Confirmed: Simon Längenfelder to race 450cc at the next round of the ADAC MX Masters

Reigning MX2 world champion Simon Längenfelder is set to compete on a 450cc machine for the first time in race conditions at the upcoming ADAC MX Masters round in Dreetz. Taking advantage of the MXGP World Championship’s month-long break, Längenfelder will race on home soil in Germany, stepping up from his usual 250cc bike. The event, scheduled for 9th and 10th May, will see him tackle the demanding sand circuit of Dreetz, known for its challenging deep sand and technical layout, providing an ideal preparation ground for the tougher MXGP tracks. Längenfelder has prior experience at Dreetz through training and occasional youth races but has never competed there as part of the ADAC MX Masters series. He acknowledges the circuit’s difficulty, particularly its sharp 180-degree bends that require riders to battle through heavy sand. Despite reports of the track being worn out last year, Längenfelder views this as a beneficial challenge to sharpen his skills ahead of the MXGP season. His move to the 450cc class comes at a crucial juncture, as regulations will require him to advance to MXGP in 2027 if he successfully defends his MX2 title. The German rider remains realistic about his prospects in the highly competitive Masters field, which includes seasoned riders such as former GP winner Max Nagl and ex-MX2 GP race winner Roan van de Moosdijk. Längenfelder admits his limited experience on the larger bike, having only ridden it for a few days with a setup similar to his 250cc machine. While he hopes to perform well, he emphasises the importance of gaining experience and taking a measured approach in his debut 450cc outing. This upcoming race in Dreetz offers an early indication of Längenfelder’s potential transition to the MXGP class. His willingness to test himself on the bigger bike during the MXGP break underscores his ambition and strategic planning for the future. Whether the event results in a victory, a podium finish, or simply valuable race experience, it represents a significant milestone in his career progression towards competing at the highest level of motocross.