Liam Everts claims sixth overall for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing at the MXGP of South Africa as Kay de Wolf continues his recovery.
Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing completed round 11 of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship with Liam Everts securing sixth overall at the returning MXGP of South Africa.
Back on African soil for the first time in 18 years, the Grand Prix marked a welcome return for the championship. The rebuilt Terra Topia MX circuit near Johannesburg presented one of the season’s most distinctive tests, with its 1,922m hard-pack layout, sweeping uphill start, technical rhythm sections and high-altitude conditions combining to reward precision and consistency.
Everts arrived in South Africa fifth in the MX2 World Championship standings and secured sixth in Saturday’s qualifying race, putting himself in a strong position for Sunday’s two motos.
The opening race demanded patience after a difficult first lap dropped the Belgian outside the top 10. Refusing to panic, Everts steadily worked his way back through the field, first reclaiming eighth before setting his sights on the riders ahead. A decisive move on Karlis Reisulis lifted him into sixth by lap 10, and from there he managed the closing stages expertly to bank another valuable 15 championship points.
Race two proved a cleaner affair. A stronger start immediately placed Everts inside the top five, where he spent much of the moto locked in an intense battle with home favourite Camden McLellan. Maintaining consistent pace throughout the demanding race, Everts crossed the line in fifth to complete another composed performance and add a further 16 championship points.
His 6-5 scorecard secured sixth overall with 31 points, keeping the Belgian firmly inside the top five of the MX2 World Championship standings as the series entered its second half.
De Wolf remained absent in Johannesburg as he continues to recover from the ankle injury sustained at the MXGP of Italy. The Dutchman remains focused on his rehabilitation alongside the team and medical staff as preparations continue for his return to racing.
The championship now heads to the Foxhills circuit in Great Britain for round 12 on 19 July. Returning to the MXGP calendar for the first time in 26 years, the iconic British venue is renowned for its natural hillside layout, steep elevation changes and fast, flowing character, setting the stage for another demanding weekend as Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing looks to continue its strong run through the second half of the season.
#26 – Liam Everts: “South Africa was a unique challenge and I really enjoyed racing here. The altitude definitely makes it tougher physically, and the track changed a lot throughout the weekend, so consistency was important. We came away with another solid points haul, which keeps us moving in the right direction in the championship. After a busy run of races, it’ll be good to reset before heading to Foxhills, where we’ll be aiming to fight further towards the front.”
Results – 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship, Round Eleven:
MXGP – Moto One:
1. Lucas Coenen (KTM) 34:20.060; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 34:24.701; 3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 34:36.609; 9. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 35:29.515;
MXGP – Moto Two:
1. Lucas Coenen (KTM) 34:27.909; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 34:30.076; 3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 35:01.208; 7. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 35:15.943;
MXGP – Overall:
1. Lucas Coenen (KTM) 50pts; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 44pts; 3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 40pts; 8. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 26pts;
MXGP – Standings:
1. Lucas Coenen (KTM) 566pts; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 498pts; 3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 443pts; 6. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 343pts; 9. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 273pts;
MX2 – Moto One:
1. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 35:02.592; 2. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 35:03.800; 3. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 35:05.043; 6. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 35:28.514;
MX2 – Moto Two:
1. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 35:26.970; 2. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 35:31.817; 3. Janis Martins Reisulis (Yamaha) 35:34.793; 5. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 35:37.447; 6. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 35:56.335;
MX2 – Overall:
1. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 50pts; 2. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 42pts; 2. Janis Martins Reisulis (Yamaha) 38pts; 4. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 37pts; 6. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 31pts;
MX2 – Standings:
1. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 518pts; 2. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 504pts; 3. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 467pts; 5. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 433pts;
