Ducati confirm motocross entry | nine-time champion Antonio Cairoli joins

The Italian manufacturer, currently dominating MotoGP and on the brink of another WorldSBK championship this weekend, will enter the Italian Motocross Championship next season.

They have spent two years working on a prototype bike.

Ducati have described their entry as "a multi-year project that will see the creation of a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles".

Cairoli will join as a high-performance test rider "to give important input for the development of the new motorcycle".

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, said: ”I am proud to announce Ducati's entry into Motocross. A totally new world for Ducati in which we want to bring our talent in designing lightweight motorcycles, with excellent components and high performance and - above all - which can excite more and more motorcyclists.

"Just as we believe that the track is the best laboratory to develop and test the bikes that will then be available to customers and enthusiasts. This is why we have decided to cooperate with an undisputed champion like Tony Cairoli who, together with the passion and dedication of many of us here in Borgo Panigale, will contribute to making Ducati in off-road as capable in offering very high-performance products to its passionate customers as we have proven on the asphalt.

"The project is possible thanks to the company's excellent results in recent years and confirms our desire to extend our presence into new worlds, speak to new motorcyclists and therefore grow the Ducati Community.”

Cairoli added: “I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world, and to begin this exciting new adventure, in an all-Italian project.

"Being able to make my contribution to the development of the Borgo Panigale motocross bike is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me.” 

Ducati have penned a multi-year deal with Maddii Racing who will become their "reference structure for the MX racing activities".

Alessandro Lupino, eight-time Italian MX champion, rides for Maddii Racing and is also contracted to Ducati as a test and racing rider.