KTM’s enduro racing program is healthy and kicking

KTM has confirmed that DHL Express will continue to back its Red Bull KTM Factory Racing enduro team until the end of 2028.

This is an important announcement for KTM, which, less than a week ago was officially taken over by Bajaj Auto. Sponsors play a pivotal role in offering teams funding support, as well as providing exposure, however, the contract renewal will also be important for KTM beyond the barriers of racing.

Over the last year or so KTM entered self-administration, halted production of new motorcycles on two occasions, and let go of hundreds of employees. Rumours of it ending its participation in MotoGP have also failed to go away, although it has already begun production of its 2027 850cc engine. 

However, despite the difficult year it’s had, KTM’s enduro project appears to be healthy as it heads into 2026. The Mattighofen-based brand will be led by reigning EnduroGP champion Josep Garcia, while the brand’s 2026 Dakar Rally line-up will be revealed later this month.

In the 2026 Hard Enduro World Championship, KTM will have another reigning champion leading its team, with German star Manuel Lettenbichler continuing his partnership with the Austrian company. 

The contract extension between KTM and DHL Express means the latter will continue in its role as the official logistics partner. It also means KTM and DHL will have been in partnership for 20 years once the 2028 season rolls around. More importantly, it means that KTM’s racing exploits (in the off-road world, at least) will be around for three more years.

KTM Director Offroad Racing, Robert Jonas, said this about the new agreement: 

“We are extremely proud to extend our partnership with DHL Express for another three years. This collaboration has been an important part of KTM’s success story in racing and beyond for 17 years. 

“Motorsport operates at a pace where precision and timing are everything, and DHL has been instrumental in ensuring we can deliver that same level of performance off the track. Together, we share the same drive for excellence, efficiency, and innovation, and we look forward to continuing this successful journey through 2028.”

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