ZX Moto has sent shockwaves through the WorldSBK paddock with the announcement that it will step up to the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2028 with a five-cylinder machine. CEO Zhang Xue confirmed the ambitious plan during a closed-door meeting with selected media at the Cremona Circuit in Italy last weekend, on the sidelines of the WorldSBK round.
This move marks a new chapter for ZX Moto, which currently competes in WorldSSP with Evan Bros Racing. This season, they have shown promising performance, and that success appears to have accelerated their premier class ambitions.
Development Already Underway
Zhang Xue emphasised that the WorldSBK project is not just talk. “We have already started a programme in China for a motorcycle with a larger displacement engine and plan to participate in the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2028,” he said. When asked if the project was already running, he replied firmly, “Yes, we have already begun.”
The bike will have a larger engine capacity than the ZXMOTO 820RR currently racing in WorldSSP. However, the most striking detail is the engine configuration: five cylinders. This choice is rare in WorldSBK, where most manufacturers use four-cylinder or twin engines. It signals ZX Moto's intention to be technically different while challenging the established manufacturers.
Evan Bros Collaboration to Continue?
ZX Moto is currently working closely with Evan Bros Racing. Whether this partnership will extend to WorldSBK in 2028 is still undecided. “There is still a year to go before 2028, so not everything is set,” Zhang said. “Right now, we are working together on development and evaluating future opportunities.”
He also praised the Italian team's work ethic, structure, and experience. “Their passion stands out. They have many years in racing and understand this world very well. We have talked a lot and know each other well, including about the World Superbike project,” he added.
For now, ZX Moto seems focused on a single WorldSBK project. However, Zhang does not rule out supplying bikes to other teams in the future. Meanwhile, in 2027 they will remain active in WorldSSP to maintain their current programme while preparing the Superbike.
With this step, WorldSBK is bracing for a new force from Asia that could reshape the competitive landscape in the coming seasons.
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