MXGP: Joël Smets leaves KTM, Stefan Simpson takes over
The newsroomUpdated on October 16, 20263 minRed Bull KTM announces the departure of MXGP team manager Joël Smets and names Stefan Simpson for 2027. What we know about the factory team's restructuring.
Key point
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing parts ways with team manager Joël Smets and hands the whole motocross Grand Prix operation to Scotsman Stefan Simpson for 2027.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is restructuring its motocross team for the 2027 MXGP World Championship. The Austrian manufacturer announced on 16 October 2026 that team manager Joël Smets is leaving and that Stefan Simpson will take his place.
A new man at the head of the MXGP team
Stefan Simpson, a Scot based in Austria, will run KTM Motorsports' entire motocross Grand Prix operation. For the past two years he held a development management role tied to the race team. He was also a Red Bull KTM mechanic in 2009 and 2010 and has more than 15 years of technical and R&D experience. Motocross Mag notes that he is the brother of former rider Shaun Simpson.
Robert Jonas, KTM's Director Offroad Racing, says the priority is to maintain the quality and consistency that regularly put the team in title contention.
Joël Smets, a long history with KTM
Joël Smets, 57, joined the KTM factory team in 2000 after three world titles with Husaberg. At KTM he won the 2003 MX3 world title, his fifth overall, equalling Roger De Coster. He returned to the company in 2015 in management and advisory roles, then succeeded Harry Norton as team manager in October 2024, for the 2025 season.
His name remains linked to the development of several MX2 world champions:
- Jorge Prado, champion in 2018 and 2019;
- Tom Vialle, champion in 2020 and 2022;
- Andrea Adamo, champion in 2023.
A strong 2026 season
The restructuring follows a successful season: in 2026, three of the factory team's four riders won Grands Prix, and the team held both red plates, in MXGP on the KTM 450 SX-F and in MX2 on the KTM 250 SX-F. KTM says it wants to stay at the top in both classes.
What is not yet known
The manufacturer gives no detail on the restructuring beyond Stefan Simpson's expanded role, and no departure date for Joël Smets. Motocross Mag reports that team coordinator Valentina Ragni, in KTM's motocross department since 2003, is also reportedly leaving, but this is not officially confirmed. The 2027 rider line-up will be announced shortly.
Follow all the world motocross news on karrazmotorsport.com.
Frequently asked questions
Who replaces Joël Smets at Red Bull KTM in MXGP?
Scotsman Stefan Simpson, who is based in Austria, takes charge of the team and of KTM Motorsports' entire motocross Grand Prix operation.
When did Joël Smets become team manager?
According to Motocross Mag, he took over from Harry Norton in October 2024, for the 2025 season, after returning to KTM in 2015 in management and advisory roles.
Which riders will race for KTM in 2027?
The full line-up is not yet known: KTM says it will be announced shortly.
Sources
- MXVice — KTM thanks Joel Smets, MXGP restructuring for 2027
- Motocross Mag — Joël Smets leaves KTM, Stefan Simpson succeeds him
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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