DUCATI – RACING INTO 2026

When the Ducati company decided to join the factory back teams in the MXGP championship, Paolo Ciabatti, the General Manager of Ducati Corse Off-Road knew he needed to make sure this famous Italian brand worked extra hard, to join what is already an impressive field of factory teams in the world motocross championships.

First signing Antonio Cairoli to help test the machines and develop their Desmo450 and then not only introduce a 450 to the sport of motocross but also make the next step and bring a 250 team in the GP paddock. For Ciabatti, it has been an enjoyable experience, but he also feels the Ducati name has done a good job on the off-road scene.

“I think we have done a good job,” Ciabatti said recently. “Of course, we know we still have room for improvement. This year, we are entering the world championship with the new VMR Promotion team in MXGP and three excellent riders, and we will be making our debut in MX2 and EMX250 with the Beddini team and two young Italian riders. Clearly, the goal is to always fight for the top five in MXGP and to gain experience and develop the new Desmo250 MX in MX2.”

With their 450 riders in 2026 being Andrea Bonacorsi, Jeremy Seewer and Calvin Vlaanderen, then Ferruccio Zanchi and Simone Mancini on the 250 machines, it’s a strong line-up of Ducati riders on an MXGP weekend. The 19-year-old Zanchi who will race in MX2 World championship, and the 18-year-old Simone Mancini will race the EMX250 class.

“Ducati has decided to engage in off-road with the aim of expanding its customer base by approaching a younger target, which previously did not find in our range models suitable to satisfy their passion for off-roading. The market is in a difficult moment for all manufacturers, but I think that thanks to the unique characteristics of our products, commercial success will not be lacking. From this point of view, the sales numbers of the Desmo450 MX are very comforting and in line with our objectives.”

So, as the 2026 season gets closer and closer, you just get the feeling that the famous Italian brand will be doing its share of points scoring and at times surprise results. Despite its rather inexperienced time in the sport, they have already shown great improvement and the riders mentioned above will be looking to make this year a successful one.