Ducati continues the Desmo450 MX’s development by competing in serious pro-level competitions. The new machine recently ran in the fourth round of the Italian Pro-Prestige MX1 Motocross Championship. At the event’s end, the Desmo450 MX flexed some serious muscle. Riders Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino each took wins for the Italian marque.

Cairoli had been in retirement for nearly two years when on June 23rd, he took the helm of a Desmo450 MX during round four of the Italian Motocross Championship in Ponte a Egola, Italy. Lining up next to Cairoli was Ducati teammate and eight-time Italian National Champion Alessandro Lupino.

Rider Alessandro Lupino flying aboard the Ducati Desmo450 MX. Photo: Ducati

Prior to the start of the racing action, early morning rains drenched the Crossdromo Internazionale Santa Barbara circuit. But when the racing started, both Ducati Desmo450 MXs got the holeshot leading the field from the very start. The two Italian riders worked each other hard for seven laps before the race was eventually red flag due to weather and poor conditions. The race was not restarted and Cairoli earned a hard fought win.

Later, race two commenced and once again, the two Ducati Desmo450 MX machines jumped out front leading the field from the beginning. But this time around, it was Allesandro Lupino who took the lead. When the checkered flag was thrown, it was Lupino taking the victory and going 2-1 which earned him the day’s overall victory. Cairoli finished second behind Lupino giving the Ducati Desmo450 MXs wins in both races. Lupino now leads the Italian Motocross Championship with only two rounds remaining.

It looks like Ducati is serious about motocross and their new Desmo450 MX is a tool that can win races and possibly championships.