Ducati’ s brand new Desmo250 MX heralds its push to wrestle the way onto podiums straight from the first gate. With traction control and a heady 15,000rpm rev ceiling, expect to see them launching at a track near you soon. Kashima-coated Showa suspension, aluminium swingarm and a perimeter frame means the Italian newcomer will be easy to spot. While the new model reaches its peak 44.5hp at 12,500rpm, the ability to overrev and hold that gear when required will get the attention of the competitive racer as well as the mere mortal who wants flexibility on the tracks and trails. It is no secret that Ducati has been leaning on its successful MotoGP and WSBK engineers to help develop the Desmodromic powerplant. Titanium valves, 44mm Mikuni throttle body and some clever airflow design mean the new Ducati Desmo250 MX will be a class act from day one. It also comes with an up quickshifter, 7-plate Brembo clutch and customisable mapping via the X-Link app. That app on your phone also gives predictive maintenance prompts based on actual engine stress and use, not simply a clock telling you that it has done X amount of hours and that it is 4:37pm on a Friday. Brembo supplies the braking power, so the kit is top-notch and Ducati has a fully deckedout accessory catalogue should you wish to replicate the bikes of the factory riders. Ducati may be a new name on motocross circuits but they are no strangers to racing.