As the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship approaches, kicking off in Argentina on March 7–8, 2026, at a new lakeside circuit in Bariloche, riders are gearing up and setting their own goals and aspirations for the upcoming campaign.

Fresh off his rookie MX2 season with the Honda HRC squad, young Italian talent Valerio Lata is a rider who could surprise many in his second professional season, even though GP regulars have already been vocal about his potential. Finishing 9th in the MX2 points standings made him the highest-placed rookie in 2025, highlighted by a qualifying race win in Germany and an overall podium at the final round of the season in Darwin.

That said, it isn’t purely the results that draw me in or make me a believer in the former EMX125 champion. It’s his technique and riding style that truly separate him from much of the 250 field. The way he positions himself on the bike, how comfortable he looks while riding, and how efficiently he carries momentum all stand out.

Ironically, he runs the number 18 on his Honda and carries himself as something of a smaller, European version of Jett Lawrence — not in terms of results just yet, but in his picture perfect posture and the way he flows with the bike. Of course, he has a long way to go to reach the heights of a phenom like Jett, but the foundations in his riding style are clearly there and refreshing to see within MXGP.

Like I touched on, his results didn’t jump off the page in 2025, so I can understand — and even agree with — some of the raised eyebrows at the idea of Lata breaking out and inserting himself among the MX2 lead pack. However, as we all know, motocross isn’t as straightforward as quick riders riding the bike fast and winning races. The sport is full of volatile variables that pile up and create endless hurdles for these riders — and as fans and consumers, we love watching that chaos unfold.

But back to Valerio. The Turkish Grand Prix is one that stands out to me when reflecting on his season. On paper, 9–10 moto scores are nothing to write home about. However, Lata set the pace in both Timed Practice and Warm-Up, topping the timesheets on both occasions. More importantly, he was riding like a man with a point to prove.

We will have to wait and see where Lata and the rest of the MX2 field stack up in 2026, but we have a strong feeling that he will assert himself amongst the best.