Håkon Fredriksen’s performance at the MXGP of Flanders was nothing short of amazing. The Norwegian rider’s career has been tormented by injuries, limiting him to just two Grand Prix appearances in the previous two seasons, which has left him in a rebuilding stage in his career for 2025, primarily focusing on the Norwegian National Championship.

Fredriksen jumped back into MXGP action this past weekend in Lommel, and it was certainly a breakout ride for the privateer. The deep Lommel sand often produces unusual results over the course of a weekend; however, Fredriksen’s seventh overall was earned through sheer speed and ability. In both races, he started outside the top 15 and hustled his way into the top 10. In Race 1, Fredriksen passed five riders in the opening four laps, moving from 15th to 10th by lap four. He continued charging through the pack to finish a remarkable sixth. Race 2 was much the same, as Fredriksen battled from 16th position to climb all the way to a strong 7th-place finish. With 6-7 results across the two motos, he secured a career-best 7th overall in the MXGP class.

“Yes, like u said it was a good weekend for me! I came in with no expectations and just happy to be there” he told Cult Moto. “Speed was good but starts were really not there. Started outside the points every moto and made my life hard. Was cool to battle and pass some big names and a big boost and achievement for me and my team. In the second moto I made a mistake on the second lap stalling the bike and dropped 5-10 positions after being in 15th… took some time to get back in the flow but anyway happy with the weekend. Let’s keep on working and see what the future brings. Big thanks to everyone that helps and supports my privateer program! Without these peoples and companies it wouldn’t be possible!”

One standout from his performance in Lommel was the pace he displayed – Fredriksen wasn’t just beating factory riders through grit and determination; he was consistently posting faster lap times than them throughout the 30-minute-plus-two-lap motos.

While it’s no secret that the Norwegian is comfortable in sandy terrain, he’s not lacking in speed on hard-pack tracks either. As we mentioned earlier, Lommel can produce surprise results for riders you may not be too familiar with – but Fredriksen is an exception. He’s previously shown strong performances in the EMX250 series at circuits like Trentino where he won the overall. Why is that important? Because it reinforces the argument that Europe is full of underrated riders who have all the ingredients to make an impact in MXGP.

Fredriksen’s 2025 campaign is, by definition, a true privateer effort. He handles his own bike maintenance with help from his father, who balances a full-time job while supporting his son’s racing ambitions. This step back from chasing the dream could prove to be a difference-maker in revitalising his career.