Liam Everts secured his third consecutive Grand Prix podium with a strong 4-2 performance at the MXGP of Türkiye, cementing his late-season momentum for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing at round 17 of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
The 1,725-metre hard-pack Afyon circuit hosted the opening round of the championship’s final three-race stretch, which will continue through China and Australia over the coming weeks. Everts demonstrated consistent front-running pace throughout the weekend, topping free practice before qualifying third in both timed practice and Saturday’s qualifying race.
The Belgian rider made a strong start to Sunday’s opening moto, narrowly missing the holeshot before settling into third position. He held station for much of the 25-minute-plus-two-lap race, but a small front-end moment with two laps remaining cost him a position. Despite the bobble, Everts recovered quickly to finish fourth and collect 18 championship points.
Small suspension adjustments between motos proved beneficial, with Everts feeling more comfortable from the outset of race two. Another strong start saw him slot into second position, just 0.8 seconds behind early leader Sacha Coenen after the opening lap. As Guillem Farres moved to the front, Everts maintained his hold on second and began building a gap over the riders behind.
The FC 250 rider controlled the remainder of the moto, steadily increasing his advantage over Simon Längenfelder in third. Everts crossed the line 6.082 seconds behind race winner Farres and 6.825 seconds clear of Längenfelder, securing second place in the moto and third overall on the day with 40 Grand Prix points.
“It was a solid day overall. I struggled a little in the first moto, but we made some small changes to the suspension and I felt definitely better in race two,” Everts said. “I was still missing a little bit of an edge, but my riding was consistent and I was always there. To go 4-2 and take another overall podium – my third in a row – is really positive, so I’m happy to be back on the box again.”
The podium result extends an impressive run for Everts, who has now finished on the overall podium at three consecutive Grands Prix following runner-up finishes in Sweden and the Netherlands. He remains fifth in the MX2 World Championship standings with 696 points, 30 points behind Längenfelder in fourth place.
Everts carried Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s challenge alone at Afyon, with teammate Kay de Wolf absent as he focuses on recovery and preparation for 2027 following a hand injury sustained after the Dutch Grand Prix. De Wolf’s strong rookie MXGP campaign included podium finishes in Sardinia and Latvia, along with standout 2-2 runner-up results at Lommel and his home Grand Prix in Arnhem.
The championship now moves directly to Shanghai for the Oriental Beauty Valley MXGP of China on 13 September, the penultimate round of the 2026 season.
Photo: Husqvarna Media
