Tom Vialle’s 250 career represents achievements many could only dream of; 2020 and 2022 MX2 World Champion, 2024 and 2025 250SX East Champion, 24 Grand Prix wins, 46 GP podiums, alongside 4 wins and 30 podiums in AMA competition.

Now, 2026 marks his debut in the premier class, with the Frenchman making the switch back to Europe to join the Honda HRC PETRONAS squad. After so much success throughout his professional career, Vialle now faces the challenge of balancing his usual winning expectations while adapting to the most significant step ups of his career.

Words via Honda HRC PETRONAS Press Conference

Edward Heather – Tom, you had tremendous success in your 250 career with championships in America and the World Championships of course. Now you’re making the step up to the 450 class, what do you set as your expectations for this year and what would be a successful year for you this year?

Tom Vialle: It’s hard to say. I’ve just done my first race in Mantova my first 450 race so it’s hard to say. GP and the preseason race is always quite a big difference but try to build step by step during the season. Of course the first step is to be on the podium and try to fight for win if we can, that’s the goal and be as consistent as possible it’s a long season we have almost 20 GPs so a lot can happen and try to be there every weekend that’s my goal and try to be better and build through the season and see. I can’t really say my expectation because I haven’t raced a first GP in the 450 class so we will see after Argentina where we are and then we try to improve of course for the next races and be better during the season.