Ducati celebrates GP title in Bologna

Over 30,000 Ducatisti converged on the centre of the firm’s hometown of Bologna to celebrate Casey Stoner’s 2007 MotoGP championship triumph.

The weekend-long celebration was held in the Piazza Maggiore in the centre of Bologna. As well as the Ducati factory and museum being opened for the whole weekend, Italy’s top DJ, DJ Ringo, and TV presenter Gerry Scotti provided entertainment throughout Saturday in the town centre.

Ducati’s CEO welcomed the crowds into the town. “This is a truly fantastic day. A square full of people like this needs no comment, and I don’t think there has ever been a greater demonstration of affection and warmth for Ducati than this. Our clubs and thousands of Ducatisti have travelled from all over the world to be here and to celebrate this incredible world title with us. It is a really great day for Ducati and it helps us feel the love of all of our fans. After a period of 34 years the world MotoGP title has returned to Italy and to ‘motorland’ Bologna.”

Ducati’s world championship racers were invited on stage, including Troy Bayliss, World Superstock champion Niccolo Canepa and Casey’s team mate Loris Capirossi. Stoner himself wasn’t in Italy due to injuries from a crash in testing last Wednesday. MotoGP tester Vittoriano Guasrechi rode his title-winning bike on to the stage in his absence.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Corse told the crowds: “2007 has been a really crazy year and we needed a day like today to celebrate everything” declared Claudio Domenicali.  “I believe that being here, in the heart of the city, all together, the company and its fans, is the best possible way for Ducati, whose driving force is its passion, to celebrate this title”. 

Casey Stoner and Loris Capirossi also received the “Turrita d’argento” award from the city of Bologna for their achievements in the 2007 season.