terra Topia circuit north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Belgian KTM rider Lucas Coenen dominated both MXGP races, securing a perfect 50‑point haul and extending his lead in the championship. He was followed by Dutch rider Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) and French rider Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) on the podium.

Slovenian Yamaha rider Tim Gajser struggled with his starts on the high‑altitude (1,400 m) fast track and finished fifth overall, while fellow Slovenians Jan Pancar and others were further down the order. In the MX2 class, German Simon Laengenfelder took the first heat, and Spaniard Guillem Farrés won the MX2 Grand Prix, reducing his gap to the overall leader.

The event marked the first South African Grand Prix in 18 years and drew large crowds despite the winter season in the southern hemisphere. Conditions were sunny with mild breezes, and the altitude reduced engine power, adding to the challenge for the riders.