Ducati makes FIM Flat Track World Championship debut with two-rider team

Ducati Makes Bold Flat Track Move – Desmo 450 MX Set to Conquer New Terrain

Roden, Netherlands – The world of motorcycle racing is about to get a seriously intriguing shake-up as Ducati officially enters the FIM Flat Track World Championship, partnering with the VRX Dirt Store Ducati Race Team. This marks a significant departure for the Italian manufacturer, showcasing the versatility of its Desmo 450 MX model in a completely different discipline.

A New Chapter for Neave

Veteran flat tracker Tim Neave, the reigning British champion and a former BSB contender, will spearhead the Ducati assault. The 30-year-old, currently ranked sixth in the championship, is aiming for his first victory in the fiercely competitive FIM series. “We’ve kept a very close eye on the growth of the FIM Flat Track World Championship in recent years,” stated Rob Painter, Managing Director VRX Management Ltd. “The opportunity to partner with an iconic manufacturer such as Ducati…is one we were very keen to take.” Neave’s experience and ambition will be crucial as he adapts to the unique demands of flat track.

Boughen Joins the Fight

Alongside Neave, 18-year-old Ashton Boughen – a rising star previously racing Motocross for Yamaha Europe and recently competing in Speedway – will provide a youthful dynamic to the team. Boughen, regarded as a serious up-and-coming talent, will face a steep learning curve, but the team is confident in his potential. “Ashton Boughen has already shown his talent on a motorcycle in various disciplines, and whilst this will be a new challenge for him, we’re confident he will thrive in this environment,” Painter added.

Tech and Performance

The Ducati Desmo 450 MX, developed in collaboration with nine-time FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli, is a key component of this ambitious project. Featuring desmodromic timing and cutting-edge technology, the bike is engineered for performance and adaptability. “Ducati UK is delighted to extend its congratulations to the newly established VRX Dirt Store Ducati Race Team,” Fabrizio Cazzoli, Managing Director Ducati UK, noted. “This project represents an important milestone, demonstrating how the Desmo 450 MX can perform across diverse disciplines while maintaining the performance and engineering excellence synonymous with the Ducati name.”

Championship Expansion

The 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship is set to be a global spectacle, expanding to ten rounds across eight countries and two continents. The series, already boosted to ten rounds this year, will begin in Roden, Netherlands, on May 9th, culminating in two rounds in Argentina on October 24-25. “It is clear that the sport of Flat Track is continuing to grow and flourish,” stated Armando Castagna, Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission. “With full entries, new names and an extended series, the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship promises to be very exciting.”

Live Streaming & More

Fans can follow every thrilling moment of the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship via FIM-MOTO.TV, which will stream all rounds LIVE, offering behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and expert analysis. A FREE season pass covering all ten rounds, plus on-demand access to replays, is available at [Click here].