The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team, in partnership with Riders for Health (powered by Two Wheels for Life), rewrote the record books as the 2026 Africa Eco Race officially came to a close by the shores of Lac Rose, in Dakar, Senegal. Ténéré Spirit Experience (TSE) rider Kevin Gallas was crowned the overall champion, while Gautier Paulin secured second, and the records did not stop there, with five Ténérés in the top seven overall, and a podium lockout of the Over 650cc class.

Stage 12 of the Africa Eco Race (AER) is a traditional race along the beach to the shores of Lac Rose, with a motocross-style start. As the timings are not counted towards the general classification, it gives the riders a chance to enjoy a short 22 km special stage, after a 203 km liaison from the bivouac in Mpal to Dakar, and remains a fitting way to officially bring the rally to an end. 

Finishing by the shore of the legendary Lac Rose, the stage evokes memories of the Paris-Dakar rallies of the past, especially with Mr Dakar himself, 14-time winner Stéphane Peterhansel, joining the team riding a Ténéré 700 Rally.

Arriving at the podium, TSE rider Gallas was officially crowned the 2026 AER champion in the motorbike class, marking the first time a Ténéré had featured on the top step. He did so in dramatic style too, winning after an incredible showdown against Paulin on Stage 11, which saw the German emerge victorious by just 41 seconds. He also secured two stage wins and three further podiums, showing remarkable consistency in only the former Junior SuperEnduro World Champion’s third rally raid.

Paulin ensured even more glory for Yamaha by finishing in second and cementing a 1-2 for the Ténéré 700 Rally. While he agonisingly missed out on victory, the former MXGP rider showed incredible pace and potential during the race, as he too is new to the sport of rally raid and was competing in his first AER on a motorbike. Securing three stage victories and another podium, he and Gallas beat the closest competitor on a 450cc single-cylinder machine by 15 minutes and 27 seconds, showcasing just how competitive the Ténéré is.

His teammate, Alessandro Botturi, a two-time winner of the AER, missed out on the win in the 2025 edition of the race by just 26 seconds in heartbreaking fashion after his wheels got caught in some netting on the final stage, and was determined to fight for the victory once more. Unfortunately, a technical issue on Stage 4 led to him losing over an hour, effectively ending any chance he had of adding a third AER crown to his name. After Stage 4, instead of pursuing his own glory, the 50-year-old focused on helping his teammates achieve the best results, while still securing a stage win and two more podiums during the event, to finish in seventh overall.

That wasn’t all, though, as TSE riders Mike Wiedemann and António Maio, from Germany and Portugal, respectively, achieved even more success for the Ténéré. Wiedemann scored three stage podiums to finish the rally in fourth overall, while Maio achieved another two podiums for Yamaha to end the rally in sixth overall. 

That meant Ténérés secured six stage wins in total, and a further 11 podiums. Other highlights include securing a lockout of the top five on Stage 10, one of the toughest of the rally, and securing seven spots, thanks to Nicolas Charlier (8th Over 650cc) and Bertrand Gavard (9th in Over 650cc), in the top nine of the Over 650cc class.

The 2026 Africa Eco Race will go down in the history books as one dominated by the Ténéré, as the twin-cylinder adventure bike and the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team conquered one of the most brutal rally raids on the planet in commanding fashion. The team will be back in action at the Carta Rallye in Morocco from 18-24 April.

The Yamaha Racing family were saddened to learn of the passing of fellow competitor, Robert van Pelt Sr., during the race. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and teammates.

Kevin Gallas – P1 Overall – 39h24m05s
Ténéré Spirit Experience
“We finally made it to Lac Rose! Now it all feels real, and when I got to the podium, the emotions took over. This has been a long, tough rally, but to come away with the win and to make history with the Ténéré is a dream come true. It was an amazing battle with Gautier, and it came right down to the wire, after 6,000 km of racing, which is insane when you think about it. I want to personally thank every member of the team and everyone at Yamaha who has supported me and given me this amazing opportunity. Now it’s time to rest and recover, and then we will start planning for the Carta Rallye.”

Gautier Paulin – P2 Overall – 39h24m46s
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“Wow, what an awesome way to finish an incredible race. Riding along the beach with my teammates was epic, and arriving at the legendary Lac Rose has always been a dream of mine since I was a young boy, watching the original Paris-Dakar rallies with my father. This has been an incredible couple of weeks. The bike has been perfect, the team are incredible, and I have made lifelong friends along the way. To also have secured second, well, I am thrilled considering it was my first AER on a motorbike. Thanks to the team and everyone at Yamaha, this has been an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Alessandro Botturi – P7 Overall – 41h10m57s
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team
“What a rally for Yamaha. It is always a special feeling reaching Lac Rose, but doing so with a Ténéré making history by winning is incredible. Bravo to Kevin and Gautier; they are both great riders, and while they are new to rally raid, they have incredible potential. I was obviously unable to fight for the victory after my issue on Stage 4, but helping my teammates achieve the amazing result was a reward in itself. Thanks to the entire team for their efforts, and I am already looking forward to the Carta Rallye.”

Marc Bourgeois
Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team – Team Manager
“Wow, just wow. What a day for Yamaha, the Ténéré 700 Rally and the team. To win the rally for the first time in itself would be amazing, but to have secured a 1-2 and to have five Ténéres in the top seven overall shows how competitive and reliable the bike is, especially when compared to our rivals on specialist 450cc single-cylinder bikes. The whole team should be very proud of their efforts. This is a long, hard rally, and they kept a positive attitude from the start, and every one of them deserves the plaudits as well. Thanks to Yamaha for the support, and now that we have the first AER win under our belt, we are hungry for more.”

Three intense days of activity brought 2026 MotoGP to life at the Sepang International Circuit, host of the Malaysian Grand Prix in October, where potential modifications for the KTM RC16 prototype were tried and tested by the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 teams. It was Pedro Acosta who ranked highest on the timing screens by the end of the third day with the 8th fastest lap-time.

Hot and humid conditions greeted the MotoGP paddock once more at Sepang. The long and varied layout, which is due to be resurfaced before the 20th GP of the 2026 series this autumn, provided a decent testing ground of the ideas and parts of the KTM race department. The worklist was comprehensive with a view towards the 22-round contest starting at the end of the month in Thailand.

Rainfall forced a delay on day two but otherwise the track was grippy and beneficial to evaluate new aerodynamic, chassis, and set-up options for the 2026 race package. Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales made back-to-back comparisons as well as race and Sprint simulations and then used their stock of soft tire options today (Thursday) to get their duties ticked off. Key decisions must be made for homologation of certain components, especially the first phase of aerodynamic profiling.

Acosta was just 0.8 from the quickest chrono effort despite not putting his energies into a time attack. Bastianini increased his comfort on the RC16 to rest in P10 with Binder and Viñales close in P13 and P14 once the session reached a checkered flag.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Red Bull KTM Tech3 will remain in Malaysia for the MotoGP championship launch in Kuala Lumpur on February 6-7 and then the factory will gather at the Buriram International Circuit for the final two days of testing on February 6-7 prior to GP1.

Pedro Acosta, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 8th: “I was making chassis tests on day one, then using the 2025 bike yesterday and then we worked with both today and we didn’t really have the target for a fast lap-time. Even though we were trying a lot of things and not really knowing the bike the lap-time was quite good I’d say. I wanted a clear image in my head of what pieces we need now for Thailand and then completing the package, and I’m quite happy for this. I want to create pure speed now in Thailand because here I wanted to spend more time on track.”

Enea Bastianini, Red Bull KTM Tech3, 10th: “It’s been interesting. We worked a lot these three days and we improved in every area; that was important for me and it was also good to work with my new Crew Chief. I’m comfortable on the bike now and that’s thanks to work in the winter with the wind tunnel and more things here. We have some good solutions but we can still improve! It’s just the first test and we want to try more at the next one.”  

Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 13th: “We have slowly put together all the parts we’ve tried these days and I feel a lot better. I was not able to put in a super-fast lap-time by any means but I felt more comfortable on the bike and the times were coming easier. I’m happy with the work we have done and I think the comfort will turn into more speed at the next test. I think we can use a little more turning, and this will then take us a long way. I have a much better idea of what I have underneath me.”

Maverick Viñales, Red Bull KTM Tech3, 14th: “Day three was positive again. We arrived to the point where you can confirm what you like and what you don’t. We tried different set-ups, especially for the time attack and, for me, we decided the best was what we tried on day one. This is the feeling I like. Today the lap-times didn’t look so positive but, for knowing what I like, it was positive. I was working on technique and my riding style and to understand the bike more. I was more focused on set-up today and I think we have good pace. The bike gives me good feedback and making that strong lap-time on day one was a good sign because normally there is not good grip at that time, and if you have a bike that works when the grip is low then you’ll be competitive. We’ll try to improve more in Thailand.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have revealed their look, colors and line-up for the 2026 FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship and a renewed bid for yet more title success.

Four riders and two KTM 450 SX-Fs and two KTM 250 SX-Fs will form the factory roster in the 2026 MXGP and MX2 classes of the world championship this year: a contest that starts on 7-8 of March in Bariloche, Argentina and runs for a total of 20 events through 18 countries until 19-20 September in Australia.

2025 MXGP runner-up Lucas Coenen will be accompanied in the premier class by former MX2 #1 and incoming rookie Andrea Adamo while defending world champion Simon Laengenfelder is joined once more by Sacha Coenen in MX2. The Italian and German come under the expertise of former multi world champ Joel Smets while the Belgian twins will be steered by Davide De Carli and his faction of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Digits and data.

5 & 13: Grand Prix wins and podiums achieved by Lucas Coenen (the youngest ever premier class victor) in his rookie season in 2025.

16: MX2 World Championship titles earned by Red Bull KTM and the KTM 250 SX-F since the formation of the category in 2004

17 & 47: Total Grand Prix wins and podium results posted by all four current riders in 2025.

18: The number of seasons since 2007 where Red Bull KTM have won both MXGP and MX2 Grands Prix in the same campaign.

60: Races to come from 20 Grands Prix in 2026, between points-scoring Saturday Qualification Heats and Sunday Grand Prix motos.

Lucas Coenen, MXGP, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “Training has been going well – I guess everybody says the same! But testing days have gone smoothly and we’re looking quite on-point, so now we’re counting the days towards the first races and the opening Grand Prix. My goals are always the same: being the best version of myself and trying to win.”

Andrea Adamo, MXGP. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “Life with the 450 is going good. Every time I enter the track I discover something new and that makes it exciting and interesting. I had spent many years on the 250 and it was already very familiar, and now there are many new feelings. Overall, preparation is going well. I’m healthy and fit and the winter has gone positively, even if we still have some time before the first GP. I think the bike is amazing and it makes me want to get to Argentina quickly! 2026 will be a different type of racing with a different kind of opponent. Guys with so much experience, so I have to learn from them. It will be a challenge and I cannot really speak about expectations but I want to try and stay as close to the top five as possible and then we’ll see…because there are many good guys on the line. We have to learn as much as we can. I’m happy to join the ‘big class’!”

Simon Laengenfelder, MX2. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “For 2026 there has been quite a few changes for me: the physical trainer, the mechanics and the people around me, even the gear now with Alpinestars! Luckily the bike has not changed so much and I’m super-excited. I’m really happy right now and having one championship under my belt has even increased my motivation because I want to show everybody that I can do it a second time. I’ve been training hard and I feel strong and ready. The pre-season races will show if we need to be work in any other area but in a month’s time I’ll be 100% to start the fight.”

Sacha Coenen, MX2. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: “I think we are ready. We’ve done a good job so far this off-season with the bike and the preparation. We still have some time…but we feel strong and I believe we can expect some good things.”

Joel Smets, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’ve had a good winter with some changes in the team by switching from three to two riders which, being honest, makes it a bit easier to work: more efficient and more individual to each rider. The improvements to the bike – once again – have turned out well so a big shout out to the factory. The riders are in good shape for the pre-season races coming up. Goals for the year are to defend the championship and win back-to-back titles. Luckily in my own career I’ve had experience with that! So there are some tips and tricks I can give to Simon, and with Andrea I’m quite satisfied with how he has adapted to the 450 so far and he understood he needed to change his style a bit. The coming season will be exciting.”

Davide De Carli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing De Carli Team Manager: “It’s been a fun winter. The brothers did a bit of riding in the U.S. and then came back to Rome for a few good weeks of testing. We’ve done some sand training and right now we’re in Sardinia for more work. I think both brothers have made a step; a year older, another year more mature. With Sacha we want a bit more consistency for the season and we’re building to that. He’s faster again but also working more on technique. It will be Lucas’ second year in the MXGP class and he’ll benefit from that experience of 2025 He had great speed last season and learned from both the ups-and-downs. We’d love to put everything together and to bring home two titles!”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “2026 has started in a fast and super-positive way for us in Dakar and SuperMotocross and we know the MXGP boys will also continue that because the level of the whole team is so high. The results proved this in 2025 and have done so every season. Again, we have a defending world champion thanks to Simon and there is a mix of rookie education with Andrea and development of more world class race winners in Lucas and Sacha. Our KTM SX-Fs will again be the references for starts and speed, so everything is in place. Good luck to the boys and I hope they stay healthy and at the front!”

Yamaha Motor Europe has presented its new-look rider line-up for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship as excitement and anticipation builds for the season opener at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia next month. 

2026 brings a fresh new look to Yamaha’s roster of riders, with new additions to both the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team and GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. 

The new season marks the 11th year of collaboration between Pata Snack, Yamaha Motor Europe and Crescent Yamaha on the WorldSBK project, which has seen a multitude of success over the past decade including victory in the 2021 Rider, Team and Manufacturer World Championships. 

Returning to front Yamaha’s charge is 2020 FIM Supersport World Champion Andrea Locatelli, who enters his sixth season with the Official Team. The Italian enjoyed one of his strongest WorldSBK seasons to date in 2025, achieving his maiden premier class race victory in Assen. The 29-year-old narrowly missed out on third in the overall standings last year, and heads into the new season hungry for further success. 

Joining Locatelli at Pata Maxus Yamaha for 2026 is Xavi Vierge, wearing blue for the first time at the start of his fifth season in the WorldSBK Championship. The former Moto2 Grand Prix contender impressed in his initial outings on the R1 WorldSBK, ending the two post-season tests at Jerez as the fastest Yamaha rider. Keen to carry the momentum from these first tests into the new season, Vierge is determined to show his potential as racing gets underway. 

2021 Moto2 World Champion Remy Gardner will remain with the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team for a fourth season in 2026. The Australian has shown pace and promise aboard the R1, including two visits to the podium, but has been hampered by injury for the last two seasons. Fighting fit and ready to start the new season, Gardner has a clear target of adding to his rostrum tally in 2026. 

GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK retains its distinction of running two World Champions in 2026, with reigning FIM Supersport World Champion Stefano Manzi graduating to the superbike class with the Italian team. Manzi, who dominated the 2025 WorldSSP season aboard the R9, has made a strong start to life as a superbike rider with competitive times in testing. The 26-year-old is keen to follow in the footsteps of Locatelli, who also graduated to the WorldSBK class with Yamaha as WorldSSP Champion. 

Ahead of the final European test in Portimão this week, the covers have come off the R1 WorldSBK machines Locatelli, Vierge, Gardner and Manzi will campaign in 2026. 

Pata Snack returns as the title sponsor of Yamaha’s Official WorldSBK squad for an 11th consecutive season – this unparalleled support making for one of the longest-standing partnerships in WorldSBK history. Pata’s distinctive logo not only features prominently on the bikes of the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team, but also the R1s campaigned by the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. Pata’s valued partnership with Yamaha extends throughout the classes, with the Italian snack manufacturer also the title sponsor of the Pata Yamaha Ten Kate WorldSSP Supported Team, as well as featuring as the principal supporter of the FIM Yamaha R3 BLU CRU World Cup Champion Alessandro Di Persio in the all-new FIM Sportbike World Championship for 2026. 

In a new multi-year agreement, DP World, a leading provider of global end-to-end supply chain solutions will join forces with Yamaha as the Official Logistics Partner of the Yamaha MotoGP, WorldSBK and WorldSSP teams. Through the agreement, DP World will support Yamaha’s racing programmes with integrated smart logistics solutions. DP World branding will feature prominently on the R1s of the Pata Maxus Yamaha WorldSBK Official Team, GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team, Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing WorldSSP Supported Team and the AS Racing Yamaha WorldSSP Supported Team.

MAXUS, the leading commercial vehicle brand distributed in the UK and Ireland, part of the Harris Group, returns with the Official Yamaha WorldSBK Team as co-title partner, creating the Pata Maxus Yamaha identity. 

Independent effort Yamaha MotoXRacing will also return to the grid with two bikes with Bahattin Sofuoğlu remaining with Sandro Carusi’s team for a second season. The Turkish rider showed promise in his rookie campaign as he pushed towards the top ten, something both he and the team will be hoping to make a more regular occurrence in 2026. Sofuoğlu is joined at MotoXRacing by rookie Mattia Rato. 

The Yamaha WorldSBK teams are on track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for a final European pre-season test this week, before flying to Australia next month. Once ‘Down Under’, teams will undergo one final pre-season test at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (16-17 February) before the season opener gets underway from 20-22 February. 

Andrea Dosoli, Yamaha Motor Europe, Motorsport, Division Manager

“We are incredibly excited to get started; there are a lot of changes coming into 2026, including in our rider line-ups, and it gives us a lot of cause to be hopeful for a strong racing year for Yamaha. In 2025, we feel we made a strong step as a result of the collaborative effort from our engineers, the wider YME Management team, our riders and our teams – which have been unwavering in the pursuit of victory. Over the winter, everyone has been working hard to take further steps in 2026, and with a renewed rider line-up we are confident ahead of the season’s start. None of this would be possible without our partners, and for an incredible 11th year we will enjoy the support of Pata Snack – support for which we are extremely grateful. The level of competition in WorldSBK is at a really high level, so we are looking forward to close, thrilling battles on track!”

Niccolò Canepa, Yamaha Motor Europe, Motorsport, Road Racing Sporting Manager

“In 2025 we fought for third in the championship until the very last race and while of course, our goal is to win, we believe that the results last year marked a clear step forward – especially for Locatelli. This gives us confidence and optimism ahead of the new season, as if we can continue to push and make further steps with the Yamaha R1 WorldSBK as a package, and our riders continue to progress, then more results will also come. In Locatelli and Gardner, we have two riders who know the R1 and our project inside out, this kind of consistency and continuation is vital in motorsport, but at the same time it is also nice to introduce ‘new blood’ and to pair the experience we have honed with the fresh perspectives of Vierge and Manzi, this is something I find really exciting. Racing in WorldSBK is never easy, but I am confident and hopeful ahead of the new season.”

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team returned to action at the Circuito de Jerez–Ángel Nieto in Spain for a two-day private test on 21–22 January, as Stefano Manzi and Remy Gardner completed valuable mileage ahead of the 2026 WorldSBK season.

The opening day of the test was heavily impacted by wet conditions, with rain persisting throughout the session. Stefano Manzi took to the track in the morning on wet tyres, experiencing the Yamaha R1 in the rain for the first time. The 2025 WorldSSP Champion completed 28 laps, setting a personal best of 1’55.044, which placed him fourth on the timesheets. 

As the weather worsened in the afternoon, Manzi opted to remain in the garage to preserve valuable test time for the upcoming season. On the other side of the garage, Remy Gardner also chose not to run on Day 1 due to the conditions. 

Conditions remained tricky on the second and final day, with a damp track in the morning following overnight rain. As the circuit gradually dried, both riders were able to complete useful laps on dry tarmac. Manzi completed 36 laps, recording a best time of 1’40.347, while Gardner completed 34 laps, setting a fastest lap of 1’41.249. Unfortunately, rain returned at 16:00 local time, forcing the GYTR GRT Yamaha riders to end the test earlier than planned. Manzi and Gardner will return to action next week at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal for another two-day private test as preparations for the 2026 WorldSBK season continue. 

Stefano Manzi – 1’40.347

“Finally we’re back in action, and I couldn’t wait to get back on track to improve my feeling with the Yamaha R1. On Day 1 we were able to ride in wet conditions, which could be useful during the season as we may face similar situations. On the second day we finally had dry conditions and managed to complete some good laps. Unfortunately, the rain in the afternoon disrupted our work plan and we missed some valuable track time, but we have another two-day test next week in Portugal to continue working and improving.” 

Remy Gardner – 1’41.249

“It was great to be back on the Yamaha R1 and to see everyone again. Unfortunately, the weather limited our track time, so we had to manage our test days carefully. On the second day we finally rode in dry conditions, which helped me regain my feeling on the bike. The rain returned in the afternoon and forced us to stop early, but overall it was a good way to restart, and we’ll keep working next week in Portugal.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Luciano Benavides has conquered the 2026 Dakar Rally in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, sealing overall victory by just two seconds after a never-give-up fight across Saudi Arabia. Refusing to surrender despite setbacks, pressure, and one of the closest battles in Dakar history, the Argentine delivered when it mattered most, attacking right to the final kilometer on his KTM 450 RALLY to claim his first Dakar Rally victory. Daniel Sanders and Edgar Canet both reached the finish of the world’s toughest rally-raid in fifth and 32nd positions respectively, completing an extraordinary Dakar campaign defined by resilience, belief, and relentless determination from the Red Bull KTM team.

Benavides delivered a standout performance throughout the event, combining outright speed, consistency, and intelligent race management to fight for the overall victory right to the very end of the rally. The Argentine claimed three stage wins, including a decisive victory during the event's first marathon stage, and consistently ran at the front as the terrain became increasingly demanding. By refusing to give up and attacking until the last day, Luciano sealed an extraordinary Dakar Rally victory, the greatest achievement of his career to date, and underlined his status as one of the leading forces in rally-raid competition.

Benavides’ win – the closest in the history of the event – marks KTM’s 21st Dakar Rally title and continues a remarkable family legacy, following Dakar triumphs by his brother Kevin in 2021 and 2023.

Luciano Benavides: “I still can’t believe it. I never stopped dreaming. I woke up today full of energy and motivation, just thinking about what I could do and trusting in myself, and that was the key for this Dakar. I did this for myself, and this feeling is unreal. To win by just two seconds is unbelievable. I even missed the last two corners and nearly crashed, so it was right on the limit, but it paid off. I honestly can’t describe this moment. This is my ninth Dakar, and it shows that if you never stop dreaming, never stop believing, and keep fighting for your goals, anything is possible. I never gave up. Even today, when I was losing time and I saw Ricky pushing hard, I kept telling myself it wasn’t over until the last kilometer. In the end, he made a small mistake and I got it right. It’s just unreal. Vamos Argentina! Now it’s time to celebrate with my family, my friends, my sponsors, and everyone who has supported me through all these years to achieve this dream.”

Daniel Sanders’ Dakar was defined by determination and resilience. After showing front-running pace in the opening half of the rally and spending multiple days at the head of the overall standings, the Australian suffered injuries during the second week that significantly impacted his ability to push at full speed. Despite the pain, Sanders dug deep to complete the remaining stages and reach the finish in an incredible fifth place overall, demonstrating the grit and toughness that took him to the 2025 Dakar and World Rally-Raid Championship titles in dominant fashion.

Daniel Sanders: “I’m really happy for the team, and that’s just Dakar – it’s never over until it’s over. Every day is different and anything can happen. I only heard the news at the finish. I was in a lot of pain and honestly just ready to lie down, but that gave me the extra motivation to go and see Luciano and congratulate him. It’s so cool and really incredible for the whole team. Unfortunately, I was unlucky in my own race and out of the fight for the win, but the result is still in the team, and that’s something special. Huge congratulations to everyone who worked so hard again this year, consistency has really paid off.”

For Edgar Canet, the 2026 Dakar Rally represented a major milestone in his career. Competing in the RallyGP category for the first time, the Spaniard made an immediate impact by winning the prologue and stage one, becoming the youngest-ever stage winner in the bike category. An issue with his rear mousse while pushing hard on stage five halted his charge in the overall standings, but Canet continued to demonstrate impressive speed and strong navigation throughout the remainder of the rally. Gaining invaluable experience, Edgar completed his second Dakar and first at RallyGP level in emphatic fashion, finishing the event on a high with a commanding victory on the final stage.

Edgar Canet: “It’s been a really crazy race for me. These two weeks were full of emotions, so many ups and downs, but the most important thing is that we made it to the end. I won three stages, and Luciano taking the overall win is huge. I’m super, super happy for him. It’s been a crazy Dakar, and I couldn’t be happier for the whole team and the entire KTM family. We showed throughout the race which bike is the fastest in the desert, and that was a big objective for us. Now the motivation is even higher to keep working, keep fighting, and keep improving. I know exactly what my main goal is for next year, so I’m really motivated to keep pushing and keep training.”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We are incredibly proud of what Luciano, Edgar, Chucky, and the entire team have achieved – it’s honestly unbelievable. We fought right until the very last meter and never gave up, and that was the key. Dakar always writes its own stories, and this year was another perfect example of that. Luciano fought from day one until the finish; he’s a true fighter, and without doubt this has been the best race of his career. It’s an incredible achievement. Edgar once again showed just how strong he is in winning the final stage. I’m really happy we have him in the team, because I’m convinced he will win a Dakar one day. And Chucky, our real survivor, deserves massive respect. I’m extremely proud of these three riders and of the whole team.”

KTM’s success at the 2026 Dakar Rally extended well beyond the overall classification, with victories across multiple categories. In Rally2, Toni Mulec delivered a commanding performance to secure class victory and claim a second Dakar win for BAS World KTM, underlining the competitiveness of the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA at the highest level of customer racing. The celebrations continued in the Malle Moto class, where Benjamin Melot claimed a long-awaited Dakar victory aboard his KTM, finally stepping onto the top of the podium after four previous top-three finishes.

With the 2026 Dakar Rally now complete, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing turn their attention to the next chapter of the rally-raid season, building on a campaign defined by podium finishes, stage victories, and the continued development of both riders and the dominant KTM 450 RALLY at the highest level of the sport.

Provisional Results – 2026 Dakar Rally, Stage 13

1. Edgar Canet (ESP), KTM, 0:49:03

2. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 0:49:09 +0:06

3. Tosha Schareina (ESP), Honda, 0:49:50 +0:47

4. Michael Docherty (RSA), KTM, 0:49:53 +0:50

5. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Honda, 0:50:18 +1:15

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing opened the 2026 AMA Supercross Championship with a pair of convincing podium performances tonight at Anaheim 1, where Eli Tomac captured a spectacular 450SX Main Event victory and with teammate Jorge Prado claiming third position.

In his SMX World Championship debut with KTM, Tomac set the quickest time in Qualifying 1 and then was P2 on combined times onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION within the famed Angel Stadium.

The decorated two-time 450SX Champion from Cortez, Colorado, managed a strong start in 450SX Heat 1, charging to second position and holding firm to secure a direct transfer into the Main Event.

Following an initial race restart, the 33-year-old Tomac moved to the front of the field on the opening lap of the Main Event and controlled the race from the head of the pack, eventually taking the checkered flag with a closing advantage of 1.470 seconds in clinching the season-opening win – marking the 54th of his career in the premier division.

Eli Tomac: "This one feels good! Leading from the get-go like that is tough, because you need to really maintain focus the whole time, but my motorcycle was the best it was all day in the Main Event after a slight adjustment from the Heat Race. We went in the right direction, and this is the perfect way to start a new season and with my new team in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. After a big off-season with both myself and the team testing and developing all over the place, it means a lot to achieve this early success together."

Making his first appearance with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in Supercross, multi-time MXGP World Champion Prado qualified an impressive sixth while acclimatizing to the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in race conditions, before he powered to the holeshot in the first 450SX Heat Race of the year to hold off a fast-finishing Tomac for P1.

Upon launching to another impressive holeshot in the Main Event, the Spaniard rode a calculated race to earn a first-career Supercross podium finish, making for a significant Red Bull KTM Factory Racing double podium result.

Jorge Prado: "This is really ahead of my expectations – the goal for this weekend was to just get through each session and do the best that I can. I had a great preparation leading into this year, but I am still so new to Supercross. Getting the Heat Race win was awesome, but I am really happy with my Main Event and to be on the podium. I rode within my limits, and still don't have a lot of words to describe my feelings right now, but all I can say is that hard work always pays off! It's great to start the season this way, so now we'll keep learning and look forward to a new opportunity next week."

In a welcome return to competition, Aaron Plessinger was back in action at Anaheim 1 to open the 2026 season. 'The Cowboy' led his Heat Race early on, before contact with another rider ultimately sent him to the Last Chance Qualifier. After winning the LCQ, Plessinger raced his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION forward to 10th place in the Main Event, earning solid points at Round 1.

Aaron Plessinger: "Obviously, this wasn't the Anaheim 1 that I wanted. It started well, but I hit the ground with Coop [Cooper Webb] in the Heat Race, which was unfortunate, but it happens. Good to get the Round 1 jitters out, and I had a few good starts today actually, which was nice. We have a good direction, my setup is in the ballpark, and I came from dead-last in the Main Event to 10th place, which I thought was a good way to rebound. It was a decent ending to a tough start, and now we'll go back and do some homework for next weekend."

A season of dedication and teamwork delivered 28 major racing championships worldwide through a spread of disciplines in 2025 – including 16 international rider crowns, and 12 FIM manufacturer titles. The unprecedented accumulation represents a new annual benchmark for the company. KTM extends its sincere thanks to all factory riders and independent competitors, along with their teams, for their valuable contribution, unwavering dedication, and loyalty throughout the various competitive campaigns.

The continued belief in a multi-brand race division - both as a tool to highlight brand values and to advance technical development in elite competition - means that KTM were able to maintain its reputation as a worldclass motorsport leader in 2025. Riders and Constructors titles were secured across the board and in various disciplines. This huge effort was made in demanding conditions, with humility under pressure and thanks to the commitment and dedication of KTM staff at the factory, Motorsport HQ, the specialists in race teams that travel the continents, thoroughbred motorcycles, a band of loyal partners and, of course, amazingly talented and hard-working racers.

In 2025 the company celebrated 12 Riders FIM World Championships, 4 Riders crowns in significant contests and 12 Constructors titles. KTM Factory Racing riders completed 247 races this year and toasted 101 victories and 250 podium places, split between MotoGP™, MXGP, Enduro, Rally and AMA SuperMotocross.

ROAD RACING

The ninth season of MotoGP for Red Bull KTM and its two-team, four-rider effort on the KTM RC16 produced a further 6 Grand Prix podium finishes and 8 Sprint rostrum medals. Pedro Acosta, Brad Binder, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales completed the longest calendar in MotoGP history with 22 fixtures in 18 countries, watched by ten sold-out circuits and more than 3.6 million spectators at the fences. Acosta bagged 4th place in the Riders’ standings by the end of the affair. The same rider roster recently engaged in the first one-day test towards 2026 and, in September, KTM was the first factory of the five on the grid to reveal their 850cc engine for 2027 and the forthcoming new era of technical regulations.

In Moto2, Deniz Öncü was luckless with injury but the Turk still contributed two victories in Aragon and Germany while rookie teammate Collin Veijer progressed to grasp his first trophy before the finale of the season. Thanks to the push by replacement rookie Daniel Muñoz, the Red Bull KTM Ajo team climbed the rostrum five times in 2025. 

The KTM RC4 was the dominant motorcycle once more in Moto3™. Red Bull KTM Ajo scooped Riders and Teams titles, thanks to the speed of Jose Antonio Rueda, and KTM won the Constructors duel at round 15 of 22. The bike earned 20 of 22 Grands Prix and pegged 49 podium spots from a possible 66. 540 from 550 points were marked while 18 Pole Positions were set with the KTM RC4. Since the inception of Moto3 in 2012, KTM machinery has lifted 8 Riders and 9 Constructors championships in 14 seasons.

Brian Uriarte was the nineteenth Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup winner and the Spaniard doubled-up with world championship success in FIM JuniorGP (KTM also confirming the JuniorGP Constructors plate) to book his spot with Red Bull KTM Ajo in Moto3 in 2026.

OFFROAD

Red Bull KTM hunted top honors in the MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship and led a multi-rider assault on the statistics. 2025 provided 20 Grands Prix, 40 motos (39 in MXGP) and 20 Qualification Heats each category. 19-year-old Lucas Coenen took the KTM 450 SX-F to 2nd place in the MXGP series in his first attempt and Jeffrey Herlings added five more Grands Prix to his record number of wins. Red Bull KTM aced 11 GPs, 22 motos and took 21 overall podiums

Most notably Simon Längenfelder became the twelfth different factory rider since 2004 to own the MX2 world championship with 250cc machinery for what was the seventeenth title for the company. Factory MX2 riders won every single GP and filled five of the first six championship positions, grabbing 36 motos wins with 52 podium champagne bottles. Red Bull KTM won both MXGP and MX2 categories on the same day at seven GPs in 2025.

KTM equipment assumed the role of Constructors #1 in MX2, MXGP and the Women’s World Championship, as well as the FIM Junior Motocross World Champion 85cc class.

2025 started in the heat and sand of the Dakar Rally. Daniel Sanders excelled in one of the toughest events in the world by taking the KTM 450 RALLY to P1 by leading every single stage, becoming only the second rider to do so in the history of the famous race. The Australian helped raise the company´s prolificacy to 21 Dakar victories since the first in 2001. Sander then continued his run in the FIM World Rally-Raid series by pocketing the championship while unbeaten in four of five fixtures. Rookie teammate Edgar Canet forged an outstanding season, winning the Dakar Rally in the Rally2 category and claiming the FIM Rally2 World Cup. Thanks to this level of performance by the Red Bull KTM team and the speed and resilience of the KTM 450 RALLY, the factory obtained the Rally-Raid Manufacturers title.

Across the time zones, 2025 SuperMotocross (AMA Supercross and Motocross) was getting underway. Chase Sexton would miss out on the 450SX championship title on the KTM 450 SX-F by just two points but teammate Aaron Plessinger scored a popular AMA Main Event win. Tom Vialle added a second 250SX East title to his CV with the Red Bull KTM 250 SX-F. More wins and podiums were gathered in the AMA Pro National Motocross campaign, an 11-round trek across the breadth of the United States and on demanding tracks in summer conditions, and then further recognition was gained in the SMX Play-offs. Red Bull KTM welcomed Eli Tomac to the fold for 2026 and the multi champion ran to P1 in his debut appearance on the KTM 450 SX-F at the Canadian GP and the second round of FIM World Supercross in Vancouver.

The sphere of FIM Enduro was another Factory rider/team domain with star names like Josep Garcia, Manuel Lettenbichler, Andrea Verona and Billy Bolt standing on the highest steps of series and signature international events. 2025 was another highlight for Garcia with EnduroGP and Enduro1 championships with his KTM EX-F hardware and eight wins. The Spaniard then capped the year with a fifth consecutive individual triumph at the FIM 6Days Enduro of Nations in Italy. Andrea Verona rode to the peak of the standings in Enduro2 while the gnarly schools of FIM Hard Enduro and FIM SuperEnduro were overseen by Lettenbichler and Bolt respectively. The German and the Brit had more 2025 distinction: Lettenbichler making the ‘set’ with Red Bull Romaniacs and Red Bull Erzbergrodeo victories and Bolt going undefeated in SuperEnduro for his fourth FIM gold medal.

Success is earned through work, focus and talent. Therefore KTM would again like to thank all factory riders and independent competitors as well as their teams for their valuable contribution, unwavering dedication, and loyalty throughout 2025.

KTM AG World Championship titles up to and including the 2025 season:

KTM: 371 World Championship titles

Husqvarna: 122 World Championship titles

GASGAS: 43 World Championship titles

Factory Racing Champions in 2025

Simon Längenfelder (GER), FIM MX2 World Champion (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Daniel Sanders (AUS), Dakar Champion RallyGP (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Daniel Sanders (AUS), FIM Rally-Raid World Champion (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Edgar Canet (ESP), Dakar Champion Rally2 (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Edgar Canet (ESP) FIM Rally2 World Cup Champion (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Jose Antonio Rueda (ESP), FIM Moto3 World Champion (Red Bull KTM Ajo)

Manuel Lettenbichler (GER), FIM Hard Enduro World Champion (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Billy Bolt (GBR), FIM SuperEnduro World Champion (Husqvarna Factory Racing)

Josep Garcia (ESP), FIM EnduroGP (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Josep Garcia (ESP), FIM Enduro1 World Champion (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

Andrea Verona (ITA), FIM Enduro2 World Champion (GASGAS Factory Racing)

Tom Vialle (FRA), AMA Supercross 250SX East Champion (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing)

The 2025 Roof of Africa delivered three relentless days of hard enduro in the unforgiving Maluti Mountains, and Brother Leader Tread KTM rose to the summit of the sport’s most iconic challenge. In a history-making ride, James Moore powered his KTM 300 XC-W to victory in the Gold Class, ending Wade Young’s nine-year winning streak and bringing the coveted title back to the Brother Leader Tread KTM camp.

The “Mother of Hard Enduro” is widely known for testing both machine and rider through brutal terrain, altitude, and endless technical climbs. From the very first day, Moore set a fierce pace, navigating the rocky Lesotho highlands with a level of control and confidence that had fans and rivals talking. He carried this intensity across all three days, fighting off pressure from the sport’s biggest names and locking in a performance that will be remembered for years.

For Brother Leader Tread KTM, the win marks a monumental return to the top step of the Gold Class podium, a moment the team has been hungry for. Moore’s triumph is more than a victory at one of the toughest hard enduros on the planet; it is a reminder of the team’s heritage, ambition, and commitment to putting their riders on championship-winning machinery. The KTM 300 XC-W once again proved its pedigree: a champion bike beneath a champion rider.

James Moore reflected on the milestone moment in Lesotho: “Winning the Roof of Africa feels surreal. This race has been a childhood dream of mine ever since I first started riding and to finally stand on top of the podium is something I’ve imagined for years. I had to fight for it all the way to the finish and that battle is exactly what made this victory so special. I’m so grateful for the support from my team, my family and everyone who has supported me over the years. This is a moment I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Brother Leader Tread KTM Team Manager, Megan Prinsloo, praised Moore’s performance: “James showed why he belongs at the very top of this sport. He delivered an exceptional ride across all three days and handled every challenge the mountains threw at him. This victory means a great deal to the team and to the entire KTM family. It reminds all of us what’s possible when talent, preparation, and passion come together.”

Moore’s Roof of Africa Gold Title stands as a defining moment for the 2025 season and one that closes the racing calendar on the highest note imaginable. The Maluti Mountains asked the toughest questions, and it was the rider in KTM orange who answered them all. As the dust settles on an unforgettable year, Brother Leader Tread KTM looks ahead with renewed confidence and excitement for what next season may hold.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler has finished second overall at the Roof of Africa in Lesotho, bringing his 2025 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship season to a strong close at the final round of this year’s series. Arriving as the newly crowned 2025 world champion after securing the title one round early at his home race in Germany, the KTM 300 EXC rider delivered three consistent days of racing to round out another exceptional year in hard enduro.

The event opened with Thursday’s Time Trial, where Lettenbichler set the second-fastest time on the two-lap course to secure a favorable start position for Friday. Day two proved more challenging, with the German ultimately placing 10th overall on the demanding Lesotho terrain heading into Saturday’s decisive final day of racing.

Saturday saw Mani return to form, completing the grueling five-hours in second place. Less than one minute separated him from the day’s fastest rider after an intense battle across rocky climbs, riverbeds, and high-mountain passes. With overall results decided on accumulated times across all three days, the Red Bull KTM rider concluded the weekend second overall, wrapping up the Roof of Africa on a high note.

Lettenbichler’s result in Lesotho closes out another outstanding season for the German rider, who successfully defended his FIM Hard Enduro World Championship title to become a five-time world champion. Next up for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is the opening round of the 2026 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, which takes place in Gliwice, Poland on December 13.

Manuel Lettenbichler: “That’s the 2025 season done! The first two days here at Roof of Africa were pretty mixed, I was second in the Time Trial and then 10th yesterday, so I knew I needed to make up time on the final day. The terrain this morning suited me a lot more and I was able to pull a bit of a gap, especially to a lot of the South African guys who did really well yesterday. After the first service check, though, it was quite technical and tiring which made it tougher. From then on, a couple of us rode to the finish together which was fun. It’s cool to finish the season at a great race and of course it felt good coming into this with the world title already wrapped up.”