Ducati Motocross in 2026: From Bold Entry to Serious Contender

In 2025, Ducati shook up the off-road world by entering the FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) for the first time in its history. Known for their dominance in MotoGP and iconic Italian design, Ducati’s move into motocross wasn’t just a new venture, it was a statement of intent.

Now, as 2026 approaches, the motocross community is asking: What’s next for Ducati?

With their first year under their belt, a promising machine in the Desmo450 MX, and championship-level riders already on board, Ducati is aiming to go from ambitious newcomer to legitimate front-runner. Here’s what we can expect from Ducati Motocross in 2026:

1. A Refined and More Competitive Desmo450 MX

The 2025 Desmo450 MX was already impressive: a lightweight, torquey, and technologically advanced four-stroke built from scratch with direct input from Ducati Corse engineers. But like any first-year race machine, it had teething issues, especially around reliability, electrical systems, and chassis feedback on deep tracks.

For 2026, Ducati is expected to launch a second-generation Desmo450 MX, featuring:

• Updated electronics and improved ECU tuning
• Weight reduction through refined chassis materials and a lighter subframe
• Reworked suspension settings, with help from WP and Öhlins
• Improved durability and heat management, particularly for U.S. Pro Motocross races

Expect Ducati to listen closely to rider feedback, especially from Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini, who helped shape the original model through a full season of MXGP racing.

2. The Full Arrival of the Desmo250 MX

While the Desmo450 MX took center stage in 2025, Ducati also teased the development of a 250cc four-stroke prototype, raced in limited Italian nationals under Beddini Racing.

In 2026, Ducati is expected to officially unveil the Desmo250 MX to the public and possibly enter it into the MX2 World Championship. This would:

• Solidify Ducati’s presence across all elite motocross classes
• Create a platform to develop young talent
• Make Ducati’s motocross line-up more appealing to privateers and amateur riders

Given how competitive the 250 class is globally, expect Ducati to focus on power delivery, agility, and low weight, traits that define winning 250s.

3. Greater Factory Racing Presence—Including the U.S.

2025 saw Ducati dip its toes into U.S. racing with Antonio Cairoli’s appearance at RedBud National. Despite a DNF in the second moto due to an electrical issue, Cairoli’s top-10 finish in moto one was a clear signal that the bike has competitive potential across the Atlantic.

In 2026, Ducati is expected to:

• Expand its efforts in AMA Pro Motocross with more U.S. races, potentially even a satellite team or full-season wildcard entry
• Test the waters in Supercross, even if only for development purposes
• Support U.S.-based amateur riders with limited factory-backed programs and dealer support

Their presence in North America will be critical to long-term success, and Ducati seems to know it.

4. Stronger Dealer and Customer Support Network

One of the biggest gaps in Ducati’s 2025 motocross program was accessibility. While the Desmo450 MX began customer deliveries in mid-2025, dealer support, parts supply, and aftersales service weren’t yet on par with established MX brands like KTM or Yamaha.

In 2026, Ducati will need to:

• Expand its off-road dealer network, especially in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Germany
• Improve parts availability, including online ordering for wear parts
• Offer customer race support programs, similar to KTM’s “Ready to Race” model

A growing number of privateer riders will want to race Ducati, but only if the support is there.

5. Electric Motocross: Will Ducati Make a Move?

Ducati already supplies the entire MotoE World Championship grid with their V21L electric racebike. So it’s only natural to wonder: will we see an electric dirt bike from Ducati?

While nothing is confirmed, insiders hint that:

• Ducati is exploring lightweight off-road EV concepts, especially for youth and urban trail use
• A Desmo-E prototype could emerge as a test platform by late 2026 or 2027
• Their long-term vision includes sustainable off-road innovation, aligning with industry trends and EU emissions mandates

6. Long-Term Goals: Titles and Market Share

Ducati isn’t in motocross to be average. Their strategy echoes what they’ve done in MotoGP: enter humbly, gather data, and then build a bike capable of winning championships.

By 2026, Ducati’s goals will likely include:

• Regular top-5 MXGP finishes and fighting for podiums
• Debut podiums in MX2 and possibly AMA Nationals
• Growth of a dedicated Ducati Off-Road Division, complete with customer racing teams
• Full integration of Ducati motocross into the company’s global identity—not just a side project, but a core offering

Final Thoughts: Ducati’s Second Year Will Define Its Future

2025 was about arrival. 2026 is about staying power.

If Ducati can iron out its early flaws, grow its racing results, and bring the Desmo250 MX to market, it will go from being a novelty to a real force in motocross.

No longer just the fast red bike from the street, Ducati wants to be a serious player in the dirt—and 2026 might be the year that dream becomes a reality.