Ducati India, in association with Shell Lubricant’s India conducted the first-ever Shell Ducati Rider’s Day at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida. The event gave Ducati owners a chance to explore the potential of their machines (well, except for the Scrambler range) in an exclusive open track day. Additionally, customers also got a chance to participate in the Ducati Road Academy where Ducati-DRE-certified instructors taught owners the basics of riding a motorcycle, thereby helping riders improve their skills. Some of the sessions during the Ducati Road Academy involved riding a slalom course to understand the idea behind counter-steering. In all, over 100 Ducati owners attended the Track Day and the Road Academy.
Those present at the Shell Ducati Riders’ Day were also in for a treat, as the MotoGP factory Ducati rider, Andrea Dovizioso, attended the event and interacted with those present. The Italian spoke about his journey to MotoGP, the challenges that he faced in the process and what it takes to remain consistent at the top echelon of motorcycle racing. He also spoke about his Desmosedici GP 19 and considered himself to be very lucky to get to ride what is one of the most advanced prototype motorcycles in the world. Andrea Dovizioso currently stands second in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship standings. He was accompanied by Paolo Ciabatti, Sporting Director at Ducati Corse, who was impressed with the enormity of the Buddh International Circuit and the top-grade facilities available at India’s premier race track. He also added that circuit is the ideal place to hold a MotoGP race in India, sometime in the future. This, of course is subject to Dorna’s (official MotoGP commercial rights holder) interest in conducting a race in India, as well as that of India’s motorsport governing body – the FMSCI
Shell lubricants, a long-standing partner with Ducati since 1999, showcased a special, limited-edition Shell Advance engine oil promo pack. 25 lucky Shell Advance customers also got a chance to attend the event.
Ducati India also took this opportunity to introduce its official team for the upcoming superbike race at the BIC. Multiple-championship winner Rajini Krishnan and his teammate Dilip Lalwani will officially represent Ducati India at the races, astride their Ducati Panigale V4s.