Red Bull KTM Factory Racing officially announce Andrea Verona joins the EnduroGP squad alongside Josep Garcia for the 2026 FIM EnduroGP World Championship.

We hate to say we told you so but, we told you so. Italian Andrea Verona has turned from red on the GASGAS to orange on the KTM to race in the E2 category on the KTM 450 EXC-F in EnduroGP next season.

That means Andrea switches to the PDS-type suspension system on the EXC and will officially reside alongside Josep Garcia in the now one colour factory tent.

The signing extends Verona’s five-year relationship within the Farioli team and with the KTM Group, having raced in the GASGAS colours until now.

Andrea Verona: “I’m really happy to be part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to ride a factory orange bike and to now finally have the chance feels unbelievable! I’ll give my maximum effort to be the best out there and win as much as possible! I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved, and bring on 2026!”

With Andrea Verona in Enduro2 and Josep Garcia in Enduro1, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will field one of the strongest and most balanced line-ups in 2026 – although it must be pointed out the pair have been teammates in reality all along since Verona signed to race the GASGAS.

That means the red bikes, along with the white bikes, no longer have a presence in the world championship as KTM focuses its racing activities into one ‘brand’. All that remains is for Billy Bolt to turn orange in Hard Enduro we guess?

Verona is already on the KTM 450 EXC-F and early indications are that he has gelled immediately well with the PDS system after taking all of his eight world championship titles onboard a linkage suspension machine. It was a question mark but it seems the more direct system suits his style.

Verona is expected to race the end of season shindig at Valentino Rossi’s Ranch next week, his first official race in KTM colours.

Fabio Farioli – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’re really pleased that Andrea is joining the Red Bull KTM team. Having worked with him for five years already, we know what Andrea is capable of and we’re committed to helping continue his success.

“He is a proven champion and we have no doubt that next season will be another great one for the team.

“We have been working hard since the end of the championship to be 100% ready for next year. Our 2026 EnduroGP line-up is super strong with both Andrea Verona and Josep Garcia, so we can’t wait for the new season already.”

Photo Credit: Francesca Tomasini