Championship leader Lucas Coenen heads to Frauenfeld, and the 2026 MXGP of Switzerland this weekend with the MXGP red plate — but round three could present a very different challenge.
After dominating in the sand of Spain, the Belgian now faces the hard-pack Swiss circuit, a surface that demands a completely different approach. While Coenen delivered a perfect performance at this venue last year, the pressure of leading the championship adds another layer heading into the weekend.
And this one could get unpredictable.
With cold temperatures and even the possibility of snow in the forecast, conditions at Frauenfeld could play a major role — potentially opening the door for the chasing pack.
Can Herlings reel Coenen in?
Jeffrey Herlings sits just eight points behind Coenen and continues to build momentum after back-to-back podium finishes.
The Dutchman has a strong history at Frauenfeld and, if conditions turn tricky, his experience could prove decisive.
Close behind, Tom Vialle remains firmly in the title fight, while Romain Febvre and Maxime Renaux are tied on points and cannot be overlooked.
Febvre, in particular, has been ultra-consistent at this venue, rarely finishing outside the top five, while Renaux has already shown flashes of speed this season.
READ MORE: MXGP OF SWITZERLAND – ENTRY LISTS
Strong Depth in the Field
Beyond the leading group, several riders could play a key role in shaping the outcome.
Tim Gajser continues to make progress with his new setup and showed improved pace last time out, while Andrea Adamo is quietly building a solid start to his MXGP campaign.
Ruben Fernandez, who has previously tasted success at this circuit, is another rider capable of getting into the mix, while Calvin Vlaanderen and Pauls Jonass round out a highly competitive top ten.
There are also plenty of storylines further down the field, with Kay de Wolf continuing to adapt to the premier class, while Rick Elzinga prepares for his 450 debut.
British Interest: Watson & Sterry to Watch
From a British perspective, Ben Watson will be one to watch aboard the Dirt Store Triumph machine.
Watson has already shown encouraging pace with a fantastic 8th in Race One in Spain and continues to build momentum as he settles into the team after winning the opening round of the British Championship. On a technical hard-pack circuit like Frauenfeld, his smooth riding style could play to his strengths — especially if conditions become unpredictable.
Also looking to bounce back is Adam Sterry on the Chambers Racing KTM, after tweaking his back at the previous round. Sterry has the speed to run inside the top ten on his day, and if fully fit, will be aiming for a much stronger showing in Switzerland.
Home Interest Adds Another Layer
The Swiss round will also bring added attention from the home crowd, with Jeremy Seewer looking to deliver a strong result on home soil.
Veteran Arnaud Tonus also returns to the MXGP stage at a track where he has previously enjoyed success, adding further intrigue to the weekend.
READ MORE: MXGP NEWS
All Eyes on Frauenfeld
With a change in terrain, unpredictable weather, and the championship battle tightening, Switzerland could be one of the most revealing rounds of the season so far.
If Coenen can deliver again, it will confirm his status as the early favourite — but with Herlings closing in, a stacked field behind, and British interest in the mix, this one looks wide open.
MXGP – World Championship Top 10 Classification:
1. Lucas Coenen (BEL, KTM), 102 points; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, HON), 94 p.; 3. Tom Vialle (FRA, HON), 89 p.; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 75 p.; 5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 75 p.; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, YAM), 74 p.; 7. Andrea Adamo (ITA, KTM), 69 p.; 8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 51 p.; 9. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, DUC), 49 p.; 10. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KAW), 40 p.;
Timetable
SATURDAY:
07:40 EMX125 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:10 EMX125 Group 2 Free Practice, 08:40 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 09:10 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:50 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:50 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 12:25 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:00 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 10:30 MX2 Free Practice, 11:00 MXGP Free Practice, 13:40 MX2 Time Practice, 14:15 MXGP Time Practice, 15:00 EMX125 Race 1, 15:45 EMX250 Race 1, 16:35 MX2 Qualifying Race, 17:25 MXGP Qualifying Race.
SUNDAY:
09:40 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.
Images courtesy of Infront Moto Racing
