The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship starts this weekend in a warm, and sunny Argentina with the first of nineteen rounds on a brand new track, nestling in the shadows of the Andes in the outskirts of Bariloche.

To launch the series Romain Febvre, the reigning MXGP world champion, and Kawasaki Racing Team team manager Antti Pyrhönen were each honoured when they were presented with a dedicated award by Prince Emmanuele Filiberto of Savoy, a partner of the team, in recognition of their successful season last year. After their track walk this morning we took the opportunity to chat with each of the Kawasaki riders prior to their start practices and training sessions on Saturday morning.

Romain Febvre, KRT MXGP: "The #1 looks really good and I'm very proud to wear it on my Kawasaki. Everything went very smoothly during the off-season; we knew what we wanted to work on and we are very happy with the upgrades. But now the winter is over, everyone is fit and ready and I'm excited to go racing again so we can see if we did a good job."

Pauls Jonass, KRT MXGP: "I'm feeling good. I always enjoy being here in Argentina; it's a long way to travel but the culture is nice and I'm happy to be here. It's been a long off-season but we've put some hard work in; the track's looking nice and I'm excited to go racing."

Mathis Valin, KRT MX2: "It's always nice to come to Argentina with a sunny sky, nice weather and perfect conditions! The track here is incredible; it's wide, not too sandy, in fact it’s a typical overseas track! Last year I was a little too excited at the first GP; I wanted to do too well. This year I come here with more experience so it will be different. For sure after my first podium last year I want more, but the goal is also to stay on two wheels, and to be consistant all season long. This is my second year with the team; I have a good feeling with the bike and with everyone in the team so I think it will be a good year."

Kay Karssemakers, DRT Kawasaki MX2: "I had some good riding in the winter, made some good steps in the gym and had a podium at Lierop last weekend so I'm ready. I don't have any specific aims for this first GP but I will be giving everything and am looking forward to doing a complete season."

Antti Pyrhönen, KRT team manager: "Obviously it feels great with the #1 plate on the bike, and it was very well-deserved. But now it's a new season and everyone starts again with zero points, so let's get the racing season under way. We had a really solid winter; the rider and the entire team of mechanics and engineers all worked hard and we are all highly motivated to earn even more success for Kawasaki. We enjoyed several pre-season races under varying conditions to be as prepared as possible for the GPs; we started with a little mud at Pernes, then fine conditions at Sommières and finally deep sand in Lierop. But it's a long season so we keep our feet on the ground, stay focused and work hard to be strong at every race. For sure you need to be experienced, know what you need and be prepared for all possible circumstances when the season starts overseas, so far from the team's home base, and that's why we flew here one day early so we could go to a local training track yesterday to ensure the bikes and riders are dialled in and comfortable; everyone in the team found that positive. Now today we had technical control at the track and are ready to start the new GP season tomorrow."