Tom Steensels, who had been tasked with setting up and managing the new Official Team on behalf of Kove, has confirmed that he has decided to end his involvement in the project.

Tom Steensels leaves Kove Factory Racing: budget issues prove decisive

According to Steensels, Kove was unable to provide the budget required to compete at a professional and competitive level for a full MXGP season. Kove had already announced its intention to enter the MXGP World Championship in 2027, with Steensels responsible for setting up the team structure and overseeing preparations for the manufacturer’s debut season. His departure raises questions about Kove’s planned entry into the MXGP World Championship. With Steensels out of the team and the financial constraints now made public, it remains unclear whether the Chinese manufacturer will be able to proceed with its original plans for 2027. Below are the comments from Team Manager Tom.

Tom Steensels:

“I have decided to end the project with KOVE, as they were unable to provide the budget required to compete in a full MXGP season at a professional and competitive level. But as a fellow team manager recently said, ‘When one door closes, another opens’. And sometimes, that new door leads to even greater opportunities.”