DONE DEAL: Ken Roczen has officially extended his contract with Suzuki, securing his place with the team through the 2026 season…

Ken Roczen, the renowned German motocross and supercross rider, has officially extended his contract with Suzuki’s HEP Motorsports team, securing his position through the 2026 season. This extension marks a significant milestone in Roczen’s career and underscores Suzuki’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the motocross arena.

In 2025, Roczen will transition into a pivotal development role, collaborating closely with Suzuki’s in-house engineering team and the HEP Motorsports crew. The primary objective during this period is to refine the RM-Z450, ensuring it’s fully optimized for its anticipated debut in the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) in 2026. Roczen’s extensive experience and technical insight are expected to be instrumental in tailoring the bike’s settings to meet the diverse challenges presented by the MXGP circuits.

Expressing his enthusiasm about this new chapter, Roczen stated, “I’m incredibly proud to continue my journey with HEP Suzuki. Next year, I’ll be taking on a unique role by working alongside Suzuki’s development team to prepare the RM-Z450 for my return to MXGP racing in 2026. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape the bike that I’ll be competing with on the global stage. To be part of Suzuki’s first MXGP campaign in years and do it with a team I trust is truly special. I’m excited to dive into this new chapter and can’t wait to line up for the MXGP season in 2026.”

Dustin Pipes, HEP Motorsports Team Manager, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We couldn’t be more excited to have Ken Roczen remain with HEP Suzuki as we take this next step in our program. With the decision to enter MXGP in 2026, Ken’s role in 2025 will be critical in ensuring the RM-Z450 is ready to compete at the highest level. Ken’s commitment and professionalism have always set him apart, and having someone of his caliber developing the bike gives us a significant advantage. His familiarity with the team and the bike will be key in making a smooth and successful transition into MXGP.”

This strategic move not only solidifies Roczen’s future with Suzuki but also signals the brand’s ambitious plans to re-enter the MXGP scene as a formidable contender. Fans and industry insiders alike will be keenly watching as Roczen and Suzuki embark on this collaborative journey, aiming to make a significant impact on the world stage in 2026.