• A difficult day on the sand for the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team riders
The “Le Dune” circuit in Riola Sardo, located 15 kilometers from the Sardinian west coast, will host this weekend the Grand Prix of Sardinia for the sixth consecutive year. For the fourth round of the 2026 season, the track, widely considered one of the most challenging in the world, welcomed the riders of the FIM Motocross World Championship with sunshine and high temperatures.
Finishing 10th at the end of free practice, one place ahead of teammate Calvin Vlaanderen, Andrea Bonacorsi, returning from the injury suffered in Argentina a month ago, ended 11th the following timed session, with the Dutchman 12th. Jeremy Seewer, 18th in the morning, finished 25th instead. At the start of the qualifying race, Vlaanderen and Bonacorsi entered the first corner in 15th and 16th place respectively. The #10 made up ground on the first lap and moved close to the top 10, while Seewer was outside the top 20. Calvin however suffered a technical problem, which caused him to slip to 14th place, before being forced to retire with 3 laps to go. It was a challenging race for Bonacorsi, who battled extensively for 15th place on the #132 Desmo450 MX machine, crossing the checkered flag in 17th place, ahead of Seewer in 24th.
It was a positive day for Ferruccio Zanchi, who made his 2026 MX2 FIM World Championship debut in Riola aboard the Desmo250 MX machine of the Beddini Racing Ducati Factory MX2 Team, after missing the first three rounds of the year and returns to a full Grand Prix after 11 months. “Ferro” finished free practice in 14th place and managed to set an excellent seventh-fastest time in the timed sessions. After a more complicated start than expected, Zanchi found a strong pace in the race, finishing ninth after the 12-lap qualifying heat, earning his first two championship points of the season.
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
