In what could be one of the biggest bombshells in motocross history, early whispers suggest that Ducati is actively pursuing none other than Tim Gajser for its 2026 MXGP campaign. With the Italian brand set to enter the MXGP paddock full-time, this potential partnership has the entire paddock buzzing — and the 2025 season isn’t even halfway done!
Ducati’s entry into the off-road world has been the talk of the paddock since their surprise announcement in 2023. Initially testing the waters in national competitions with Alessandro Lupino and Antonio Cairoli involved behind the scenes, Ducati has now signaled it’s serious about going head-to-head with the big guns in MXGP. And what better way to do that than by signing a five-time World Champion?
Tim Gajser, currently riding for Team HRC, has long been one of the most consistent and dominant forces in MXGP. After recovering from injuries in 2023 and returning to top form, Gajser has shown he’s still a title contender. But with his current contract reportedly ending after the 2025 season, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a seismic shift.
Sources close to the matter hint that Ducati has already held informal discussions with Gajser’s camp. While nothing is set in stone, insiders say the Bologna-based manufacturer is willing to offer a multi-year deal with a lucrative financial package — plus the allure of developing a title-winning bike from scratch with one of the sport’s biggest names.
From a strategic perspective, targeting Gajser makes perfect sense for Ducati. Not only does he bring immense talent and experience, but he also commands a global fanbase and undeniable marketability. Pairing him with a red bike from Italy? That’s marketing gold.
There are still many unknowns, especially regarding the competitiveness of Ducati’s new MXGP machine. While early testing has shown promise, no one truly knows how it will stack up against proven platforms from KTM, Yamaha, and Honda. But if anyone can help fast-track development and elevate a new program, it’s Tim Gajser.
The potential move also raises questions about HRC’s plans. Will Honda fight to keep their star rider, or are they preparing for life after Gajser? Rumors of a youth-focused rebuild or even a return to the U.S. for a new project have been floating around for months. Could Ducati’s interest accelerate that transition?
In typical silly season fashion, one rumor begets another. Some speculate that Ducati might also be eyeing another top-tier rider to pair with Gajser — perhaps a young up-and-comer or an MX2 graduate like Simon Längenfelder or Thibault Benistant. The idea of Ducati building a true “super team” for 2026 is becoming less far-fetched by the day.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time Ducati shook up the racing world. From dominating World Superbike to becoming a force in MotoGP, Ducati has a proven history of doing things differently — and winning. Bringing that same innovation and determination to MXGP could change the landscape of the sport.
Gajser himself has been tight-lipped, offering only standard responses when asked about his future. But insiders say he’s intrigued by the idea of taking on a new challenge — especially one where he could be the face of a brand-new program with full factory backing.
If this deal goes through, it could mark the beginning of a new era in motocross. A high-profile brand, a championship-caliber rider, and an ambitious timeline — the recipe is there for something historic. But in true silly season style, fans will have to wait and see what actually materializes.
One thing is certain: the 2026 MXGP season is already heating up, and we haven’t even crowned a 2025 champion yet. Whether this Ducati-Gajser bombshell becomes reality or not, the ripple effect has already begun. Buckle up — silly season just got serious.
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