Frenchman Steven Frossard will take over the factory Kawasaki KX450F-SR of Ryan Villopoto in the remaining rounds of the 2015 MXGP World Championship, before MX2 World Champion Jordi Tixier steps up to the premier class in 2016.

Frossard was fifth in last year’s world championship with Kawasaki, joining Tyla Rattray – who will also retire at the close of this season – for the remaining six rounds. He most recently rode for the private Wilvo Forkrent KTM team before parting ways.

“Of course I’m happy to complete this season with KRT and to be back in a team where I know everyone and have so many great memories from last season,” Frossard said. “For sure the first goal this weekend will be to get used to the factory Kawasaki again.

“The 2015 bike has new development evolutions, new suspension, and Kegums could be the best place to discover it as last year we ended the season there by winning the MX of Nations with the French team. A top five result would be great for this first race, then we’ll have a few more weeks to practice before Loket.”

Next year will see reigning MX2 champion Tixier step up to the 450 class, as he ages out of MX2 following a solid first year with Kawasaki in 2015.

“This season Kawasaki offered me a good opportunity to join the team and it’s a great pleasure for me to stay involved with the brand for my move to the MXGP class,” Tixier explained. “I signed with the factory Kawasaki Racing Team, I know that I will have the full support from the factory, and I’m sure we’ll do a great job together.”

It’s not yet confirmed who will line up alongside Tixier in the team fulltime next season.