A few days ago Romain Febvre and the KRT Team Manager Antti Pyrhonen received a hearty welcome in Japan when they visited Kawasaki’s Kobe offices and Akashi factory recently. They spent good moments with the management and the staff of the Racing Department and returned to Europe highly optimistic for the future.

In the aftermath of the final MXGP in Australia and the MX of Nations in the USA, Romain and Antti faced another important trip as they flew to Japan to share good vibes with all of the people who work hard far from the tracks to provide the best material to the Kawasaki Racing Team which was so successful this season.

“It was great to go there for a few days to celebrate the title, to meet some of main figures of the company, and to spend time with all the people who work in the background. We spent two days at the factory, then we had one day of testing on the factory bike that they have in Japan, and that was really interesting as it has several differences to the bike we have in Europe,” explained Romain, who had also had one week of testing in Europe before flying to Japan.

As in 2015, when he won the world championship for the first time, Romain was enthusiastic to race the final round of the All Japan Championship which was also part of his programme during the trip.

“I had good memories from this track and we planned the trip so I could participate in this final race of the season. Everything was great and to win there with the Japanese series race bike was perfect as we learnt some points for next season and that’s important,” added the MXGP world champion, who is already fully focused on defending his title next season.

“To win this second title has given me a lot of energy for the future! With a good winter the goal will be to claim a third title for sure. I will race with the number 1 on my Kawasaki; it's a new challenge and I know that the motivation to win races will be there again after a good winter.

Next season many new riders will arrive in the MXGP class and many will change team and bike while I know my bike and all the people in the team perfectly. With so many changes elsewhere maybe it’s the perfect moment to try to beat them again as they will probably need time to adapt to their new bikes.”

For KRT team manager Antti Pyrhonen the visit in Japan was another opportunity to interact with the staff and further strengthen ties with the factory at the start of their fifth season of close collaboration.

“I want to thank all of the people at KMC for organising such an amazing trip and the warm welcome they gave us, also a real lifetime experience and ceremony organised by the Kawasaki Motors Company President, Mr Ito. To see all the technology Kawasaki has in Japan gives us huge confidence to know we will continue to have the best bike and support in the years to come. The cherry on the cake came when Romain won every moto of the final round of the Japanese Championship at Sugo with the support of the Kawasaki R&D team. Thank You - Arigatogozaimasu “

Kawasaki story Pascal Haudiquert image