TrialGP Japan 2026 Day One Results: Toni Bou Dominates as Motegi’s New Format Delivers Instant Drama

The 2026 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship finally roared into life at Mobility Resort Motegi and the opening day of competition delivered exactly what fans hoped for, pressure, unpredictability, and world-class riding under an entirely new TrialGP format.

After heavy rain turned last year’s Japanese round into one of the toughest and most controversial events in recent memory, this year’s conditions could not have been more different. Dry terrain, improved grip, and warm weather transformed the famous wooded hillsides of Motegi into a spectacular showcase of elite-level riding.

In the end, one thing remained unchanged: Toni Bou still sits on top of the world.

The defending champion opened his pursuit of an incredible twentieth consecutive TrialGP crown with two victories from two races, but the scorecards do not tell the full story. Day one in Japan showed that while Bou remains the benchmark, the chasing pack is closer than ever under the championship’s aggressive new race structure.

You can read our full weekend preview here: 2026 TrialGP of Japan Preview – Motegi Mud, New Rules and Toni Bou’s Hunt for History

New TrialGP Format Immediately Changes the Championship

The biggest talking point entering the weekend was the introduction of the brand-new TrialGP race format for 2026.

For the first time, the premier class featured Super Pole and Super Final sessions alongside the traditional races, dramatically increasing pressure on every single section. Riders no longer had the luxury of slowly building momentum through a full day, mistakes became instantly costly.

At Motegi, the format worked perfectly.

Every section suddenly carried championship significance, and the shorter, high-pressure Super Final format created some of the most intense riding TrialGP has seen in years.

Bou adapted quickest.

Jaime Busto looked dangerous.

Gabriel Marcelli showed flashes of brilliance.

And British rookie Harry Hemingway proved he absolutely belongs among the elite.

Toni Bou Still the Rider Everyone Must Beat

Despite the new rules and increased intensity, Toni Bou once again found a way to control the weekend when it mattered most.

The Spaniard opened race one strongly but was immediately tested by massive five-point penalties on the demanding rock sections that also caught out Jaime Busto, Matteo Grattarola and Gabriel Marcelli.

While others continued to struggle with consistency, Bou slowly stabilised his scorecard and pulled away during the second half of the opening race.

His ability to limit damage in difficult sections ultimately became the difference.

The second race introduced the all-new Super Pole and Super Final system, creating even more pressure, but Bou once again delivered under the spotlight.

After finishing tied with Busto on ten marks in the Super Final, Bou secured victory on tie-break criteria to complete a perfect opening day and immediately establish himself as the championship favourite once again.

“I’m super-happy to win here as it’s very important for the team,” said Bou. “I have been under pressure all the first race and in the Final and Super Final so it has been very difficult for me.”

At thirty-nine years old, Bou continues to redefine what dominance looks like in motorcycle trials.

Harry Hemingway Announces Himself on the World Stage

One of the biggest stories from day one was the sensational performance of British rookie Harry Hemingway.

The reigning Trial2 World Champion looked completely unfazed in his first-ever premier-class event and immediately fought for podium positions against the sport’s biggest names.

Hemingway finished fourth in race one, only narrowly missing the podium behind Matteo Grattarola, before remaining competitive throughout the new Super Final format later in the day.

While Bou may still control the championship, Hemingway’s debut proved the next generation is arriving quickly.

His calmness on Motegi’s technical rock sections was particularly impressive, especially considering how punishing the Japanese venue can be for newcomers.

Busto Fast But Still Searching for Stability

Jaime Busto’s debut weekend with Beta showed both massive promise and lingering inconsistency.

At times, Busto looked like the only rider capable of matching Bou’s pace section-for-section. His aggressive riding style worked perfectly in the new sprint-style format and he repeatedly attacked the biggest hazards with confidence.

However, costly mistakes early in race one prevented him from truly challenging for victory.

Still, two runner-up finishes on day one leave Busto firmly in the title conversation and suggest the Bou vs Busto rivalry could define the 2026 season.

TrialGP Day One Results – Japan 2026

Berta Abellan Starts Title Defence Perfectly

In TrialGP Women, defending world champion Berta Abellan delivered a statement performance with maximum points from the opening day.

Abellan looked composed from the beginning and handled Motegi’s technical terrain significantly better than many of her rivals.

While Alessia Bacchetta and Andrea Sofia Rabino both produced strong rides, neither could match Abellan’s consistency across both races.

The Spaniard’s second race performance was particularly dominant, finishing with just nine marks lost.

Her title defence could hardly have started any better.

TrialGP Women Day One Results – Japan 2026

Trial2 Championship Already Looks Wide Open

If day one proved anything in Trial2, it is that this championship may become the most unpredictable battle of the season.

With Harry Hemingway and Miquel Gelabert moving up to TrialGP, the category entered 2026 completely reset and nobody managed to establish total control at Motegi.

Spain’s Alex Canales emerged as the early championship leader through consistency rather than outright domination.

Two second-place finishes gave him the overall advantage, while rivals around him traded victories and costly mistakes.

Britain’s George Hemingway rebounded brilliantly from a disappointing first race to win race two and keep himself firmly in contention.

Meanwhile, Billy Green struggled for rhythm throughout the day and now already faces an uphill battle in the standings.

Trial2 Day One Results – Japan 2026

Motegi Finally Shows Its True Potential

One of the biggest winners on day one may actually have been the venue itself.

Last year’s torrential rain turned sections into near-unrideable chaos and sparked widespread criticism throughout the paddock.

This year, dry conditions allowed the world’s best riders to properly attack the sections, creating cleaner competition and far more spectacular riding for fans.

The steep hillsides, giant rock slabs and technical wooded terrain at Mobility Resort Motegi once again proved why the venue remains one of the most iconic stops on the TrialGP calendar.

Looking Ahead to Day Two

Although Toni Bou leaves Saturday with maximum points, the championship fight is far from settled.

Jaime Busto looks fast enough to challenge.

Gabriel Marcelli is improving.

Harry Hemingway continues to surprise.

And with the new Super Final format increasing pressure on every section, mistakes can instantly change the entire standings.

If day one was any indication, the 2026 TrialGP season could become one of the most entertaining in years.