At the end of August, Chinese manufacturer Kove announced plans to enter the MXGP World Championship for the 2027 season. However, we understand those plans have now changed, with Kove no longer set to make their debut in the MXGP World Championship paddock next year.
Initially, the plan was for Kove to contest the EMX250 series before the project took a different direction, with the manufacturer announcing their intention to compete in the premier MXGP class in 2027. Despite the ambitious plans, it now appears the project will not move forward as originally intended.
It remains unclear whether Kove’s MXGP ambitions have simply been put on hold or if the plans have been scrapped entirely. However, there could still be a way for a new Chinese manufacturer to enter the championship next season alongside ZXMOTO.
Tom Steensels making plans to continue?
Tom Steensels was announced as team manager for the Kove Factory Racing project, but with Kove no longer expected to enter the MXGP World Championship in 2027, it’s thought that the Belgian – alongside TS Performance Group – have been exploring alternative options to go ahead with plans to run an MXGP team next year.
We understand Steensels has been busy travelling in recent weeks, with several trips believed to be part of his efforts to find a solution. There is speculation that he could be working towards an agreement with another Chinese manufacturer, potentially allowing him to continue with an MXGP team project despite the change in Kove’s plans.
Nothing has been confirmed at this stage, and it remains to be seen whether Steensels can secure the backing needed to make the project a reality. However, with preparations for the 2027 season already underway across the paddock, time will be an important factor.
What about the riders?
With Kove’s original plans now seemingly off the table, the future of any riders who had been involved in testing or discussions with the manufacturer remains unclear.
If a new project does come together, there will be plenty of work to do before a team is ready to line up in MXGP which gets underway in February. Machinery will need to be developed and tested in Europe, while potential riders will want to evaluate the bikes before committing to any contracts.
For now, Kove’s planned entry into the 2027 MXGP World Championship appears to be off, but that might not necessarily mean the end of the wider project surrounding Steensels.
Whether he can find a solution with another manufacturer and keep an MXGP team on the grid next season remains to be seen. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
To be continued…
