Two-time MXGP Champion Romain Febvre signs with Ducati
Romain Febvre will end his long association with Kawasaki at the conclusion of the 2026 season before joining the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team on a two-year agreement.
The reigning MXGP World Champion has signed with Ducati for the 2027 and 2028 seasons and will campaign the Desmo450 MX in the Italian manufacturer’s factory squad, managed by Louis Vosters.
The move will bring to an end one of the longest-running rider and manufacturer partnerships in the current MXGP paddock, with Febvre having raced in Kawasaki green since 2020.
Seven seasons with Kawasaki
Febvre’s seven-season tenure with the Kawasaki Racing Team delivered the ultimate prize when the Frenchman secured the 2025 MXGP World Championship.
He also finished runner-up in the 2021 and 2023 championships and, following the recent British Grand Prix, had accumulated 13 Grand Prix victories, 28 moto wins and 55 podium appearances aboard Kawasaki machinery.
Febvre and Kawasaki will continue their push through the remaining rounds of the 2026 season, with both parties determined to end their partnership strongly as the Frenchman attempts to defend his MXGP crown.
Romain Febvre
“It’s now time in a few months to part ways with Kawasaki after so many seasons in green and, of course, a lot of memories, a lot of good results and a lot of achievements together.
“A long part of my career will stay forever with Kawasaki. We have been together during seven years, and that’s a lot in a rider’s career.
“We reached our ultimate goal, which was the world title last year, after fighting for the title in 2021 – my first season with Kawasaki – and 2023.
“I always had great people around me since I signed with Kawasaki. We developed a new bike in 2023 and just missed the title by a few points. Unfortunately, in 2024 I sustained an injury, but we finally got the title.
“This year we fight again for podiums. Of course, the goal is to win again a GP against strong opponents, but we are here and my motivation is always the same – to race for the best.
“I want to thank everyone who worked with me since day one, the former KRT team of Thierry Chizat Suzzoni, the new KRT team with Antti Pyrhönen and, of course, Japan, who trusted me and always welcomed me with a positive attitude.
“Next year I will open another chapter of my career. I will enter another challenge, and that’s what I need at my age to perform. But the season is not finished, and until the last race I will, of course, give my best.”
Kawasaki pays tribute to Febvre
KRT Team Manager Antti Pyrhönen paid tribute to Febvre’s contribution to Kawasaki’s MXGP program and the commitment that ultimately delivered the 2025 world championship.
Antti Pyrhönen – Kawasaki Racing Team Manager
“It has been a great privilege to work alongside one of the most successful riders of the last decade.
“A huge commitment from Romain, Kawasaki and all of the KRT team finally culminated in the MXGP World Title.
“Romain, thank you for these years and for your unyielding mentality, memories and achievements, which will last forever. Let’s go for it until the end – everything is possible.”
Kawasaki Motors Europe Race Planning Manager Steve Guttridge said Febvre’s commitment had made him an important figure within the wider Team Green organisation.
Steve Guttridge – Kawasaki Motors Europe Race Planning Manager
“Romain has been an inspiration inside our Kawasaki Racing Team organisation.
“Season after season, he has always put 100 per cent effort into his job, which ultimately was to fight for the MXGP World Championship with Kawasaki.
“He achieved the ultimate glory last season, for which all at Kawasaki and our loyal Team Green fans will be eternally grateful.
“We would like to sincerely wish Romain the very best for the next step in his career and know well that his full KRT focus is to wholeheartedly fight to defend the title as MXGP World Champion again with Kawasaki this season.”
Febvre joins Ducati for 2027 and 2028
Ducati subsequently confirmed that Febvre will join the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
The Frenchman will race the Ducati Desmo450 MX in the factory operation managed by Louis Vosters, bringing championship-winning experience to the Italian manufacturer’s developing off-road racing program.
Febvre will turn 35 before beginning his Ducati tenure but arrives as one of the most accomplished riders in the MXGP paddock.
The Épinal-born rider made his MX2 World Championship debut in 2012 and finished third in the 2014 MX2 standings before progressing to the premier class in 2015.
He won the MXGP World Championship during his rookie premier-class season and added his second title with Kawasaki a decade later in 2025.
Across his career, Febvre has recorded 26 Grand Prix victories and 97 podium finishes. He has also been part of four victorious French teams at the Motocross of Nations, helping France to success in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2023.
A new challenge for Ducati’s MXGP project
Febvre’s arrival represents another significant step in Ducati’s off-road racing expansion, with the experienced Frenchman set to lead the Desmo450 MX into its next phase of MXGP competition.
Before changing manufacturers, Febvre and Kawasaki still have unfinished business in 2026 as they chase further Grand Prix victories and attempt to defend the MXGP World Championship they secured together last season.
