Image: Supplied.

Former MX2 world champion Andrea Adamo will step up to the MXGP premier class with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2026, transitioning to the 450 SX-F for the next phase of his career.

The 22-year-old Italian signs off his MX2 career following 2025, where he finished third in the final standings with 12 podiums and four victories.

Adamo has contested the MX2 category since 2021 and has been part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing since 2023, when he claimed his first grand prix win and went on to secure the world title.

Across three MX2 seasons with KTM, Adamo ranked first, sixth and third in the standings. Now, he has signed a new multi-year agreement with the factory, electing to move into MXGP despite remaining eligible for one more MX2 season.

“I feel very excited to move to the KTM 450 SX-F,” said Adamo. “It’s a new challenge, new bike and a new style because I’ll have to adapt to the power and there is no way you can ride it like a 250. It takes a lot of energy. I will have a learning curve.

“We can then see where we are and start to grow each GP. We need to get experience with each race and also watch the established top guys. Next year the level is going to be high, probably one of the most competitive championships for a few years, [but] I’m not scared of the challenge, I want to embrace it.

“I’m confident. I saw what Lucas [Coenen] did this year and it gives extra motivation. I’m also very happy to continue with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. It was a dream three years ago to join this team and I still feel the same way – it’s so good to stay here and work with these guys because they are the best.”

Adamo will begin testing and preparation on the 450 with his current crew in the coming weeks, ahead of a 2026 season that will start with select pre-season races before the opening round of the MXGP World Championship on March 7-8 in Argentina.