Ducati’s MXGP project faces a setback as Mattia Guadagnini is sidelined by injury, leaving the team with just one rider for Riola Sardo.
However, Ducati won’t be shorthanded for long—Antonio Cairoli will step up to race at his home Grand Prix in Arco di Trento. The nine-time World Champion, deeply involved in Ducati’s development, returns to MXGP after a wildcard appearance last season in Arnhem.
There’s even talk that this won’t be the only race we see TC222 contest this year. A potential appearance in the AMA Nationals later in the season hasn’t been ruled out, and Arco could serve as the perfect preparation for a high-level return to racing on both sides of the Atlantic.
Antonio Cairoli “I enthusiastically accepted Ducati’s request to race in MXGP at Pietramurata as a replacement for Mattia Guadagnini, to whom I extend my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Even though I wasn’t expecting to return to racing so soon this year, I will use these few days that separate me from the Trentino GP to train and be in the best possible condition on 12 and 13 April. It will also be the perfect opportunity to greet all my fans and Ducati’s fans on the occasion of the launch of the production Desmo450 MX”.
