Ducati has officially announced its entry into the world of motocross, and they are bringing in some big names. Nine-time MX World Champion Antonio Cairoli will be joining Ducati as a high-performance test rider for their new racing program. Ducati has also signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing, one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock, to be their reference structure for MX racing activities. Alessandro Lupino, an eight-time Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner, has also been contracted to Ducati as a racing and test rider. Below is the official video and information directly from Ducati.
For the past two years, the Bologna-based manufacturer has been working on a prototype that will make its debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship. The goal is to validate the technical solutions made on the bike on the track. This strategy aligns with Ducati’s approach in developing their sportiest and highest-performing models. They start from racing competition and then create series products capable of exceptional performance for their enthusiasts.
This is a multi-year project that will see the development of a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles. These models will gradually become part of Ducati’s family of knobby motorcycles, starting with motocross.
Ducati has signed an agreement with Antonio Cairoli, a nine-time Motocross World Champion, as a high-performance test rider for the new project. His talent, speed, and experience will provide valuable input for the development of the new motorcycle.
Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, commented:
“I am proud to announce Ducati’s entry into Motocross. It is a totally new world for Ducati, and we want to bring our talent in designing lightweight motorcycles, with excellent components and high performance, to excite more and more motorcyclists. We believe that the track is the best laboratory to develop and test the bikes that will be available to customers and enthusiasts. That’s why we have decided to cooperate with an undisputed champion like Tony Cairoli. Together with the passion and dedication of our team here in Borgo Panigale, we will establish Ducati in off-road as capable of offering very high-performance products to our passionate customers, just as we have proven on the asphalt. This project is possible thanks to the company’s excellent results in recent years and confirms our desire to extend our presence into new worlds, reach new motorcyclists, and grow the Ducati Community.”
Antonio Cairoli expressed his excitement about joining Ducati:
“I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world. Beginning this exciting new adventure in an all-Italian project is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me.”
In addition to Antonio Cairoli, Ducati has also signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing, one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock. They will serve as the reference structure for MX racing activities and participate in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with Alessandro Lupino, an eight-time Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner, who will also be contracted to Ducati as a racing and test rider.
The focus of Ducati’s off-road project is on lightweight design, top-of-the-line components, and engines with a broad power delivery curve. The Desmodromic system, used on all the sports bikes of Ducati, including MotoGP, is employed to achieve this. Ducati is the only company in the world that uses the same valve return system on both their highest performing production motorcycles and racing prototypes.
Entering the specialist off-road sector is a significant and challenging strategic choice for Ducati. It has been made possible thanks to the excellent results they have achieved in recent years. This decision demonstrates their desire to expand the brand’s presence into unexplored territories and attract new young motorcyclists to become part of the large community of Ducatisti.
Performance is one of the three core values of the Ducati brand, alongside Style and Sophistication. With their passion for off-road, Ducati enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to witness the Desmo in all its potential off the asphalt!