Lupino & Ducati to Debut in French MX2 Finale

Alessandro Lupino and the Ducati Desmo250 MX make their international debut at the French Elite MX2 Championship finale in Normandy, testing the new bike’s progress on foreign soil.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

In a bold move that signals Ducati’s growing ambition in motocross, Italian veteran Alessandro Lupino will be lining up at the final round of the French Elite MX2 Motocross Championship this June 28 in Normandy—marking the Desmo250 MX’s first outing outside of Italy.

The venue is Rauville La Place, a classic French circuit renowned for its technical layout and challenging dirt sections. For Ducati and Lupino, this race isn’t just about silverware. It’s a real-world proving ground for the newly developed Desmo250 MX, which has already made waves in its debut season in Italy.

Ducati’s Off-Road Push: More Than Just a Statement

It’s no secret that Ducati’s off-road program is still in its early stages. Yet, within months of the Desmo250 MX’s unveiling, it has already landed three podium finishes in the ultra-competitive Italian MX Pro Prestige Championship. Lupino, at the helm, sits second overall in the national standings—a remarkable feat for a brand traditionally known for tarmac dominance.

Now, with eyes beyond domestic borders, Ducati is leveraging the French championship not merely for exposure but for technical validation. “We need to get the bike running to continue the development work,” says Lupino. “There’s no better way to do it than in a race.”

Why France and Why Now?

The French Elite MX2 Championship is no walk in the park. It’s a hotbed for rising talent and seasoned riders alike, known for its high race intensity and diverse track conditions. In that sense, it offers Ducati exactly what it needs: competitive pressure, new terrain, and unpredictable race variables.

This is more than a race appearance. It’s a strategic experiment. Ducati’s factory team, Beddini Racing, is treating this final round as a real-world lab session. Every lap, jump, and holeshot is another line of data for engineers back in Borgo Panigale.

Lupino: The Right Man for the Job

At 33, Lupino brings both speed and experience. He’s no stranger to the international motocross scene, having competed in multiple Motocross World Championships. His technical feedback has been instrumental in refining the Desmo250 MX, and his decision to race in France is as much about benchmarking the bike as it is about personal competition.

“I can’t wait to see where we are with our work, in such a competitive championship,” Lupino adds, pointing to the Rauville La Place layout as a key testbed.

What’s at Stake?

There’s no title on the line for Lupino in France, but the implications are clear. A strong performance would cement Ducati’s off-road credibility and hint at what’s to come, possibly a full-scale international campaign in 2026.

Meanwhile, for fans, this is a glimpse of Ducati’s off-road identity taking shape: bold, technical, and unapologetically performance-driven.