(pictures by Ducati Database - Copyright Ducati)

THE MONSTER 696 IS MORE THAN READY  
In just a few days the latest naked offering from Borgo Panigale will take centre stage – the brand new Monster 696. Since the first version was unveiled at the International Motor Show in Cologne back in 1992, the Monster has enjoyed unrivalled success and become a true icon in the world of motorcycling. The 696 has inherited all the design and build principles of its predecessor, allowing true Monster character to now shine through from every single component. Providing pure, undiluted excitement, the Monster is the definition of a bike that strikes a perfect balance between performance and everyday riding pleasure. Ready to arrive in Ducati Stores around the world from the beginning of April onwards, the new Monster comes in a choice of three colour schemes: Ducati red, matte black, and Ducati’s currently hot colour of pearl white. More info on www.ducati.com.

DUCATI GRANDSTAND ON TOUR DURING THE 2008 MotoGP CHAMPIONSHIP  
Following the success of the Ducati Grandstand at Italian rounds last year, Ducati has decided to use the same formula at other MotoGP rounds around the world.
It will now be possible to follow your heroes trackside at the Italian circuits of Mugello and Misano, but also at the European rounds of Le Mans, Sachsenring and Valencia, as well as at the international events at Laguna Seca and Indianapolis (U.S.A.), Phillip Island (Australia) and Motegi (Japan). On 1st June 2008, the Ducati MotoGP Team will take to the track, more revved up than ever and ready to take part in the first of two Italian MotoGP world championship rounds, at Mugello, one of the hallowed grounds of international motorcycling. Last year, more than 3000 Ducati fans were lucky enough to witness the qualifying practice and races from one of the most spectacular sections of the Tuscan track: the Correntaio curve. This spot has now earned a special place in the hearts of the Ducatisti and is famous for its action-packed racing. More info on www.ducati.com.

DUCATI WINS TWO TOP CATEGORIES IN “2008 BIKE OF THE YEAR” COMPETITION  
The readers of eleven European magazines vote Ducati as “2008 Bike of the Year” in both the “Sports Bike” category and the “Trial/Supermoto” category. Over 95,000 readers of eleven European magazines (including Motorrad, In Moto, Motociclismo, Toff, Moto Journal and others), expressed their personal preference by voting the most stylish and desired motorcycle of 2008. Once again, Ducati dominated the scene, picking up prizes and awards that confirm the world-wide success of the new ‘made in Borgo Panigale’ models. Ducati were victorious in two of the most prestigious and important trade categories. Within the “trial/supermoto”, the Hypermotard confirmed the sensational result achieved last year, beating prestigious models such as the BMW R 1200 GS, KTM 950 Supermoto, Triumph Tiger and Honda Varadero. The Ducati vote was overwhelming with the Hypermotard taking first place in six out of eleven countries (Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Italy), second place in Poland and Holland, and third place in Switzerland. More info on www.ducati.com.

NEW COLOUR SCHEMES FOR THE DUCATI MONSTER 696 
Following the world unveiling at the last Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA07), the new Monster 696 reveals its two new colour schemes just a few weeks from its arrival on the market. In addition to the ‘Ducati red’, the Monster 696 will also be available from April 2008 in the new ‘pearl white’ and traditional ‘matte-black’ or ‘dark’. ‘Pearl white’, already featured on other highly successful Ducati models like the Superbike 848, emphasizes the muscular lines of the Monster 696 which contrast sharply with the seat, sub-frame and Hybrid-Trellis frame. The ‘dark’ version demonstrates how the Monster silhouette remains totally uncompromised by centralising the bike’s volumes and masses. Both colours are complemented perfectly by black wheels and frames. The new Ducati Monster 696 best identifies the next generation of naked bikes. It is a bike that perfectly combines fun and excitement in any type of environment – relaxed in the city, but at the same time ready to unleash its sport character with top performance.Maintaining the unique style and character built on 15 years of world-wide success, the Monster now moves forward into a new era. More info on www.ducati.com.

DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE 2008 
The latest edition of the Ducati Riding Experience, Ducati’s renowned driving courses for enthusiasts that wish to improve their driving technique or simply get on a bike for the first time in a professional and secure setting, is ready to go. The 2007 season saw the introduction of the new 1098, the most powerful twin-cylinder production bike in the world, which provided much excitement and incredible driving performance to many participants. This high standard set from the previous year will be maintained in 2008 with additional, interesting surprises, first of which is the chance to get on the track with the new Ducati 848, a bike that is both agile and light but at the same time, it performs at an extremely high level and completes the Ducati Superbike family with a smaller engine capacity with respect to the 1098. The Hypermotard, an extreme and thrilling bike that has met indisputable success on the market, is yet another exciting surprise that will be available for participants. To top it all off, the highly anticipated Monster 696, which, although not yet available, will become the motorcycle for the Basic Course. More info on www.ducati.com.

DUCATI 1098 R
The lightest, most powerful twin-cylinder bike ever and true competition-level traction control system supplied as standard for maximum track performance. The 1098 R is the ultimate Superbike. The most advanced, most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycle ever built, with the highest torque-to-weight ratio in the sport bike category. It is the product of a team of designers and engineers focussed on one objective only – to win. The ‘R’ is a race bike, pure and simple. Its competition specification and superior components together with advanced electronics and race-proven chassis technology deliver a level of performance that empowers you with confidence and capability. World Superbike rule changes mean that the road-going ‘R’ version is closer than ever to the factory race bike. The 1098 R is not a replica - it’s the real deal. An incredible 180 hp L-Twin Testastretta Evoluzione engine in a race-winning Trellis chassis set-up tips the scales at an unbelievably lightweight 165 kg (364 lbs) and comes with a race kit that introduces Ducati Corse’s world championship winning traction control system. Once again, Ducati raises the bar and sets the world standard for sport bikes while turning the heads and racing the hearts of enthusiasts throughout the world. More info on www.ducati.com.

DUCATI DESMO CHALLENGE READY FOR THE 2008 SEASON
Lots of exciting news for the fourth edition of the famous single brand Ducati championship. After a sparkling season with 137 riders signed up and as many as 160 riders taking off at the memorable race in Misano during World Ducati Week, the Ducati Desmo Challenge is preparing for a 2008 season with two great pieces of news. At the Magione (Umbria) circuit in April, the fourth edition of the prestigious Ducati trophy will begin. Only three years after its debut, this competition has become undoubtedly one of the single brand trophies with the highest number of participants. Important News for 2008. There are two exciting things for the next season: the chance to participate in the Supersport class with the new Ducati 848, benefiting from a separate class, and the introduction of a new class appropriately dedicated to the Hypermotard. The participants of the Hypermotard class must have an official racing kit, while all of the 848 models present in the Supersport class must have a complete Termignoni exhaust. Pirelli will be the new partner for the supply and technical assistance for tyres for the 2008 season. More info on www.ducati.com.

NEW MAJOR PARTNERSHIP FOR 2008: DUCATI AND ENEL TOGETHER IN MOTOGP
Ducati and Enel announce their new agreement bringing the top Italian energy group to the MotoGP championship for the first time ever. On the day before the official Ducati MotoGP Team launch, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer and Enel officially entered into a new, top-level partnership agreement. The biggest electric company in Italy, and second listed utility company in Europe by installed capacity, has decided to link its trade mark and corporate image with Ducati, the 2007 MotoGP World Champions famous for their own winning ‘power’. According to the two-year agreement, the Enel brand will be featured on the Desmosedici GP bikes as well as the leathers and helmets of both Ducati MotoGP Team factory riders, the reigning World Champion Casey Stoner from Australia and Italian Marco Melandri, who makes his Ducati debut this year on the Italian four-cylinder machine. More info on www.ducati.com.