Nine-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli proved he’s still got it, turning heads with a gritty and impressive performance as a fill-in rider for the Aruba.it Ducati Factory MX Team at the MXGP of Great Britain.
Returning to the world championship for just his second Grand Prix appearance of the season, the Italian legend showed poise and speed on the demanding Matterley Basin circuit, battling inside the top ten in both motos and finishing seventh overall. His performance added a huge dose of experience and excitement to Ducati’s growing MXGP program.
Despite a pre-race setback on Saturday—where a small crash during pre-qualifying left him nursing a swollen knee overnight—Cairoli bounced back with typical determination. “I wasn’t really pumped about my condition,” he admitted, “but actually I was feeling better, and the track was more technical. I got two okay starts… I could still fight for a good position.” Cairoli went on to finish seventh in moto one after recovering from a damaged front brake disc following contact mid-race. He followed it up with eighth in moto two, cementing his place as seventh overall on the day.
Cairoli’s presence ignited the British fans, many of whom had last seen him race at Matterley Basin during his full-time MXGP career. His return brought energy to the paddock and valuable development feedback to the Ducati squad, as they continue to refine the all-new Desmo450 MX.
Teammate Jeremy Seewer, who finished tenth overall, acknowledged the challenge of passing on the slick surface but praised the team’s direction. “We worked our way in a better direction during the weekend… we are improving,” Seewer said. “Now a few weeks off, which will help us regroup.”
With a three-week break before the series resumes in Finland, Cairoli’s showing in the UK was a reminder of his enduring class—and of just how valuable his experience remains at the elite level.
