Dylan Ferrandis Joins Ducati for 2026 Season
Dylan Ferrandis is set to embark on a new journey in 2026, having joined the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team in the offseason. This transition represents a significant moment in the career of the former US 450 MX champion. After facing chassis challenges with his Honda over the previous two seasons, Ferrandis has found that the Ducati meets his expectations perfectly, just weeks before the AMA championships commence.
Improved Chassis and Performance
“The standout feature of this Ducati for me is that it resolves the issues I faced with the Honda’s frame,” Ferrandis stated during a press event before the season opener. “From the outset with Honda, I struggled with a very flexible frame. Ducati has developed a chassis that recognizes the importance of rigidity, particularly in Supercross, where the bike endures significant forces during jumps and landings. The balance and quality of the chassis are remarkable.”
Testing Phase and Adjustments
Ferrandis has dedicated the last two months to testing and refining his bike setup for the upcoming season. He quickly recognized the strengths and weaknesses of the Ducati to maximize its potential. “Initially, I couldn’t adapt to the bike due to foot-peg height differences, which caused considerable challenges,” he explained. “However, the adjustments have been successful, and the team, familiar with my preferences, has made transitioning easier. Now, we’re prepared for upcoming races.”
Regaining Confidence and Setting Goals
After two challenging seasons with Honda, Ferrandis feels renewed confidence and ambition in his partnership with Ducati. Despite some top-5 finishes, his aspirations had diminished due to health issues and performance struggles. “Now, my motivation is soaring, and with this bike, I believe a podium finish is within reach,” he asserted, reflecting on his revised outlook as the Supercross season approaches.
Initial Concerns about Development Role
Initially, Ferrandis expressed concerns about becoming a development rider at this stage of his career. “I wasn’t particularly eager about the project as I preferred not to focus on development,” he admitted. However, his first experiences on the Ducati quickly changed his perspective, leading him to appreciate the bike’s inherent capabilities.
Final Preparations Ahead of Anaheim 1
As the season opener in Anaheim approaches, Ferrandis continues to fine-tune his setup. He has invested substantial time on the track to identify optimal configurations. “We have a firm foundation, and we’re currently focusing on the finer details to ensure consistent performance in varied conditions,” he noted. The month leading up to the race will be crucial for perfecting these adjustments.
Challenges as a Factory Rider
This season is a milestone for Ferrandis as he races for a true factory team for the first time, but challenges remain. “While I’ve never been part of a fully-fledged factory team, we are facing issues regarding parts availability,” he acknowledged. Despite logistical hurdles, he remains optimistic about having everything in place for the season’s start.
