It’s time to start!

We really are there: there are only a few hours left and, on the weekend of 24–26 April at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, the traffic lights of the first, highly anticipated races of the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy will be extinguished. A project strongly desired by Garage 51 together with its ambassador Michele Pirro, which transforms into reality a clear and ambitious idea: to offer young talents equal opportunities to build a professional path, where the difference is exclusively talent, method and vision.

The championship – divided into six rounds and supported by a total prize pool of 100,000 euros made available by DTO – has already demonstrated its international scope, attracting drivers from all over the world. Eight countries represented: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Israel, India and Canada. A grid that immediately tells the global reach of the project.

The weekend format is built to mark every moment with precision and intensity. It starts on Friday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m. with the first free practice (20 minutes), first contact with the track and with the race pace. In the afternoon, at 14:05, space to Q1. Saturday morning, at 9:00 a.m., Q2 will define the starting line-up, followed by the Pole Position Award Lotus: an award that, round after round, will reward the fastest driver with a watch symbol of precision and performance. Then, the most anticipated moment: the first, historic race, will in fact start on Saturday, April 25 at 17:35, over the distance of 10 laps, the official debut of a new era. To close the weekend will be Race 2, Sunday morning at 9:30, still on ten rounds, with the second direct comparison between the protagonists of the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy. The future is ready to take speed and awareness. And from Misano, he begins his story.

Michele Pirro

Rider & Official Tester Ducati MotoGP
Ambassador V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy

“The debut at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” represents a fundamental moment for the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy. Seeing pilots from all over the world on the grid is confirmation that this project has real value and a clear vision: to create a credible path for young talent. We are talking about a championship designed on a six-race course, with a prize pool of 100,000 euros, but above all based on a principle that for me is central: technical equality. Everyone riding the same bike means taking away every alibi and putting what really matters at the center. Here emerge the pilot, the talent, the ability to adapt and the method. These are the aspects that we want to reward. Misano will be the first concrete step in this path. And I'm sure from here we'll start to see the future take shape."

Luigi Ronzio

Innovation Manager Garage 51
V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy coordinator

“Within the Motor Valley ecosystem, with the World Misano Circuit as its key reference point, Garage 51 represents the gateway to track experiences for Ducati enthusiasts.

From this connection between territory, infrastructure and community, the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy project takes shape, driven by a clear vision: to develop the motorcyclists and riders of the future.

The first race thus becomes a real-world benchmark, where every element contributes in harmony: the circuit defines the context, Garage 51 makes the experience possible, Ducati transfers know-how and identity, while the riders express their potential within an environment that rewards merit and skill.

From a technical standpoint, the choice of the Ducati Panigale V2 as a single base platform proves strategic: a balanced and educational motorcycle that enhances talent, method and interpretation skills.

The international dimension further amplifies the value of the initiative: young riders from different countries recognize this ecosystem as a credible environment in which to grow and compete on equal terms.

This first race marks the tangible beginning of a broader vision: the creation of an integrated ecosystem where territory, infrastructure, brands and expertise converge to support talent along a real development path.”