Tom Vialle

Tom Vialle was born on June 21, 2001, in Avignon — the same city that produced MXGP rider Dylan Ferrandis. He turned professional in 2019 and claimed the MX2 World Championship in both 2021 and 2022, becoming only the second French rider in history to win the MX2 class. After a period racing in America and developing his skills on different terrain types and formats, Vialle returned to the MXGP paddock in 2026 — now in the premier class alongside Jeffrey Herlings at Honda HRC PETRONAS.

His early career form in MXGP has been exceptional. Through three rounds, Vialle sits second in the world championship with 129 points — just seven behind red plate leader Lucas Coenen. He won the MXGP of Switzerland overall at round three, putting himself firmly in the title conversation in just his third premier-class Grand Prix. His sand speed — demonstrated by two MX2 wins at the Riola Sardo circuit in Sardinia — means the upcoming MXGP of Sardegna is a circuit where he can be expected to challenge for the overall victory.

Two MX2 Titles and a Return

Vialle's MX2 championships in 2021 and 2022 were comprehensive performances. He was dominant in 2021, consistent in 2022, and showed the kind of race intelligence that translates directly to the premier class. His time away from MXGP — racing in a variety of formats and developing his 450cc skills on different soil types — appears to have accelerated his preparation for the MXGP challenge. He arrives in the premier class not as a teenager learning the ropes, but as a mature, confident 24-year-old with a clear plan.

Second in the World After Three Rounds

To be third in the MXGP World Championship in your debut season in the class, after four rounds, is an extraordinary achievement by any measure. Vialle is doing it on a new bike in a new class against Herlings, Gajser, Febvre, and Coenen — the greatest collection of MXGP talent assembled in years. The question is whether he can sustain this level for the full 19-round campaign.