The new Ducati Corse R&D - Factory MX Team

GDN - After Ducati announced last October 24 its entry into the world of motocross with a range of models that will be available on the market in the next few years, Ducati Corse Off-Road, the Ducati division in charge of racing activity in the world of knobby tyres, has now presented the two prototypes that will be used by Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino in 2024, in Madonna di Campiglio during the Campioni in Pista event.

The main goal of Ducati Corse R&D - Factory MX Team is to develop and test new technologies and solutions to improve the performance of their bikes. The company provides the team with a highly skilled team of engineers who work closely with the riders to better understand their needs and constantly improve the bike's performance.

The 450cc Desmo engine is the true soul of this bike, with its impressive power. The Desmo technology, developed by Ducati, uses a mechanically controlled distribution system that guarantees greater efficiency and superior performance. This engine is a true work of art, combining power, responsiveness, and reliability in a unique way. But it's not just the engine that makes the Ducati 450 Desmo MX so special. The design and aesthetics of this bike are breathtaking. The frame, front fork, and rear mono-shock give the bike a fantastic line. In short, the Ducati 450 Desmo MX is an Italian masterpiece that embodies technical excellence, captivating design, and limitless adventure offered by motocross. We hope to see it on the track soon.

It will be Alessandro Lupino who will take part in all the rounds of the Italian Championship, as well as in an intense testing program, in which he will be joined by Antonio Cairoli. The race debut of the Ducati Desmo450 MX is planned for March 16 and 17 in Mantua for the first round of the Italian Motocross Pro Prestige MX1 Championship. In addition to their on-track commitment, the team continues to develop new solutions to improve the bike's performance. Research and development are crucial to the team's success, and technicians work tirelessly to ensure that the bikes are at the forefront in terms of technology and performance. The combination of talent, technology, and determination will make the team a feared opponent for all other competitors. It will be interesting to see how the 2024 season unfolds for Ducati Corse R&D - Factory MX Team. We expect great things from them and look forward to seeing Cairoli and Lupino push their limits to achieve success.

Claudio Domenicali (CEO Ducati Motor Holding) “It is a great pleasure to inaugurate another Ducati racing season in Madonna di Campiglio, a location that perfectly expresses the values of 'Made in Italy' of which we are proud ambassadors and which last year represented the starting point of an unforgettable season. The path that has led us to be the best in the world in racing is undoubtedly made up of the hard daily work of these years, but also of our ability to work as a team and have fun while putting our maximum effort into what we do. One of the strong elements of our brand is the ability to create a system and today we demonstrate this by jointly presenting the official teams for the 2024 racing season: the Ducati Lenovo Team, the Aruba.it – Racing Ducati Team and the novelty represented by the Ducati Corse R&D - Factory MX Team.

Seeing the three bikes next to each other was a great emotion for me because, although different from each other, they are part of a single project. This belonging is underlined by the basic colour of the liveries, Ducati Red, the same for all, and also by a completely new graphic sign that recalls the curve present in the Ducati logo, inspired by the most exciting part of riding a motorbike: the bend. At the same time, these bikes are also an expression of the path that Ducati has taken in recent years, investing in its future. The entry into motocross is in fact the clear example that our will to improve and our desire to win have no limits. In these two days we will have the opportunity to give ourselves the right energy for a season that promises to be full of challenges, in which we will try to confirm our leadership in the main track racing world championships and demonstrate our capabilities in a new terrain such as specialist off-road. Challenges have always encouraged us to bring out the best and we feel absolutely ready."

Antonio Cairoli is a professional motocross rider from Italy. Born on September 23, 1985 in Patti, Sicily, Cairoli is considered one of the greatest motocross riders of all time. From a young age, he showed extraordinary talent in riding motorcycles, starting to compete at the age of seven. His professional career began in 2002 when he made his debut in the MX2 class of the Italian Motocross Championship. He quickly moved up to the MX2 World Motocross Championship in 2004, earning the World Championship title in his first attempt. Since then, Cairoli has accumulated numerous successes over the years, later moving on to the MX1/MXGP category. He has won a total of nine Motocross World Championships between 2009 and 2017, setting an unprecedented record in the sport. He is known for his technical skill and determination on the track, as well as his speed and ability to ride in various terrain and weather conditions.

Cairoli is considered an icon in motocross and a role model for many young enthusiasts of the sport. His reputation extends well beyond Italian borders, gaining international popularity in the world of off-road racing. In addition to his World Championship victories, he has also been a successful member of the Italian team in the prestigious Motocross of Nations competition.

Despite the challenges and injuries he has faced over the years, Cairoli has managed to maintain a successful career in motocross. His commitment, passion for motorcycling, and dedication to constant improvement have made him one of the greatest riders of all time in the world of motocross.

Alessandro Lupino is an Italian motocross rider born on April 24, 1988, in Moncalieri, in the province of Turin. He began practicing this sport from a young age, showing innate talent and a limitless passion for two wheels. Over the years, Lupino has honed his motocross skills and competed in numerous national and international competitions, achieving noteworthy results. His speed, impeccable technique, and competitive mindset have allowed him to emerge as one of the best Italian riders of his generation. Lupino is known for his determination and his ability to adapt to different race situations. He is a very versatile rider, able to successfully tackle both dirt and sandy circuits. He has demonstrated his ability to master the bikes through jumps, tight corners, and challenging terrains.

In addition to his riding skills, Lupino is also known for being a great supporter of his team and for his loyalty to his teammates. He is a dedicated athlete who spends countless hours training and perfecting his skills, always seeking new ways to improve.

Alessandro Lupino represents Italy in international motocross competitions such as the MXGP World Championship, where he has proven to be a formidable opponent for his rivals. He has become a role model for young Italian motocross enthusiasts who look up to him as a successful figure in their favorite sport.

In summary, Alessandro Lupino is a talented Italian motocross rider who has achieved noteworthy results throughout his career. His passion, skill, and dedication make him a true icon of the sport, inspiring young riders worldwide.