Ducati’s MXGP Debut: Cairoli’s Mixed Results with Desmo450 MX
- AusMotorcyclist Older Magazines
- October 3, 2024
Ducati made its debut in the MXGP series with the new Desmo450 MX, and nine-time world champion Antonio Cairoli was at the helm during the inaugural race in the Netherlands. The event marked Cairoli’s first Grand Prix appearance in three years, showcasing Ducati’s entry into the competitive world of motocross.
Despite high expectations, Cairoli’s performance was a mixed bag. The Italian rider finished 18th overall after two challenging motos on the Arnhem sand track. His weekend started with promise; he secured a seventh-place finish in the qualifying race after holding fourth for much of the race. However, the main races brought more challenges.
In Race 1, Cairoli struggled with a poor start and finished in 15th place. Race 2 saw a brief improvement as he reached ninth position, but a mechanical issue led to his retirement after six laps.
Cairoli remained optimistic about the Desmo450 MX’s potential despite the setbacks. He expressed positive feelings about the bike’s performance in extreme conditions, particularly noting the impressive result in the qualifying race.
Ducati also highlighted the valuable data collected from the race, emphasizing the benefits for ongoing development of the Desmo450 MX. The challenging Arnhem track provided crucial insights for Ducati’s engineering team.
In the overall Dutch GP standings, local KTM rider Jeffrey Herlings emerged victorious, winning both races. Reigning champion Jorge Prado (GASGAS) finished as runner-up, while Honda’s Tim Gajser leads the title race with Prado closely behind.
Ducati’s debut, while not without difficulties, laid a foundation for future development and competition in the MXGP series.
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