Cult Moto Post-Race Interviews:

Mattia Guadagnini is a multi-time Grand Prix winner, a regular podium finisher in MX2, and has landed on the box in the premier class, yet still faces the fear of the unknown heading into next season. The Monster Energy Factory Ducati Racing rider started the season off remarkably, picking up three fourth-place finishes in the first six motos of the season – an impressive feat considering the Ducati Desmo450 machine’s limited proven ability on the world stage.

However, after his strong start to the season, the Italian was forced to miss rounds 4–6 due to sustaining six broken ribs in a practice crash. The injury woes continued as he was then sidelined for the British Grand Prix with a torn calf muscle and had to play catch-up not only on his fitness but also on developing his brand-new motorcycle, which is evolving every weekend due to its youth in the paddock.

“It’s both, I think” he reflected when asked whether it is fitness or lack of bike time that is holding him back compared to his strong start to the season. “I mean, the start of the season was really good, I was impressed and I didn’t expect this. I had a really good winter but it was nothing crazy or special, I was still far from 100% but I had time to build confidence on the bike. So let’s say I started the season at 85% and I was just racing my race and didn’t make too many mistakes and also, many of the riders were not at the level they are now, so of course that makes a lot of difference at the moment.”

“It’s really difficult to try to get back into my rhythm (after injury) and with fitness because there are so many races, it’s not easy to get back into it so I’d say it was the wrong time to get an injury and I had two”

Mattia Guadagnini claimed 4th overall on Ducati’s MXGP debut

The lack of bike time, combined with limited testing on the Ducati machine, especially compared to manufacturers with a rich history in motocross, makes finding solutions for comfort more challenging. Although he has high praise for the project, he is fully aware of the challenges he faces

“It’s not the easiest to compare to the other bikes, it is a little bit special with the frame, with the rideability and the engine also. With the injuries, I have lost the comfort on the bike which wasn’t bad in the beginning of the season. So, we are testing a lot and trying to figure it out and on some tracks, it’s not easy to find a setup, which makes it a little difficult because you work on something and find something for one track, but at another type of track it is difficult to then set the bike up.”

A season filled with injury, combined with the search for a ride in 2026, is usually a recipe for extreme stress. However, Guadagnini maintains a light hearted attitude towards the unknown while remaining motivated to secure a solid ride for next season.

“At the moment… I would say I have no option, but then that means there is also many options on the other side, so I really don’t know what I am going to do. It can be anything, racing here, race somewhere else or go to work (laughs). I still need some time to figure it out, of course some good results will help a lot in finding a good bike and good spot for next year, but it’s not easy.

Also, there are so many good riders without a good bike for next season. That’s just the paddock situation for next year, we had so many good spots this year and it looks like there will be a lot less for next year. So many good riders, but not enough bikes.”