Positive debut for the Desmo450 MX at the 2025 Motocross of Nations

The 78th Motocross of Nations is taking place this weekend at the Ironman circuit in Indiana, where Ducati’s debuting the Desmo450 MX in the world’s most prestigious off-road competition. Antonio Cairoli and Jeremy Seewer will race for their respective national teams in the MXGP class.

Named as Italy’s captain for his sixteenth appearance at the showpiece event, Cairoli set the 10th fastest time in the morning free practice session – the only scheduled session before the qualifying race. Having drawn 20th in Friday’s traditional gate pick, Cairoli selected an inside gate for Saturday’s bout and managed to enter the first corner in the top five. After struggling in the early laps to find his rhythm and losing several positions, the nine-time World Champion recovered to secure eighth, showing strong pace that allowed him to battle with the many elite riders in action and contribute to Italy’s eighth-place qualification.

Seewer also had a positive race, benefiting from a better gate pick with Switzerland and lining up 12th for Saturday’s heat after setting the 13th fastest time in free practice. Tenth after the opening lap, he held his position to the end, finishing 10th and helping Switzerland qualify 12th for Sunday’s three motos.