Antti Pyrhönen the KRT team manager and a man who has put his heart and soul into the sport, not only as the Kawasaki team manager, but also as a former Grand Prix racer. Pyrhonen new coming into the 2026 season opener in Argentina, it would be hard work, but he also knew, his rider, Romain Febvre was up for the challenge.

The defending champion didn't let the team down with a very solid 3-2 and 42 points. Now just eight points back from the winner in Argentina, Jeffrey Herlings, the Frenchman will make sure he remains consistent, just as he was in 2025.

"To start the season with a podium is always welcome so we are happy with that," Pyrhonen said. "We also found some areas which we still need to work on.That's normal; you always discover that at the first GP and we will get even stronger from here. Pauls also showed good speed; he was riding smooth and strong, and it was unfortunate for him that the second race was red-flagged; that was tough as he was fourth at the time but he regrouped well after the crash at the second corner of the restart."

Pyrhönen, who stood by Febvre in Australia last September, in tears and overjoyed with emotions, as a team manager of a world champion. He wasn’t surprise he would again feel emotions when the team presented the 2026 bike, with the red plate and the number one on the green machine.

"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, to ensure the bikes and riders are dialled in and comfortable; everyone in the team found that positive.”

Now the Kawasaki factory team move onto round two in Spain, where Febvre will try and regain that red plate, as he goes head to head with one of his biggest rivals, Jeffrey Herlings. Herlings went 1-1 last weekend, and holds that series leader red plate. Febvre, known for his skills on all types of tracks will look forward to pushing the HRC man as hard as possible and a GP win would be a bonus.

Pascal Haudiquert image