Simon Laengenfelder will defend his MX2 world title in 2026 with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Austrian squad, joining Andrea Adamo and aiming for KTM’s first back-to-back MX2 crown since 2019.
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Fresh off his 2025 FIM MX2 World Championship triumph, Simon Laengenfelder will embark on a new chapter in 2026 as he transitions into the main Red Bull KTM Factory Racing structure to defend his crown. The 21-year-old German star will campaign the KTM 250 SX-F under the Austrian squad’s direct management. He will be joining Andrea Adamo in one of the sport’s most prominent factory line-ups.
The move marks Laengenfelder’s shift from the Rome-based De Carli outfit, whose KTM program he has represented for several seasons, to the core factory structure led by Team Manager Joel Smets. With this switch, Laengenfelder aims to become KTM’s first back-to-back MX2 champion since 2019 and to continue the brand’s dominance in the category.
A Strategic Step for KTM and Its MX2 Ambitions
Laengenfelder’s 2025 season showcased his full potential:
- 6 Grand Prix victories
- 12 podium finishes
- A commanding run across 20 rounds that ultimately delivered his first MX2 world title and KTM’s 16th MX2 crown
His consistency and technical precision on the KTM 250 SX-F have made him one of the class’s standout riders. KTM now places him at the centre of its 2026 MX2 campaign. As Adamo graduates to the MXGP premier class aboard the KTM 450 SX-F, Laengenfelder becomes the sole MX2 rider for the Austrian factory structure. This signals a clear, focused effort behind his title defence.
Under Smets’ guidance and the resources of the main factory program, Laengenfelder will have a streamlined environment dedicated to maximising his performance as he enters his sixth full Grand Prix season on Austrian machinery.
De Carli Squad to Continue with Coenen Twins
Despite Laengenfelder’s move, the De Carli faction of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing remains heavily involved within the Grand Prix paddock. The team will continue to develop Belgian twins Lucas Coenen (MXGP) and Sacha Coenen (MX2), both promising young talents within the KTM pipeline.
Their progression ensures continuity for De Carli while KTM restructures its talent allocation between MXGP and MX2 for the upcoming season.
What the Move Means for 2026
Laengenfelder’s integration into the Austrian-based factory team adds an intriguing dimension to the 2026 MX2 championship narrative. With a proven race-winning package, factory-level resources, and the momentum of a world title behind him, he enters the season as a clear favourite and KTM’s hopes for another stretch of MX2 dominance rest largely on his shoulders.
As the 2026 MXGP and MX2 paddock shapes up, Laengenfelder’s move could become one of the defining storylines of the year.
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