China Accelerates: KOVE in MXGP 2027 with a Factory Team and Big Ambitions

So much for the denial: KOVE is officially arriving in MXGP in 2027 with a factory team, two riders, and a long-term project to dominate the 450 class.

China is getting truly serious about Motocross. After the confirmation of JHL Moto’s historic debut at the upcoming MXGP event in Shanghai, here comes the official announcement of KOVE’s entry into the MXGP World Championship in the 2027 season with its own factory team. They will field two riders—no names confirmed yet—but what’s certain is that there will be (at least) one full-time Chinese brand in the 450 class of the Motocross World Championship. And to think that last May they denied any imminent commitment! It seems that was just a way to deflect attention, until the real confirmation arrived after much speculation. Similar rumors have been swirling around ZXMOTO as well—let’s see if another official announcement arrives later—but for now, the official team’s social profile itself has confirmed the news.

“You wanted to see KOVE in MXGP—now we’re making it happen. MXGP 2027, we’re coming! We are proud to officially announce that KOVE is preparing to enter MXGP in 2027 with its own factory team. Preparations are already underway, including bike development, testing, and building a complete structure for the official team. A new chapter begins.” Few words, but crystal clear: the initial plan was to go through the European Championship, but the Chinese brand has decided to jump straight into the toughest challenge, the 450 class—proof of its big ambitions and determination to stand out in this discipline.

As mentioned, there will be two riders on the starting gate for the KOVE team in MXGP, with Tom Steensels serving as the team manager. China has very clear ideas: this is intended to be just the first step in a long-term racing program with a clear goal—ensuring that the KOVE brand establishes itself at the highest levels of motocross, and clearly not just as a cameo. The full lineup of riders and team personnel will be announced later.

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