Winning With… Romain Febvre: “Dunlop Geomax MX14 gives me confidence everywhere - even on hardpack”

Dunlop caught up with Romain Febvre during the MXGP of Great Britain to discuss the French star’s long-standing relationship with Dunlop, his tire preferences, and why he believes Dunlop Geomax MX14 is redefining race-day confidence

There are very few riders in modern motocross that are as tenacious, talented and utterly driven as Romain Febvre. For more than a decade, the Frenchman has been a fixture at the very front of the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) and, as such, he has cemented himself as one of the most celebrated riders in modern MX racing.

In 2015, Febvre stunned the sport when, in his very first season in the MXGP class, he stormed to win the championship title. That season marked the beginning of a career that would see the Frenchman become not only a regular Grand Prix winner, but a serial contender on the world stage as a reigning champion.

Since then, he has represented France with distinction at the Motocross of Nations, leading the team to four victories in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2023. His fierce battles over the years with the likes of Tim Gasjer, Jeffrey Herlings, and Jorge Prado are already etched in Grand Prix motocross history, and have helped define what has arguably been a golden era of MXGP competition.

Febvre is now in his fifth season with Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP (KRT), continuing to fight at the front of the World Championship standings alongside fellow Dunlop-equipped teammate Pauls Jonass. Many feel, with some justification, that he deserves another world title before he hangs up his helmet. And with the coveted red plate currently in his possession, there is a growing sense that another world title could well be within reach.

Dunlop caught up with Romain to discuss his long-standing relationship with Dunlop and to learn more about how he approaches tire selection during MXGP race weekends.

Dunlop Geomax MX14: Built for sand, proven everywhere 

Tire performance is no small part of Febvre’s story. Since joining KRT in 2019, he has relied on tires from the Dunlop Geomax range to carry him to success, which he praises for their all-round grip, stability and consistency.

“My favourite Dunlop tire is the sand tire, the Geomax MX14,” he says. “We’ve got the latest one now. We’re riding much more with that tire on normal tracks, so we had to adapt it to be rideable on all types of soils. I’m really happy with that tire because it gives me confidence everywhere, even on hardpack.”

Geomax MX14 is purpose-designed for sand tracks and loose terrain, with its tall tread blocks and pronounced scoop design delivering outstanding grip when accelerating, braking, and cornering. A series of refinements since its launch in 2022 have now seen it become a go-to choice for riders up and down the grid.

As one of the few World Championships still featuring open tire competition, choosing the right tire brand is an important decision for each team or rider, but Dunlop’s recent success in the championship has made it the choice of many top teams and riders. Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, Monster Energy Triumph Racing, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing and several leading WMX teams all trust Dunlop to carry them to success. Last season, both the MX2 and WMX titles were claimed on Dunlop tires, with Kay de Wolf (Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Lotte van Drunen (De Baets Yamaha MX Team) securing victory in each class, respectively.

In the United States, Dunlop Geomax tires continue to be the top choice for most riders in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, having helped secure every title in both championships since 2010.

“Since the start of the season, we’ve used [Geomax MX14] in almost every race,” Febvre continues. “That’s been really good: especially for the starts. Now we launch from metal mesh, which makes getting consistent traction tricky. With the Geomax MX14, we can avoid sliding.”

Hands-on tire development

This level of performance is no surprise. Dunlop provides a range of development and off-the-shelf tires from its Geomax motocross range to all its supported riders in the MXGP, MX2 and WMX classes, whose feedback is vital in developing the next generation of Geomax tires. This ensures that top teams benefit from the latest and most innovative Dunlop technology. 

Dunlop’s Geomax range has evolved considerably in recent years, including with Febvre’s favoured Geomax MX14, and with the introduction of Dunlop’s most recent addition to the range: Geomax MX34. 

Febvre has played a key role in this development process: “We are always working really closely with Dunlop to keep developing the tires. Over the years, many have been tested and improved,” he explains.

“Often, the engineers from Dunlop come over. We sit down and talk about what the riders - myself or my teammates - want, and give feedback on tire design. We can tweak stiffness or softness. At least two or three times a year we get a new tire to try. We use them, and then refine them again for racing. The goal is always to create the best tire possible.”

Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, adds to Romain’s sentiments: “Working with a rider of Romain’s calibre is crucial to our motocross tire development. His feedback, experience, and consistent top-level performances help shape products that benefit not just factory teams, but our off-the-shelf customers too. Geomax MX14’s success across different conditions reflects that collaboration.”

Eyes on the prize

Febvre is enjoying a stellar season. The Frenchman has never previously had such a strong start to a campaign, claiming five moto victories and four overall wins during the first 12 rounds of the series. His efforts have earned him a commanding 32-point over his nearest rival in the championship.

As a result, Febvre will once again fit the coveted red plate, reserved only for the series leader, to his bike as the MXGP circus heads to the KymiRing Circuit in Iitti, Finland, this weekend.

“I’m trying to keep the red plate as long as I can,” he says. “I’m really happy to be in this position, leading the championship. I feel good at the moment. I’ll try to open up the gap a bit more and do everything I can to keep the red plate to the end - and win my second world title.”

Van Achter adds: “Romain’s success this season speaks volumes about the performance and reliability of our off-road products across varying track conditions. We wish Romain, and all Dunlop-supported riders in the championship, every success for the remainder of the season.”