Strong Start for Red Bull KTM at SuperEnduro Opener

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing open the 2026 SuperEnduro World Championship strongly in Gliwice, with Josep Garcia impressing on debut and Manuel Lettenbichler securing solid results.

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing opened the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship with encouraging performances from Manuel Lettenbichler and Josep Garcia at round one in Gliwice, Poland. Across a demanding night of indoor racing, both riders showcased speed, resilience, and adaptability, setting a solid foundation for the season ahead.

Making his SuperEnduro debut as a wildcard, Josep Garcia immediately impressed by qualifying for SuperPole in his first appearance at the discipline’s highest level. The Spaniard delivered a composed and mistake-free lap aboard the KTM 250 EXC-F to secure the fifth-fastest time, earning a front-row start for the opening race. Lettenbichler, returning to indoor competition for the first time since 2024, qualified eighth to line up on the second row.

Race one saw both KTM riders firmly in the fight from the outset. Lettenbichler launched strongly from the second row and moved into third by the midpoint of the opening lap, before Garcia followed through and briefly slotted into the top three. As the race intensified, the pair were pushed back in a tightly packed battle for the top six. The teammates went wheel-to-wheel through the closing stages, with Garcia crossing the line in sixth and Lettenbichler close behind in seventh.

The reverse-grid format of race two presented a different challenge. Lettenbichler started from the front row and quickly settled into fourth, maintaining a strong rhythm early on. Garcia, meanwhile, began further back but avoided first-corner incidents and steadily worked his way forward. A small mistake cost Lettenbichler several positions, while Garcia thrived in the tight, physical racing, eventually finishing eighth. Lettenbichler brought his KTM 300 EXC home in 11th.

The final race of the night provided more drama and highlighted both riders’ fighting spirit. Garcia made another excellent start and held a top-three position for several laps, riding with precision and confidence. A clash in the technical pipe section, however, dropped him back and allowed Lettenbichler to move ahead. The two KTM riders battled to the chequered flag, with Lettenbichler securing fifth and Garcia finishing sixth, four seconds adrift.

At the end of the night, Garcia claimed an impressive sixth overall in his SuperEnduro debut, while Lettenbichler finished eighth, just three points behind. The results marked a positive return to indoor racing for Lettenbichler and a standout first appearance for Garcia in the discipline.

Reflecting on his performance, Lettenbichler described the event as a mixed but encouraging start, noting the high pace and challenging track conditions. He highlighted steady improvement throughout the night and expressed confidence that further work on bike setup and preparation would allow him to challenge closer to the front in the coming rounds.

Garcia, meanwhile, was delighted with his first SuperEnduro experience. Achieving SuperPole qualification and improving his riding across each race were key highlights, and he emphasised the enjoyment and learning gained from the event. The Spaniard also noted the potential benefits SuperEnduro skills could bring to his outdoor enduro campaigns, expressing hope of contesting a full SuperEnduro season in the future.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will now turn its attention to round two of the championship, scheduled for January 3 in Riesa, Germany, aiming to build on a promising opening night in Gliwice.