Ducati is taking a bold step into the world of motocross, marking an exciting new chapter in its legacy. Known for its performance-driven motorcycles, Ducati is expanding its reach by entering the competitive off-road scene. The Ducati Motocross project is set to combine the brand’s rich history of innovation with a new focus on high-performance, lightweight off-road bikes. At the helm of this ambitious venture is nine-time Motocross World Champion, Antonio Cairoli, who has joined Ducati as a key test rider.
Ducati’s Two-Year Journey to Motocross
Ducati’s entry into motocross has been a carefully planned process over the last two years. During this period, the company worked tirelessly on developing a prototype that made its debut at the Italian Motocross Championship. This strategic move reflects Ducati’s philosophy of using racing as a proving ground for its motorcycle innovations, ensuring that the technical solutions tested on the track would eventually make their way to production models for Ducati’s passionate fans.
The Birth of Ducati’s Off-Road Lineup
This motocross venture is just the beginning of Ducati’s multi-year plan to develop an entire lineup of off-road motorcycles. The brand’s journey starts with motocross, a crucial step in establishing Ducati’s presence in the off-road world. These motorcycles will carry the Ducati name, combining cutting-edge technology with performance and style that the brand is known for.
Antonio Cairoli: The Champion Behind the Project
A key figure in this project is Antonio Cairoli, one of the most successful motocross riders of all time. His vast experience and skill on the track make him an invaluable asset to Ducati as they develop their new motocross motorcycles. As a high-performance test rider, Cairoli will play a vital role in perfecting the design and performance of Ducati’s motocross offerings.
Visionary Leadership from Claudio Domenicali
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, shared his excitement about the brand’s new venture, saying, “I am proud to announce Ducati’s entry into motocross. It’s a completely new world for us, and we aim to bring our expertise in lightweight motorcycles and high-performance components into this exciting field.” Domenicali emphasized that Ducati’s involvement in motocross will focus on using the track as a real-world laboratory, allowing the brand to test and refine motorcycles before making them available to customers.
A Strategic Partnership with Maddii Racing
In addition to Cairoli’s involvement, Ducati has formed a multi-year partnership with Maddii Racing, a team with extensive experience in the motocross world. Maddii Racing will serve as Ducati’s main partner in the motocross racing scene, and riders like Alessandro Lupino, an eight-time Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner, will be integral to the project. With this partnership, Ducati plans to further solidify its place in the competitive motocross arena.
Ducati’s Focus on Lightness and Power
Ducati’s off-road project centers on creating motorcycles that are not only lightweight but also equipped with the best components available. Their engines, known for their broad power delivery, will be paired with the advanced Desmodromic system—an iconic feature in Ducati’s sports bikes. This combination of lightness and power ensures that Ducati’s motocross bikes will perform at the highest level while maintaining the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence.
Expanding Ducati’s Reach
Ducati’s recent success has laid the foundation for this move into the off-road sector. The brand’s expansion into motocross is not just about competing in new markets but also about welcoming younger riders into the Ducati family. By tapping into the off-road scene, Ducati hopes to build an even larger and more diverse community of Ducatisti.
A New Chapter in Ducati’s Legacy
Performance, which has always been at the core of Ducati’s philosophy, will now be showcased beyond the asphalt. Off-road enthusiasts are eager to see how Ducati’s legendary performance will translate to the dirt tracks of motocross. The Ducati Motocross venture is not just a new project; it’s a bold statement that Ducati is ready to tackle new challenges and continue its legacy of innovation and excellence.
This thrilling new chapter in Ducati’s history promises to captivate the motocross world and introduce Ducati’s renowned performance to an entirely new audience. As Ducati enters the world of motocross, the brand is sure to make a lasting impact and change the off-road motorcycle landscape forever.
