HERLINGS & RED BULL KTM PART WAYS

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and five-time FIM World Champion Jeffrey Herlings have parted ways, after a 16-year association between the team and the Dutchman.

Drafted into the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team as a precarious 15-year-old in 2010, Herlings talent and desire was immediately evident as he grabbed his first MX2 Grand Prix podium in only his second outing in Italy – and then won for the first time in The Netherlands two weeks later. It was the beginnings of a formidable partnership, not only with team staff, but also the KTM 250SX-F.

Herlings claimed 61 of his current record total of 112 Grand Prix wins (all of which earned with Red Bull KTM SX-F technology) with the quarter-litre bike, and thanks to titles in 2012, 2013 and 2016, Herlings is the most decorated KTM racer in the history of the category. The Dutchman moved to the premier MXGP class in 2017 and although his career would be interrupted by injury, he scooped two more championships, in 2018 and 2021, and won at least one GP with the KTM 450SX-F every season he was active.

As well as his MXGP acclaim, Herlings owned races in the AMA Pro National Motocross series and domestic motocross titles in his homeland and the UK. He has also been repeatedly victorious at the FIM Motocross of Nations. Herlings is KTM’s second-most decorated FIM Motocross world champion and rightfully holds a special place in the firm’s prolific racing history.

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director:
“It was a big pleasure to watch a generational talent like this boy grow and develop with us. Jeffrey always did things his own way but we’ve hardly ever seen a racer work as hard and be so determined. There were highs and lows in this long 16-year journey for both of us, but Jeffrey is unique, and I’m happy that our Red Bull KTM orange was such a strong part in his story.”

Robert Jonas, KTM Director Offroad Racing:
“Thanks to Jeffrey for all the wins, the titles and years and years of dedication. Jeffrey only ever had one goal, and to make that target every time after setbacks says a lot for his character and also for the connection he had with the team. We’ve had an incredible run together and we’ll always have a special history.”