Red Bull KTM Ajo Roster Shake-Up: Carpe Out, Salmela In

Red Bull KTM Ajo Makes Its Next Move

Red Bull KTM Ajo is preparing a roster change that will reshape the team's lineup for the upcoming season. According to a report from SPEEDWEEK.com, Spanish rider Alvaro Carpe is set to leave the squad, while Finnish youngster Rico Salmela is being brought in as his replacement.

The news signals another shift at one of the most competitive feeder teams in the grand prix paddock. Red Bull KTM Ajo has long served as a development pipeline for KTM's factory program, producing riders who go on to compete at the MotoGP level.

Carpe's Departure from the Team

Alvaro Carpe's exit from Red Bull KTM Ajo marks the end of his chapter with the outfit. The Spanish rider had been part of the team's structure, competing in one of the world championship's junior categories. While no official statement from the team has been published, SPEEDWEEK.com reported that his departure is set.

Carpe's next steps have not been confirmed publicly at this stage. Moves like this are common in the lower classes of grand prix racing, where team contracts are closely tied to results, rider development trajectories, and the availability of sponsored talent.

Rico Salmela Steps Into the Frame

Taking Carpe's seat will be Rico Salmela, a Finnish rider who represents a new generation of talent from the Nordic region. Salmela's signing with Red Bull KTM Ajo puts him inside one of the most well-resourced junior programs in the world championship.

Riding for a team backed by Red Bull and running KTM machinery carries significant weight in the junior categories. The squad has a track record of giving young riders structured support, quality equipment, and the kind of racing environment that accelerates development.

For Salmela, the opportunity is a substantial step. Getting into the Red Bull KTM Ajo setup at a young age places him directly in KTM's long-term planning, with a potential pathway toward Moto2 and beyond if results follow.

What This Means for the Team's Direction

Roster decisions at this level are rarely just about replacing one rider with another. They reflect where a team sees its future and which riders fit its development model. Red Bull KTM Ajo's choice to bring in Salmela points to confidence in his potential and likely some backing from the Red Bull talent identification network, which has historically scouted riders from across Europe.

The changes at Red Bull KTM Ajo will be worth watching as the new season approaches. Both Carpe's next destination and Salmela's debut performances for the team are storylines that the junior class paddock will follow closely.