Calvin Vlaanderen could be on the move once again for the 2027 MXGP World Championship as we believe that the South African is set to sign with the SR Motoblouz Honda team.
After making the switch to Ducati for the 2026 season, it appears Vlaanderen’s spell with the Italian manufacturer could last just one year. Ducati has already confirmed that Romain Febvre will join the factory squad for the 2027 and 2028 MXGP World Championship seasons, while Andrea Bonacorsi is also tied down on a multi-year contract.
Although the possibility of Ducati expanding to a three-rider MXGP line-up for 2027 has not been completely ruled out, it is understood to be highly unlikely. Instead, the manufacturer is believed to be focusing on strengthening its MX2 programme by fielding two riders in the class. Ferruccio Zanchi will remain part of those plans after signing a two-year deal, while the big question is whether Ducati promotes promising Italian youngster Simone Mancini or look elsewhere for a second rider.
That situation at Ducati has left Vlaanderen exploring other opportunities, with SR Motoblouz Honda emerging as the leading destination.
Vlaanderen has enjoyed three consecutive seasons as a full factory rider, spending the 2024 and 2025 campaigns with the factory Yamaha team before making the move to Ducati. A switch to SR Motoblouz Honda would see him lose his full factory status, but it would also reunite him with a style of team where he has previously flourished.
During his time with the Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha squad, Vlaanderen produced some of the best performances of his career, including a memorable MXGP overall victory at Riola Sardo. Those results suggest he could once again be a perfect fit within the SR Motoblouz Honda structure.
It remains unclear who Vlaanderen would partner should the deal be completed. The team is understood to be evaluating several rider options, while Kevin Horgmo remaining with the squad for 2027 also cannot be ruled out.
As always, we’ll bring you more news as and when we get it from the MXGP paddock.
