With Mathis Valin now officially confirmed to remain with Kawasaki, it’s now thought that the manufacturer will run two MX2 World Championship riders in 2027 in an extended rider line-up.
We understand that Spanish prospect Francisco Garcia will join Valin under the awning to complete what would become an exciting two-rider MX2 World Championship line-up for Kawasaki.
Garcia has been the standout rider in the EMX250 championship this season, putting together one of the most dominant campaigns the category has witnessed in recent years. After seven rounds of the series, the Spaniard held a commanding 78-point lead at the top of the standings and, provided he can stay injury-free, looks firmly on course to secure the title and deliver another EMX250 crown for BUD Kawasaki.
The French-based BUD Kawasaki squad has established itself as an excellent feeder team for Kawasaki’s factory programme. Valin himself graduated through the structure winning the EMX250 title before stepping up to MX2 with the factory team, and it appears Garcia could now be set to follow the same pathway.
Despite attracting interest from elsewhere in the paddock, we believe Kawasaki have moved quickly to secure Garcia’s future, with the Spaniard understood to have agreed at least a two-year deal that would see him make his MX2 World Championship debut in 2027 alongside Valin. The deal may also include an option to move up to MXGP in the future.
Should the move materialise, Kawasaki would head into the 2027 campaign with a young and highly promising rider pairing, combining the experience Valin has already gained at world championship level with Garcia’s proven speed and potential.
As for Kawasaki’s MXGP plans beyond 2026, several questions remain unanswered. There is currently no agreement in place for Romain Febvre to continue with the manufacturer, while Kawasaki must also decide whether they intend to field two riders in MXGP alongside their anticipated expanded MX2 programme.
As always, we’ll continue to keep you updated with the latest developments from around the paddock.
