A new hand on the MXGP operation
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is changing the management structure of its Grand Prix motocross programme for 2027. Stefan Simpson takes responsibility for the full operation after two years in a development-management role closely connected to the race team. The appointment is not an outside reset: Simpson previously worked as a KTM mechanic and has accumulated more than fifteen years of technical and research-and-development experience inside the sport.
Why Joel Smets matters to this story
The change closes an important chapter for Joel Smets. The five-time world champion had been part of KTM's management and advisory group since 2015. During that period the programme helped riders including Tom Vialle, Jorge Prado and Andrea Adamo become Grand Prix winners and world champions. KTM's official announcement presents the move as a restructuring for the next cycle, while explicitly crediting Smets for his contribution to the modern team.
Competitive base, unfinished rider picture
The sporting platform is strong. KTM says three of its four factory riders won Grands Prix during 2026 and that the 450 SX-F and 250 SX-F both carried championship leader red plates. What is not confirmed yet is equally important: the complete 2027 rider roster. Until KTM publishes that list, names circulating elsewhere remain speculation. Euro MX Community will update this article when the factory confirms the next piece.
Simpson’s route to the role
Simpson’s background connects workshop knowledge with organisational responsibility. He worked as a Red Bull KTM mechanic in 2009 and 2010 before moving deeper into technical development. That continuity matters in a factory programme where race-weekend decisions, testing priorities and production feedback must stay aligned.
What to watch before round one
The next reliable milestones are KTM’s official rider announcement, the division of MXGP and MX2 resources and the first confirmed pre-season appearances. Until then, the management appointment is the story. It signals how KTM intends to work, but it does not by itself confirm which riders will line up.
Facts are frozen to the verification date shown above. Any later correction will be added visibly.
Primary source checked internally: KTM Motorsport / MXGP.
