Interview: Antti Pyrhönen – “To work with a talent like Mathis is rewarding”

Antti Pyrhönen has been instrumental in Kawasaki’s recent resurgence in the Motocross World Championship, particularly in the MX2 class. The 2026 season has already yielded significant results, highlighted by Mathis Valin’s landmark victory at the German Grand Prix, marking Kawasaki’s first MX2 Grand Prix win since their return and the first overall MX2 win since 2016. This breakthrough reflects the culmination of years of effort to rebuild Kawasaki’s competitiveness in the class, with Valin’s rapid development as a rider playing a central role in the team’s success. Pyrhönen emphasised the challenges Kawasaki faced in their initial year back in MX2, describing it as a process of gradual progress with occasional setbacks. The team has been focused on refining the KX250 bike to balance power and reliability, a technical challenge that has paid dividends this season. Working with a young talent like Valin has been particularly rewarding, as the rider’s growth in speed, fitness, and maturity has matched the improvements made to the machinery, creating a strong synergy that has propelled the team forward. In the premier MXGP class, Kawasaki’s campaign has also shown promise, with former world champion Romain Febvre maintaining a solid position in the championship despite a difficult start to the season. Pyrhönen praised Febvre’s ability to seize opportunities, such as his recent qualifying race win, and stressed the importance of consistency and racecraft in a tightly contested championship. Meanwhile, Pauls Jonass has demonstrated flashes of speed but has struggled with race starts and crashes, limiting his ability to consistently challenge at the front. The team’s focus remains on helping Jonass string together complete race performances to build confidence and achieve top-five finishes. Looking ahead, Kawasaki is optimistic about sustaining and building on their current momentum in both MX2 and MXGP. Pyrhönen highlighted the long championship ahead and the need for solid, consistent results rather than relying on luck. The team is also considering expanding their MX2 programme, signalling a commitment to further investment in nurturing young talent and strengthening their presence in the sport’s competitive landscape. Overall, Kawasaki’s recent achievements mark a significant step forward in their motocross ambitions, underpinned by a collaborative approach between riders and technical staff.