Image: Foremost Media.

Ducati has officially announced the formation of Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, entering the 2026 SMX World Championship together after firming the anticipated new partnership that was tentatively unveiled at Anaheim 1 earlier this year.

Previously operating the GASGAS Factory Racing effort in Monster Energy Supercross and Pro Motocross between 2021-2024, Troy Lee Designs (TLD) has taken on Italian manufacturer Ducati after sitting out this season altogether.

Ducati Corse Off-Road has been developing the Desmo450 MX platform in Europe, with riders Tony Cairoli, Alessandro Lupino, Jeremy Seewer, and Mattia Guadagnini all contributing to its progression.

Cairoli debuted the bike in the world championship during 2024 and also made select AMA appearances in 2025, while this year also saw Seewer and Guadagnini contest the MXGP World Championship aboard the Desmo450 MX – highlighted by Seewer achieving two podium finishes.

“From the very first test, our goal was clear – to bring Ducati’s racing DNA into the world of motocross and supercross,” explained Paolo Ciabatti, general manager of Ducati Corse Off-Road. “Not only to participate, but to compete at the highest level.

“With the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team, we’ve found a partner who shares the same belief [that] racing is more than results. It’s about passion, innovation, and leaving a mark that endures.”

This newfound US partnership also reunites Troy Lee Designs and Red Bull, extending a relationship that began over two decades ago and has since yielded years of success in supercross and motocross, dating from 2016 to 2024.

Troy Lee, founder of TLD, added: “I’m just super-stoked and proud to be partnered back with Red Bull, and it feels almost like a reunion. We’ve been partners for over 20 years, and their passion for motorsports and belief in me and the TLD brand have always meant the world.

“Now, to be teaming up with Ducati in their 100th year is not just a big deal for our race team, but huge for the entire moto industry. Honestly, this is a dream come true – from painting helmets in my garage in Corona to having a full-on factory team based out of the TLD headquarters, this is history in the making with some of the biggest names in the paddock.

“Massive respect and gratitude to Paolo and the entire TLD crew who came together to make this dream a reality. Without them and other key people, none of this would’ve happened. What started as just a conversation two years ago is now a full-blown reality, and come January, the world’s going to see it shine. We’re all in, and I think 2026 is going to be next-level.”

With former TLD team rider Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis all but confirmed for Ducati in SMX next season, additional details, including the final livery unveil, will be released in the coming weeks.