Motocross GP rider market: Exciting moves – Red Bull KTM springs a surprise

The Motocross World Championship is about to enter the home straight; next weekend’s Swedish Grand Prix in Uddevalla marks the start of the final quarter of the season. There have recently been some sensational developments on the rider transfer market: From 2027, Romain Febvre will become the new frontrunner of Ducati’s MXGP project on the 450cc bike. And Calvin Vlaanderen is moving to the French MXGP team Motoblouz Honda – where he will receive factory support.

One of the standout performers of the current season in the smaller Grand Prix class is Maxime Grau: the 20-year-old Frenchman from the Maddii Honda ABF Italia team is set to join the Honda Racing Corporation’s MX2 works team from the 2027 season onwards as a reward for his improved form.

As reported, Guillem Farres could move to Kawasaki’s MXGP works team as a replacement for world champion Romain Febvre. However, the 23-year-old Spaniard is to be kept at Triumph at all costs – the British know exactly what they have in him. Farres is on course for the world title and currently holds a 47-point lead over his closest rival, Sacha Coenen. One thing is clear: Farres must move up to the MXGP category in 2027 due to age restrictions, and Triumph is working on its entry into the premier class.

Exciting news: the 21-year-old Italian Valerio Lata, currently in his second season with Team HRC in the MX2 class with mixed results, is set to move to Red Bull KTM, where Sacha Coenen’s MX2 ride with the De Carli family’s team is becoming vacant.

Simon Längenfelder (22) has not yet publicly committed to any particular path for his future. The MX2 World Champion from Regnitzlosau could compete in the lower class for another year, but is also toying with the idea of moving to De Carli’s MXGP squad. This is because another place will become available there for 2027 due to Lucas Coenen’s imminent move to the USA.