CFMoto Builds Italian HQ to Fulfill Growing Racing Ambitions

The Chinese manufacturer is developing a dedicated motorsports facility in Rimini, Italy, as it strengthens its racing operations and prepares for potential future entry into MotoGP.

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CFMoto has revealed further details of its plans to enter MotoGP, with work underway on a new racing headquarters in Rimini, Italy, as the Chinese motorcycle manufacturer continues to expand its motorsports ambitions.

Already competing in the Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships, CFMoto has made no secret of its interest in joining the premier class. The new facility will form part of its broader racing strategy, potentially putting the manufacturer in a position to compete against established European and Japanese brands in the future.

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, approximately an hour from Bologna, the new racing department will operate alongside CFMoto’s existing research and development and industrial design teams in the area.

According to Visordown, Samantha Liu, general manager of CFMoto’s Motorsports Management Centre, confirmed that preparations for the facility are underway, including the development of its organisational structure and the recruitment of employees.

Liu explained that the Italian technology centre would not focus exclusively on MotoGP. Instead, it would support several racing programmes while helping the company develop its technical expertise in areas such as engineering, testing and motorcycle development.

She also stated that CFMoto was prepared to take a patient approach to its motorsports ambitions, following its own strategy rather than rushing into the premier class.

The development of the new facility signals CFMoto’s intention to establish a stronger technical foundation for its racing operations, although the manufacturer has yet to confirm when it could make its MotoGP debut.

CFMoto Faces Potential Competition From ZXMoto

If CFMoto eventually joins MotoGP, it could become the first Chinese motorcycle manufacturer to compete in the championship. However, it may not be the only Chinese brand pursuing that ambition. ZXMoto, which has been making progress in the FIM Supersport World Championship, is also reportedly interested in entering MotoGP in the future.

Asked whether CFMoto viewed ZXMoto as a rival in the race to reach the premier class, Liu said the company remained focused on its own development plans. She acknowledged that CFMoto closely monitors its competitors but emphasised that the manufacturer has a clear strategy and intends to progress at its own pace.

For now, neither manufacturer has confirmed a MotoGP entry date, leaving the prospect of a Chinese brand joining the championship dependent on their respective development plans.

WorldSBK Could Be Another Target

Beyond MotoGP, CFMoto has also been linked with a potential entry into the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) Speculation surrounding a possible superbike racing programme has gained attention following the development of the CFMoto V4 SR-RR, a high-performance motorcycle powered by a V4 engine.

In June, the motorcycle reportedly reached 196.2mph (315.8km/h), setting a new top-speed record for a Chinese combustion-engine motorcycle.

However, CFMoto has not officially confirmed a WorldSBK programme, and its future racing commitments remain subject to further developments. ZXMoto, meanwhile, is also understood to be prioritising a potential WorldSBK entry with an upcoming 1,000cc superbike.

With both manufacturers expanding their racing ambitions, the coming years could see greater Chinese participation in international motorcycle racing. For CFMoto, the new Italian racing headquarters represents another step towards building the technical capabilities needed to compete at the highest level.