Mixed Results for Ducati in MXGP and MX2 Qualifying at Czech Republic Grand Prix
Calvin Vlaanderen finished 16th after a crash, and substitute rider Simone Mancini placed 12th in MX2 at the Czech Republic Grand Prix qualifying.
- 16th
- 12th
- 1,586 meters
- 30th
What Happened
The Czech Republic Grand Prix at the Loketske Serpentiny track celebrates its 30th edition this year. The 1,586-meter hard-packed circuit, about 140 kilometers west of Prague, has hosted the FIM Motocross World Championship since 1995. Round 21 of the 2026 MXGP World Championship saw Ducati riders competing in both MXGP and MX2 classes.
Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team rider Calvin Vlaanderen posted the fourth fastest time in free practice and finished eighth in timed practice. In the qualifying race, he struggled with a poor start and a multi-rider crash at the first corner, leaving him 17th after lap one. He gained four positions early but then crashed, ultimately finishing 16th.
In MX2, Ferruccio Zanchi was absent due to injury sustained at the previous round in Great Britain. EMX250 rider Simone Mancini substituted for him, making his second Grand Prix appearance of the season. Mancini finished seventh in free practice and 12th in timed practice aboard his Desmo250 MX. He started just outside the top ten and held on to finish 12th after 13 laps.
Previously from Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
At the previous round in Great Britain, Ducati riders Calvin Vlaanderen and Ferruccio Zanchi each finished ninth in their respective qualifying races, marking top-ten finishes for the team.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.'s official releases.
Why this matters
Ducati is in its debut MXGP season, and the results at Loket show both the challenges of adapting to a new circuit and the development of its riders. The team hopes to build on the performance of substitute Mancini, who showed promise in the MX2 class.
Terms in This Story
- MXGP
- The premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
- MX2
- The support class of the FIM Motocross World Championship for smaller-displacement bikes.
- Qualifying race
- A short race held on Saturday to determine starting positions for the main race on Sunday.
- EMX250
- A European motocross championship for 250cc bikes.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.