The Dutch star has unfinished business at Hawkstone after being forced to withdraw from the 2025 edition with an ankle injury picked up in training, ruling him out just days before the event.
From MX2 king to the 450: de Wolf’s 2026 switch
De Wolf arrives at Hawkstone with serious pedigree, having secured the 2024 MX2 Motocross World Championship and establishing himself as one of the sport’s standout young talents.
What makes his 2026 Hawkstone appearance even more interesting is the machinery: de Wolf is set to graduate to the premier MXGP class for 2026, moving onto Husqvarna’s FC 450 as part of Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s plans for the new campaign.
For British fans, that step up adds an extra layer to Hawkstone’s traditional role as the ultimate early-season barometer. The event regularly draws elite GP names looking for a proper race simulation before the World Championship gates drop—and Hawkstone’s fast, flowing layout and signature elevation changes tend to reward riders who arrive sharp and race-ready.
A return that’s been a year in the making
After the late withdrawal in 2025, de Wolf’s confirmation for 2026 feels like a natural “run it back” moment—only this time with a fresh challenge: adapting to the physicality and pace of the 450 class in a high-pressure, pre-season showdown.
With the Hawkstone International traditionally attracting a deep field across multiple classes, the 2026 edition is shaping up as an early headline-maker—both for fans wanting their first real read on the season, and for riders fine-tuning form ahead of MXGP.