Record Crowds Flood Italy For World Ducati Week
July wrapped up on a high note as Italy transformed into the epicenter of the Ducati universe. Around 94,000 passionate fans from 86 countries descended on the Misano World Circuit for World Ducati Week. From July 26th to 28th, the biennial event brought the iconic brand to life with an unforgettable mix of racing, exhibitions, and fan experiences, further solidifying Ducati’s global prestige.
As the dust settles, Cycle Trader is here to revisit the adrenaline-pumping highlights that continue to captivate the motorcycle community.
Browse listings online for new and used Ducati motorcycles for sale.
Lenovo Race of Champions
One major highlight was the Lenovo Race of Champions on Saturday, where 15 of Ducati’s top racing stars from MotoGP, World Superbike, and British Superbike faced off on identical 2025 Panigale V4S motorcycles. The high-performing superbike, unveiled just two days earlier, was one of the inevitable stars of the show. The racers, including Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez, Marco Bezzecchi, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Jorge Martin, Alvaro Bautista, Nicolo Bulega, Glenn Irwin, and Franco Morbidelli, put on a thrilling performance on the track.
Pecco Bagnaia quickly took the lead on the first lap and maintained his position throughout the race, ultimately crossing the finish line more than a second ahead of his competitors. Despite the smoldering 89-degree (Fahrenheit) heat, Bagnaia recorded a fastest lap time of 1:35.431, just five seconds shy of the track record set by Jorge Martin on a MotoGP bike in 2023.
Andrea Iannone secured second place with a lap time of 1:35.051 in Friday’s practice sessions. He went up against rider Nicolo Bulega, who crashed on the final corner after unexpected contact with Marc Marquez. This incident allowed Marquez to score third place.
Reflecting on the race, Bagnaia said, “It was fantastic to be here. After crossing the finish line, seeing the grandstand packed with people was incredible. I could hear the cheers through my helmet.”
Activities and Exhibitions
Outside of the race, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities. These included test rides on Ducati’s lineup and opportunities to take their own bikes on the track. Fans could also get behind the wheel of a Lamborghini for a half-hour driving experience, embark on an off-road mini-DRE adventure, and experience the thrill of a high-speed pillion lap on a Ducati MotoE bike. The event also featured an exhibition celebrating 30 years of the Ducati 916 and provided a close-up look at the Desmo450 MX motocross racer.
Lap of Honor and Celebrations
Friday’s Lap of Honor witnessed all participating riders, including several Ducati legends, lap the circuit to the crowd’s enthusiastic applause. Later that evening, thousands of Ducatisti flaunted their bikes just over half a mile to the ‘Land of Joy’ beach party, celebrating a decade of the Scrambler brand.
Shop for for new and used sportbike motorcycles for sale online.
Overall, the weekend was an incredible experience for attendees and a clear representation of Ducati’s prestige around the world. Combining the 2025 Panigale V4S’s exciting debut with Ducati’s star riders battling against each other on the track, there was never a dull moment during the event. The 2025 Panigale V4S’s style and features are heavily inspired by the infamous Ducati 916. If you’re intrigued by the bike’s new design, the 2025 Panigale V4 starts at $29,995. If you can’t go without every luxury feature available, the V4S is your only option at a whopping $33,895.
As always we’ve got you covered with the newest and best in the world of riding. Plus, the largest selection of new and used motorcycles nationwide on Cycle Trader.
Shelby Ballou
You might also like
