Posts
550
Joined
5/27/2019
Location
Claremont, CA
US
Sorry if I missed this but I am so confused. Why does Tom Vialle not want to race here next year? I get not wanting to stay with KTM but, did he not have any other offers? Why would he leave after winning two 250 titles back to back?
He had to move to the 450 after his two titles and there weren’t any rides other than KTM.
KTM offered him a one year deal in the US, meanwhile HRC in europe offered him a high value multi year deal. I wouldn't be surprised if he also doesn't mind going back.
All he had was a 1 year offer from KTM. 1 year, that's a hell of a gamble. If it doesn't go well, be it injuries or even trouble adapting, he's basically SOL, no good offers after.
HRC made a sweet offer, multi year. More security, and I'm sure it's much more lucrative. Almost a no brianer, now he gets to avoid Deathcross 😁
Tom was a victim of his own success.
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Ironically it was success in Supercross that led to this situation, when everyone expected he’d be winning MX titles.
And RJs takeouts
Going to be really interesting next year watching him & Herlings both on Honda. I expect Vialle to be a legit contender.
* I remember when both these lads Dads were racing although Peter was older than Frederic so they never raced each against other. Still very nice to see the boys of ex GP guys duking it out and carrying on their families legacies of excellence .
He had one option a 1 year contract with KTM. He and Sexton had shock problems all season and a 1 year contract was not worth the risk. He took the better option for him a 2 year MXGP contract with Honda.
…I believe that Vialle may make his Honda debut this weekend at the Paris Supercross.
To my knowledge, HRC and Garabouldi racing have not yet made an official announcement that Tom has joined the team? Or did I miss it?
They haven’t, someone said maybe the announcement will come this weekend at Tom’s home race.
Being announced Wednesday.
I had no idea Herlings' dad raced the GPs. How many legacy racers are there? Obviously Everts, but beyond him, is there more than Anstie, Vialle & Herlings? I know Pichon's kid raced for a bit, but I think he moved on to off road or something.
Curious to see what he can do. He was often off the pace in AMA MX, which was surprising. He should be top 6 or so next year, but I dont see him beating the big dogs too often.
The white Team HRC shirts really contrast well with that white wall in the background 🤦🏻♀️😂
Yes, Peter Herlings was in the 80s ( you see him / he's mentioned in a few races if you get the Duke Marketing 500GP boxed set [ which I Highly recommend] and individual GP videos ) and Frederic was in GPs and SX in the 90s, with 3rd in the 125GP season in '96, finishing, I think, in 2000 when Tom was born..
I've got the silly habit of calling Tom Fred', as I'm old and remember his Dad's days on 125s.
Fred was a great rider himself, and, did very well in both MX, and SX.
It will be interesting to see how Tom goes, back in the GPs. Good luck to him!
Ping and GL like that
Tom has practically ridden a KTM his entire life. We saw what happened with Prado. So, I wouldn't expect too much from him on a Honda.
Pit Row
Fresh out of the cellophane wrappers....
Same thought I had. With HRC’s money ,you’d think they’d have access to an iron , or at least pay someone in the PR department to make sure these announcements look a bit more polished ,😂😂. I know I’m nitpicking , but sheeesh
Didn't even notice shirts, I thought there was just two heads hovering around in the picture.
Plus no photos or videos riding the bike. Worst than Kawi press releases IMO
Crop it at shin height so that we CAN see the shirts are untucked but we CAN"T see that Tom is wearing flip flops
Tom Vialle joins Honda HRC for MXGP challenge in statement signing
Two-time MX2 World Champion and double-SX 250cc champion, Tom Vialle has signed for Honda HRC in a multi-year deal, that will see the Frenchman step up into the MXGP class for the foreseeable future. Knowing this was a critical time in his career, Vialle – who recently gained his second World SuperMotocross podium – chose to switch brands and continents as he returns to the world motocross series and tries to continue his successful career on-board the Honda CRF450R.
Indeed, the prowess of this powerhouse machine, was one of the main reasons Vialle is returning ‘home’ after his stint in America, because the chance to ride a factory CRF450R doesn’t come around very often, and he didn’t want to let that opportunity slip through his fingers. The move up to the bigger bikes is such an important step to take, he knew that the right equipment and the right environment was paramount to helping continue his run of winning trophies.
Known as one of the most professional teams in the paddock, and one that has a long history of winning races and championships, Honda HRC are hoping that Vialle can hit the ground running, and use this off-season to fully prepare for the rigours of the 2026 MXGP World Championship, with 20 rounds located around the globe. Having won two MX2 titles, he will be familiar with a lot of the logistics that this series presents, but with a couple more rounds, points for qualification races, and a more diverse calendar than when he last rode in 2022, there will still be a some adapting needed if he wants to challenge at front of this competitive field straight away.
Helping him adjust to the MXGP class will be returning Ruben Fernandez, who has re-signed with Honda HRC, as he attempts to better his fourth place in 2025 World Championship and add to his win and podium tally with the team. The Spaniard showed a lot of speed and consistency last year, and alongside Vialle will provide a high-level threat on their Honda CRF450Rs.
First though for Vialle, we will see him at the Paris SX, giving him a gate-drop in front of his home crowd, allowing him to ease himself into the team dynamic, whilst his countrymen cheer him on and welcome back one of their own. Then the preparations begin for a 2026 MXGP campaign that concludes with the Motocross of Nations being held in Ernee, France – a track where Vialle won the MXON previously in 2023.
Tom Vialle 16
Marcus Pereira de Freitas
If the wall was black, they would have no legs 😂
Money talks, Talent walks
I'm curious why the PR is a handshake instead of him in FOX gear and on the bike. From other threads, it seems that he's for sure going to be Fox. Is it possible that with both his & Herlings ties to Airoh & Astars - HRC may be switching gear?
They probably just haven't done their team photoshoot yet. MXGP season doesn't start for awhile.
Vialle gets to move home, ride a 450, and has a multi-year Factory Ride on a Honda - the machine that has won almost everything (over here at least) for two years. What's not to like?
Post a reply to: Tom Vialle