DIRT NEWS
DUCATI POACHES CAIROLI FROM KTM FOR NEW MX LINE
In a shock announcement , KTM dropped that long-time collaborator and former MXGP champion Tony Cairoli was leaving his position as team manager with the brand . And now we know why . As they say , blood runs thicker than water , and the Sicilian rider has split from KTM to join with his Italian countrymen in Borgio Panigale as part of Ducati ’ s fledgling MX efforts . The Italian brand has quietly been working away for the past two years on a new MX platform , which it has announced will debut as part of next year ’ s Italian Motocross Championship . Like Triumph Motorcycles , which will also debut its new dirt platform next season , Ducati ’ s is a multi-year project that will see the creation of a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles . Ducati is aiming for the models to gradually become part of a family of knobblytyred motorcycles branded Ducati , starting within the motocross arena . Nine-time Motocross World Champion Antonio
Cairoli will shift from his management role at KTM to join Ducati as a high-performance test rider for the new project . With his help and expertise , the Italian brand is sure to get a big leg up on the development of its new range of dirt bikes . “ I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati , which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world , and to begin this exciting new adventure , in an all- Italian project ”, Cairoli said of the new venture . “ Being able to make my contribution to the development of the Borgo Panigale motocross bike is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me .” Ducati has also signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing , one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock , which will be the reference structure for the MX racing activities and will take part in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with eighttime Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner , Alessandro Lupino , also contracted to Ducati as
94 KIWI RIDER