Feature Story
In Conversation with Pauls Jonass
From Making MXoN History to 2027 with Kawasaki
Pauls Jonass closed out the 2026 racing season on a historic note, helping Team Latvia secure its best-ever FIM Motocross of Nations result with fourth overall. The milestone capped Jonass’ second year with Kawasaki Racing Team and came just as attention begins to shift toward his third, when he will take on a new role as KRT’s sole MXGP rider for 2027. Following a memorable weekend representing his home country, Jonass sat down to reflect on what makes the Motocross of Nations different, his role within Team Latvia, the preparations already underway for next season, and what he hopes to bring to the next generation of KRT riders.
Q&A with Pauls Jonass
QUESTION:
Team Latvia earned its best-ever result at the MX of Nations with fourth overall. How would you describe the weekend?
ANSWER:
This 2026 Nations event was really, really nice. The atmosphere was, as always, incredible, but this year it was the best Nations I’ve ever been to with the atmosphere, the people around and everything. It was a really special, very well-organized event. The French fans were, as always, there to support all the riders, but I also met many Latvian fans who traveled to support us at this special event. With Janis and Karlis, we achieved the best result ever for Latvia. It made it even more special, and it was a very positive weekend.
QUESTION:
What does the MX of Nations mean to you? Do you approach it like any other GP?
ANSWER:
For Nations, I take it as another MXGP event when talking about preparation beforehand, but it’s still slightly different because there is the team aspect. For the last few years, I have been racing with two young guys who were very motivated. I was kind of the captain, so it brings more responsibility, and I try to bring some experience to the team, which I really enjoyed. It’s always special when you put the national jersey on to represent your country, and when you get a top result like this year, it’s even better!
QUESTION:
Next year, you will enter your third season with Kawasaki, but this time as the sole MXGP rider. What do you expect from your new role?
ANSWER:
Yes, it will be my third year with Kawasaki, and I’m very happy, as it’s always nice to keep building from year to year, not starting from zero each time. The team has been working really hard. We know each other, and everything is really well organized, which helps a lot. For sure, next year, as I will be the single MXGP rider, it brings more responsibility and more pressure. But I’m ready for the challenge, and we plan to take a step forward, for myself as a rider and just a big step forward as a team.
QUESTION:
With no more races this year, when does preparation for next season begin?
ANSWER:
The racing season is over, and now I will jump into testing with the new bike. Plus, I will attend the European press launch of the 2027 machine in Barcelona. Preparation for next season starts now, so the program for the next few weeks is testing and preparation for 2027. After that, I will take a few weeks off to recover, recharge and then get back to the job as the season approaches. From the testing side, I enjoy when the season is over, or during the preseason, when you have time to make improvements to the bike and work together with the staff and engineers. Of course, our plan is to take a step forward again next year.
QUESTION:
In 2027, you will be the “veteran” of the team, with two young and promising talents racing MX2 within KRT. What do you hope to bring to them?
ANSWER:
Next year, I will have two young MX2 teammates, and for sure, if they need some advice, I will always be open to talking with them and sharing my experience. We will try to create the best team environment possible to take a step forward, together. From my side, I will be a “veteran” on the team. I will try to help them take another step and share my knowledge to create the best possible platform for success.
