The Desmo450 MX secures Ducati‘s first Motocross title in its debut season. Following an exciting campaign that began with a debut victory, Alessandro Lupino, the official Ducati Corse Off-Road rider, clinched the Italian MX1 Motocross Championship in the final round held at Arco di Trento. This victory affirms the strength of the project, which was designed to create a comprehensive range of Ducati motorcycles and engines for specialized off-road racing. The Ducati Desmo450 MX will be available internationally for order at select dealerships starting in early 2025, with deliveries scheduled to begin in June, it is however unlikely to be available in India.
On the Pietramurata track, Lupino only needed a fourth-place finish in the first heat to secure the Italian title, allowing the Viterbo native to claim his ninth domestic crown. He went on to finish third in the second race, earning third place overall for the day. Reflecting on the season, Lupino commented: “At the first race in Mantua, I didn’t know what to expect, as the Desmo450 MX was completely new. However, we made significant progress throughout the season. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and I saw the seriousness and commitment with which Ducati approached this new project. I gave 100% as a rider and also took on the role of a test rider. Winning the Italian title in our debut year was far from guaranteed, and credit goes to the entire team, both on the track and within the company. The passion everyone puts into this work is what ensures success. I found a family in Ducati, and this year has been special for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
With the Italian championship now concluded, development of Borgo Panigale’s motocross bike will continue throughout the winter. Jeremy Seewer, Ducati’s official rider for the 2025 MXGP, will conduct the first tests, with support from a second rider. Additionally, initial tests of the 250cc model will commence with Lupino and Cairoli. The MX2-class bike will debut in the 2025 domestic series, following the same development approach used for the 450: racing the bike before it goes into production in 2026.
