Kawasaki extends Dunlop MXGP technical partnership

At the start of the 2012 FIM World Motocross Grand Prix (MXGP) Championship, Dunlop began working with Kawasaki Racing Team, developing its Geomax range of tyres around the needs of the team’s top-level riders. Now, 11 MXGP wins later, the relationship continues with the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s signing of an extended Technical Partnership with Dunlop for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 MXGP seasons.

Kawasaki and Dunlop head into the 2018 MXGP season with a refreshed line-up. Belgian rider Clement Desalle will be joined by fellow countryman Julien Lieber. Lieber moves into the premier league of Motocross after several strong seasons in the MX2 category.

“We are delighted that Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team has chosen Dunlop for another three seasons,” stated Wim Van Achter, motorcycle racing manager, EMEA at Dunlop. “We are proud to have helped them achieve some great victories in the last six years and we share the same ambition to win the MXGP World Championship. They will benefit from our latest Dunlop Geomax range which includes the MX3S for softer terrain, MX52 for medium terrain and the recently introduced MX12, designed for sand and mud conditions”

On the latest MX12, Dunlop says it has improved performance in sand and mud condition by optimising the tyre profile and pattern. The introduction of new ‘V-Block’ technology gives better traction upon corner exit and an increased contact patch, helping braking stability.

“We are pleased to renew our partnership with Dunlop for another three years,” adds team manager François Lemariey. “By seeing their product quality, development plans and the people involved from tyre fitter to top management, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team can only be satisfied to work with such a good partner. In racing, we are always looking for best performance possible, Dunlop has the same philosophy, that’s how you build team victories”

The next year’s MXGP season begins in March with the MXGP of Patagonia at the Argentinian circuit of Neuquen.