Joel Kelso is set to leave the LEVELUP - MTA squad after a single season, after signing for MLav Racing for 2026.
After a season in the LEVELUP - MTA squad, Joel Kelso is set to leave the Italian team and make his way to a new team in the Moto3 World Championship.
The 2026 season will be the Australians fifth season in the lightweight class, and he will ride for his fifth different team. During his time in Moto3, he has raced for CIP Green Power, Prustel GP, BOE Motorsports and LEVELUP - MTA.
He has now signed for the GRYD MLav Racing team for 2026 and will ride a Honda for the first time in his Grand Prix career.
Kelso said: "Overall, I’m really excited to be joining this team and to help accelerate the project. I can’t wait to get started and to deliver strong and consistent results. It’s a new challenge on the Honda, which I believe will be a great experience. I’m pleased to have my future secured for the next two years, and I’m looking forward to working hard with the team to build this project up."
MLav Racing added: "We are very pleased to welcome Joel to GRYD MLav Racing for 2026. He is a highly experienced rider and a proven front-runner in the Moto3 World Championship, and having him on board is truly great news for the whole team.
"Joel not only brings valuable experience and speed, but also a natural connection with us as part of the Commonwealth and as a fellow English speaker. We are confident that together we can achieve great results and continue to move forward."
Kelso has become a successful Moto3 rider and has secured four podiums across his career, one in 2023 and three in 2025. After 15 rounds in the 2025 Moto3 World Championship, the 22-year-old finds himself in sixth place in the Championship.
It has also been reported that the Australian rider has been offered an option to remain with MLav Racing for a second season after the 2026 season. But it has not been announced who will ride alongside Kelso in the British team next year.
