Chinese motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO made its mark at the Italian round of the FIM Supersport World Championship on Sunday, with its rider Valentin Debise finishing fourth among 34 global competitors.
Race 2 of the WorldSSP took place at the Cremona Circuit, where riders from 22 teams competed on machines built by eight manufacturers, including emerging Chinese brand ZXMOTO, whose founder Zhang Xue was present throughout the event.
For Zhang, the Italian race marked the culmination of an ambition years in the making.
"ZXMOTO will become a world-class brand in 5 to 7 years. From the day the company was established, I set a goal for myself: to build a world-class brand within ten years," he said.
To fulfill his dream, Zhang has assembled a team of engineers, technicians, and riders not only from China but also from the international circuit, who are drawn by his ambition, energy, and commitment.
"The passion—the first time I was there, talking with Zhang Xue in his office, I understood immediately his passion," said Fabio Evangelista, manager of ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing.
With Zhang watching from the sidelines, Debise, the French rider, delivered a strong performance.
"The boss is here, and it's very cool having him hanging out with us. And 200 people from the factory and sponsors coming from China straight to Milan to see the race," Debise said.
That ZXMOTO is only two years old and already competing at this level is a source of great pride for Zhang and his team—and an inspiration to many Chinese motorcycle enthusiasts. While China's motorcycle development and manufacturing sector is still in its infancy, the brand has big ambitions.
"Previously, we mainly looked to and learned from bikes from manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati. But now, suppliers of some overseas manufacturers, including Honda, are also coming to learn from our bikes," said Liu Futai, ZXMOTO's engine project manager.
According to Zhang, his company's success also represents a shift in the global economic landscape, as China's now-mature supply chains place it in a more competitive position to make high-quality products for good value.
"A similar example is that Japanese motorcycles grabbed a significant piece of market share from European brands 60 years ago. China's manufacturing costs have an advantage, so our prices will have an advantage as well. This is very natural," he said.
Chinese motorcycle brand ZXMOTO makes its mark at Italian WorldSSP Round
