There’s another new challenge on the horizon for Alessandro Lupino in 2026. After spending the past season helping to develop the all-new Desmo Ducati 250cc machine and competing in the MX2 Italian Championship, the experienced Italian rider is set to step back up to the MX1 category next year.
Lupino’s role with Ducati has been crucial. Racing the new 250cc bike gave valuable feedback to the engineers as they refined the project ahead of 2026, when Ferruccio Zanchi (MX2) and Simone Mancini (EMX250) will take the reins in international competition. Despite missing out on the MX2 Italian title to Valerio Lata, Lupino still delivered a strong campaign, finishing second in the standings and showcasing the potential of the new Ducati.
For 2026, however, the focus shifts. Lupino has decided to return to the MX1 Italian Championship – a series he knows well and has won multiple times in the past. His presence means Ducati will have a permanent and highly capable rider contesting the national championship.
The MX1 Italian Championship looks set to be once again next season. MXGP regulars Isak Gifting and Jan Pancar are expected to be front-runners again, and both will be eyeing championship glory. But with his experience, race craft, and deep familiarity with Italian tracks, Lupino should not be overlooked.
We caught up with Lupino who give us an update of his plans in 2026:
“I’m happy to be back racing the 450cc in 2026. I will be focused mainly on the 450cc next year with the Italian championship and we will see what other races I will do. It’s going to be a challenge because again I’m doing both things, a racer and test rider for the OEM bike and racing bike. I will do the Italian championship with the factory bike and in the meantime I will try some different setups at the races, then if it works they’re going to use it in the World Championship”.
“I’m motivated, I’m happy to continue like that and that’s the first thing. For sure also the 250cc, there are also other riders that follow the program but I will be also involved in it. It’s getting much work and the group of work going on in Ducati is getting bigger because we have so many things to do. I’m happy to continue another year of racing”
