R.J. Hampshire has signed a multi-year contract with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing and will race the 450 class aboard the Ducati Desmo450 MX from 2027

By James Burfield · First reported 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026

Who said it

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing has signed R.J. Hampshire to a multi-year contract. Starting in 2027, the American will join the factory team and compete in the 450 class aboard the Ducati Desmo450 MX.

Source: mxvice.com · insider tier

I was immediately interested, so Ziggy and Josh were the first people I called. They wanted me to be part of the team just as much as I wanted to be here. I was ready for a fresh start and I'm really looking forward to 2027.

Source: mxvice.com · insider tier

We're really happy to have R.J. joining the team. For myself and some key members of the team, it's especially cool because we've worked with him before.

Source: mxvice.com · insider tier

Our reading

Speaker: Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing. Auto-graded insider tier, confirmed.