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2025 MXGP blasts into life for Red Bull KTM in Argentina with MX2 podium double

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ripped out of a Grand Prix start gate for the first time this year and Sacha Coenen produced the goods with his KTM 250 SX-F to score 2nd place in Argentina. Simon Laegenfelder was 3rd overall meaning an MX2 double trophy haul for the opening round of 20 in Cordoba.

  • The new Inifinito Race Track in Cordoba provides soft terrain, a quick layout, big jumps and is surrounded by a large crowd for its MXGP inauguration
  • Lucas Coenen makes his MXGP class debut and the 2024 MX2 championship runner-up takes the KTM 450 SX-F to 6th overall
  • Sacha Coenen Is the pick from the MX2 class with results of 9-1 in the two motos to place as runner-up. Simon Laegenfelder takes 3rd while Andrea Adamo was 10th after a first moto DNF
  • Jeffrey Herlings will soon occupy the saddle of his KTM 450 SX-F in the next comeback step from right ACL reconstruction. The Dutchman will then confirm a timescale for his MXGP return

MXGP discovered a brand-new circuit for the Grand Prix of Argentina and the Infinito Race Track offered a different setting compared to the venue at Neuquen that had been the home of the South American fixture since 2015. The teams and riders tried to unlock all the fastest lines and potential of the course in Cordoba that was initially wet but quickly dried through the Sunday motos thanks to the warm climate and soft, sandy nature of the surface.

The Red Bull KTM Factory line-up flew across the Atlantic with one representative in the MXGP class (Lucas Coenen) and four in the MX2 category (Andrea Adamo, Sacha Coenen, Simon Laegenfelder and Marc-Antoine Rossi) and with Jeffrey Herlings on the comeback path from injury. On Saturday the MX2 crew set a marker with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best lap-times in Timed Practice. Adamo, Coenen and Laegenfelder hit the front again in the RAM Qualification Heat and the Italian logged the first maximum points of the campaign with victory ahead of the Belgian in P2 and the German in 4th. Rossi was 19th after a poor start. Lucas Coenen was also struggling at the launch of the MXGP Heat as contact with another rider put him on the floor into Turn 2. He remounted and made it to the flag in 19th.

Sunday’s motos was the scene for more drama as the track invited a high pace and full commitment. Coenen fell on the first lap of the opening MX2 sprint (with the course in its wettest state) and worked his way back to 9th but then owned the second moto holeshot and took the checkered flag. Laegenfelder was P2 in the first moto but two small late falls in the afternoon dropped him to 6th and meant the third step of the podium. Adamo had to pull out of the initial moto with a technical issue and after spinning on the metal gate at the start. The former world champ was strong in the second moto to follow home Coenen for P2. Rossi ended the day with 19th after a 16-20 scorecard.

In MXGP Lucas Coenen closed a steady day of action with 7-8 scores and took home 27 points for P6. With the championship now underway, MXGP will hurry onto Cozar for the Grand Prix of Castilla la Mancha in two weeks.

Lucas Coenen, 7th and 8th for 6th overall in MXGP: “My first MXGP race was quite tricky. I didn’t have the best feeling on the track or the best speed but managed a good start in the Quali race until another rider ran into my leg and put me down. I had to fight hard to come back from last to 19th and that was tough. I reset for Sunday and did my best. I finished in the top ten twice and I’m really pleased. It’s almost like a win for me right now and we made some good points. We’ll keep building and swing even higher for Spain.”

Sacha Coenen, 9th and 1st for 2nd overall in MX2: “I knew I had good speed but I didn’t really have any expectations for this Grand Prix; I just wanted to push my hardest and see where we could arrive. The crash in the third corner of the first moto did not help and meant I had to come back from last position. it was not ideal. We didn’t make any changes to the bike because I feel really good with my setting – better than last season – and we’d worked hard for that this winter. It was great in the second moto and I had good flow after the holeshot.”

Simon Laegenfelder, 2nd and 6th for 3rd overall in MX2: “I was feeling good and fast with the bike this weekend and I cannot really explain what happened at the end of the second moto. We have to figure some things out for the next Grand Prix. I’m fit and could ride well but we have to look at these mistakes and put them right for Spain.”

Andrea Adamo, DNF and 2nd for 10th overall in MX2: “A really good weekend for me. P1 in the Qualifying race and Pole Position was super but then it as a bummer to have a problem in race one and a DNF because I had been feeling good all day. With P2 in the second moto I believe we could have left Argentina with a podium and maybe the red plate, anyway, good feelings with the bike and good speed and fitness so we’re looking forward to Spain now.”

Marc-Antoine Rossi, 16th and 20th for 19th overall in MX2: “It was not easy to be back at Grand Prix speed on this track! I’m not that happy with my riding: the heat and the track itself was tough for me but this was a step back to competition and I’m still learning. Spain might be a bit better for me.”

 

Results MXGP Argentina 2025

 

1. Maxime Renaux (FRA), Yamaha, 2-1

2. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 1-2

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Honda, 3-3

4. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA), Ducati, 4-4

5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED), Fantic 5-7

6. Lucas Coenen (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 7-8

 

Standings MXGP 2025 after 1 of 20 rounds

 

1. Maxime Renaux (FRA), Yamaha, 57

2. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 56

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Honda, 48

4. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA), Ducati, 40

5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED), Fantic 35

6. Lucas Coenen (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 27

 

Results MX2 Argentina 2025

 

1. Kay de Wolf (NED), Husqvarna 1-5

2. Sacha Coenen (BEL) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 9-1

3. Simon Laegenfelder (GER), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 2-6

4. Liam Everts (BEL), Husqvarna 7-3

5. Camden McLellan (RSA), Triumph 5-8

10. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, DNF-2

19. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 16-20

 

Standings MX2 2025 after 1 of 20 rounds

 

1. Kay de Wolf (NED), Husqvarna, 49 points

2. Sacha Coenen (BEL) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 46

3. Simon Laegenfelder (GER), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 44

4. Liam Everts (BEL), Husqvarna 36

5. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 32

19. Marc-Antoine Rossi (FRA) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 6

KTM NEWS

Victory for Team Belgium & the Coenen brothers at packed MXoN in France

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The 79th FIM Motocross of Nations drew a huge record crowd of 105,000 to the ‘amphitheater’ setting of the Ernee circuit in northern France where Red Bull KTM’s Lucas and Sacha Coenen contributed to Team Belgium first victory in the annual contest since 2013. Red Bull KTM also had SMX champion Jorge Prado inspiring Team Spain to 2nd place and their first ever podium result.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING THANKS AARON PLESSINGER FOR FIVE SUCCESSFUL SEASONS TOGETHER

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing extends its appreciation to Aaron Plessinger following five successful seasons together, with the partnership delivering an impressive catalog of race results across AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross. ‘The Cowboy’ continues to be one of the most popular and engaging riders in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), quickly establishing a strong connection to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing fans throughout North America and on a global scale. Over the course of five seasons with KTM, he earned 24 podiums – 11 in 450SX and 13 in 450MX – including two Supercross victories. Plessinger first joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ahead of the 2022 season, making an immediate impact with a second-place result at Round 2 of the 450SX series in Oakland, and he would go on to achieve two more overall podiums outdoors (Southwick and Ironman) in his first year aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. The 2023 season saw Plessinger make further progress, with the Ohio native recording two podiums in Supercross and an additional three podium finishes in 450MX on his way to third in the final championship standings. He also represented Team USA in the MXGP category at the 2023 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Ernée, France. Plessinger then opened the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship in outstanding form, capturing a first-career 450SX Main Event win in San Diego to take possession of the red plate, which he carried out of the following round with another top-three performance at Anaheim 2. He also took third in Arlington, before his indoor season was unfortunately cut short through injury. Another convincing Pro Motocross season – including six podiums at Hangtown, RedBud, Washougal, Unadilla, Budds Creek and Ironman – saw him finish third in the 450MX standings once more, and he carried that form into the SMX World Championship post-season to end the series in fourth overall. Those results led to another MXoN appearance to complete his 2024 campaign, this time in the Open category at Matterley Basin in the United Kingdom, where he contributed to Team USA’s second-place finish on the Nations podium. Plessinger's 2025 450SX season was highlighted by podiums at Daytona, Birmingham and Seattle, before achieving his second-career premier class victory in a convincing performance at Foxborough. He recorded another podium in East Rutherford, while a strong start to Pro Motocross that included podiums at Hangtown and Thunder Valley was later disrupted by illness. Always a fan favorite, Plessinger remained a valued member of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing throughout the 2026 SMX World Championship, bringing his trademark personality and commitment to the team across his final season in orange despite multiple injury setbacks impacting his season, which concluded at last weekend's SMX Final in Ridgedale, Missouri. Aaron Plessinger: "These have been some of the best five years of my life, and especially during my career – I've had a great time at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and I'm going to miss everybody a lot. Looking back, our results together have been consistently solid over a good stretch of years, which we can be proud of as a team. And the KTM fans, too, their support has meant the world to me and I'm glad that we were able to have a good run for them. Above all, I'm thankful for these years that we were able to spend together. We'll see you at the races!" Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "Working with Aaron over the last five years has been a privilege. He brought with him a unique personality, always making those around feel like a part of his inner-circle, and his cowboy style made him a favorite with the fans and our team. From race wins and podiums to some challenging moments along the way, Aaron always represented Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with passion, professionalism, and determination. We'd like to thank him for everything he has done for the Red Bull KTM team, and we wish him and his family the very best moving forward. You are family, Mr Plessinger – see you at the races." Plessinger and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will now officially sign off on a memorable five-year collaboration, with the entire team thanking Aaron for his contributions to the program and wishing him all the best for the future.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING'S JORGE PRADO CROWNED 2026 SMX WORLD CHAMPION

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado has been crowned the 2026 SMX World Champion in Ridgedale, Missouri, tonight, following outstanding performances across the three-round post-season, underscored by an impressive regular season in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross. Prado entered the season-finale holding the 450SMX Championship leader’s red plate, qualifying third around the high-speed Thunder Ridge Nature Arena course layout aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. After finishing fifth in Moto 1, a showdown in the second race saw Prado capture one of the most important holeshots of his career, putting forward 17 spectacular laps to claim the race victory and clinch the 2026 450SMX title in the process. The 25-year-old adds the premier class SMX World Championship to his impressive resume, which already includes two MXGP World Championships (2023, 2024) and a pair of MX2 World Championships (2018, 2019). Originally from Lugo, Spain, Prado relocated to the United States for the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship season, reuniting with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing organization one year later to contest the 2026 series. A strong showing in AMA Supercross – made up of two podiums, a pair of 450SX fastest qualifiers and multiple Heat Race wins – was balanced by an impressive AMA Pro Motocross Championship campaign, where he finished fourth overall in 450MX. His outdoor season featured five podium appearances, highlighted by a 1-1 sweep at the Ironman finale. Those results saw Prado enter the SMX post-season as the number two seed, before taking over the points-lead courtesy of a third-place result at Playoff 1 in Columbus, and then extending his advantage with a victory at Dignity Health Sports Park at Playoff 2 last weekend. A 5-1 scorecard at the SMX World Championship Final secured second on the podium this weekend, enough to earn the 2026 450SMX title. Having captured this year’s 450SMX World Championship, Prado will use the upcoming off-season to further prepare for the 2027 season, having recently signed a multi-year contract extension with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. Jorge Prado: “One year ago I wasn’t even racing in the SMX post-season, but the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team did an awesome job preparing me all winter long, every single week, and I also prepared myself the best I could to bounce back. That’s what champions do, right? They bounce back, so [I’m] super-happy about this title – it’s my first championship here in the States. I’m a four-time world champion for a reason, and I think I showed that in this last moto where it mattered the most!” In his final race as a professional following a highly-decorated career, the legendary Eli Tomac posted the seventh-fastest qualifying time around the expansive Ridgedale circuit, signaling his final chapter on board the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Tomac finished 12th overall in Missouri, drawing a memorable end to a career that spanned nearly two decades. Eli Tomac: “It has sunk in – I was trying to have fun out there, but to be straight up, there were some stressful moments for me! What a ride it has been. I’ve gotten to literally live the dream, and it’s sure been a ride. I’m so thankful for everyone, and I’ve said this a million times, but I truly am grateful for the whole family of Supercross and Pro Motocross. Thank you to everyone.” ‘The Cowboy’ Aaron Plessinger was also on track for a strong weekend in Missouri, with the 30-year-old powering his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to seventh in Moto 1. He followed that with 15th in the final race of the year to finish 10th overall for both the round and in the 450SMX standings. Aaron Plessinger: "My first moto in Ridgedale went well, I made some good passes and finished up seventh. Then the second moto, I made a mistake off the start and ended up at the back, but didn't ride to my potential in that one. Either way, it was a really positive way to finish the season together, and congratulations the team!” Equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Julien Beaumer topped the 250SMX qualifying timesheets with a 1:15.001 lap-time, gearing up for the double-moto format as he too targeted championship success. The 20-year-old Arizona native battled hard throughout the opening race, racing for position inside the top-five before eventually securing fourth and carrying strong momentum into Moto 2. A tough start to the final outing had 'Juju' playing catch-up as rain began to fall, creating a slick surface for the 250SMX field to navigate. He climbed to ninth by race’s end, which was enough to record fourth position in the 250SMX series. Following nine months on the sidelines, Beaumer returned to competition at the Pro Motocross opener, delivering two round wins and second in the 250MX standings to enter the post-season as the fifth seed. He then won Playoff 2 in Los Angeles, highlighting what was an ultra-successful 2026 SMX campaign. He will now turn his attention to the FIM Motocross of Nations following a late call to represent Team USA in France next weekend. Julien Beaumer: "It was a tough day. It began really well with qualifying P1, and then I started around fourth or fifth in Moto 1 and stayed there the whole race. I got a terrible start in Moto 2 and was down in the first corner, but I rode really well from there – it was just a tough track to pass on. Overall, I'm proud of our efforts, and now we'll fly back to California and get ready for the Motocross of Nations!" Results 450SMX Class – SMX Final 1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 2. Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 3. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 6. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 9. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) 10. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 12. Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Standings 450SMX Class 2026 1. Jorge Prado, 158 points 2. Haiden Deegan, 151 3. Hunter Lawrence, 136 7. RJ Hampshire, 99 9. Malcolm Stewart, 83 10. Aaron Plessinger, 80 11. Eli Tomac, 78 Results 250SMX Class – SMX Final 1. Cole Davies (Yamaha) 2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) 3. Landen Gordon (Yamaha) 6. Julien Beaumer (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 7. Ryder DiFrancesco (Husqvarna) 8. Daxton Bennick (Husqvarna) Standings 250SMX Class 2026 1. Levi Kitchen, 153 points 2. Ryder DiFrancesco, 129 3. Cole Davies, 128 4. Julien Beaumer, 119 7. Daxton Bennick, 98