Officially confirmed: Kove’s 2027 MXGP debut is off

“I have in fact decided to end the project with KOVE,” Tom Steensels, who had been aiming to bring the Chinese manufacturer Kove into the World Championship, explained on social media. “They were unable to provide the necessary budget to compete in a full MXGP season at a professional and competitive level,” the statement continued. In short: there is a lack of funds.

Search for alternatives

“But when one door closes, another opens, and sometimes that new door leads to even greater opportunities,” the statement continued. Originally, Kove intended to develop the new 250cc bike in 2026, compete in the EMX250 with two riders in 2027, and move up to the MX2 World Championship no earlier than a year later. However, this plan was fundamentally changed over the summer. On 31 August, Kove made a surprise announcement that it would be entering the MXGP directly. Two factory riders were to compete under the leadership of Belgian team manager Tom Steensels. Shortly afterwards, Infront Moto Racing even jointly presented Kove and ZXMOTO as the two new Chinese manufacturers for the 2027 season.

Collaboration with Kove ended

Now, this ambitious project has failed for the time being. Meanwhile, Tom Steensels is reportedly trying to salvage his plans for an MXGP team. The Belgian has apparently been in talks with another Chinese manufacturer. If an agreement is reached, a second new Chinese project could emerge in the MXGP alongside ZXMOTO, despite Kove’s withdrawal.

However, time is running out: the World Championship begins as early as the end of February. A new motorbike would need to be developed and tested in Europe, the team put together and suitable riders signed up. For Kove, this premature end is particularly bitter: what was announced as a long-term factory project has apparently turned into a withdrawal within just eight weeks, even before the first race.