MotoBuyer Singapore attends World Ducati Week and goes full red-handed at one of motorcycling’s big events in 2022

Misano Circuit, Italy 

Motorcyclists are passionate people, and that certainly flows over into their festivals and events. But even amongst that breed, Ducatistis are extra passionate if the sheer exuberance and spirit of Ducati’s bi-annual celebration – World Ducati Week – is anything to judge by.

In a normal world, World Ducati Week (WDW) happens every two years, but Covid saw cancellation of the 2020 edition, which is why the 11th edition of WDW from 22nd to 24th July 2022 was extra special, and a stunning, and fitting celebration of everything Ducati. Held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, it saw more than 80,000 attendees, spread over 84 nationalities, and 235 Ducati Official Clubs.

MotoBuyer braved the crowds and the heat in person, but it really was the enthusiasm for all things Borgo Panigale that shone through – we wouldn’t be surprised if the air was a little red, itself.

Participants soaked up the carnival atmosphere, and entertainment included testing the Ducati e-mountain bikes, attending the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) Track and/ or DRE Adventure off-road courses, experiencing ride simulators, virtually testing racing leather suits, and attending Ducati Talks, and (of course) splurging on Ducati gear, memorabilia and offerings from partners including Dainese, Akrapovic, Termignioni, and more.

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Four-wheeled fans weren’t totally left out with circuit taxi rides in cars from the corporate family group, namely the Audi E-Tron GT and Lamborghini Huracan. 

Suffice to say, there was enough to keep participants fully occupied over the three days. We braved the sweltering heat, beers in hand, and checked out the Ducati merch stalls, checking out the Ducati branded running shoes, slippers, and apparel. Super-branded merch ain’t our thing, but it certainly didn’t stop hordes walking out with huge bags, stuffed full of Ducati goodies.

One real treat for attendees was the Centro Stile (Styling Centre) exhibit. Ducati went to great lengths to put together an interactive museum-style display where guides explained the design process that Ducati takes from product brief to full production. The Centre naturally also designs all things Ducati – even WDW itself. 

Ducati also introduced us to the Unica Project, its new bespoke arm that makes custom Ducatis for discerning customers. We weren’t allowed to take pictures of the bikes, but examples include: Brembo calipers painted in the country flag of the owner; another had a carbon swingarm from the Superleggera; and another had completely black Ohlins forks, the regular gold stanchions absent.

For roughly double the price of the standard model, Ducati will invite prospective buyers to a face to face discussion (in person or virtually), to understand what the buyer wants, at the same time throwing in the full Ducati Performance upgrades.

Day One’s highlight was the Lap of Honour where Ducati riders formed a colossal convoy on the circuit, and it took 33 minutes for the bikes to disperse from the venue. It was a sight to behold, a sea of Ducati red, including classics like the 851, 916, Desmocidici, and more recent models like the 1198, Panigale 1299, Panigale V4, Multistrada V4 and Streetfighter V4.

Day Two’s highlight was undoubtedly the Lenovo Race of Champions one-make race, which saw a full grid of 20 Ducati racers, including stars from MotoGP, WSBK, World Supersport, with 15 competing on Panigale V4 S and five on Panigale V2 bikes, all production bikes equipped with slicks and racing exhausts.

Francesco Bagnaia (MotoGP Ducati Lenovo Team) dominated the 8 lap race, ahead of MotoGP Mooney VR46 Racing Team riders Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi. Bagnaia also set the fastest lap of the race at 1m35.886s – just 2.5 seconds slower than the WBSK pole position for Misano.

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Day Two was capped off with an outdoor Rustida (BBQ) on the track, where Ducatisti were served by 56 Ducati directors and managers from HQ and subsidiaries (you’ll never see that happening at a car event!) followed by a meet and greet session with the Ducati racers at Santamonica Municipal Stadium, and ending the evening with a concert (DJ set) by Meduza, and fireworks.

WDW2022 wrapped up on Day 3 with experiential activities including track sessions and bike tests. We got to experience DRE Adventure on board the DesertX, Desert Sled and Multistrada V4 – watch MotoBuyer for more coverage on that coming soon. 

At just 100 Euros (S$140) for a three day pass, or 50 Euros per day, we’d highly recommend attending the next WDW in 2024. While we don’t need many excuses to visit Italy, attending WDW would very likely be the highlight for anyone remotely interested in motorcycles, or even if you don’t know anything about the brand it could be an enjoyable baptism of figurative fire.

At best, you’ll have lots of fun. At worst, you’ll leave WDW a Ducati convert, and march to the dealership upon getting home to get your Ducati. It’s that infectious, cos you meet the nicest people on Ducatis (too). At WDW, you’ll feel the energy of 80,000 of them.

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