Ducati Riders Face Tough Day at British MXGP, Crashes and Retirements
Calvin Vlaanderen and Ferruccio Zanchi endured crashes and retirements at the British MXGP, marring Ducati's return to the Foxhills circuit after 26 years.
- 9th
- 13th
- Top 5 launch, ran 6th
- 4 laps
What Happened
The British Grand Prix at Foxhills circuit, returning to the calendar after a 26-year absence, kicked off the final run of European races before the MXGP circus travels to Turkey, China, and Australia. The fast and technical track, located 130 kilometers west of London, is characterized by steep, hard-packed undulations. Ducati riders faced a difficult day: Calvin Vlaanderen crashed in both motos and retired from Race 2, while Ferruccio Zanchi crashed out of Race 1 and was taken to hospital for checks.
Calvin Vlaanderen finished ninth and Ferruccio Zanchi also ninth in their respective MXGP and MX2 qualifying races.
Vlaanderen started 13th, moved up to ninth by lap six, crashed on lap 11, and finished 13th.
Vlaanderen got a good start (seventh), but contact with another rider sent him down; he was hit by a following rider and forced to retire, though helped by Ben Watson.
Ferruccio Zanchi launched into the top five and ran sixth until four laps from the end, when a crash forced him out.
Zanchi was unable to start the second moto and was taken to the local hospital in Swindon for further medical checks.
“Disappointing end of the weekend like this. I was feeling better going in that second moto, more confident, with a good mental feeling after the sighting lap but unfortunately I came together with another rider and I felt. I got then hit quite hard form behind and I lost the breath for a while. Thankful I'm ok and we try to forget this weekend and move on the next one.”
Previously from Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
In Saturday's qualifying, both Calvin Vlaanderen and Ferruccio Zanchi finished ninth in their respective MXGP and MX2 classes, marking Ducati's competitive return to the Foxhills circuit after 26 years.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.'s official releases.
Why this matters
This race weekend highlights the challenges of motocross racing for Ducati's factory team, affecting their championship hopes. The results impact the team's standings and rider confidence as the season heads to Turkey, China, and Australia.
Terms in This Story
- MXGP
- Motocross Grand Prix, the premier class of off-road motorcycle racing.
- MX2
- A smaller-displacement class (250cc) within the MXGP championship.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.