Jorge Prado stays with KTM and continues his US career

Jorge Prado will continue to race for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in the USA in 2027. The Spaniard has prematurely extended his contract with the Austrian manufacturer for several years and will therefore remain in the SuperMotocross World Championship. The new contract includes the AMA Supercross Championship, the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and the final SMX Playoffs.

The decision will come during Prado's first full season with KTM in the USA. After a difficult US debut year in 2025, the 25-year-old quickly found his way back to the top after returning to his former manufacturer.

Two podium finishes in Supercross, two more in Pro Motocross

In the 2026 Supercross season, Prado reached the 450SX podium twice and won two heat races. The switch from European motocross to stadium racing had been considered a potential weakness, especially in the whoop class. However, according to KTM team manager Ian Harrison, the four-time world champion made significant progress in this area.

Even after moving to outdoor riding, Prado remained in contention. After eight rounds of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, he has two more 450MX podium finishes to his name. He currently sits in third place in the combined 450SMX standings.

Prado himself sees the contract extension as a continuation of a collaboration that had already begun for him long before his move to the USA.

“I’m really happy to have re-signed with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. We’ve had some great seasons in the past and won in MXGP. This year has also gone well in Supercross. We’ve achieved some podium finishes, won a few heat races, and are now very strong out on the track,” says Prado.

The team was an important reason for him to clarify his future early on. "I'm simply happy to continue working with this great group of people. I'm very excited and hope that we can achieve our goals."

Harrison sees further potential

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has long-term plans for the Spaniard. Ian Harrison particularly emphasizes how quickly Prado has adapted to the demands of Supercross.

“We were all impressed by how quickly he adapted to Supercross in 2026. His confidence and speed, especially in the whoops, were among his greatest strengths in one of the most demanding sections of the track,” explains the team manager.

Harrison believes the development process is far from over. "Jorge has shown an enormous willingness to learn, and we believe his best years are still ahead of him."

A KTM partnership that became a World Championship title project in 2017

Prado and KTM share a long history. After his early years with the Austrian manufacturer, he became a full-time factory rider in the Motocross World Championship in 2017. He won the MX2 World Championship with KTM in 2018 and 2019.

After moving up to the premier class, he won two MXGP world championship titles in 2023 and 2024. Prado then left the Grand Prix paddock and moved to the USA. He has been riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing there again since this season.

In 2027, Prado will once again compete in the full US season with the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. After the first year of rebuilding, the next step is planned: individual podium finishes and heat-race victories should evolve into a regular battle for wins and, in the long term, for the titles in 450SX, 450MX, and 450SMX.