KTM’s motocross programme: personnel changes behind the scenes

As previously reported, Scottish-born Stefan Simpson is taking over the role of team manager from five-time Belgian world champion Joel Smets at Red Bull KTM’s in-house motocross works team in Mattighofen. In itself, this would be nothing out of the ordinary following a turbulent season. However, behind the scenes, the ‘Oranges’ are undergoing a major reorganisation.

Several long-serving crew members are affected by the personnel reshuffle in the motocross division. One of them is team coordinator Valentina Ragni. The Italian has been the heart and soul of the team for many years – she too will be stepping down from her post as part of the changes. Long-serving KTM employee Nina Etzkorn is now taking over as team coordinator.

The year 2026 could have seen KTM secure both World Championship titles – in the MXGP and MX2 classes. Until the two-thirds mark of the season, riders from the Red Bull KTM family – the Belgian Coenen brothers – were leading the way in both categories. Both rode for the De Carli team, led by Claudio and Davide De Carli. The Italian outfit had recently been largely responsible for KTM’s successes in the Motocross World Championship.

In recent years, there has already been some turmoil within the in-house motocross team regarding the position of team manager. Following the successful era of German Dirk Grübel from 2015 to 2022, the 2023 season saw a guest appearance by KTM icon Antonio Cairoli, who claimed the MX2 title alongside Andrea Adamo, but then moved to Ducati Corse as an ambassador and test rider.

From 2024, the Australian Harry Norton took over as team manager, but he only stayed for one season. Norton is now successfully working for KTM in the Enduro World Championship. In 2025, the Belgian Smets joined the motocross division; he has now been relieved of his duties and is being succeeded by Stefan Simpson.