The KRT Trio Dominate the Podium: A Thrilling Start to the Season
In a thrilling display of motocross prowess, the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) kicked off their 2026 season with a bang at the Pernes-les-Fontaines International event. Romain Febvre, Pauls Jonass, and Mathis Valin, each a force to be reckoned with, took center stage in what was an action-packed day of racing.
Despite the morning rain, a large and enthusiastic crowd gathered to witness history in the making. Reigning MXGP world champion Romain Febvre, sporting the prestigious #1 plate on his Kawasaki KX450-SR, was the star attraction. He engaged in an intense duel with his arch-rival from the previous year, emerging victorious in the first moto. As the track conditions deteriorated with incessant rain, Febvre's skill and determination shone through, securing him another impressive win in the second moto.
But here's where it gets controversial... In the third race, with brutal conditions taking their toll, Febvre made a couple of mistakes, dropping him down the field. However, his fighting spirit prevailed, and he recovered to finish sixth, earning him a well-deserved second place on the overall podium. A true champion's performance!
Pauls Jonass, a consistent performer, delivered three solid rides, finishing 3-4-2 in the motos. He joined his KRT teammate on the podium, a testament to their strong team performance.
And this is the part most people miss... Mathis Valin, a rising star in the MX2 category, dominated the concurrent MXGP race. Despite a DNF in race two after an unfortunate collision with a 450 rider, Valin's talent shone through. He posted an impressive third-fastest time during the morning Timed Training session, showcasing his speed and skill against the 450s on his KX250-SR. Even a pit stop for fresh goggles couldn't slow him down, as he finished sixth in the combined classification, nearly a minute ahead of the next 250 rider.
Romain Febvre, reflecting on his performance, said, "It was a good day overall. The track was perfect for the first race, and I enjoyed the duel with Lucas. I'm pleased with my speed and starts, and the hard work we put in over the winter is paying off. We're on the right track for the opening GP next month."
Pauls Jonass, always positive, added, "The track was challenging, but I felt great on the bike. The hard work during the winter is clearly making a difference. I'm excited to see what the next races bring!"
Mathis Valin, MX2's rising star, shared his experience, "I felt confident in the dry conditions this morning, but the rain made things tricky. Starting with the 450s is never easy, and I had to stop for new goggles. Despite the challenges, I found my rhythm and finished strongly. Our season has begun, and we're looking forward to a successful year."
Antti Pyrhönen, KRT's MXGP team manager, summed up the day, "Today was a fantastic shake-down for the team. Racing is the ultimate test, and here in France, with its intense schedule and pressure-packed environment, we saw our riders shine. All three ended the day on the podium, and we're confident as we continue our training and look ahead to the first GP in Argentina next month."
So, what do you think? Are you excited for the rest of the season? Will KRT continue their dominant run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
