The ACU has issued a statement following Team Great Britain’s disqualification from the 2026 FIM Motocross of Nations, after a fuel sample taken from Ben Mustoe’s machine was found not to comply with FIM fuel regulations.
The FIM confirmed that the sample, collected during technical inspections at the event in Ernée, France, “was found not to be in conformity with the current FIM Fuels Regulations.”
The ACU and Team GB have accepted the decision, while stressing that there is no suggestion of deliberate wrongdoing or that the irregularity provided any competitive advantage.
The full statement from the ACU reads as follows:
Following post-event technical inspections at the 2026 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (2-4 October), the ACU must report that TeamGB has been disqualified due to a fuel-related technical irregularity.
Both ACU and TeamGB acknowledge and accept the decision of Race Direction regarding the disqualification.
Motorsport operates under strict technical regulations. The ACU and TeamGB fully respect the role of the officials in ensuring those regulations are applied consistently and fairly.
There is no suggestion the irregularity provided a competitive advantage or resulted from any deliberate attempt to circumvent the regulations by either the team or the riders. There is no allegation of intentional wrongdoing, and we remain confident in the professionalism and integrity of TeamGB.
Nevertheless, compliance with the technical rules is absolute.
ACU and TeamGB are conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the issue and will work closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to understand how it occurred and to ensure that it does not happen again.
ACU and TeamGB are naturally disappointed by this outcome, but remain committed to competing at the highest level with integrity, professionalism and respect for the sport.
We thank our riders, partners, team members, sponsors and supporters for their continued understanding and support.
The full release from the FIM is below:
During the last FIM Motocross of Nations, held in Ernée (France – IMN 210/01) on 4 October 2026, the FIM Motocross Technical Director, supported by the FIM and FMNR Technical Stewards on site, carried out fuel controls on 9 motorcycles (selected randomly from the MXGP, MX2 and OPEN classes) in accordance with the 2026 FIM Motocross Technical Regulations and the FIM Fuels Regulations. The selected motorcycles were as follows:
- Mr Aaron TANTI #3 (Australia)
- Mr Cooper WEBB #6 (United States of America)
- Mr Lucas COENEN #10 (Belgium)
- Mr Ferruchio ZANCHI #17 (Italy)
- Mr Karlis Albertis REISULIS #25 (Latvia)
- Mr Francisco GARCIA #30 (Spain)
- Mr Camden MC LELLAN #41 (Republic of South Africa)
- Mr Ben MUSTOE #47 (Great Britain)
- Mr Roan VAN DE MOOSDIJK #55 (Netherlands)
Among the aforementioned riders, the fuel sample of rider No. 47, Ben MUSTOE was found not to be in conformity with the current FIM Fuels Regulations and specifications and thus did not correspond to any FIM certified race fuel category 2. Therefore, the sample does not comply with Articles A, B, C, G, and L of the FIM Fuel Regulations and consequently infringes Article 5.42 of the FIM Motocross Regulations and Article 01.63 of the FIM Motocross Technical Regulations.
Based on the foregoing and following Article 01.63 of the said Regulations, Article L.3.8 G of the FIM Fuels Regulations as well as Article 5.42 of the FIM Motocross World Championship Regulations, the Race Direction has decided to disqualify Mr Ben Mustoe from the whole event (IMN 210/01).
In accordance with Articles 5.42.5 and 5.42.6 of the FIM Motocross Regulations, Mr Ben Mustoe will therefore forfeit all points and trophies earned. Consequently, the national team of the rider concerned will also be disqualified from the entire event and will forfeit all Championship results, trophies and prizes earned.
No appeal against the decision of the FIM Race Direction has been lodged before the FIM Stewards Panel within the set deadline. As a consequence, the decision of the FIM Race Direction is final.
The final results of the 2026 FIM Motocross of Nations have been updated accordingly.
While the disqualification is undoubtedly a huge disappointment for Team GB, its riders, sponsors and supporters, it should not overshadow the performances, dedication and commitment shown by the British riders in representing their country in France.
With some exceptional young talent continuing to emerge through the ranks, there is plenty of reason to remain optimistic about the future of British motocross on the international stage.
Feature Image courtesy of the ACU
