Ducati, the Italian motorsports giant, is making a dramatic entry into the motocross world. Known for its dominance in MotoGP, the manufacturer embarked on a new project in 2023, embodied by the Ducati Desmo450 MX: to develop its off-road status. A year later, the foundation stone has just been laid.
Alessandro Lupino, Ducati's motocross spearhead?
At the season opener in Mantova, Lupino and the brand-new Desmo450 MX laid the foundations for a thrilling season. An early success was enough to make a lasting impression, although questions remained as to the ability of Ducati's new bike to win in the long term. As the rider recently confided: "I didn't know what to expect from this season, because the Desmo450 MX was a completely new bike."
And yet, throughout the six rounds of the championship, Lupino and Ducati continued to assert themselves. The rider from Viterbo, who joined the MX2 World Championship in 2007 at the age of just 16, has made a name for himself in the sport. His experience has enabled him to make the most of this bike, developed in collaboration with Antonio Cairoli, motocross legend and technical advisor to the project. Ducati has demonstrated its commitment by investing heavily in the development of this new machine... for what results?
Italian Prestige MX1 Championship: a first crown for the Desmo450 MX
The highlight of the season came in the final round, held on the "Il Ciclamino" circuit in Arco di Trento on October 12 and 13, 2023. With a comfortable lead in the championship prior to this event, Lupino needed only fourth place to secure the national title. He settled for the last step of the podium, behind Andrea Bonacorsi and Jan Pancar, second overall.
Lupino thus gives Ducati its very first national motocross title, in the Desmo450 MX's first full season, and confirms that the Bologna-based manufacturer is not here to make up the numbers. "What I enjoyed most this year was seeing the passion that everyone put into it [...] This success is that of the whole team," said Lupino.
Ramping up for MXGP 2025
As the Italian season draws to a close, Ducati is already looking to the future. The brand recently took part in two rounds of the Motocross World Championship (MXGP), first with Antonio Cairoli in Arnhem, then with Lupino at the final round in Spain. It wasn't long before the 33-year-old was back in action in the category, as he had announced at the time of his departure from MXGP in 2023 ("it's not a farewell, but rather a see you soon!"). These two participations have enabled the team to gather valuable data in preparation for their first full MXGP season in 2025.
For this new adventure, Ducati will be able to count on Kawasaki transfer Jeremy Seewer (whose replacement, Pauls Jonass, was recently made official). According to the latest rumours, the Swiss rider could be joined by Mattia Guadagnini, promising a strong team for the Desmo450 MX's world debut.
A promising future for Ducati in motocross?
Ducati's motocross project is gaining in credibility and is only just beginning. The Italian firm is also developing its motorcycle for the MX2 category, the Desmo250 MX, which will be tested in national competitions in 2025 with the same objective: to perfect its racing skills before being marketed. Lupino, still committed to Ducati, will actively contribute to its development. With this Italian title and its ambitions for the world championship, Ducati's confidence is unshakeable. The Borgo Panigale-based brand is preparing to write a new page in its motocross history.
At the same time, brand enthusiasts will soon be able to purchase the Desmo450 MX, which will be available to order from the beginning of 2025, with deliveries scheduled from June onwards. This model, a symbol of Ducati's new off-road era, already ranks as a must-have for motocross enthusiasts.
Photo credits: Ducati Corse
