Alessandro Lupino fought through injuries to secure a podium finish on the Ducati Desmo250 MX’s debut, demonstrating the bike’s potential in its first Italian Prestige MX2 Championship appearance.
Making its competitive debut, the Ducati Desmo250 MX impressed in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship, proving both fast and reliable on the demanding Ottobiano circuit.
Racing for Team Beddini Factory Racing, the newly developed machine delivered a strong performance, with Alessandro Lupino overcoming adversity to claim a podium finish.
Despite battling a painful and swollen wrist, the reigning Italian MX1 Champion showcased his signature determination, making history for both himself and Ducati. It had been ten years since Lupino last raced a 250cc four-stroke, and this marked his first-ever Italian MX2 class appearance. With 44 podiums in MX1, he added another to his record by finishing third overall in the Desmo250 MX’s impressive debut.
“I’m really happy—we did a great job, and I have to give full credit to the Ducati team,” Lupino said. “They worked a miracle. The Desmo250 MX has only been running for three weeks, and we originally came here just to test.”
Lupino made his presence felt early, topping his group in official practice on Saturday before setting the fastest time in the next session, securing the second gate pick for Sunday’s motos.
In race one, the 34-year-old started just outside the top five but swiftly moved into third by the second lap, setting a strong pace as he chased down second place. However, a hard move from a competitor sent him to the ground, damaging his bike and further aggravating his wrist. Refusing to give up, he pushed through the pain to salvage a 10th-place finish.
“We could have finished second in both motos if I hadn’t been taken out,” Lupino admitted. “But I gritted my teeth and did what I could to bring it home.”
Race two saw Lupino exit the first corner in fifth before charging into second within three laps. Settling into a solid rhythm, he held position to secure third overall—a testament to both his determination and the Desmo250 MX’s remarkable debut.
“To stand on the podium with such a competitive bike in its first race is an amazing feeling,” he added.
Leaving Ottobiano, Lupino sits third in the championship standings with 290 points. The next round of the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship is set for March 29-30 at Mantova, the same venue where he debuted the Desmo450 MX one year ago.