The Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) is set to take on an even greater challenge in 2025 as it enters both premier classes of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
While KRT has a rich history in the MXGP class, the team will break new ground by fielding an official entry in MX2 for the first time.
Based in Lommel, Belgium—widely regarded as the heart of European motocross—KRT boasts a wealth of experience at the sport’s highest level. Led by former Formula 1 World Champion and passionate motocross enthusiast Kimi Räikkönen as Team Principal, and managed by former MXGP racer Antti Pyrhönen, the team has consistently delivered strong performances. Over the past two seasons alone, KRT has claimed 23 GP podiums, six overall victories, and 12 moto wins in MXGP.
Throughout the off-season, KRT has worked closely with Kawasaki Motors Ltd. and Japanese engineers to fine-tune the KX-SR factory machines in line with new FIM technical and environmental regulations. A successful testing program in Sardinia throughout January has ensured that the team enters 2025 fully prepared.
“It was a busy and intense winter, but everything has gone smoothly,” said Pyrhönen. “Our riders have completed a strong testing program, and the team is in a great place heading into the new season.”
The first pre-season test will take place at the Hawkstone Park International in England before the opening round of the championship in Argentina on March 1-2.
Returning for his fourth season with KRT, French star Romain Febvre remains the team’s leading contender in MXGP. After an intensive off-season training program in Spain and Sardinia, he is confident heading into the new campaign.
“We had perfect conditions to work in Sardinia, and I also had a great physical training schedule before Christmas,” said Febvre. “The Japanese engineers were with us, and we made some big improvements to the bike—it suits me even better now! I feel confident, and I can’t wait to be back behind the starting gate.”
Joining him in MXGP is Latvian Pauls Jonass, the 2017 MX2 World Champion, who will make his Kawasaki debut in 2025.
“Everything has gone really well so far,” said Jonass. “I’ve had a great preparation period and solid testing weeks in Sardinia, where I’ve been getting to know the bike and working with the team. There’s still work to do, but the season is long, and I’m excited to go racing and see how everything comes together in competition.”
For the first time, KRT will have an official MX2 effort in 2025, with rising French star Mathis Valin leading the charge on the new KX250-SR.
After a dominant campaign in the European EMX250 Championship, where he claimed the title in his debut season with Kawasaki, Valin is eager to step up to the world stage.
“I was welcomed whole-heartedly by the team and immediately felt comfortable with both the bike and the staff,” said Valin. “We put in a lot of work over the winter, and I also pushed myself physically to be ready for the season. I’m excited to get back to racing and face the challenges ahead.”
Kawasaki’s expansion into both MXGP and MX2 highlights the brand’s growing commitment to motocross success.
“The Kawasaki official entry in both MXGP and MX2 for the 2025 season shows our level of commitment to off-road sport,” said Manabu Shinobu, Senior Manager at Kawasaki Motors Ltd. “We hope fans globally share in the success that we anticipate, knowing that the same KX models available at Kawasaki dealerships serve as the foundation for these world championship machines.”
With the team, riders, and machinery all in place, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Kawasaki and its passionate lime-green fan base.
“The 2025 season is here, and we are ready for the gate to drop,” said Steve Guttridge, Race Planning Manager at Kawasaki Motors Europe. “Competing officially in both MXGP and MX2 is a huge step forward for our motocross project, and we have the riders and staff to make a big impact.”
