The manufacturer from Bologna has been working, for the past two years, on a prototype that will make its debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship, with the aim of validating on track the technical solutions adopted on the bike. This strategy confirms the approach that distinguishes Ducati in the development of its most sporty and high-performance models, that is, starting with competition and then creating series of products capable of exceptional performances, to the delight of its enthusiasts.
This is a multi-year project that will see the creation of a complete range of engines and off-road bikes. The models will gradually become part of a family of off-road bikes with the Ducati brand, starting with motocross. Prototype video link
The company based in Bologna has signed an agreement with the nine-time Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli, as a high-performance test rider for the new project, who, thanks to his talent, speed, and experience, will make an important contribution to the development of the new bike.
Antonio Cairoli added: “I am extremely happy to be part of the Ducati universe, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit worldwide, and to start this new adventure in a project entirely Italian. Being able to contribute to the development of the motocross bike from Borgo Panigale is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me.”
Ducati has also signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing, one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock, which will be the reference structure for MX competition activities and will participate in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with Alessandro Lupino, an eight-time Italian Champion and winner of the 2021 MXoN, also hired by Ducati as a test and competition rider.
The focus of Ducati’s off-road project is a combination of extreme lightweight pursuit, top-of-the-line components, and engines characterized by a very broad power delivery curve. The latter is achieved thanks to the use of the Desmodromic system, used in all the brand’s sport bikes, starting with MotoGP. Ducati is, in fact, the only company in the world that uses the same valve return system in its highest performance production bikes, just as it does in competition prototypes.
Entering a specialized segment like off-road represents a very important and challenging strategic choice for Ducati, made possible thanks to the excellent results achieved in recent years. A decision that confirms the desire to expand the brand’s presence in uncharted territory. New young motorcyclists will be able to approach the Borgo Panigale brand and thus become part of the great community of Ducatisti.
Performance is one of the three fundamental values of the brand, along with Style and Sophistication. In Borgo Panigale there are many off-road enthusiasts, and we are excited to see the Desmo in all its potential in action off the asphalt!
