After a year away from the Grand Prix paddock, Beddini Racing are set to return in 2026 and this time, they’ll be doing it in style with Ducati machinery. The team has spent the 2025 season focused on developing the all-new Ducati Desmo 250cc machine with experienced Italian rider Alessandro Lupino putting it through its paces in the MX2 Italian Championship. Lupino has already shown competitive speed on the new machine, underlining Ducati’s growing presence in the off-road world.
Team manager Joakin Furbetta previously revealed exclusively that Beddini Racing will line up with both an MX2 World Championship rider and an EMX250 rider next season. The goal is clear: to nurture young talent, guide them through the ranks and help them become better riders.
The latest paddock rumours suggest that two of Italy’s brightest prospects – Ferruccio Zanchi and Simone Mancini – are set to make the switch to Ducati for 2026. Zanchi has spent this season with the Honda HRC outfit, contesting his second MX2 World Championship campaign, while Mancini has been part of SDM-Corse Fantic during his rookie year in EMX250.
While Mancini’s results haven’t always reflected his potential due to a string of DNFs, his raw pace has been strong. The young Italian has shown flashes of race-winning speed and podium-challenging form – consistency being the final piece of the puzzle. A fresh start with Beddini Ducati could provide exactly the spark he needs.
If the rumour proves true, Zanchi would aim to establish himself as a consistent top-five threat in MX2, while Mancini’s focus would be on challenging for the EMX250 title before stepping up to the MX2 World Championship in the future. Both riders would bring youthful energy to Ducati’s rapidly expanding motocross programme.
With Ducati preparing to field bikes in MXGP, MX2 and EMX250, the manufacturer’s commitment to the sport is clear. The potential addition of rising talents like Zanchi and Mancini would only add more intrigue to one of the most exciting new projects in the paddock.
We’ll continue to keep you updated as more details emerge from inside the paddock.
