Two-time MXGP champion Romain Febvre signs deal with Ducati
Romain Febvre will end his long association with Kawasaki at the conclusion of the 2026 season before joining the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP team on a two-year deal.
The reigning MXGP world champion has signed with Ducati for the 2027 and 2028 seasons and will campaign the Desmo450 MX in the Italian manufacturer’s factory squad managed by Louis Vorsters.
The move will end one of the longest-running rider and manufacturer partnerships in the current MXGP paddock, with Febvre racing in Kawasaki green since 2020.
Seven Seasons with Kawasaki
Febvre’s seven-season stint with the Kawasaki Racing Team yielded the ultimate reward when the Frenchman secured the 2025 MXGP World Championship.
He also finished runner-up in the 2021 and 2023 championships and after the recent British Grand Prix, he has amassed 13 Grand Prix wins, 28 moto wins and 55 podium appearances on Kawasaki machinery.
Febvre and Kawasaki will continue their efforts throughout the remainder of the 2026 season, with both parties determined to finish their partnership on a strong note as the Frenchman attempts to defend his MXGP crown.
Romain Favre
“Now in a few months it is time to part ways with Kawasaki after so many seasons in green and, of course, a lot of memories, a lot of good results and a lot of achievements together.
“A long part of my career will always be with Kawasaki. We’ve been together for seven years, and that’s a huge thing in a rider’s career.
“We reached our ultimate goal, which was the world title last year, after fighting for the title in 2021 – my first season with Kawasaki – and 2023.
“I always had great people around me since I signed with Kawasaki. We developed a new bike in 2023 and missed the title by a few points. Unfortunately, I got injured in 2024, but eventually we got the title.
“This year we are fighting for the podium again. Of course, the goal is to win the GP again against strong opponents, but we are here and my motivation is always the same – to race for the best.
“I want to thank everyone who worked with me from day one, the former KRT team of Thierry Chizat Suzoni, the new KRT team with Antti Pyrhonen and, of course, Japan, who trusted me and always welcomed me with a positive attitude.
“Next year I will open another chapter of my career. I will enter another challenge, and at this age I need to perform. But the season is not over, and until the last race, I will definitely give my best.”
Kawasaki pays tribute to Favre
KRT Team Manager Antti Pyrhonen paid tribute to Favre’s contribution to Kawasaki’s MXGP program and his commitment to ultimately delivering the 2025 World Championship.
Antti Pyrhonen – Kawasaki Racing Team Manager
“It has been a great privilege to work with one of the most successful riders of the last decade.
“A huge commitment from Romain, Kawasaki and the entire KRT team ultimately culminated in the MXGP world title.
“Romain, thank you for these years and for your steadfast mentality, memories and achievements that will last forever. Let’s try to make it to the end – everything is possible.”
Kawasaki Motors Europe Race Planning Manager Steve Guttridge said Favre’s commitment has made him a key figure within the wider Team Green organisation.
Steve Guttridge – Kawasaki Motors Europe Race Planning Manager
“Romain has been an inspiration within our Kawasaki Racing Team organization.
“Season after season, he has always put 100 percent effort into his work, which was ultimately to fight for the MXGP World Championship with Kawasaki.
“He achieved ultimate glory last season, for which Kawasaki and our loyal Team Green fans will be forever grateful.
“We sincerely want to wish Romain all the best for the next phase of his career and are well aware that his entire KRT focus is on fighting whole-heartedly to defend the title as MXGP World Champion again with Kawasaki this season.”
Favre joins Ducati for 2027 and 2028
Ducati later confirmed that Favre would join the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP team for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
The Frenchman will race on the Ducati Desmo450 MX in a factory operation managed by Louis Vorsters, bringing championship-winning experience to the Italian manufacturer’s developing off-road racing program.
Febvre will turn 35 before beginning his Ducati tenure, but will emerge as one of the most accomplished riders in the MXGP paddock.
The Epinal-born rider made his MX2 World Championship debut in 2012 and finished third in the 2014 MX2 standings before moving up to the premier class in 2015.
He won the MXGP World Championship during his rookie premier-class season and added his second title with Kawasaki a decade later in 2025.
Throughout his career, Febvre has recorded 26 Grand Prix wins and 97 podium finishes. He has also been part of four victorious French teams at the Motocross of Nations, leading France to success in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2023.
A new challenge for Ducati’s MXGP project
Febvre’s arrival represents another important step in Ducati’s off-road racing expansion, with the experienced Frenchman set to lead the Desmo450 MX into the next phase of MXGP competition.
Before switching manufacturers, Febvre and Kawasaki still have unfinished business in 2026 as they chase further Grand Prix wins and attempt to defend the MXGP World Championship they captured together last season.
