Loris Veneman and Xavier Artigas will compete in the World Sportbike Championship with MTM Kawasaki.
The most successful team in World Supersport 300 history will step up to the new World Sportbike Championship in 2026, with the support of Kawasaki Motors Europe.
A new chapter begins for MTM Kawasaki after the conclusion of the World Supersport 300 Championship, as they will compete in the inaugural season of the World Sportbike Championship with the Kawasaki ZX-6R.
The team will field a two-rider team, featuring two young riders with plenty of experience to bring to the Sportbike Championship.
Loris Veneman will remain with the MTM Kawasaki squad for a third full season, after previously competing for the Belgian team in the World Supersport 300 Championship. During his time with the team, he finished as the runner-up in the 2024 World Supersport 300 season.
Alongside the Dutch rider will be the 22-year-old Xavier Artigas, who has experience in the Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships. The Spaniard worked with MTM Kawasaki in 2025 as a rider coach and data analyst, as well as competing in the Italian Supersport Championship on the Kawasaki ZX-6R.
"I am very happy to announce that I will make my Sportbike debut with MTM Kawasaki," Veneman said.
"After years together, I feel at home, and that is essential to achieve good results. I trust the project, the bike and Kawasaki and adapting quickly to the ZX-6R 636 will be essential for me.
"I am looking forward to working with Xavi as a teammate, and I believe we can achieve great results together. Thanks to Ludo, Kawasaki Motors Europe and all my personal sponsors and partners. See you soon on track."
"I am pleased to start this journey with Kawasaki Motors Europe and MTM Kawasaki in the World Sportbike Championship," Artigas said.
"I see a strong project and I feel part of it, which is why I want to thank both Ludo Van der Veken and Steve Guttridge. I know the Kawasaki ZX-6R 636 from the Italian Championship and I’m sure we can make it competitive for Sportbike.
"We are already working closely with Paolo Marchetti and Kawasaki and I have full confidence in their approach and job. The goal is clear. I already felt good with the team this year working together, and I can’t wait to get back on the bike. Thank you to MTM and Kawasaki for the trust."
