Unveiling the Legacy: Ducati's Centennial Celebration and the New Livery
The iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati, is gearing up for a monumental year as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The celebration is marked by a stunning new livery, a design that pays homage to the brand's rich history and its journey towards the next century. The unveiling took place in the picturesque setting of Madonna di Campiglio, a town nestled in the Dolomite Mountains, where the Ducati Lenovo Team presented their new bikes for the 2026 season.
The Desmosedici GP bikes, ridden by Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia, were the stars of the show. The bikes feature a striking new matte Rosso Centenario livery, a nod to Ducati's early days in the 1940s and 1950s. This design is inspired by the red of the Ducati 60 (1949), the first complete motorcycle that marked Ducati's entry into the world of motorcycle manufacturing, and the Gran Sport "Marianna" (1955), the first Ducati designed for racing by engineer Fabio Taglioni.
2026 is set to be a historic year for Ducati, as it marks the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1926. The team's success in 2025, including 13 overall wins and 99 MotoGP victories, has positioned them for a strong showing in the upcoming season. The new livery is a testament to the brand's evolution and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of motorcycle racing.
The Ducati Lenovo Team's success is largely attributed to the exceptional skills of its riders. Marc Marquez, a seven-time MotoGP champion, is known for his remarkable comebacks and his ability to overcome challenges. Francesco Bagnaia, with two MotoGP titles under his belt, is also a key player, seeking redemption after a challenging 2025 season. Together, they form a formidable duo, ready to take on the challenges of the 2026 season.
Marquez, reflecting on his 2025 season, emphasized the importance of personal growth and overcoming adversity. He stated, '2025 was a pivotal moment in my career, a test of my resilience and determination. I'm not one to dwell on numbers, but 2026 presents a new challenge, and I'm eager to reaffirm my position as a top rider.'
Bagnaia, on the other hand, is focused on building on his success and learning from the past. He said, '2025 was a challenging year, but it taught me invaluable lessons. I'm determined to return to the track with renewed vigor and the new Desmosedici GP. I'm counting the hours until the first test, eager to reunite with the Ducati Lenovo Team and showcase our potential.'
The event was a testament to the strong partnership between Ducati and Lenovo, with the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Claudio Domenicali, and the Ducati Corse General Manager, Luigi Dall'Igna, in attendance. They emphasized the team's commitment to innovation and excellence, highlighting the Desmosedici GP as the pinnacle of their technological vision.
As the MotoGP season approaches, the anticipation is palpable. The first official test is set to take place in Sepang from February 3rd to 5th, and the Ducati Lenovo Team is poised to make a strong showing. With the new livery and the team's exceptional riders, Ducati is ready to celebrate its centennial in style, aiming for new victories and a seventh consecutive manufacturers' title.
