Ducati Riders Post Mixed Results in MXGP of Italy Qualifying at Montevarchi
Calvin Vlaanderen finishes 11th in MXGP qualifying while hometown hero Ferruccio Zanchi suffers a technical issue, and Simone Mancini charges to 4th in EMX250 heat one.
11th
4th
20
What Happened
In MXGP qualifying, Calvin Vlaanderen started well with the eighth fastest time in free practice. The Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team rider moved up to seventh before a harmless crash dropped him to eleventh, where he finished Saturday's race.
Local rider Ferruccio Zanchi showed strong pace in MX2, but a technical issue prevented him from starting the qualifying race. The Beddini Racing Ducati Factory MX2 Team rider will line up last for Sunday's two motos.
In EMX250, Simone Mancini qualified third and then came from tenth at the start to finish fourth in the first heat, setting excellent lap times. The second heat will run on Sunday morning.
Why this matters
The MXGP of Italy marks the return of world championship motocross to the historic Miravalle track after 20 years, showcasing Ducati's continued involvement in off-road racing.
Terms in This Story
- MXGP
- The premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
- MX2
- A support class for smaller-displacement bikes in the Motocross World Championship.
- EMX250
- A European championship class for 250cc four-stroke motocross bikes.
- Desmo450 MX
- Ducati's motocross bike used by the factory team.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.