MXGP 2027: ZXMOTO arrives with JM Racing, Horgmo and Oliver
The newsroomUpdated on November 4, 20263 minZXMOTO enters MXGP in 2027: Belgian outfit JM Racing becomes the official team, with Kevin Horgmo and Oriol Oliver on the Chinese 450cc. Full details.
Key point
Chinese manufacturer ZXMOTO makes its MXGP debut in 2027 with Jacky Martens' Belgian team JM Racing, riders Kevin Horgmo and Oriol Oliver and a 450cc machine.
ZXMOTO will make its MXGP debut in 2027. Announced on 3 November at EICMA in Milan, the project is built around the Belgian team JM Racing, based in Lommel and led by Jacky Martens, which becomes the Chinese manufacturer's official team. The riders will be Norwegian Kevin Horgmo and Spaniard Oriol Oliver, in the premier class only: ZXMOTO is skipping EMX250 and MX2.
A first for world motocross
Founded by Zhang Xue, ZXMOTO becomes the first Chinese factory team to contest the full motocross world championship. For JM Racing it is the sixth brand in its history after Husaberg, KTM, Husqvarna, Honda and Fantic, and the first from China. The ambitions are clear: be in the top 3 within two years and aim for the world title within three years.
Horgmo and Oliver, two riders looking for a fresh start
Kevin Horgmo, 26, was EMX250 runner-up in 2021 and fourth in MX2 in 2022. He took his first moto win in 2023 in Turkey. In MXGP since 2024 with SR Motoblouz Honda, he finished eighth in his first season; his best Grand Prix result is fifth.
Oriol Oliver, 24, rode six seasons in MX2, with fourth as his best Grand Prix result. At the 2025 British GP he led the first moto before a crash, then finished third. He made his MXGP debut in 2026 with Gabriel SS24 KTM, with ninth as his best result; an injury at the British GP ended his season early.
The bike: a 450cc close to the production model
ZXMOTO showed a 250cc and a 450cc at EICMA last year. The 450cc is in production, ready in January, and due in Europe in March-April. According to Jacky Martens, the MXGP version hardly differs from the production bike: extra radiators for very hot races and power tuned to each rider. The 250cc will only follow after the 450cc project.
JM Racing, a strong record
Jacky Martens was 500cc world champion in 1993. His team has four MX3 world titles (2004, 2005 and 2006 with Yves Demaria, 2008 with Sven Breugelmans) and the MX2 world runner-up spot in 2019 with Thomas Kjer Olsen, on Husqvarna. It entered MXGP in 2020.
Key takeaway
MXGP 2027 will welcome a Chinese factory manufacturer, led by an experienced Belgian team and two riders aged 26 and 24. How the 450cc fares against established brands remains to be seen.
Frequently asked questions
Who will ride for ZXMOTO in MXGP in 2027?
Norwegian Kevin Horgmo, 26, who leaves SR Motoblouz Honda, and Spaniard Oriol Oliver, 24, who comes from Gabriel SS24 KTM.
Which team is running ZXMOTO?
JM Racing, the Belgian team based in Lommel and led by Jacky Martens, becomes the official ZXMOTO team.
What is ZXMOTO's goal?
To be in the top 3 within two years and aim for the world title within three years.
Sources
- MXMag — Horgmo and Oliver named first ZXMOTO factory riders in MXGP
- GateDrop — Official: ZXMOTO announce 2027 MXGP World Championship plans
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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