Ahead of round 18 of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship in Shanghai, the paddock has its answer to a question that has been circling for two seasons. China is coming in 2027 with two factory projects.
Kove and ZXMoto have both confirmed their intention to enter the FIM Motocross World Championship from the 2027 season.
In August, Kove announced its intention to join the championship in 2027, and now ZXMoto says it will too.
ZXMoto’s program follows the same timeline and is at a comparable stage. The manufacturer intends to contest the full MXGP series from 2027, ideally with two riders, on a 450cc machine developed between China and Europe. Racing director Jesus Rincon has confirmed that the motorcycle is already running and that the team structure is being finalized.
ZXMoto had originally considered a debut in China this season and instead chose to commit fully to 2027 preparation. The brand already has victories in the FIM Supersport World Championship to its name this season.
Manufacturer JHL made history at the MXGP of China as the first Chinese manufacturer to compete in an MXGP race but will not contest the 2027 season. JHL fielded two 350cc bikes ridden by German rider Brian Hsu and Chinese rider Yuzhang Li, and both riders qualified for the sized-down 14-rider MXGP of China field and finished 12th and 13th overall.
Infront Moto Racing President & CEO David Luongo said, “Going to Asia has always been part of our strategy. We came to China to be ahead of this market, not to follow it, and today we are seeing the result: two Chinese manufacturers preparing full factory programs for 2027, and a third making its debut at our Grand Prix in Shanghai. That is exactly what a World Championship should be doing.” CN
