The 2027 MXGP World Championship could see another major shake-up in the paddock, with strong indications that experienced outfit JM Racing is set to run the new ZXMOTO factory project.
At the start of July, we exclusively revealed that Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO was planning to enter the MXGP World Championship in 2027. Race director Jesús Rincón confirmed those ambitions, signalling the brand’s intent to establish itself on the world stage.
Since then, developments appear to have gathered pace. During the Belgian Grand Prix at Lommel, ZXMOTO had motorcycles on display in the MXGP paddock for the first time, marking the manufacturer’s first official presence at a World Championship event and underlining that preparations are well underway.
Now, we understand that ZXMOTO has already reached an agreement with the team that will operate its MXGP programme for the 2027 season. We believe that team is JM Racing.
The Belgian-based squad currently runs the Factory Fantic MXGP effort, but despite only taking over that programme for the 2026 season, it appears the team could already be preparing for a new challenge with the ambitious Chinese manufacturer.
Should the deal go ahead, it would have significant implications elsewhere in the paddock. Current JM Racing riders Alberto Forato and Brent van Doninck would both face uncertain futures, while Fantic would also need to find a new team to operate its MXGP programme from 2027.
The growing involvement of Chinese manufacturers in the Motocross world doesn’t stop there either. We also expect to bring an update on Kove in the near future. Although the manufacturer had initially planned to enter the EMX250 Championship in 2027, we understand those plans have since changed. Despite that, the brand is still expected to have a presence in the paddock as Chinese investment and interest in the sport continues to gather momentum.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, all signs suggest that the 2027 MXGP season could usher in a fascinating new era, with ZXMOTO potentially partnering with one of the championship’s most experienced teams and further expanding the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers in Grand Prix Motocross.
