Image: Octopi Media.

High-profile Frenchman Dylan Ferrandis will retire from professional racing following the 2026 SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, the former 450MX, 250MX and multi-time 250SX West champion making the decision official today.

Ferrandis has spent the 2026 season with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing developing the Desmo450 MX, finishing 11th in Monster Energy Supercross and then improving to P7 in Pro Motocross.

Despite showing front-running potential on multiple occasions this season – also currently ranked seventh in the 450SMX standings – and understood to have the option to continue on with Ducati for 2027, the 32-year-old has opted to call time on his career altogether.

“This weekend’s race will be my last one as professional racer, then I will retire from the sport,” Ferrandis announced. “I have been riding dirt bikes since I’m three years old all around the world, and this life has been exactly what I wanted!

“It’s been a great year with all the team at Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, and we will try to finish on high note and enjoy these last moments of racing together.”

After firmly establishing himself in the MXGP paddock, Ferrandis moved to the United States in 2017 with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and went on to win the 250SX title in 2019 and 2020. He also clinched the 250MX title in 2020, before going on to earn the 450MX crown as a rookie in 2021.

Following a stint at Phoenix Racing Honda, Ferrandis moved to Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati for 2026, taking a best result of P6 in Supercross (Nashville) and fourth overall in Pro Motocross (Hangtown). He also finished sixth in SMX Playoff 1 at Columbus.

Ducati has signed RJ Hampshire for next year in a deal yet to be announced, while it’s expected that Ferrandis’ current teammate Justin Barcia will transfer to PMG Suzuki for 2027. It is uncertain who TLD will call in to fill its second seat from next season.