Presented at EICMA the V2 Future Champ DUCATI Academy

At EICMA, during the day reserved for industry professionals, Ducati and Garage 51 officially unveiled the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy, an innovative project that marks a new era in the training of young riders.

A comprehensive format combining classroom lessons, pre-season tests, national and international races: a development path designed to discover and support the future stars of motorcycle racing, thanks to the combined experience of Ducati – with over 23 years of DRE programs – and Garage 51, a company recognized for its technical, organizational, and communication expertise in the racing world.

The V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy is a true professional training program that brings together track time, technical preparation, and personal growth. Riders, divided into Under 21 and Over categories, will be supported by a team of Ducati and Garage 51 instructors: professionals who will guide them in riding skills, sporting management, and communication with sponsors and teams, shaping well-rounded and aware athletes.

The series includes participation in seven race weekends, with a prestigious calendar featuring selected rounds of the Italian Speed Championship (CIV) and international events such as the Italian rounds of the WorldSBK Championship, the JuniorGP race in Barcelona, and a dedicated race during the World Ducati Week (WDW) 2026. A program that allows young riders to compete on some of the most iconic and widely followed circuits, within contexts of the highest technical, sporting, and media level.

Leading and inspiring the young talents will be Michele Pirro, official Ducati MotoGP test rider and ten-time Italian champion, who will share his experience and methodology. Alongside him, fitness trainers, instructors, and experienced racing managers will help build a top-level training environment where riders can grow both as athletes and as professionals.

At the end of the championship, riders who stand out for their results and potential will have the opportunity to take part in an official Ducati test on higher-category bikes: a concrete chance to assess their talent and open the doors to their competitive future.

One of the distinctive elements of the format is the Ducati Academy Village, an exclusive and coordinated area where activities, logistics, and training sessions are concentrated. A beating heart designed to encourage sharing, team spirit, and collective growth: a true Ducati and Garage 51 experience hub, where each rider can immerse themselves in the atmosphere and values typical of official programs.

Within the Village, participants will have access to shared pit boxes, hospitality areas, and constant technical support on track, with Ducati and Garage 51 staff managing bike operations and setup.
The format thus guarantees a professional, immersive, and exclusive experience.

Michele Pirro

Official Tester Ducati MotoGP

“Today marks a truly important day for national motorcycling and beyond. Thanks to the commitment of Ducati – the motorcycle manufacturer globally recognized as the most successful of recent years, with an impressive list of achievements including MotoGP, Superbike, Supersport World Titles and numerous national championships – together with Garage 51, the first Academy designed specifically for young riders is taking shape. This initiative will support riders throughout their entire racing journey, with the ultimate goal of discovering tomorrow’s talents, shaping not only champions but true motorcyclists. I am extremely proud of this project, which I consider highly significant and not solely focused on the sporting path, but designed with a broader vision that embraces every aspect of young riders’ professional growth — from technical development to physical preparation and motivational training. We will therefore bring into play all the experience we have gained over years in top-level competition, ensuring an exceptionally high standard of preparation. A true revolution not only for trophy series racing but for the entire motorcycling world: an unprecedented initiative which, developed alongside Ducati, makes me confident about the competitive journey these young riders will undertake with the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy, riding a motorcycle that is fun, high-performing, manageable, and extremely effective as a training platform.".