The KRT riders are ready for the GP opener

The Kawasaki Racing Team riders and technical staff have arrived in Argentina for the opening round of the FIM World Motocross Championship at Cordoba. We took the opportunity to chat with the riders – Romain Febvre, Pauls Jonass and Mathis Valin – prior to the 2025 GP season opener.

Romain Febvre

Romain, you have been with Kawasaki for six years now!
Yes, I feel very much at home in Green; it’s been a while and now we have two more seasons together. I like the bike and, when you feel good in a team, it always makes everything easier; you have no surprises.
How is the new KX450-SR with the updated FIM noise regulations ?
We didn’t know what to expect when we started to test. We needed to figure out a combination of things and we also didn’t want to be on the limits but the power and the handling, even the starts, are actually better than before.
What are your goals for 2025 ?
The goals remains the same. I already feel better prepared than last year so we will see this weekend how we stand. The first goal is to stay healthy; so much can happen during a season and you have to manage everything as well as possible; you know, I didn’t even crash last year when I got injured. Of course I am hungry for another title – that is always something special – but first we have to be consistent and win races, then we can see what is possible.

Pauls Jonass

Pauls, how is to be back working with Antti Pyrhönen as your team manager ?
It’s great to be back with Antti. Of course we know each other from when we worked together previously but he seems more relaxed now and we have a very open working relationship. I’m really enjoying it and the team atmosphere is really nice.
Did it take you long to adjust to riding a Kawasaki ?
I felt comfortable on the Kawasaki right from the first day really; and we haven’t even needed to adjust much on the bike settings to suit my style.
What are your aims for this season ?
I want and expect to win races. But the most important thing to remember at the moment is that the season ends in October and you have to stay healthy.
How are you and Romain settling in together as teammates ?
We get along well and have a good collegial relationship, just as teammates should have. But for the rest we approach the racing separately.

Mathis Valin

Mathis, it’s only twelve months ago that you moved to the 250 in EMX and now you are already a factory rider!
Yes, it’s an incredible sensation how my career has progressed; and the big flight to come here to Argentina to start my rookie GP season.
You appear very confident on the KX250-SR?
Yes, I feel so good with the bike. We have worked a lot, particularly in January on Sardinia, to develop the bike and we have had a successful pre-season. I let my riding tell the story; I have nothing more to add.
How is it to work with Antti ?
Antti is like a second father to me. He is always there to remind me of our aims and give me advice. We have a good relationship.
What are your expectations for this season ?
I didn’t train and work this winter to just aim for top-ten. I know I have the speed, and I have a very good bike. I will give my best and we will see; I will be trying to win !