Alessandro Lupino will return to the MXGP Motocross World Championship this weekend, taking Mattia Guadagnini’s place aboard the Desmo450 MX for the Aruba.it Ducati Factory MX Team at the Grand Prix of Switzerland in Frauenfeld.
The experienced Italian becomes the second stand-in rider for Ducati this season, following nine-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli’s fill-in appearance at the previous round in Trentino. Now, it’s Lupino’s turn to step up and support the team as Guadagnini continues his recovery from injury.
Guadagnini was injured during a training session in Sardinia ahead of the MXGP of Sardegna. He was quickly assisted by the team and transported to Oristano Hospital, where scans revealed six clean fractures to his left ribs and various bruises. While there were no major complications, the 22-year-old is still in recovery. Ducati anticipates his return for the MXGP of Portugal on May 4–5.
Lupino is no stranger to MXGP, having spent several seasons at the highest level and representing Team Italy at the Motocross of Nations with strong results. He also brings AMA Pro Motocross experience and is a nine-time Italian Champion.
While his focus in 2025 has been on domestic competition aboard Ducati’s new Desmo250 MX prototype in the Italian MX2 Championship, Lupino has also played a key role in developing the Desmo450 MX. His return to the world stage provides valuable race data and continuity for Ducati’s debut season in MXGP.
The MXGP of Switzerland takes place this weekend, April 20–21, at the Frauenfeld circuit, where Lupino will line up alongside full-time Ducati rider Jeremy Seewer.
