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Frenchman Tom Vialle’s return to Europe with Honda HRC has been confirmed for 2026, announced in a multi-year deal that will see the two-time MX2 world champion and current 250SX East Supercross title-holder make his MXGP debut.

After initially being expected to step up to the 450 class in America next season, Vialle instead departed Red Bull KTM in favor of a return to the grand prix paddock.

“This is obviously a big change for me, but I felt it was the right change at this point in my career,” the 24-year-old commented. “I have a lot of experience riding in the world championships, so I’ve always kept an eye on the series and how things are going over there. When I found out that Honda HRC were interested in signing me, I knew that I wasn’t going to get a better opportunity.

“I’ve seen what they’ve been able to achieve on the track, and I’ve heard nothing but good things about them as a team off the track, so this just seemed like the perfect time to come back to the world championship series and try to continue my previous world championship success into the MXGP class. I know it won’t be easy, and there’ll be a big learning curve to get used to the Honda CRF450R, but I’m confident in my abilities and I can’t wait to get started.”

Vialle will make his debut on the factory CRF450R at the annual Paris Supercross this weekend, before setting up for his first full world championship campaign since 2022 and what will be his rookie premier class campaign. He has 24 MX2 GP victories, 44 moto wins, and 46 overall podium to his credit.

“I think Tom joining Honda HRC is a big statement and quite a coup for the team,” explained Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC MXGP general manager. “He’s a double world champion in motocross and a two-time SX champion as well, so to be able to get someone as talented as he is, to join the team at this stage of his career just shows that we are doing all the right things.

“Of course, this will be the first time he’ll be racing on a 450cc machine, but throughout his career he’s dealt with changes and new environments, so we are all confident that he’ll be able to adapt to the Honda CRF450R. He has the Paris SX race first up, which is something new to our team, so we’ll all be learning together there, but after that it’ll be purely motocross and trying to get him ready for the 2026 MXGP World Championship.

Honda HRC also revealed that Ruben Fernandez has re-signed with the team, aiming to better his fourth place in 2025 MXGP World Championship, with Tim Gajser will expected to land at Monster Energy Yamaha for next season.