Ducati News

The wait is almost over, the Ducati 1199 Panigale on its way.

The new generation Superbike will be unveiled at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan 10-13 November.

The new model not only will deliver record performance, breathtaking design and technical innovation, it also breaks with our Superbike tradition by adding a name to its 1199cc engine capacity, making a significant and warm association to its historic roots in the Borgo Panigale (pronounced "Pan-ee-gah-lee") area of Bologna. In an Italian territory known as "Motor Valley" and where high performance and racing runs through the veins of its passionate people, we decided to underline our pride in being world ambassadors for the "Made in Italy" title by immortalizing our home town in the name of the best sportsbike ever built.

The wait to discover all the details will continue for just a few more weeks. Be ready!

Streetfighter 848

Ducati confirm their 2012 Streetfighter 848 with the first officially released images of the brand new model set to add everyday accessibility to the Italian manufacturer's famous naked sport bike family.

Combining a new and brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine with the enhanced geometry of a chassis that provides confidence-inspiring agility, the Streetfighter 848 has enriched its user-friendliness with a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and Ducati Traction Control.

The Ducati Streetfighter scored a round one knock-out when it entered the ring for the first time at the Milan show back in November 2008, winning the ‘Most Beautiful Bike' award and raising the bar for extreme nakeds. Its asphalt-ripping reputation became the desire of sport naked connoisseurs throughout the world and the Streetfighter 848 will now widen that appeal even further with enhanced usability.

Available from November 2011 onwards, the new fighter is dressed in red for Ducati traditionalists, while yellow makes a return for mid-range purists and "dark stealth" provides a matte-black reminder of the Streetfighter's aggressive image.

The new Ducati 848EVO proves itself a winner and ends Ducati’s legendary Daytona draught.

In what can only be described as a wild and closely fought race, privateer Jason DiSalvo and Team Latus Motors Racing took the new Ducati 848EVO to victory in today’s Daytona 200 - the bike’s first professional road race.

The 2011 season opener at Daytona International Speedway had great potential for Ducati before the green flag even dropped, thanks to the 848EVO being the weapon of choice for the Daytona Sportbike class. The Daytona 200 had seven 848EVO entries, the most Ducati’s on the 200 grid in over ten years.

“I really want to thank the Latus Ducati guys for all of their work in the pits. I’m so happy I can give Ducati their first Daytona 200 win in my first race on the bike, and the 848EVO’s first ever AMA race! It’s a magical thing and I’m excited to fight for the championship as the season goes on, “said DiSalvo.

DiSalvo’s victory in today’s race places him amongst legendary riders in Ducati’s long racing history. The 848EVO proved to be the bike which accomplished one of Ducati’s biggest wins in its US racing history, and the company will now set sights on the season championship.

“I am proud of what Jason and Team Latus Motors Racing have accomplished today. I wish them the best for the rest of the season and cannot wait to see our latest model post more victories!” said Cristiano Silei, CEO of Ducati North America.

The 848EVO’s next race will take place at California’s Infineon Raceway May 13-15th.

This Special Edition underlines the race-bred heritage that exists deep inside every Ducati and follows a massive first year success for the award-winning Multistrada 1200, which set a new industry benchmark in motorcycle technology with the four-bikes-in-one concept.

The Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak is specially dressed in stunning replica Ducati Corse-style paint scheme with passenger foot-peg hangers and engine guard anodised in black finish and sport red pin-striping on the wheels. In addition to the original equipment silencer and screen the Pikes Peak Special Edition arrives with an EU approved Ducati Performance carbon fibre silencer by Termignoni and a race-derived low screen in carbon fibre. A Ducati Performance carbon fibre front mudguard, and custom made seat detailed with red stitching complete an enhanced specification well worthy of a race-winning replica.

In conjunction with the launch of this striking new model, Ducati is pleased to announce its entry in the 2011 Pikes Peak event, featuring last year's winning line-up of Greg Tracy and Alexander Smith. Preparations are already underway for the title defence in June, when Ducati will be fighting for the fastest time up the mountain.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, or "Race to the Clouds", is situated in a range of the Rocky Mountains, 16km west of Colorado Springs and races 20km from a start line altitude of 2,862 metres to a finish line at 4,300. First held in 1916, the event is now on the international calendar of the FIA in addition to holding seven motorcycle categories from 250-1200cc.

The early arrival model year 2012 Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition will be available from May 2011 onwards.

DUCATI UK LAUNCH THE 2011 848 CHALLENGE AS AN OFFICIAL PARTNER SERIES

BRITISH SUPERBIKES

After its inaugural year the 848 Challenge will return in 2011 as an official partner series to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship (BSB).

The 2011 Ducati 848 Challenge builds on the successful foundations of the 2010 season by providing a high profile and competitive Championship that will visit some of the most iconic circuits in the UK and Europe. Circuits on the calendar will provisionally include such classics as Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Cadwell Park, Assen and Monza. The series will consist of sixteen races run over five televised BSB rounds, two overseas rounds and the hugely attended annual Castle Combe motorcycle meeting.

The winner of the Championship will collect a new 848 Evo in the stunning Dark Stealth livery as well as a 2 day course at the California Superbike School. Other prizes include a Bianchi Race Bicycle, Ducati Performance Vouchers, testing with a BSB team and other prizes soon to be announced.

The 2011 848 Challenge will be fully supported and operated by Ducati UK and will be offering a generous race package that will include the series registration within the price of a new 848 Evo (2010 SRP £9,995 for Dark Stealth*)

Tim Maccabee is delighted to see the 848 Challenge become a support series to British Superbike Championship and commented, ”This is a fantastic opportunity for competitors to showcase their talents at some of the best tracks in the UK and Europe supporting probably the best domestic championship in the world. The 848 Challenge will give competitors a unique stage to display their talents and offer sponsors great exposure with one of the most iconic racing brands.

BSB Series Director Stuart Higgs said: “Ducati is a hugely prestigious brand and a racing championship utilising the stunning Evo model will certainly enhance the BSB event weekend. The combination of UK and European circuits makes this series unique and very attractive for competitors.

Registration for the series is now open and interested riders should contact the Series Administrator Jason Boswell on 848challenge@ducatiuk.com or 07791 693307.

PROVISIONAL CALENDAR

Ducati to cooperate with AMG

The initial aim of the cooperation between the performance brand from Affalterbach and the Italian manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles is to develop common marketing activities. The cooperation agreement was signed today, during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show, by Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A and Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"We are especially proud to have AMG as one of our sponsors for the Ducati MotoGP Team. I am also very pleased that our joint marketing activities are well under way. In AMG we have found a partner who perfectly reflects our brand values of high performance, motorsport, excitement and our sense of unmistakable style and design," said Gabriele del Torchio, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

"I am very pleased that we are able to announce our strategic cooperation with Ducati today. AMG and Ducati ideally complement each other, as both companies share the same values: racing as the driving passion, and high performance plus exclusivity as the central brand messages of both AMG and Ducati. This long-term cooperation will help us to jointly access new customer groups," said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The first visible results of the cooperation between Ducati and AMG will be joint marketing and sponsoring activities. AMG will support the Ducati MotoGP Team as the Official Car Partner from 2011, for example. During selected AMG events, participants will be able to test ride Ducati motorcycles, and Ducati customers will similarly have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest AMG high-performance cars at events.

Joint events are planned for the members of the AMG Private Lounge, in which more than 13,000 AMG customers worldwide are registered. The partners are currently examining the further activities and strategic steps they might undertake together in the near future.

Ducati and AMG: racing, high performance, exclusivity.

Watch the video of New Ducati Diavel and Mercedes-AMG meeting on the road.