Nine-time world champion Antonio Cairoli has taken on a new challenge since stepping away from full-time racing, helping lead the development of Ducati’s all-new Desmo450 MX. In this Industry interview, the legendary Italian opens up on his position within the Borgo Panigale organisation, the progress of Ducati’s ambitious motocross project to date, and the early success of the Aruba.it Ducati Factory MX Team in MXGP.

Image: Supplied.

Tony, exciting times here at the international press launch for the 2026 Ducati Desmo450 MX! Can you describe the feeling of this bike compared to anything that you’ve ridden in the past?

Yeah, the Desmo450 is a different character, of course. It feels more like a smaller-capacity bike than a 450. It revs a lot, so it has a bit of the character of, let’s say, a 350. You can keep the gear longer, and it’s also quite easy to move around the track – that’s the feeling it gives me. Of course, it’s a different riding style than any other engine. The bike, you do feel the weight a bit more up top because the engine needs more space – there are more systems on the top of the head. So you feel that a little bit, but in the end, it’s still really easy to move around. We worked a lot on the chassis side in this case – with a very light chassis – and I think we’ve done our best. Of course, it’s our first 450, our first bike, but I think we’re already very happy with it.

You came from KTM, a brand where you achieved so much success on a well-established bike. Stepping into this new project with Ducati was a big leap into the unknown – what were your initial thoughts?

Yeah, it was very difficult for me to choose this path. I’d been with KTM for so many years – it felt like family, the bike was a winning bike, and to move to a new project that, in the beginning, was just a sketch on paper – it wasn’t easy. But we tried to take that route and bring passion from an Italian brand. For me, I’d always wished I could ride for an Italian manufacturer, and there’s a sense of pride in developing a bike from the ground up. That’s what pushed me a lot. It was different, but in the end, we really tried to do our best – and that’s what brought us here.

In terms of the production model – over the last few days I’ve learned this – but Ernee was the first time Jeremy Seewer raced with a motor that wasn’t production-based. What can you tell us about racing in MXGP with a stock motor? That’s not very common.

Yeah, I mean, I’ve always been a fan of stock engines – especially on a 450 – because I think nobody can really use the full power. Factory 450s are often too much for the kind of tracks we have, especially in MXGP. The tracks here are more technical, always rutted, and you really need to be careful with how you ride. You never have flat, fast tracks like in the US, where you can really put the power down. So I’ve always liked the idea of a lower-capacity feeling – that’s how I thought about it. So I think the stock engine wasn’t a big problem. I actually enjoyed riding it. I did the FIM test event last year, but the bike was really a prototype, and it wasn’t performing so well yet. But this year, when I tried the first updated production bike, I felt okay. Of course, we didn’t have much luck – we had some problems with a wheel bearing and other things – but even on a stock engine, it was still possible to be on the podium. Of course, we have areas we need to improve, and that’s why we now have the factory engine. It helps a lot, especially when the track gets heavier, and particularly on starts when there’s more grip and we need more torque. That’s why we pushed to get that engine – and that’s what really helped in France, where Jeremy was able to get on the podium.

Image: Supplied.

It’s still early days, but already two MXGP podiums for Jeremy and Ducati. Have you been impressed by how quickly the team has made progress?

I think the bike is already capable of winning. It’s a young project, but the potential is there. I believe we’ll see more podiums as the season goes on, and if the rider can do it, I think it’s possible to win already. We’re not far off.

And finally, can you confirm if there’s any chance of wild card MXGP or Pro Motocross appearances?

Yeah, I’m trying to race a bit more this year. Last year I raced in Arnhem – the test program – but the bike was still a full prototype, and we had some issues during the race. But that’s part of development. Now, like I said, the bike is much better, and I’d like to do some more races. We’ll have to see, though – we don’t have a lot of factory parts yet. It depends on what we have available over the summer, and if I can join some races here in Europe or even in the U.S. But I’d like to – for the marketing of the bike, it would be a good thing.

Thanks for your time, mate!

Thank you.