Ken Roczen recently opened up about his decision to switch from Yamaha to Ducati, shedding light on the key factors behind his move. The German motocross and supercross star had briefly tested a Yamaha after leaving Honda, but ultimately, he saw a better future with Ducati’s new motocross program.
One of the biggest reasons for his switch was **Ducati’s commitment to innovation and rider support**. Roczen was impressed with Ducati’s investment in developing a competitive motocross bike from the ground up, rather than modifying an existing platform. He appreciated how Ducati involved him in the process, allowing him to provide direct input into the bike’s development.
Another major factor was **the exclusivity of the opportunity**. Yamaha already had an established lineup of top riders, whereas Ducati’s new motocross division offered Roczen a chance to be the face of the brand in off-road racing. This meant he could help shape the project and potentially achieve historic success with a fresh team.
Additionally, **Ducati’s engineering expertise and fresh approach** intrigued Roczen. Ducati, known for its dominance in MotoGP and high-performance road bikes, brought a unique perspective to motocross. Roczen believed their innovative approach could give him an edge over the competition.
Finally, **financial incentives and contractual freedom** played a role. Ducati reportedly offered a strong deal that gave Roczen not only financial security but also more flexibility compared to traditional factory contracts.
Overall, Roczen’s move to Ducati wasn’t just about a bike switch—it was about being part of something groundbreaking. With his talent and Ducati’s resources, this partnership could shake up the motocross world in the coming seasons.
