MXGP in the heart of Shanghai: China GP kicks off with a media event on the Huangpu River

How do you bring motocross to the people in a city with around 24,8 million inhabitants?Infront Moto Racing is not only trying to make this year's Chinese GP more interesting by holding the race outside the immediate city center. Two days before the first race, the MXGP was moved right into the heart of Shanghai.

On Friday, selected riders met at the West Bund Dream Center right on the Huangpu River. Instead of a racetrack, paddock, and team trucks, there were autographs, a stage, and a small area where children could ride electric motorcycles.

The MXGP took place where hardly anyone would normally stumble upon a motocross race on the weekend: right in the heart of one of the world's largest cities.

Shanghai currently has around 24,8 million permanent residents. Theoretically, this means the potential audience for a world championship here is enormous. However, motocross isn't exactly a common sight in this metropolis.

Herlings, Vialle and the MX2 top right in the city

Infront had accordingly gathered some well-known names from the paddock for the event.

Jeffrey Herlings, already crowned MXGP World Champion for 2026, was present alongside his Honda HRC Petronas teammate Tom Vialle. Triumph sent Guillem Farres and Camden McLellan, the two riders who will continue their fight for the MX2 World Championship this weekend.

Among those who joined were Andrea Adamo, Liam Everts, Calvin Vlaanderen, Ferruccio Zanchi, Jeremy Seewer, Kevin Horgmo, Julius Mikula, and Australians Byron Dennis and Dylan Walsh.

However, particular attention was likely given to two riders who are not usually found in the normal MXGP paddock.

Brian Hsu and Li Yuzhang represented JHL Factory Racing. The Chinese manufacturer is making its MXGP debut this weekend with a wildcard entry. For Hsu, the appearance is particularly special. He has German and Taiwanese roots, speaks Mandarin, and is competing against the established MXGP factory teams for the first time with the JHL LX350R at the manufacturer's home race.

The fact that JHL was present at the official event in the middle of Shanghai therefore fits the story of this Grand Prix better than some of the plush toys that were subsequently distributed to the drivers.

China should become more than just an overseas race

Because there is now more to the China GP than just an attempt to tick off another point on the MXGP world map.

JHL kicks things off this weekend. For 2027, two other Chinese manufacturers, KOVE and ZXMOTO, have already announced complete MXGP programs.

This also changes the significance of the race in Shanghai.

Until now, Infront has brought its world championship to China, attempting to build an MXGP audience there. From 2027, Chinese manufacturers are slated to become part of this world championship themselves. Whether this will automatically generate widespread motocross enthusiasm remains to be seen. However, a domestic manufacturer inevitably offers the audience a different connection than a field comprised solely of European and Japanese brands.

This also aligns with the date change for next year. In 2027, the Chinese Grand Prix will no longer take place in September, but already on [date missing]. 2. MayThis means the race falls during the Chinese holidays around May 1st.

This gives Infront the opportunity to make the Grand Prix more than just a race that is primarily interesting for the World Championship and international spectators.

The performance at the West Bund Dream Center was a small part of that.

There's more at stake on this route.

On Saturday, the stage on the Huangpu River will quickly become a secondary matter anyway.

In MXGP, the most important decision has already been made. Jeffrey Herlings travels to Shanghai as world champion, while the positions behind him are still undecided.

In MX2, the situation is different. The title fight between Guillem Farres and Camden McLellan continues. The fact that the two Triumph teammates happened to be together at the media event on Friday was therefore a nice side note. As soon as the gates drop, that will all be over.

And then there's JHL.

For Brian Hsu and Li Yuzhang, the weekend will likely be judged less on whether they can suddenly compete with the established factory teams. More interesting will be how the LX350R performs under real MXGP conditions.

This gives the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix a second story in addition to the open World Championship standings.

In a city with approximately 24,8 million inhabitants, MXGP is currently trying to gain some attention. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are on the verge of becoming permanent participants in this world championship for the first time.

The meeting in the heart of Shanghai was the presentation. From today onwards, the journey itself will provide the more interesting answers.