Rumors have intensified around Jorge Prado’s future following a disappointing Pro Motocross season with Monster Energy Kawasaki, with multiple sources now claiming the reigning MXGP World Champion is working to exit his contract — and may be headed to Red Bull KTM in 2026.
Industry insider Steve Matthes added fuel to the fire in a recent post:
“I thought I tweeted this at the MXDN but heard Prado is out of his Kawi & Monster deals, RB KTM will be announced on Oct 16th.”
While that date remains unconfirmed, the momentum behind a Prado-KTM reunion is gaining traction, with behind-the-scenes negotiations reportedly centered on unraveling a complex three-year contract with Kawasaki.
I thought I tweeted this at the MXDN but heard Prado is out of his Kawi & Monster deals, RB KTM will be announced on Oct 16th.
— Steve Matthes (@pulpmx) October 7, 2025
A Season to Forget
Prado joined the Kawasaki squad in 2025 to much fanfare, but the results didn’t follow. The Spanish rider consistently struggled to gel with the KX450, eventually finishing 6th overall in the AMA Pro Motocross 450 class — far below expectations for a reigning world champion.
In a candid post-season social media statement, Prado admitted:
“I never felt comfortable on the bike, not even a bit.”
Tensions appeared to peak when Kawasaki announced Prado would not participate in the inaugural SuperMotocross (SMX) Playoff rounds, despite being qualified. While officially chalked up to “team decisions,” sources suggest the relationship between rider and team had already fractured.
The Contract Roadblock
What complicates Prado’s exit is the nature of his deal with Kawasaki. Multiple reports indicate he signed a three-year agreement with a fourth-year option, likely locking him in through at least 2027 unless terms are renegotiated.
Some insiders speculate Kawasaki and Monster are hesitant to let Prado walk without compensation — especially if he’s poised to join a rival manufacturer backed by Red Bull, a direct competitor to Monster Energy.
