The 2027 FIM Motocross World Championship is shaping up to be one of the most international seasons in recent memory. Two heavyweight manufacturers, a Chinese newcomer and an established Austrian-Italian outfit, have both revealed the riders who will wear their colours on the global stage. While the Chinese marque is making its first full-time foray, the Red Bull KTM operation is reinforcing a squad that already dominates the premier class. Fans can now anticipate a fresh blend of experience and youthful vigor across both paddocks, promising head-to-head battles in the MXGP and MX2 categories.
ZXMoto’s 2027 MXGP debut
Chinese motorcycle giant ZXMoto confirmed that it will field a factory team for the first time in the 2027 season, branding the effort as the HLA ZXMoto JM Racing Factory Team. The move follows a low-key appearance at the final round of the 2026 MXGP China round, where the brand showcased a brand-new 450cc motocross machine. That same chassis was officially unveiled at the EICMA exhibition in Milan, where it attracted attention for its compact Chinese engineering coupled with European-style suspension geometry. By committing to a full-season entry, ZXMoto signals its ambition to transition from a regional promoter to a genuine factory team capable of challenging the traditional European and American stalwarts.
Kevin Horgmo – Norwegian talent
One half of the inaugural duo is Kevin Horgmo, a 23-year-old rider from Norway who has spent the past three seasons polishing his craft in the MX2 class before stepping up to the premier category. Horgmo earned a reputation as a consistent top-ten finisher and captured the “Rookie of the Year” accolade during his debut MXGP campaign. His smooth riding style and ability to extract grip from hard-packed soil have made him a coveted asset for teams seeking a blend of aggression and technical precision. In an interview, Horgmo expressed excitement about joining a brand that is eager to write its own history, noting that the partnership offers a “clean slate” to develop the bike alongside engineers.
Oriol Oliver – Spanish rider with a rapid rise
Completing the line-up is Oriol Oliver, a 22-year-old Spaniard who burst onto the scene with a string of podiums in the European junior championships. Oliver’s aggressive corner exits and high-air skills have already earned him a reputation as a crowd-pleaser, and his recent performances in the MX2 World Cup caught the eye of ZXMoto’s scouting department. The Spanish rider is described as an up-and-coming talent eager to prove himself against the sport’s elite. Oliver highlighted the importance of a “stable development program” and praised ZXMoto’s commitment to providing him with a machine that can evolve throughout the demanding 2027 calendar.
Red Bull KTM’s expanded 2027 squad
While ZXMoto is building its foundation, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is bolstering an already potent roster. The Austrian-Italian powerhouse announced that Frenchman Maxime Renaux, a former MX2 world champion and multiple grand prix winner, will join Andrea Adamo in the MXGP category. Renaux, 26, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for tireless work ethic, qualities that align with the team’s “orange family” ethos. In the MX2 division, the Latvian brothers Janis Reisulis (18) and Karlis Reisulis (21) have been secured, alongside rising Australian star Byron Dennis. Janis impressed last year with three podiums and a sixth-place finish in the championship, while Karlis continued his steady climb, ending 2026 in seventh overall.
Supporting riders and technical staff
Red Bull KTM has also confirmed the involvement of former champion Marc de Reuver as the official rider coach, a role that will see him mentor the younger talent on the team. Additionally, the Van Venrooy KTM Racing collaboration will see Simon Längenfelder, the 2025 MX2 world champion, retain his seat, providing continuity in the factory-supported line-up. Team director Robert Jonas emphasized that the mix of seasoned veterans and hungry youngsters creates a “dynamic environment” primed for championship contention. The strategic blend of experience and youth mirrors ZXMoto’s approach, suggesting that 2027 could become a landmark year for competitive balance in the sport.
Both manufacturers have expressed confidence that their 2027 line-ups will inject fresh competition into the MXGP arena. ZXMoto’s Chinese engineering pedigree, combined with the international flair of Horgmo and Oliver, promises a narrative of rapid growth. Meanwhile, Red Bull KTM’s reinforced squad aims to preserve its dominance while nurturing the next generation of champions. As the season approaches, the motocross community eagerly awaits the first test sessions, where the true performance of these newly assembled teams will begin to emerge.
