Countdown to World Ducati Week 2012

Ducati are expecting over 60,000 fans to attend the biennial event and have planned a packed program of events for 2012, including guest appearances, special competitions for classic (Ducati Vintage Contest) and custom (Ducati Garage Contest) machines, a search for the best Ducati band (yes, really!), as well as factory and museum tours at the Bologna headquarters.

Saturday night (June 23) will feature Team Ducati MotoGP riders, Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden. Triple World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss will also be in attendance, holding a round of his Troy Bayliss Academy on the track on Thursday (June 21) as part of a special Ducati Riding Experience in addition to attending many other WDW2012 activities. Current Ducati-powered Superbike riders, including Althea Racing Team's reigning World Champion, Carlos Checa, will also be a part of WDW.

Appropriately qualified enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to pre-book an exclusive test ride aboard the latest Ducati 1199 Panigale, while for racing Ducatisti, WDW2012 will also host a round of the Ducati Desmo Challenge.

So if you want experience all things Ducati at the home of Ducati, clear your calendar, check your passport and get cracking! The dedicated event website - wdw.ducati.com - includes event program information, ticket purchase info and updates on all activities.