Official: ZX Moto signs Tobias Ebster and sets its sights on the 2027 Dakar

Rumours had been circulating in the media for several months, but now it’s official: following his departure from the German-Indian rally team Hero Motorsport, Tobias Ebster has found a new challenge, and it’s called ZX Moto.

The motorbike manufacturer, founded as recently as 2024, has enjoyed impressive success in its first year on the circuit in the Supersport World Championship and stands a good chance of finishing as runner-up in the world championship with Valentin Debise – ahead of Ducati, Triumph, Kawasaki and Honda! The Frenchman has won six races – more than any other rider this year.

Company founder Zhang Xue had previously made a name for himself with Kove Moto. The Chinese entrepreneur emphasised early on that entering rallying was on his agenda. Now, Xue – a motorsport enthusiast – is putting his plans into action. To this end, ZX Moto has teamed up with the rally team Joyride Race Service, which will manage the factory programme. The Spanish team was previously affiliated with KTM and will operate under the name ZX Moto Factory Rally Team in future.

ZX Moto is set to make its World Championship debut at the Morocco Rally from 28 September to 3 October. The team has signed a top rider in the form of a 28-year-old Austrian. Test rides have already taken place in Spain.

ZX Moto steigt mit Tobias Ebster in die Rallye-WM ein

Foto: ZX Moto

His motorbike is the 450 Rally, which has been developed without compromise for use in the rigours of rallying. The engine output of 60 PS and the weight of 128 kg are standard for the sector. The Chinese manufacturer intends to offer a road-legal version compliant with the Euro 5 emissions standard, as well as a fully-equipped racing version, right from the start.

ZX Moto steigt mit Tobias Ebster in die Rallye-WM ein

Foto: ZX Moto