Ducati will make its MXGP debut next weekend, with nine-time world champion Tony Cairoli set to pilot the all-new Desmo450 MX at the Netherlands Grand Prix.
While the Italian firm plans to eventually make a production version of its first motocross bike, the Desmo450 MX is currently in a development phase, and is only being used for top-level racing and testing.
Cairoli will compete in the MXGP of the Netherlands at the Arnhem circuit on August 17-18, with the outing set to provide important feedback ahead of Ducati’s first full MXGP World Championship season in 2025.
The Dutch MXGP round won’t be the Desmo450 MX’s first competitive appearance, with Alessandro Lupino riding the machine in the Italian Motocross Championship. He currently leads the title race with two rounds remaining.
Ducati’s entry into the motocross segment follows Triumph, which released the TF250-X earlier this year to rave reviews. Triumph is also working on a 450cc bike, while Ducati will almost certainly follow its own 450 with a 250cc machine.
Details about the Desmo450 MX are scarce, but Ducati has previously confirmed it will use a desmodromic valve system like its superbike and MotoGP counterparts.