A Tough Year in the USA
Jorge Prado’s long-awaited move to the U.S. scene was meant to be a fresh chapter in his already decorated career. After dominating MXGP in Europe, his 2025 switch to Kawasaki in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross came with big expectations.
But the year never really clicked. A shoulder injury in Supercross required surgery and sidelined him before he could truly get going. By the time Pro Motocross rolled around, Prado was back on the bike, but something still wasn’t right.
Holeshots came, like his lightning start at Unadilla, but they didn’t translate into results. Instead of fighting at the front, he often faded down the order. A crash in Colorado added more frustration, and the season closed with him sitting sixth overall in the standings. Respectable on paper, but far below what fans expect from a world champion.
Prado has been open about his struggles, admitting he never felt at home on the Kawasaki and describing 2025 as one of the hardest seasons of his career.
KTM on the Horizon?
The difficult year has fuelled plenty of paddock rumours. The biggest? That Prado could reunite with KTM for 2026.
Reports suggest conversations have taken place, though nothing official has been confirmed. His Kawasaki contract is believed to run for another two years, so any move would require some negotiation. Still, a KTM comeback would make sense, Prado achieved his best results with the Austrian brand, and the chemistry between rider and bike seemed much stronger than what we’ve seen this year.
Motocross of Nations 2025: A Return in Red and Yellow?
Another hot talking point is whether Prado will line up for Team Spain at this year’s Motocross of Nations, set for Ironman Raceway in the U.S. later this season.
Nothing has been confirmed, but the prospect has fans buzzing. Prado has always been proud to represent Spain, and the Ironman track, with its big jumps and flowing rhythm, would be a fitting stage for a potential return to form. If he does race, it could also give him a valuable confidence boost heading into the off-season.
Has the Criticism Been Fair?
Whenever a high-profile rider struggles, criticism is never far behind. Prado has faced his share of doubters in 2025, but much of it ignores the bigger picture.
• Injury recovery: Bouncing back from shoulder surgery mid-season is no small task.
• Bike adaptation: Prado himself has said he never felt comfortable on the Kawasaki, which clearly played a role in his results.
• Transition pressure: Jumping into U.S. Supercross and Pro Motocross after years of MXGP success is a massive adjustment, track style, schedule, and intensity all demand time to adapt.
So while the numbers may suggest underperformance, the reality is that Prado’s season was shaped by circumstances outside of pure talent or effort. In truth, his resilience just to keep lining up each weekend deserves more recognition than criticism.
The Road to 2026
As things stand, Prado’s future is uncertain. If the KTM rumours prove true, 2026 could offer him the chance to reset and show fans the rider they know he can be. Add in the possibility of an MXoN comeback this autumn, and it’s clear that Jorge Prado’s story is still unfolding.
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