A historic double at Portimão
On March 28–29, 2026, at the Portimão circuit in Portugal, manufacturer ZXMOTO made history in the FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP). In only its second appearance in the category, the Chinese brand achieved a remarkable double victory thanks to French rider Valentin Debise.
This success marks a major first: ZXMOTO becomes the first Chinese manufacturer to win a WorldSSP race. An even more impressive achievement as it comes at the very start of the project, in collaboration with the Evan Bros Racing team.
A technological contribution at the heart of performance
HEF Group, through its HEF / TS China teams, is proud to have contributed to this success by providing its tribology expertise on the 820RR engine.
This collaboration was made possible through:
- the implementation of the CERTESS™ DCX solution
- the application of DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings on piston pins
These critical components, subjected to extreme racing conditions, play a key role in reducing friction, improving wear resistance, and enhancing overall engine reliability.
From Formula 1 to motorcycles: transferring expertise
For more than 15 years, HEF Group has been developing advanced DLC coating solutions for the most demanding environments, particularly in Formula 1.
This WorldSSP success perfectly illustrates the Group’s ability to transfer this expertise to motorcycle applications, combining performance, durability, and innovation.
A partnership looking to the future
Beyond the sporting result, this double victory symbolizes the success of an ambitious partnership between ZXMOTO, Evan Bros Racing, and HEF Group.
In what is still a young project, this achievement confirms the machine’s development potential and the relevance of the technological choices made.
HEF Group will continue its commitment alongside its partners to support future engine developments and push the limits of performance even further.
One thing is certain: this victory is only the beginning.
