Ducati is expanding its focus and entering the off-road segment. This strategic decision follows the announcement of a new off-road model series to be launched in the near future. Preparations are in full swing, with a 450 prototype to be tested in national motocross competitions as early as 2024. Ducati is drawing on the expertise of Alessandro Lupino and the support of Antonio Cairoli, an experienced high-performance test rider.
To support this project, Ducati has created the Off-Road Division within Ducati Corse. This new department will take care of the organization and management of the sporting program, including participation in the MXGP World Championship and the AMA Supercross Championship in the coming years.
Paolo Ciabatti, who has been Sports Director at Ducati Corse since 2013, will take over as General Manager of the new Off-Road division. He will report directly to the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Claudio Domenicali. His aim is to lead Ducati to success in the off-road sector as well. For 2024, Ciabatti will also retain responsibility for coordinating Ducati’s sporting activities in the main national SBK and SSP championships.
Another key figure in this new phase is Mauro Grassilli, previously Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at Ducati Corse. Grassilli will now assume the position of Sports, Marketing and Communications Director at Ducati Corse, reporting directly to the General Manager of Ducati Corse, Luigi Dall’Igna. While Ducati Corse will continue to manage the MotoGP and WorldSBK program, the aim is to continue the Borgo Panigale company’s extraordinary success story.
Ducati looks to the future
With these innovations, Ducati is clearly signaling its ambition to play an important role in the world of off-road motorcycling. The expansion into this area shows Ducati’s ambition to extend its expertise and success beyond the established paths. Fans and observers of the motorsport world can look forward to seeing how Ducati will follow this new path.
