Mathis Valin extends his contract as a Kawasaki works rider

Valin turns 20 on 18 August. He celebrated the first Grand Prix victory of his career in the MX2 class at the Talkessel. He has now been offered a further multi-year contract, which he has signed. The exact duration of his contract has not been disclosed. This is likely because the team has reserved the right to include exit clauses in the event that his career takes a different turn to that planned.

Form on the up

After 9 of 19 World Championship rounds, Mathis Valin is sixth in the overall standings. “Now we’ll carry on together, as everyone involved is doing a great job,” explained Valin. “We’ll continue to work hard for the second half of the season and, of course, for next year too. Hopefully things will get even better! The start of the season was quite tough due to my injury, but now we’re on the right track.”

Pyrhönen impressed by Valin

“It’s been two good years entering the MX2 class with Kawasaki,” explained Antti Pyrhönen, team manager at KRT Kawasaki. “With Mathis, we’ve already achieved a great deal, with numerous podium finishes and our first GP victory in this category. Of course, we want to push on and achieve even more to reach the team’s ultimate goal: the world championship title. It’s never easy, but we’ve made great progress with the development of the team and the bike every season. Now we see a further boost in securing a talent like Mathis for the future. I’d particularly like to thank his coach, Thierry van Den Bosch, who has done important work behind the scenes to prepare Mathis.”

Management delighted

“Mathis is a perfect example of an up-and-coming young rider who dreams of emulating his MX2 hero,” explained Shigemi Tanaka, Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe. “With the KX250, Mathis is ready to reach the next level of his impressive potential.”

“Mathis has now become a regular podium contender in the MX2 class and we’re confident that this is just the beginning,” added Steve Guttridge (KME Race Planning Manager).

Further MX2 involvement planned for Kawasaki?

Behind the scenes, there is already speculation that Kawasaki will further expand its MX2 involvement in the future. The Spanish Bud-Kawasaki rider Francisco Garcia is dominating the EMX250. He could become the second MX2 works rider alongside Valin in 2027.