Honda factory rider, Jeffrey Herlings sits down for a quick chat to talk about this coming weekends Mantova round of the Italian International. The five time world champion will be a big favourite this weekend, but anything is possible on a new bike.

Q: We’re kicking off a new season with lots of changes, starting with the first one: the bike. How did you find these first winter tests?

Herlings: Was good! We made good improvements during the short time we had, so we’ll see how it is in race situations soon.

Q: Your rivals see you as one of the riders to beat again in 2026. How do you feel about that? Riding a Honda certainly changes the odds, and your rivals won’t find it easy to know what to expect from a fighter like you. How will you approach the first race of the world championship?

Herlings: It’s a long championship, consistency will be the key, so let’s work into it this season, as everything is new. New gear, new team, new bike! So, it will be a challenge for sure.

Q: The Italian Internationals are an important test for 2026. What will you be focusing on most?

Herlings: Taking it as a practice race for the GP’s, to see where we are standing.

Q: We saw an interview with you where you said you did a lot of training runs. Would you like to tell us about that?

Herlings: Just winter prep for the season and trying to build a good fitness base by doing loads of endurance moto’s and to try to learn the new bike.

Q: Your riding style has always been aggressive, and we’ve always seen you give your all and maybe even more. Will anything change with the Honda?

Herlings: I try to keep doing my best, just like I did for my previous team. And hopefully that gets paid back in good results for me and the team.

Q: Who would you like to dedicate two thoughts to: one for your past and one for your future?

Herlings: Thanks to KTM for the great last 17 years we had and now focus on the Honda bike.