Simon Längenfelder has finally achieved the dream he has been chasing since joining the factory setup – becoming MX2 World Champion. After years of some small injuries, setbacks, and near misses, the German rider delivered an amazing season in 2025 to secure his first world crown. His triumph was also a huge moment for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad, led by Davide de Carli, who has overseen Simon’s development since 2022. Reflecting on the journey, de Carli spoke with pride about his rider’s progress and the team’s effort behind the scenes.
“It’s been great to work with him. We always believed in him since the beginning, and he had put so much work during these four years. He had in mind only one goal, to win the title. He is a hard worker and he gives everything for the sport. So congrats to Simon,” de Carli said, summing up the character and determination that carried Längenfelder to glory.
The partnership between the two began back in late 2022, and de Carli still remembers the immediate impact Längenfelder made. That early success gave everyone in the team confidence that, with the right structure and support, he could become a future champion.
“We took Simon in October 2022 and I will never forget the first race in Matterley Basin when he won three motos, the qualifying on Saturday and two on Sunday, and we took the red plate. Since then, we’ve been working so hard to get the title. The luck was not from his side in 2023 and 2024 because he was injured during the season, but he was still able to finish third in the championship in both years.”
The 2025 season, however, proved to be the turning point. From the very first round, Längenfelder looked sharper, faster, and more mature. His battles for the red plate became a theme of the year, but crucially, he had the strength to win it back when it mattered.
“This season it’s been great, incredible. From the first race until the last race, it was crazy. We took the red plate, we lost the red plate in his own country, we took back the red plate in Latvia and after Latvia we had a really solid gap,” de Carli explained.
Those closing rounds underlined just how determined Simon was to finally capture the crown. The pressure could have proved too much but instead, Längenfelder rose to the occasion.
“The last three rounds were really good. Simon really showed up that he was there and he really, really, really wants to win this title.”
Looking back over the year, de Carli believes the difference came from Längenfelder’s development both on and off the bike. More polished technique, improved fitness, and a willingness to adapt all contributed to him finally reaching the top step of the MX2 world.
“If I want to make a comparison from Simon this year to last year, this year he was more ready in all the aspects, more ready physically, he improved a lot his technique on the bike and he was more flexible and open to the changes. It’s been great to win this title and a great achievement also for my team. We won 15 titles in total and this season we finished with 171 GP wins in the history of the team. I’m really happy and proud of what we have done this year.”
The final round brought a wave of emotions and plenty of drama. With torrential rain changing the track conditions in a short space of time, the result was far from certain. Längenfelder had to endure crashes and uncertainty before the championship was finally secured.
“The first moto was really good, the second moto we were behind the gate and you could feel the changing of temperature, so strong water was coming so it was really tricky. Simon had a few crashes, the situation was not turning in the right direction because in one moment we were not champions anymore, but then slowly the situation changed, more water was coming, bikes were stopping on a few riders, so yeah, in the end we got champion, so that is the way it went.”
Behind the success was a winter of hard work and careful preparation. Both Längenfelder and the team focused on areas that had cost him in previous seasons.
“For sure we have put a lot of work in over the winter like every year, but of course we worked more on the missing things. On the bike we were working also a lot in our situation like in Italy and then we went to Riola. We make a strong program together. In KTM they develop a really good machine over this winter and we have made a few tests. Of course, also the suspension was getting better from last year so the developing was great, but on his side he improved the missing things from last year. Like I said before, he was more prepared physically and much more stronger mentally. These were the two things that we had to improve.”
When the chequered flag fell and the championship was finally confirmed, the emotions poured out of the team. For de Carli, seeing his father, Claudio cry was a reminder of just how much effort and sacrifice had gone into this title run.
“It was a special moment for us to see Claudio crying. Of course, it was a really special moment because you think back of all the years starting from 2022. Every year we tried hard to win the title and we have put so much work on it. I was crying too because it’s been nice to work with him and in one moment you get all the emotion. It’s nice also to win after many years the MX2 class, after six years, the last title was 2019 with Jorge, so after six years we were able again to win with Simon, so we are really really happy.”
Managing a factory team comes with huge responsibility, but de Carli insists that the role is one he thrives in rather than one that brings stress. The expectation of winning is what drives him.
“I don’t call it stress, I call it more adrenaline. Of course, I have a big responsibility because I have three big names, three big riders, and every weekend we go there for the win. So, there is a lot of work behind, but it’s not really stressful for me. I love what I do, so it’s not stressful.”
In the end, the 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most exciting campaigns in recent MX2 history. In the end, Längenfelder consistently showed he was the rider to beat, and de Carli was quick to thank everyone who played a role in the journey.
“It’s been a fantastic season for the team. We had many races, and I can say with good results, many holeshots. We also got the Acerbis fastest lap. We were the fastest on the track most of the time. We had ups and downs during the season. When we lost the red plate, Simon was able to take again the red plate. And what I can say? It’s just incredible the steps what Simon has done during this year. He was stronger in general, physically and mentally. That’s why he was able to win this title. I would like to thank all the people that have been working behind this project. I would like to say big thanks to KTM and Robert, and all the KTM Motorsport. It was a great year, and they have put so much work with the bike development, WP Racing as well, and all our sponsors. Thank you very much.”
For de Carli, this championship is not just about one rider achieving his dream – it is the culmination of years of dedication, learning, and relentless work from an entire structure. For Längenfelder, it is the reward for never giving up on his dream, proving he had the determination to rise to the top.
