Once again in 2009, the Ducati Riding Experience
offers prestigious Ducati riding courses to all
dedicated motorcycle fans.
Participants can improve
their riding technique or perhaps ride a motorcycle
for the very first time with courses taking place at
important international racetracks and instruction
provided by a team of professional riders and highly
qualified experts.
Following the same winning formula of recent
years, the Ducati Riding Experience is not just a
riding course but also a real Ducati learning
experience.
Participants can choose from a pool of 90 bikes prepared
especially for the courses, a group of 30
professional riders and a support staff made up of
more than 30 mechanics and assistants.
The 2008 season closed in a positive fashion and
saw the inclusion of several new initiatives. It was
possible to ride the Ducati 848 for example, an
agile and lightweight but very powerful machine, or
the Hypermotard on the intermediate courses, an
extreme and fun bike that had immediate success in
the market.
Last but not least, the Monster 696,
another success from the moment it launched, was
used for the beginners courses and proved to be the
ideal bike for those approaching the world of
motorcycling for the first time, thanks to its
agility and manageability.
In 2009 the aim is to match the high standards
set last year, with the launch of further new
initiatives such as the introduction of the 1198s,
the technical evolution of the high-performing 1098,
for those riding on the Master course.
For the Ducati Riding Experience 2009
the S version will be used, a bike that, with 170cv
of power, reflects better than any other machine the
technology developed in the World Superbike
Championship.
Thanks to the 1198 “Testastretta Evoluzione” engine,
top of the range suspension, lightweight components
and a racing-inspired traction control system
designed for the road, this “made in Borgo Panigale”
jewel is one more reason to take part in the Ducati
riding courses.
The calendar and prices for the 2009 season are
already on-line at www.ducati.com, with important
Italian tracks hosting more dates than ever.
|
2009 Dates |
Circuits |
Course |
| April
7-8 |
Mugello |
Track II; Master;
Beginners |
| April
21-22 |
Misano |
Track II; Master;
Beginners |
| May 6-7 |
Adria |
Intermediate;
Track I; Beginners |
| May
20-21 |
Monza |
Track II; Master;
Beginners |
| June
17-18 |
Adria |
Intermediate;
Track I; Beginners |
| July
14-15 |
Misano |
Track II; Master;
Beginners |
|
September 8-9 |
Adria |
Intermediate;
Track I; Beginners |
The Courses
The Ducati riding courses offer a complete
experience: on the one hand they give experienced
riders the chance to improve technique, on-board safety and level of performance on
track.
On the other hand, riders enjoy an
emotional experience and can feel the adrenalin and
passion, riding alongside professional riders and
champions such as Paolo Casoli, Marco Lucchinelli
and Dario Marchetti.
Furthermore the Ducati courses are also offered
to those individuals who have absolutely no riding
experience but would like to ride on two-wheels for
the first time. Beginners’ courses take place in a
totally safe environment, led by a team of qualified
instructors. As well as benefitting from the
expertise of the instructors, participants are
guaranteed to enjoy themselves!
Beginner's Course
Aimed at men and women who have never ridden a
motorcycle before and who would like to take a first
step into the biking world. The course comprises
individual practical sessions and technical lessons
and takes place in the paddock on board the Monster
696.
A maximum of 28 participants in each course will be
divided into groups of 4 pupils. The courses involve
practical sessions which teach the basics of riding
(including starting, riding through a curve,
braking) and basic theoretical lessons.
To participate in this course you do not need a
A-class bike license (A-class license) but you do
need to be at least 18 years of age.
Intermediate Course
This course is aimed at those who already have a
good practical knowledge and who wish to improve
their general ability and perfect their control of
the bike when riding on the road.
In 2009 Ducati
focuses even more on safety, with exercises designed
to improve riding technique and simulations carried
out in the paddock. These lessons will improve the
rider’s control of his bike and will teach pupils
how to deal with possible dangerous situations that
may arise when riding on the road.
A maximum of 42 participants in each course will
be divided into groups of 6 pupils. After completing
exercises in the paddock area, participants will be
able to go out on track, in total safety,
accompanied by instructors. In 2009 there will be 2
track sessions, during which the track will be
occupied solely by the participants of this course.
The bikes used on this course are the Hypermotard
1100, the Multistrada 1100 and, from this year, the Monster 1100 with
its charismatic 1100cc Desmodromic L-Twin engine,
the latest arrival in the naked family.
In order to participate in this course one needs
to have the A-class license with no limitations
regarding bike capacity.
Track I Course
This course is aimed at riders with no track
experience or who have experience but would like to
get back on track in secure surroundings. Ducati,
always attentive when it comes to safety and
quality, reserves the track solely for use by
participants in this course with no other riders on
track at the same time.
Track II Course
This course is aimed at expert riders and will
take place at renowned circuits that play host to GP
and SBK races.
Two track sessions are dedicated solely to
participants on this course.
The Superbike 848 will be used for both of the
courses on track, an agile bike it is ideal for
track neophytes as well as for more expert riders as
it is both lightweight and powerful. The 848, the
expert instructors and the atmosphere provided by
the circuit will all contribute to improving every
rider’s ability.
Master Riding Course
For riders who want to find their limit and test
performance to the max, Ducati proposes the Master
Riding course on board the Superbike 1198 S,
equipped with the jewel that is the Testastretta
Evoluzione engine, and with Ducati Traction Control,
as standard on the 1198 S version.
This course is aimed at expert riders who want to
achieve optimum performance and is led by
instructors who are also great champions, such as
Paolo Casoli and Marco Lucchinelli.
Each group is made up of no more than three
participants, so that each pupil receives maximum
attention from the instructor and can enjoy an empty
track in order to carry out the data acquisition
test*. There is also an extra track session with
respect to 2008 (with seven rather than six
sessions). To participate in this course it is
strongly recommended that the rider has already
completed at least one course on track.
*SPECIAL ON-BOARD TEST: during the Master Riding
course each pupil will have the chance to test his
performance by completing a few laps of the track on
board a 1198S equipped with a professional data
acquisition system. The pupil’s results will then be
compared to his instructor’s results.
The data acquisition system allows the rider to see
data such as: opening of the gas valve, engine revs,
speed, lap time, suspension movement, brake
pressure, tire temperature, trajectory. At the end
of the test the data acquired will be presented to
each pupil on the Master Riding course.
Instructors
Ducati boasts a pool of highly qualified instructors
who, as well as being extremely competent
technically, ensure that a DRE day is always
enjoyable.
Members of the team include:
PAOLO CASOLI: Paolo Casoli brings a wealth of experience to DRE
having been a Ducati rider for many years. He has
won 5 national titles in the Superbike, Supersport
and 250cc categories , and took the World Supersport
title in 1997, riding his Ducati 748 to victory in
one of the world’s most competitive championships.
He came close to repeating the feat in 2000 and 2001
but missed out on the titles by just a few points. Having now retired from racing, Paolo collaborates
with the Ducati Xerox team as well as teaching on DRE courses.
DARIO MARCHETTI: Dario, chief instructor of DRE, has raced
throughout the world and in nearly every category,
from GP500 to Superbike, winning 4 national titles
along the way. In 2001 he won the Italian Endurance
title with the Ducati 996R.
In 2004 he won the
Daytona Battle of the Twins on board a 748 and in
the same year he competed in the European Endurance
Cup with Marc Garcia riding a 998 and a 999R. In
2009 Dario continues to instruct on the DRE Master
Racing Course and is also the official rider of the
999F05 two-seater for the Ducati Xerox Team.
MARCO LUCCHINELLI: It’s hard to find a better qualified instructor
than a World Champion of the Grand Prix 500 class.
Marco, one of the best Italian riders in history,
won the prestigious world title in 1981 and has a
total of 6 GP race wins and 19 podium finishes to
his name. He has ridden with Ducati in the TTF1 and
TTF2 and has won Battle of the Twins races in
Daytona. Today his experience benefits the DRE
pupils and to have him as instructor on your Master
Riding Course will ensure that your “Ducati Riding
Experience” is a memorable one.
Enrolling in the Ducati Riding Experience
Enrolment for courses begins in mid-February and
is completed only via the website
www.ducati.it.
Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer
following the instructions published online.
Special
deals are reserved for members of the Official
Ducati Clubs. The cost of the courses includes: use
of the bike, fuel, an instructor, lunch, open bar,
welcome kit, presence of a photographer and
eligibility to benefit from hotel discounts.
Technical Kit
Each participant must bring all necessary technical
kit: leather suit, back protector, full-face helmet,
gloves and boots. Anyone who does not have the
necessary kit can hire everything via the website at
the time of enrolment (until supplies run out).
For information please contact DRE customer
services at:
e-mail: dre@ducati.com
tel.: +39 051 6413583
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