After five strong seasons with Yamaha, Calvin Vlaanderen is preparing for a brand-new challenge in 2026 as he joins one of the most talked-about projects in motocross – Ducati’s official MXGP team.
Vlaanderen’s signature is a good signing for Ducati and team manager Louis Vosters, who will lead the MXGP structure following years of success with Yamaha and Fantic. Known for his professionalism, consistency, and determination, Vlaanderen brings experience and speed to a team eager to prove itself at the very highest level. We caught up with Vlaanderen to discuss how the deal came about, his first impressions of the Ducati MXGP bike, what it means to represent such an iconic brand, and to reflect on his Yamaha years as he looks ahead to an exciting new chapter in red.
GateDrop: Calvin, the news has just dropped you’ve signed with Ducati. A new chapter for you – how does it feel to sign with Ducati?
Vlaanderen: It’s honestly so awesome to sign with such an iconic brand/manufacturer as Ducati is. It’s a dream to represent them. I’ll be proud every time putting my red clothes on.
GateDrop: How did the opportunity with Ducati first come about?
Vlaanderen: We started chatting mid-late season, I had a good feeling straight away. Especially knowing that Louis and his team would be taking over the MXGP structure.
GateDrop: Were you ever worried you might not get an MXGP ride for next year? I know when I spoke to you at Lommel you had nothing… It isn’t easy these days and especially with some world champions moving brands as well!
Vlaanderen: I was never worried, I knew that things would work out the way they should. Of course you want your deal to be done and you can just focus on racing. Especially not having a manager because I do everything myself so it sometimes gets stressful but that’s also a part of the sport that I enjoy so much.
GateDrop: What was your initial impression when you first tested the Ducati MXGP bike?
Vlaanderen: I was positively surprised with the bike. I thought I would get on it and feel lost but I felt pretty comfortable straight away – and that was a completely stock bike. I’m excited to start testing with the team and putting more hours on it.
GateDrop: Ducati is still relatively new to motocross – did that make the decision more exciting or more of a risk in your eyes?
Vlaanderen: A bit of both right. For me to be working with a new brand is exciting. Almost like a new motivation.
GateDrop: Did you speak to the likes of Alessandro Lupino or Antonio Cairoli or Ducati’s current GP riders about their experience with the Ducati before making your decision?
Vlaanderen: Not too much. I mean I definitely chat to them when I see them about the bike but didn’t go too much into detail. I’m sure I will have contact with them going forward.
GateDrop: You had five solid seasons with Yamaha – how did you feel when you knew your time was up with them?
Vlaanderen: In one way it hurts because I had a good time with them but on the other side I was excited because I knew where I was going.
GateDrop: Was it difficult emotionally to leave a team and structure where you’d built strong relationships?
Vlaanderen: In some way yes, with the people who I build a personal relationship with. But I know I’ll see them at the races.
GateDrop: What do you feel were the biggest highlights or moments of growth during your Yamaha years? That Riola win was special!
Vlaanderen: I think each year I grew as a person and as a rider. It’s tough to pinpoint one moment. For sure the race wins, GP win and podiums but sometimes even the hard times are highlights, that’s where you grow the most.
GateDrop: Ducati is aiming high in MXGP – what are your personal goals heading into 2026 with this new project?
Vlaanderen: My goals would be to get straight back in it where I left off. I want to be fighting for podiums and I believe in the team, bike and structure we have. There’s no doubt I’ll be there soon.
GateDrop: Is this a one-year contract with Ducati or how many years have you signed for?
Vlaanderen: I can’t comment on that now.
GateDrop: Louis Vosters did a great job at Yamaha and made Fantic better too – what kind of discusses did you have with him before singing and do you think he’ll make Ducati better as well?
Vlaanderen: 100% he’ll make it better. I have no doubt in his team and the experience he brings. Louis will do all it takes to win and I love that mindset.
GateDrop: Can you tell us a bit about your first test sessions – what stood out most to you about the bike?
Vlaanderen: I was just surprised how easy it was to ride. I expected to have to search to get comfortable but it didn’t take long to get there.
GateDrop: Looking ahead to 2026, there’s going to be some fresh blood in the class – Kay de Wolf, Tom Vialle and probably Andrea Adamo. Are you looking forward to racing against some young guns?
Vlaanderen: Of course. It is always good for the sport to have young talent coming up. They’re fast and will be good competitors.
GateDrop: Before I let you go, just a question on the MXoN, how was it to race in America? You had to deal with a bit of public backlash because people thought you got picked ahead of Jeffrey – but it doesn’t really seem that was the case. Joel Smets spoke on the topic lately too. What can you tell us about it? It was certainly a tricky situation for you!
Vlaanderen: It’s always cool to go to the US to race a nations! I loved it. Of course there was some drama around it, I think the media made it more drama than what it actually was. I went there to race for my country and gave it my all for them.
