Red Bull KTM factory rider Lucas Coenen could be something very special and while it seems it is undecided if he heads to race in America (which is his dream) in 2025 or 2026, while we have him here, we should enjoy him as much as possible. This 18-year-old will shake some things up this season.

Watching him race so far this year, be it in the pre-season races, or the first three GPs of the season, there is something very Jeffrey Herlings about this kid and while it might take him a while before he gets his first MXGP victory, it seems it will come for sure in 2025.

His first ever Grand Prix victory in the MX2 class came in his 11th GP, which is very impressive and with 10 GP wins to his name in the MX2 class, and him winning the final three GPs of the 2024 season, we all knew when he arrived in MXGP, it might be spectacular.

His MXoN performance, although ending with him in the back of an ambulance showed his sizzling speed and his desire to win at all costs. We all remember a young Jeffrey Herlings, back in 2010 and a 15 year old being similar and while it took “The Bullet” just four GPs before he won his first, but we all know, Herlings and GP wins do come easy, when he is fit.

There are not many before or since that have that incredible Herlings speed and desire for victory and I think we all see that in Lucas Coenen. I don't think I am getting ahead of myself, when I say, this kid could win a handful of GPs as the 2025 season rolls on.

Anyway, his MXGP of France was his first MXGP moto win and his first MXGP podium, and all this after him coming into the season with arm injuries (oh, we all know that is something Jeffrey Herlings knows about).

Something that impressed many of us in France, was the fact he seems to be a little more careful and not taking as big a risk as he has in the early 450 career. If he can contain his aggression enough and stay composed, we might see some pretty amazing racing in the coming months.

With Jeffrey Herlings racing this coming weekend and sure to arrive in Sardinia with some speed, the battle between the likes of Coenen, Gajser, Herlings, Febvre and even Coldenhoff, might we worth keeping an eye on.

Coenen is also a showman, and enjoyed the exposure, says what he thinks and is very exciting to watch. Remind you of anyone? Below is how Coenen felt over the weekend.

First Evert MXGP Moto Win

Coenen: I got a really good start (Saturday qualifier) we figured it out with the team, and it felt great. Like I’ve said before, Rome wasn’t built in a day. I struggled a lot at the beginning of the season, but now I’m starting to find my rhythm again, and I loved every bit of it. I was a bit stressed—Tim is a five-time world champion, and he was pushing hard. It reminded me of when we were riding at his home track last year. But overall, I’m really happy with how it went. Tomorrow is a new day; we’ll give it our best!”

His Weekend

Coenen: What can I say? Speechless! That’s the first podium out the way. We had some difficult times lately, but we’ve finally kicked off: 3-3 for 3. I wanted to make another pass in the second moto, but it started raining and I just said “stay there and get the first podium. We now have two weeks off to rest and we’ll see what we can do in Sardinia. Thanks to the team and my physio, they worked so hard with me these last few weeks. I cannot thank them enough. We’re now looking forward to building confidence and see where we end up.

First Podium

Coenen: I'm very happy with my first podium and to get that out of the way! The pace was high, and the track demanded full concentration, at one point I thought, okay, I don't need to push more and let's get the podium. It’s all part of the process—learning, adapting, and building speed with each round. I want to be the best I possibly can and with these riders at the top you definitely need to switch on. I want to thank everybody around me as they work so hard in the last couple of weeks to get there. There’s still more to come from us this season.”

KTM/JP images