Dylan Ferrandis on Hangtown: “Big progress”

The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team marked a significant step forward at Round 2 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship held at Hangtown. Dylan Ferrandis delivered the best overall finish yet for both himself and the Ducati Desmo450 MX in the US series, demonstrating the rapid progress of the new programme. Alongside Ferrandis, teammate Justin Barcia also showed promising pace and consistency, with both riders achieving top-ten finishes that underscored the team’s growing competitiveness. Ferrandis impressed particularly in the first moto, where he battled within the top ten from the outset and ultimately secured fourth place after a determined charge in the closing laps. Barcia, meanwhile, maintained a strong presence, running seventh and eighth early on before finishing tenth despite some position losses. The second moto saw Barcia launch into the top five, while Ferrandis held firm in sixth, both riders showcasing improved bike setup and resilience in challenging conditions. These performances reflected the ongoing development and fine-tuning of the Desmo450 MX, highlighting the team’s commitment to building a competitive package. Both riders expressed optimism about the progress made since the season opener at Pala. Barcia acknowledged the difficulties faced but was encouraged by the gains, noting his improvement from 17th to 10th place within a week as a sign of positive momentum. Ferrandis echoed this sentiment, praising the team’s rapid development and his growing confidence in the bike’s capabilities. He emphasised that the consistency of not needing to adjust the bike during the race was a strong indicator of progress and his ability to compete near the front. Looking ahead, the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team is focused on maintaining this upward trajectory as the championship moves to Thunder Valley in Colorado. The experience gained at Hangtown provides a solid foundation for further refinement and performance gains. With both riders building confidence and the bike’s potential becoming increasingly evident, the team aims to challenge more consistently among the leaders in the coming rounds.