Nine-time World Champion Antonio Cairoli is set to line up once again in the MXGP World Championship, joining the Aruba.it – Ducati Factory MX Team for the upcoming MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin from 20–22 June.
The legendary Italian will race a third Ducati Desmo450 MX, alongside regular team riders Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini, marking another important step in Ducati’s ambitious entry into motocross.
Cairoli’s return comes after a promising wildcard appearance earlier this season at the MXGP of Trentino, where he provided valuable development feedback on the Desmo450 MX. His performance in Pietramurata proved the veteran still has what it takes to run with the world’s best, despite being drafted in at short notice as a substitute for the injured Alessandro Lupino.
At the Grand Prix of Trentino, held back on April 13, Cairoli slotted back into the MXGP fray comfortably. With limited preparation, the 38-year-old still managed to score respectable finishes in both motos. After a crash in qualifying left him with the last gate pick, Cairoli stormed into the top ten off the start in the opening race, only to suffer arm pump and a small crash that pushed him back to 13th by the flag. In the second moto, he battled through the pack again to finish 19th, showing both grit and a continued competitiveness that Ducati will hope to capitalise on at Matterley.
Matterley Basin is a fitting venue for Cairoli’s second outing of the season. The flowing British circuit has been the scene of some of his most iconic moments, with six MXGP wins there between 2011 and 2021, and a legendary victory in 2006 at the Grand Prix of Nations.
While not returning to full-time competition, Cairoli’s presence in the British round adds firepower to Ducati’s development push as they continue to refine the Desmo450 MX against the world’s elite. With decades of experience and a winning record at Matterley, Cairoli’s wildcard entry is sure to generate excitement — and possibly deliver a few surprises.
