Will Hoto be another Chinese manufacturer to enter the World Championship?

Chinese manufacturer Kove’s attempt to enter the MXGP has failed for the time being. Now another Chinese manufacturer could step into the breach. The background to Hoto (officially Chongqing Hoto Motor Technology Co., Ltd.) is similar to that of Kove: Kove has been active in rallying since 2023. In 2025, Hoto also entered the world of rallying. Prototypes of Hoto motocross bikes in a white and red livery were already presented at the EICMA motorbike show.

Hoto: a spin-off from Kove featuring KTM technology

The company Hoto was established as part of Kove’s restructuring. Several members of the rally project team moved from Kove to Hoto. For the 2025 Dakar Rally, Hoto developed its own chassis fitted with a 450cc engine from KTM.

Will Hoto enter the World Championship?

Tom Steensels, who was originally due to lead the Kove project in the World Championship, is rumoured to be in talks with Hoto. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but the Belgian has already hinted that ‘when one door closes, others open’. Given the rivalry between Kove and Hoto, this development would fit the picture perfectly. Steensels doesn’t have much time. The World Championship begins on 28 February in Almonte.