The Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team endured a challenging weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix in Arnhem. The sixteenth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship was the final European Grand Prix of the season and was held on the demanding sandy track of Motorsportpark Gelderland Midden.
For Louis Vosters’ team, Arnhem was a true home race. The circuit is located approximately 100 kilometers from Bergeijk, where the team is based. It was also a special Grand Prix for Calvin Vlaanderen. The South Africa-born rider has competed under the Dutch flag for many years, making Arnhem his second home GP of the season after the Grand Prix of South Africa.
The first race started disappointingly for both Ducati riders. Andrea Bonacorsi was caught up in an incident at the start through no fault of his own, with Vlaanderen also involved. Bonacorsi had to begin his race from the back of the field and fought his way forward throughout the 19 laps. He climbed up to twelfth position but ultimately crossed the finish line in thirteenth.
Vlaanderen was unable to find the desired feeling on the track in the first race and had to settle for sixteenth place.
The second race got off to a better start for both riders. After the opening lap, Bonacorsi was battling around ninth position, while Vlaanderen was running in twelfth. However, a technical issue brought Bonacorsi’s race to an early end. With four laps remaining, the Italian was forced to retire.
Vlaanderen managed to move one position further forward during the race and crossed the finish line in eleventh. As a result, he missed out on a top-ten finish by just one position at his home Grand Prix.
The result in Arnhem therefore fell short of the expectations of Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP. After a weekend off, the team will turn its attention to the final three Grands Prix of the season. On September 5 and 6, the first of three consecutive overseas rounds will take place in Turkey, followed by China and Australia to conclude the 2026 MXGP season.
