2026 TrialGP of Japan Preview: Motegi Mud, New Rules and Toni Bou’s Hunt for History

The 2026 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship officially begins this weekend as the world’s best riders head to the legendary Mobility Resort Motegi for the opening round of the new TrialGP season.

Located around 150 kilometres north of Tokyo, the Japanese venue has become one of the most iconic stops on the calendar and has hosted every edition of the TrialGP of Japan since its debut in 2000, apart from the pandemic-affected years between 2020 and 2022.

But while excitement surrounding the new season is already building thanks to major format changes, new riders, and fresh team line-ups, one unpredictable factor could once again dominate the weekend: the weather.

Heavy Rain Could Transform the Entire Weekend

Last year’s TrialGP of Japan was heavily affected by severe rainfall that turned sections into near-impossible obstacles, even for the best riders in the world.

Mud, slippery rock faces, deep ruts, and waterlogged climbs created chaos throughout the weekend, with several sections becoming brutally technical and physically demanding. Riders struggled for traction, precision became nearly impossible in places, and even experienced championship contenders were caught out repeatedly.

The infamous Motegi terrain already rewards balance and technical accuracy under normal conditions, but heavy rain transforms the course completely. The steep hillsides and forest sections become incredibly slick, while the famous rock and camber sections demand absolute perfection from the riders.

With weather forecasts once again suggesting unstable conditions across the weekend, rain could become one of the biggest talking points of round one and potentially reshape the championship standings before the season has truly begun.

Major Rule Changes Add New Pressure for 2026

The opening round will also introduce one of the biggest format shake-ups seen in modern TrialGP competition.

A brand-new Super Test on Friday will determine the starting order for the opening races, while the premier TrialGP category now features a revised multi-stage format involving Super Pole, Final, and Super Final sessions.

Under the new structure, riders will not only need consistency across traditional sections, but also explosive pace under pressure in shorter high-stakes runs.

The changes are expected to create more drama for fans while increasing the pressure on riders who can no longer rely solely on endurance and consistency over a full day of competition.

Toni Bou Chasing Another Historic Title

All eyes will once again be on Toni Bou as the Montesa superstar begins his bid for an incredible twentieth consecutive TrialGP title.

The Spanish legend remains the benchmark in world trials and has dominated recent visits to Japan, winning five of the six scoring days held at Motegi since the championship returned to the calendar in 2023.

However, Bou faces increasing pressure from a younger generation determined to finally dethrone him.

Jaime Busto enters the season with added intrigue following his switch to Beta machinery, while Gabriel Marcelli arrives with growing momentum after securing his first overall day victory late last season.

Motegi has historically suited Bou’s precise and calculated riding style, especially in difficult conditions, but if the rain arrives again, mistakes could prove costly for everyone.

New Names and Big Storylines Across the Field

One of the biggest stories this weekend will be the debut of an electric motorcycle in the premier TrialGP class, with Miquel Gelabert set to make history aboard the Honda machine at Honda-owned Mobility Resort Motegi.

Meanwhile, British interest remains strong with Jack Peace returning after an impressive rookie season in the premier class, while reigning Trial2 champion Harry Hemingway steps up into TrialGP competition for the first time.

In TrialGP Women, defending champion Berta Abellan begins her title defence against fierce rivals including Andrea Sofia Rabino and Denisa Pechackova in what is expected to be another tightly contested championship fight.

The Trial2 category also looks completely open following the departures of Harry Hemingway and Gelabert to the top class, with Arnau Farré and Billy Green emerging as early favourites heading into round one.

Why Motegi Remains One of the Toughest Events in TrialGP

Mobility Resort Motegi is widely considered one of the most technically demanding venues on the calendar because of its constantly changing terrain and unpredictable conditions.

Unlike indoor-style sections that reward explosive riding, Motegi places a premium on patience, traction control, and mental composure. Riders are often forced into survival mode when weather conditions deteriorate, turning simple mistakes into major point losses.

The famous Japanese sections punish aggression and reward accuracy, which is why experience often becomes a decisive advantage at this event.

What to Expect This Weekend

The 2026 TrialGP season opener has all the ingredients for a spectacular weekend: new rules, championship pressure, unpredictable weather, and one of the most respected venues in world trials.

If conditions remain dry, fans could witness some of the highest-level riding ever seen at Motegi. But if the rain returns like it did last year, the opening round could quickly become a battle of survival where mistakes, endurance, and adaptability matter more than outright skill.

Either way, the TrialGP of Japan looks set to deliver one of the most important and unpredictable opening rounds in recent memory.