Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP concluded the Grand Prix of Turkey in Afyonkarahisar with a ninth-place finish for Calvin Vlaanderen. Andrea Bonacorsi endured a difficult weekend due to food poisoning and, in consultation with the team, decided not to take part in the second race.
The seventeenth round of the FIM Motocross World Championship was held on the hard-packed Afyon circuit, where big jumps and deep ruts provided plenty of challenges. During Saturday’s qualifying race, Vlaanderen secured seventh place. Bonacorsi, who was already weakened by food poisoning, finished fourteenth.
On Sunday, Vlaanderen battled hard for position in both races. The Ducati rider crossed the finish line in ninth place in the opening race. He again had to work hard in the second race and secured another solid result with tenth place. With a 9-10 scorecard, Vlaanderen finished ninth overall in the Turkish Grand Prix.
For Andrea Bonacorsi, it was a difficult weekend. The Italian had been suffering from food poisoning since Saturday but nevertheless tried to ride. Following a challenging first race, he and the team decided not to take any further risks and opted to sit out the second race.
Calvin Vlaanderen: “The two races were fairly solid and I eventually finished ninth overall, but I’m not completely satisfied with my riding. After Saturday, I had a really good feeling with the track and the bike, so I expected a little more from myself and my speed. I gave it my best and we are looking forward to the final two rounds with confidence.”
Andrea Bonacorsi: “Unfortunately, I was sick throughout the entire weekend. I tried to ride both on Saturday and Sunday morning, but I wasn’t able to fight for the positions where we normally belong. For the second race, the team and I decided not to take any further risks and not to line up.”
Following Turkey, Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP now prepares for the final two overseas rounds of the 2026 season, in China and Australia.
