Ducati makes history in FIM Flat Track World Championship with first-ever victory

Ducati’s all-British line-up of Ashton Boughen and Tim Neave grabbed the headlines at last weekend’s opening round of the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship, which ended in a first event win for the Italian company. 

The opening round took place in Roden, Netherlands, which also marked Ducati’s official debut in the off-road series. 

Competing for the VRX Dirt Store Ducati Race Team, Boughen’s victory was also his first in the championship after switching to the discipline just a few months ago.

The bike used was a modified version of Ducati’s Desmo450 MX machine, which is the same bike that Neave took to third place in the final event. 

The double podium for Ducati was a potential sign of things to come, while Boughen’s victory was made even more impressive given he is just 18 years of age. Alongside his victory, Boughen also set the fastest lap during the final. Neave also secured two heat wins aboard his Desmo450 MX before qualifying for the final event. 

Speaking about his, and Ducati’s first-ever victory in the FIM Flat Track World Championship, Boughen said: 

“I don’t really know how it feels! It’s only my fourth go on Flat Track and I’m just having fun, that’s what I came here to do and the results are what they are. I’m really happy and I just want to keep improving, keep riding my bike and keep having fun.”

The opening round in Roden was a major one for several reasons, as Royal Enfield also made its debut in the series with Gary Birtwistle and its all-new Sherpa FT Mk6 machine. But unlike Ducati, Royal Enfield did not enjoy as much success as Birtwistle was unable to qualify for the final, despite an impressive showing early on in the event.

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