MXGP World Motocross
Elbows out, roost flying: motocross at its rawest, all over the world.
2026 schedule
For the latest MXGP calendar and results, see the official MXGP site.
MXGP is the FIM Motocross World Championship, the top international series for off-road motorcycle racing on natural-terrain tracks. Riders race over jumps, ruts, sand, clay and hardpack, and the surface changes lap after lap. The premier class runs 450cc four-stroke bikes. The MX2 class is for younger riders on 250cc machines. Fans love the close, physical racing, the huge jumps, and the way every circuit asks something different of the riders.
The world championship dates back to 1957, when it began as a 500cc series. A 250cc class followed in the early 1960s, and a 125cc class arrived in the 1970s. Belgian, Dutch, Italian and other European riders have dominated much of its history. Names like Joël Robert and Roger De Coster set the standard, and Stefan Everts later raised it again. The class names have changed over the decades, but the sport's core is the same: two bikes' worth of nerve, fitness and bike control.
How it works
- A Grand Prix weekend usually includes practice, timed qualifying and then the main races, which are called motos.
- Each class runs two motos. They are timed races of roughly half an hour plus a couple of laps, not a set number of laps.
- Riders start from a metal gate and pick their spot in order of qualifying results, so a good qualifying result pays off at the first corner.
- Points are awarded in each moto, and the combined total decides the overall Grand Prix result. Those results then build the season-long championship.
Fan tips
- Walk the track if the venue allows it. A jump looks very different up close than it does on TV, and the scale is the best part of being there.
- Watch the start from near the gate if you can. The first 10 seconds often decide the whole moto.
- Bring ear protection and clothes you don't mind getting dusty or muddy, plus sun protection. Weather changes both the track and your day.
- Learn the two classes before you follow along. Watching MX2 alongside the premier class is a good way to spot riders before they move up.
Legends of MXGP
Books, biographies and collectibles about the series' greats.
FAQ
What does MXGP stand for?
MXGP stands for Motocross Grand Prix. It is the name used for the FIM Motocross World Championship's premier class and for the series as a whole. The name replaced the older MX1 label.
How is MXGP different from AMA Supercross?
MXGP races are held on natural-terrain outdoor tracks that wear down and change during a race. Supercross is run in stadiums on built dirt courses with tight, technical sections. Both use motocross bikes, but the racing feels quite different.
How does a rider win a Grand Prix?
Riders earn points in each of the two motos, and the points are combined for an overall result. The rider with the best combined total wins the Grand Prix. A moto win and a strong second race can beat a rider who wins one moto and struggles in the other.
Who are the classic names in MXGP history?
Riders like Joël Robert, Roger De Coster, Eric Geboers, Joel Smets and Stefan Everts are often mentioned among the greatest. Belgium produced many of the sport's early champions, and its sand-track tradition still shapes how fans think about motocross.