Ducati celebrates 100 Years with record-breaking World Ducati Week

Ducati marked its historic 100th anniversary with its most spectacular World Ducati Week to date, as the Misano World Circuit welcomed an unprecedented 118,036 visitors over three unforgettable days. The landmark edition of the biennial gathering united enthusiasts from 94 countries across five continents under the theme “Live the Legend – Celebrate 100 Years Together”, reaffirming the global appeal of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

Blending heritage with the future, the centenary celebrations brought together legendary riders who shaped Ducati’s illustrious history alongside today’s racing stars, whose combined achievements account for 37 World Championship titles. The event also showcased the motorcycles that continue to define the brand’s enduring legacy.

“World Ducati Week has always been a special occasion, but the Centenary edition exceeded every expectation. For three days, the Misano paddock became the heart of Ducati passion, with extraordinary attendance making this the biggest and most international WDW ever. The image that will stay with me forever is Friday’s parade: an endless red snake of Ducati bikes stretching for 18 kilometres across the Romagna Riviera, seemingly without end. By the time the head of the parade had already reached Riccione, the last motorcycles were still leaving the track… On Saturday we reached the Circuit’s maximum capacity, and that evening the drone show lit up the skies over Misano, telling the story of the motorcycles and the milestones that have marked these 100 years of Ducati. At that moment, I reflected on how far we have come, and I felt an emotion that is difficult to put into words. I knew the Centenary would be a special occasion, but seeing it all come to life with such incredible participation and enthusiasm truly surpassed every expectation,” said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this extraordinary World Ducati Week possible: to the Ducatisti who travelled from every corner of the world; to our employees, who worked with passion and dedication for months to create such a special event; to the Ducati legends, never before gathered together in such numbers on a single occasion; and to today’s champions. This World Ducati Week will remain in Ducati’s history, but above all in the hearts of all of us. Thank you.”

Among the event’s biggest highlights was the fourth edition of the Lenovo Race of Champions, where riders from MotoGP, WorldSBK, WorldSSP and leading national championships competed aboard bespoke Panigale V4 Tricolore motorcycles. Nicolò Bulega converted pole position into victory, finishing ahead of Alberto Surra and Lorenzo Baldassarri.

Friday’s iconic Ducati parade transformed the Romagna Riviera into an 18-kilometre procession of red motorcycles stretching from the Misano World Circuit to Samsara Beach in Riccione. Led by Claudio Domenicali, Misano Mayor Fabrizio Piccioni and Ducati management, it became one of the defining images of the centenary celebrations.

Saturday evening delivered another unforgettable moment as legendary champions Casey Stoner, Troy Bayliss, Carl Fogarty and Loris Capirossi joined current Ducati stars including Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Márquez, Álex Márquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Nicolò Bulega on stage before an emotional drone and fireworks spectacle commemorating Ducati’s remarkable 100-year journey.

The celebrations extended beyond the circuit. A record 275 Ducati Official Clubs participated, while digital engagement reached new highs with over 220,000 FantaWDW sessions, more than two million website page views, 21 million social media impressions and 700,000 viewers tuning in to the Lenovo Race of Champions livestream.

Visitors also explored the Heritage Village, admired the exhibition “100 Years, 100 Stories, One Legend”, witnessed the Ducati Heritage Contest won by Piero Guerrini’s 1999 Ducati 996 SPS Factory Replica, and experienced the Ducati World area, which featured the Superleggera V4 Centenario, the 100 Collection and the world premiere of the new Desmo450 SM.

With riding experiences, Hot Laps, Lamborghini test drives, freestyle motocross demonstrations, stunt performances, immersive augmented reality experiences and dedicated activities for younger enthusiasts, World Ducati Week 2026 celebrated not only Ducati’s remarkable past but also the innovations shaping its future.

As the centenary edition concluded, it left behind far more than impressive statistics. It reinforced the strength of a global community whose passion has defined Ducati for a century and continues to drive the iconic Italian marque towards its next chapter.