The 2027 rider market is beginning to gather momentum and one of the biggest names could be on the move. According to sources in the MXGP paddock, reigning MXGP World Champion Romain Febvre is now increasingly likely to leave Kawasaki at the end of the season and make a big switch over to Ducati.
At 34 years of age, Febvre faces what could be the final major contract decision of his illustrious career. The Frenchman appears eager to continue racing beyond 2026, and with two MXGP world titles to his name, it’s no surprise he remains one of the most sought-after riders in the paddock.
We understand Febvre has had at least three options on the table: remain with Kawasaki Racing Team, join Triumph, or make the move to Ducati. However, Ducati now appear to be in pole position to secure the signature of one of the sport’s biggest stars.
The Italian manufacturer is currently in its second season of competing in MXGP and have had Jeremy Seewer, Mattia Guadagnini, Andrea Bonacorsi and Calvin Vlaanderen all under the Ducati awning. Should they complete the signing of Febvre, it would represent the highest-profile addition to their Motocross project to date.
There are already encouraging signs of progress from Ducati. At the recent South African Grand Prix, Vlaanderen delivered his strongest result yet on the Desmo450 MX by finishing fourth overall, narrowly missing out on the podium as the brand still chase their first MXGP podium of the season.
Looking ahead to 2027, Ducati already has Andrea Bonacorsi under contract, meaning decisions will have to be made regarding the remainder of the line-up. The team began this season with three riders before reducing to two parting ways with Jeremy Seewer. It remains to be seen whether they will expand again or continue with two riders moving forward. Vlaanderen has played an important role in the development of the project and Ducati also holds an option to retain the South African, making the situation one to watch.
Should Febvre depart Kawasaki, attention will quickly turn to who replaces him. The Japanese manufacturer have already confirmed an exciting MX2 line-up for 2027 with Mathis Valin and Francisco Garcia but losing their world champion would undoubtedly be a blow.
Kawasaki have been linked with Guillem Farres, although that move could now be less likely. With Febvre seemingly no longer destined for Triumph, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the British manufacturer push to keep Farres and pair him with Mikkel Haarup in MXGP. The Spaniard has repeatedly spoken positively about his team throughout the season, making a switch elsewhere difficult to envisage at this stage – although stranger things have happened.
As always during silly season, plenty can still change before contracts are signed. However, with teams already making moves behind the scenes ahead of 2027, the rider market is heating up, and a potential move for Febvre to Ducati would undoubtedly be one of the biggest stories of the off-season.
