Simon Laengenfelder is the world MX2 champion and in many ways the forgotten rider from the 2025 season. The quiet German from the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team isn't shouting his name like Haiden Deegan, just gets the job done behind the scenes.

“For 2026 there has been quite a few changes for me: the physical trainer, the mechanics and the people around me, even the gear now with Alpinestars! Luckily the bike has not changed so much and I’m super-excited.

"I’m really happy right now and having one championship under my belt has even increased my motivation because I want to show everybody that I can do it a second time. I’ve been training hard and I feel strong and ready. The pre-season races will show if we need to be work in any other area but in a month’s time I’ll be 100% to start the fight.”

Last weekend, Langenfelder went 1-1 to win the Mantova round of the Italian International. The victory also handed him the Italian International championship, which was two rounds in Sardinia last week and Mantova last Sunday.

Langenfelder had won the opening MX2 moto in Mantova after a slow start, but came through the pack to pass for the lead mid-race and then pull well away from his rivals.

"Yes, this one was better I would say. We fixed some issues and I felt comfortable with the bike. It was a 1-1, and it sounds easy, but it was difficult. In the start I was left behind and Valerio took the lead and he was already gone and I was like, now I need to push and I found some good lines and passed him."

Now, with the world championship season just a few weeks away, you know that Langenfelder is ready to defend his title and while many look at the names of Liam Everts, Sasha Coenen, Valerio Lata, Mathis Valin and others, you can be sure, the heavy favourite in 2026 is the quiet Germany.

We all remember the cliffhanging final round of the 2025 MX2 championship with heavy rain made the final moto of the season a lottery and while it might have been Kay de Wolf who was the strongest at season end, that final moto ended up handing the title to Langenfelder. It was huge drama, which funnely enough, doesn't seem to suit the character of the KTM man, who is very respectful and quiet in his nature.

Below is a cool gallery from Juan Pablo Acevedo of KTM.