Chinese manufacturer Kove Factory Racing have officially confirmed plans to enter the MXGP World Championship from the 2027 season, marking another significant step for MXGP as more brands are entering the paddock. Kove had initially planned to contest the EMX250 series next year. However, those plans have now changed, with the Chinese manufacturer opting to take the bigger step and enter the MXGP World Championship instead.
The move will see Kove Factory Racing join the premier level of world motocross, with the project set to be managed by Tom Steensels. Steensels may have been away from the MXGP paddock for several years, but he brings valuable experience to the new Kove project having previously been involved with the TBS Conversions setup.
His return to the paddock will see him take charge of Kove’s MXGP operation as the manufacturer prepares for its first full-scale World Championship campaign.
Kove’s decision to bypass the planned EMX250 programme and head directly into the MXGP World Championship highlights the manufacturer’s ambitions within the sport. The 2027 season will therefore represent a major milestone for Kove as they take on established manufacturers at the highest level of international motocross.
More details regarding Kove Factory Racing’s 2027 MXGP programme, including the riders who will represent the team, are expected to be announced in due course but they have been busy at the test track.
Kove confirmed the news on social media:
KOVE will enter the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2027 with its own Factory Racing Team. Two riders will line up in the MXGP class, marking a new chapter in KOVE’s international racing programme.
Led by Team Manager Tom Steensels and his experienced crew, preparations are already underway across development, testing and team building. This is the beginning of a long-term factory racing programme with one clear goal: to compete and establish KOVE at the highest level of motocross.
The full rider and team line-up will be announced soon.
KOVE FACTORY RACING. MXGP 2027 – WE ARE COMING.
