Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Announces Leadership Changes Ahead of 2027 MXGP Season
KTM Motorsports has officially announced a restructuring within the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team as it prepares for the 2027 FIM MXGP season. Team Manager Joel Smets, a former world champion and pivotal figure in the team’s success, will be stepping down from his management role.
Since joining the management team in 2015, Smets has been instrumental in developing numerous Grand Prix winners, including Tom Vialle, Jorge Prado, and Andrea Adamo. His legacy in motocross is firmly established, having secured five world titles himself using KTM SX-F technology.
Stefan Simpson, who has been with KTM focused on development management for the last two years, is set to take over as Team Manager. A former mechanic with over 15 years of R&D experience in the sport, Simpson is well-prepared to lead the team into the next chapter, which emphasizes continued competitiveness in both MXGP and MX2 divisions.
In 2026, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing showcased its prowess with Grand Prix victories across three of its four riders, utilizing the KTM 450 SX-F and KTM 250 SX-F motorcycles while holding both championship plates.
In statements regarding the transition, Simpson emphasized his readiness for the role, stating: “The last fifteen years of my career have built up to this position. There are big shoes to fill, but I have a good team behind me and the support of the company. We are already full steam ahead for 2027.”
Robert Jonas, KTM Director of Off-road Racing, reinforced the team’s commitment to excellence: “As the years pass, a race team reinvents itself. Our focus will remain on maintaining the high quality and consistency required to fight for world championships.”
The full athlete roster for the 2027 season will be announced in the near future as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing looks to maintain its championship legacy with renewed energy.
