Last month, Ducatisti descended on Misano and Rimini for the biennial World Ducati Week (WDW). The 2026 edition broke all previous records, with more than 118,000 attendees over three days, marking 100 years since Ducati was founded in 1926 as an electronics components manufacturer.
According to Ducati, this was also the most international WDW to date, with visitors from 94 countries. Highlights included the Race of Champions, which featured Ducati’s top riders from global and national GP and Superbike classes, a massive parade of owners, a drone show, custom and special-edition bike displays, music and food – creating an unforgettable celebration.
“World Ducati Week has always been a special occasion, but the Centenary edition exceeded every expectation,” said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO. “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. By the time the head of the parade 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 milestones that have marked these 100 years of Ducati.”
And at Goodwood
Ducati’s centenary also took centre stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed the weekend after WDW. Under the theme “A Century Made of Seconds,” Ducati gathered riders, fans and enthusiasts to celebrate the brand’s journey from its 1926 origins in Bologna. The highlight was a special Goodwood House Balcony Moment on 9 July, featuring Ducati racing icons such as Carl Fogarty, Casey Stoner, Troy Bayliss, Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne, Josh Brookes and Dario Marchetti, as well as current Ducati competitors. Thanks to careful scheduling with the Donington Park WSBK round, stars including Nicolò Bulega, Iker Lecuona, Alvaro Bautista, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Tommy Bridewell and Tarran Mackenzie were able to join the festivities.
‘King’ Carl Fogarty said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in Ducati’s 100-year celebrations. I’m proud to have been part of its incredible history, and it’s part of mine, with four WSBK titles in the saddle of what I believe is its most iconic bike, the 916. Balcony moments are always special, the crowds are fantastic, and it’s amazing to celebrate with the Ducati family.”