As the MXGP of Australia sets up for its season finale in Darwin this weekend, the MX2 World Championship is still to be decided, while Jeffrey Herlings looks to close out a dominant premier class campaign. In this edition of Three Things, MotoOnline highlights the storylines that we’re following heading into the final round of 2026.

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MX2 title fight comes down to Triumph’s Farres and McLellan

After 18 rounds across the globe, MX2 comes down to this, with Guillem Farres holding a 48-point margin over Triumph Factory Racing teammate Camden McLellan and 60 on offer across the Darwin weekend. Zooming out, this is a big moment for all three parties involved – Farres, McLellan and Triumph – and all can be satisfied with their 2026 performance regardless of the outcome. Who would’ve thought Farres would be this strong, going from a single podium and eighth overall last year to a championship contender in 2026? But that also speaks to Triumph, who have evidently refined their program and TF 250-X package into something capable of contending for world titles. McLellan has also been significantly better this season, claiming four overall wins and proving to be a thorn in the side of his teammate.

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Unstoppable Herlings eyes MXGP exclamation mark

Another revelation – if you can even call him that – in 2026 is now six-time world champion Jeffrey Herlings, who is on a roll with the Honda HRC Petronas outfit in just their first year together. This is another scenario no one could have really drawn up, particularly in terms of just how dominant he has been, having locked up the MXGP title with two rounds to spare. Not only that, but Herlings has posted a 1-1-1 weekend scorecard across the last six rounds, winning 24 consecutive motos in what must be crushing for the competition. And although the beatdown has already occurred, another perfect weekend would give the competition plenty to think about over the four months that follow the finale.

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Those who need momentum entering the off-season

Given the Herlings, Farres and McLellan dominance, there are plenty of riders who need a strong showing in Darwin to at least carry some momentum into the off-season. While he is departing Kawasaki Racing Team, you’d think 2025 MXGP world champion Romain Febvre would at the very least like to say he was a moto winner this year, which is something he’s so far been unable to do. Similar can be said for former MX2 champion Simon Laengenfelder, who hasn’t been able to match the form that led him to a maiden crown just one year ago. In addition, Honda HRC Petronas’ Tom Vialle has been knocking on the door of another victory, with the Frenchman no doubt targeting a return to the top step as he builds towards a title challenge in 2027. Five-time world champion Tim Gajser also needs an uplift after a difficult first season with Monster Energy Yamaha, although he’ll miss Australia as he continues to recover from a rib injury.