Antonio Cairoli Returns to Racing with Ducati in Italian Motocross Championship: A Comeback Story to Watch

Ducati is making waves by bringing out of retirement a nine-time World Champion to race in an Italian Championship event. However, this champion is not Valentino Rossi, as most would assume. The Italian rider in question is Antonio Cairoli, who has had an illustrious career in World Championship motocross, amassing as many titles as Rossi.

Cairoli started his career with Yamaha but made the switch to KTM in 2010. He achieved great success with the Austrian manufacturer, winning premier class titles in 2010-2014 and again in 2017. After retiring in 2021, Cairoli took on a role as team manager for Red Bull KTM starting in 2023. However, he recently decided to leave KTM in order to pursue more riding opportunities and joined Ducati as a test rider for their new Desmo450 MX bike.

Cairoli will be competing in the upcoming Italian Motocross Prestige MX1 series alongside his teammate Alessandro Lupino. Lupino won on the Desmo450 MX’s debut race at Mantova earlier this year. This will mark Cairoli’s first race for Ducati and will also be the bike’s first competitive outing with a rider of Cairoli’s caliber.

The Demso450 MX is expected to make its debut in the MXGP World Championship on a full-time basis next year, with a possible unveiling at this year’s Motocross of Nations at Matterley Basin. It’s an exciting time for Cairoli and Ducati as they join forces to compete in the Italian Championship and showcase the potential of the Desmo450 MX on the world stage.

Antonio Cairoli’s return to racing after retirement is generating buzz around Ducati’s new Desmo450MX bike.

Ducati has been making headlines recently by bringing out of retirement a nine-time World Champion to race in an Italian Championship event.

However, it’s not Valentino Rossi who will be taking up this challenge – instead, it’s Antonio Cairoli.

Cairoli has had an impressive career spanning over two decades and has won several titles throughout his career.

He started his career with Yamaha but made the switch to KTM where he achieved great success before retiring.