Romain Febvre and Kawasaki: Parting ways after seven years

It’s the legendary ‘unlucky seventh year’, which puts more than just marriages to the test. Reigning MXGP champion Romain Febvre is set to leave KRT after seven years. However, he has no plans to end his career just yet.

With Kawasaki since 2020

The 34-year-old has been racing for the Kawasaki works team since 2020, winning the MXGP World Championship title in 2025 and securing two silver medals during that time (2021 and 2023). Febvre has won thirteen Grands Prix and 28 World Championship rounds with Kawasaki, most recently standing on the podium for the fifty-fifth time with Kawasaki at Foxhills.

Statement from Romain Febvre

“In a few months’ time, after so many years in green, it will be time to part ways with Kawasaki,” explained the Frenchman. “I have many memories, good results and we’ve enjoyed numerous successes together. A long part of my career will forever be linked to Kawasaki. We’ve been working together for seven years – that’s a long time in a rider’s career. I’ve always had great people around me. In 2023, we developed a new bike and narrowly missed out on the title by just a few points. Unfortunately, I got injured in 2024, but in 2025 we finally clinched the title. This year, too, we’re fighting for podium places again. Of course, the aim is to win another Grand Prix against strong opponents. My motivation is still the same: to give my very best. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with me since day one: the former KRT team led by Thierry Chizat Suzzoni and the new KRT team with Antti Pyrhönen, and of course the Japanese parent company, which has placed its trust in me and always welcomed me with a positive attitude. Next year, I’ll be starting a new chapter in my career.”

I’m still just as motivated as ever.

Romain Febvre

Looking to the future

Febvre has no plans to retire. On the contrary: “I’m going to take on another challenge; that’s what I need at my age. But the 2026 season isn’t over yet. I’ll obviously give it my all right up to the final race.” The Kawasaki team is banking on its young talents, Mathis Valin and Francisco Garcia, who have already signed their contracts. However, they’ll probably stay in the MX2 class for the time being.

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Where will Febvre move to?

It is extremely unlikely that Febvre will move to a Japanese manufacturer: Honda already has three riders under contract, whilst at Yamaha even Gajser hasn’t really settled in yet. The KTM Group has also already set the course for the future with de Wolf, Adamo, Everts and Längenfelder. That leaves Ducati and Triumph as the most likely candidates for Febvre’s future. Triumph is also set to extend its factory programme to the MXGP. Mikkel Haarup was originally planned, but what in sport ever goes to plan?

KRT Team Manager Antti Pyrhönen and Steve Guttridge (Planning Manager) thanked Romain Febvre for his hard work and achievements and wished him every success for the future.