When Ducati announced its entry into the world of Pro Motocross, the news sent ripples through the motocross community. And there was no better ambassador for this bold new venture than Antonio Cairoli — the nine-time FIM Motocross World Champion and one of the sport’s most respected figures. Now, as the Italian manufacturer completes its first steps into the rugged battleground of American motocross, Cairoli is taking a moment to share his honest reflections on Ducati’s debut and what it means for the future.
For Cairoli, who has spent his life mastering the art of racing on dirt, Ducati’s move represents more than just a new bike on the gate — it’s a signal that the sport is evolving and attracting new players willing to innovate. “It’s a special feeling to see Ducati in Pro Motocross,” Cairoli said. “For me, it’s about passion and pushing the limits — and Ducati is bringing that same energy.”
The Italian brand is best known for its road racing pedigree — from iconic superbikes to MotoGP contenders. But tackling the unpredictable jumps, ruts, and rhythm sections of an American outdoor motocross track is an entirely different challenge. Ducati’s machine, still in its early stages of development, faced stiff competition in a field dominated by Japanese and Austrian stalwarts like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, and Husqvarna.
Cairoli, who played a key role as a test rider and advisor during the development process, admitted that the debut came with expected growing pains. “You can test for months, but racing is the real test,” he explained. “We knew we would need to learn a lot quickly. The bike has strong points, but motocross is unforgiving — you find out immediately where you’re missing something.”
Despite the challenges, Cairoli praised the dedication of Ducati’s engineers and riders, who braved the deep fields and punishing conditions of the AMA Pro Motocross series. “Everyone is giving 100% — riders, mechanics, the whole team,” he said. “We’ve seen positive signs already, especially with power delivery and handling. But we have work to do to compete with the best over a whole season.”
For Ducati fans, seeing the famous red livery carving through muddy berms and launching over triple jumps is a thrill that once seemed unimaginable. Cairoli believes that excitement is good for the sport. “It brings something fresh. The fans love to see a new bike, a new sound. And the other teams push harder too — that’s good for motocross.”
While he’s not ruling out lining up behind the gate himself for a wildcard ride in the future, Cairoli remains focused on his mentoring and development role. His experience — spanning over 90 GP wins and countless hours battling on the toughest circuits in the world — has become a valuable resource for Ducati’s young riders.
As for the big question — when will Ducati be ready to fight for wins? Cairoli is realistic but optimistic. “It’s a project that needs time. We’re not here just for one race or one season — the goal is to build a bike that can win championships. It’s step by step, like my career was. You have to learn, adapt, and keep improving.”
Looking ahead, Ducati’s next steps will involve refining the bike’s suspension, weight distribution, and overall durability under the brutal conditions unique to outdoor motocross. Cairoli remains convinced they’re on the right path. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “There’s a lot of passion behind this, and that makes the difference. Ducati will get there.”
For motocross fans, seeing a legend like Cairoli guiding an iconic brand into uncharted dirt is a story worth watching — and a reminder that in this sport, innovation and legacy can still sh
are the same track.
