Image: Octopi Media.

Legendary Italian Tony Cairoli will make select appearances in the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship, beginning with the upcoming RedBud National before making two more starts this summer.

At 40 years of age, Cairoli has confirmed that he will contest the next three rounds of the AMA outdoors – RedBud (July 4), Southwick (July 11) and Spring Creek (July 18).

The nine-time world champion will come out of retirement once again onboard official Ducati Desmo450 MX machinery in a similar schedule to last season, where he finished 14th at RedBud and 15th at the Spring Creek National. He also contested the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations for Italy last year at Ironman Raceway, collecting P6 overall.

Cairoli has been instrumental in Borgo Panigale brand Ducati’s entry into motocross competition, forming part of the development program while also continuing to make on-off entries in Pro Motocross and MXGP. He contested two grands prix in 2025, with a best result of seventh overall at Matterley Basin.