APRILIA RACING ARRIVES AT THE ROUND ITALIAN FANS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR AS A PROTAGONIST

ALEIX IS SECOND IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS FOUR POINTS BEHIND THE LEADER AND MAVERICK IS READY TO BE PUT TO THE TEST ON ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR TRACKS

APRILIA RACING, FIRST IN THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS, ALSO TAKES THE THIRD RS-GP ON THE TRACK WITH WILD CARD LORENZO SAVADORI

MotoGP 2022’s arrival in Italy coincides with the most exciting time in Aprilia’s history in the World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing premier class. An Aleix in a state of grace, with the outstanding support of the new RS-GP, is headed to Mugello as a great protagonist in the championship where he is lying second, just four points behind the leader, and with the further motivation of what feels like a “home” race.

The weekend on the extraordinary Tuscan track will be Maverick Viñales’ chance to continue his work getting comfortable on the bike, the results of which are beginning to shine through, as is the potential of the Italian-Spanish duo.

Completing the trident will be Lorenzo Savadori who, thanks to his third wild-card appearance of the season, will be taking the third RS-GP onto the track. It will be yet another extremely important moment in the growth of Aprilia’s MotoGP project, thanks to the testing in the race of new development solutions. Thanks in part to this work, all three riders will benefit from a range of technical upgrades, a tangible sign of the great effort the Veneto-based racing department continues to bring to the table.

ALEIX ESPARGARÓ
"In the next two weeks, I’ll have... the two home races! In fact, Mugello and Barcelona represent my two families and that is why these rounds have a particular flavour to them. We have demonstrated that we are fast and that is no exaggeration, but consistency is also what will make the difference this year. There are a lot of strong riders, bikes that are hard to stay ahead of, and every result is the fruit of practically perfect labour. We need to keep it up."

MAVERICK VIÑALES
"With hard work, we are constantly finding the answers we are seeking, even if it isn’t easy. We are all battling at an extraordinary level where the devil is in the details and adapting to a new bike and a new team is no simple thing. But I have faith. The potential of the RS-GP is clear and in some situations I am able to exploit it, whereas we still need to work out a few phases of the weekend to take a definitive step forward."

LORENZO SAVADORI
"Racing in Mugello, a magnificent track, with the support of the fans, will be a great thrill. We’ll continue our work on an experimental bike with the goal of helping Aleix and Maverick in this extremely demanding championship. My wild cards are complementary to the tests. Non-stop development is necessary because we are fast but the competition won’t let us relax!"

• Ducati and Bulgari sign a new partnership based on shared values of lightness, technology, design and passion for beauty
• The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph redefines the standards of luxury sports watches with unconventional materials and exclusive colors
• Produced in a limited series of one thousand pieces, the watch is personalized with the Ducati brand and carries an engraving on the case back

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 19 May 2022 - Ducati and Bulgari announce a new partnership, a collaboration between two Italian icons in their respective worlds who share a common vision of innovation and design, as well as a great passion for beauty.

The collaboration gives birth to the Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph, an elegant sports watch produced in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces that celebrates the union between the jewellery Maison and the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. A combination of excellence, performance and passion.

The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition redefines the standards of what a luxury sports watch can be. The chronograph presents a stunning dial in Ducati red color and three counters with a sporty style inspired by the Ducati rev counter graphics: black background, white indexes, red sphere. The hour markers also refer to the aesthetics of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer.

Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Centro Stile Director: "The collaboration with Bulgari is based on many elements that we have in common, first and foremost the fact that it is another Italian brand for which design is much more than a corporate asset, it is a true raison d'être. The quest for lightness, obsessive attention to detail, the use of fine materials and the creation of a distinctive and immediately recognizable design are the values that have inspired us in this project. Working on this project with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari's Product Creation Executive Director, whom I have known for 15 years, was a way of bringing together our passions: motorbikes and high-end watchmaking."

Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari's Product Creation Executive Director: "I had a great pleasure to visit once again the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale in Italy and exchange with Andrea Ferraresi, discussing the many parallels between motorbikes and watches, our common passion for the beauty of the mechanics and the Italian design approach. For this special collaboration the Bulgari Aluminium model was a natural choice due to its combination of materials, sporty character and iconic look. The red color and the recognizable font that we use for the numerals on the dial are a nod to the captivating universe of Ducati motorbikes."

Made of unconventional materials, the watch features a 40 mm diameter aluminum case with the iconic bezel and bracelet in black rubber, while the crown and chronograph pushers are made of titanium. The chronograph is water-resistant to 100 meters and the mechanical automatic BVL 130 movement, beating inside at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensures tenth-of-a-second accuracy.

The titanium case back, with anti-wear DLC treatment, is personalized with the Ducati brand and production number, to attest to the uniqueness of the limited edition piece. The watch is delivered in a special anodized aluminium case with rubber interior and soft touch finish, bearing the signatures of the two brands Ducati and Bulgari.

For Ducati the collaboration with another Italian brand such as Bulgari is an occasion to celebrate the excellence of Made in Italy. At the same time, this represents an opportunity to offer to passionate Ducatisti experiences and products outside of the motorcycling world that enhance beauty, technology and passion.

The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph is already available for sale in Bulgari stores and with authorized retailers as well as on the brand's website.

The British Motor Museum has plenty of ideas for Father’s Day on Sunday 19 June, whether it’s a special day out or a unique gift that you are looking for. Those visiting the Museum on Father’s Day itself, can enjoy the spectacle of 500 vintage and veteran motorcycles at the annual Vintage Motor Cycle Club's Banbury Run. It’s the biggest gathering of motorcycles and three-wheelers produced before 1931 and makes for a wonderful spectacle.  

Why not treat Dad to an annual Membership at the Museum so he can enjoy admiring over 400 British classic cars and attending all the motoring shows. Membership starts from £42 a year and not only includes free entry to the Museum and its events, but also special Member only events including ‘Museum on the Move’ where you get to ride in a selection of the Museum’s cars. Find out more at britishmotormuseum.co.uk/membership.

If you’re looking for the ideal gift for an owner of a cherished classic car, then take a look at the Heritage Certificate products. Heritage Certificates are the official ‘Certified Copy of a Factory Record’ for a classic car showing the car’s specification as it left the production line. For more information visit britishmotormuseum.co.uk/archive/heritage-certificates. Orders placed by 31 May can be prepared in time for Father’s day.

The Museum’s online shop also stocks a range of gifts from novelty motoring themed items such as ‘Dads Garage’ and ‘Man Cave’ tin signs, to motoring cuff links, hip flasks, mugs, and memorabilia as well as many unique marque products. To find more Father’s Day gift ideas please visit britishmotormuseum.co.uk/shop.

Museum entry is just £40 for a family in advance or £44 on the day, £14.50 for adults in advance or £16 on the day, £12.50 for concessions in advance or £14 on the day, £9 for children (5-16 years) in advance or £10 on the day and under 5s are FREE. There is also the option to Gift Aid or donate your entry fee and get an Annual Pass in return, at no extra cost.

This year, it will not only be about asphalt and rubber for Team Gresini, as the Faenza-based squad officially enters the eSports MotoGP World Championship, an ever-growing ‘reality’ in the last few years. With the goal of further strengthening the already tight bond between the company and the country of Indonesia, the Gresini Racing management has put their faith in Charles Armando Williams Hebingadil, also known as TateeGO, a 23-year-old from Manado City, North Sulawesi.

With the support of a whole nation, TateeGO will tackle five eSports challenges in this year 2022, which starts from Mugello this weekend (Friday 27th). Of five events, two will be on-site including the opening one in Tuscany.

TateeGO begins his world championship journey with an interesting fact. His #46, which will be retired this weekend in the ‘real’ world, will continue to be displayed in the virtual one courtesy of the young Indonesian. The decision on the number has come into place after the agreement with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism: the 46 is indeed the identification code of this institution.

• Four consecutive Ducati Cup wins for David Shoubridge
• Four consecutive second place finishes for Tom Tunstall
• Phillip Atkinson returns to the series and clams two third place finishes

Race 1
David Shoubridge continued his dominant start to the 2022 Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup championship at Donington Park on Saturday with pole position, fastest lap and a third win on the bounce.
The Rich Energy Ducati rider led for the race entirety but could not shake Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts). Tunstall managed to close the gap in the closing laps after Shoubridge started to suffer from arm pump, but had to settle for a strong second place. Rounding out the podium was Phillip Atkinson (Q-Oil Treatments / Unique Motorsport) who makes a welcome return to the Ducati Cup series this year after an absence of over two years.
Max Lofthouse (JDF Racing), Michael Tustin (AH Performance / Breckland Utility Solution) and Mark Bridger (Moto46) completed the top six finishers.
Race 1 video: https://youtu.be/ikx_G-_Mllc

Race 2
Shoubridge returned to the top step of the podium at Donington Park on Sunday, his fourth consecutive Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup win of the 2022 season.
He was joined once again by Tunstall and Atkinson, who finished second and third respectively to repeat their own performances from the previous race.
Tunstall briefly led the race at one point, but Shoubridge was dominant again, and aided by backmarkers in the closing stages, won with a 1.268s advantage. The two riders were in a class of their own, with a further gap of almost 20 seconds over the rest of the field by the end of the 15-lap race.

The fight for third place was an exciting one, with a group of riders jostling for position, but it was Atkinson who showed his form to claim his second podium position of the weekend.
Series newcomer Connor Rossi Thomson (Thompson Haulage / Connor Thomson Racing) scored an excellent fourth place. Lofthouse, Matthew Jones (Dragon Racing) and Tustin took fifth, sixth and seventh respectively, with the trio all within 0.566s of each other as they crossed the finish line.
Race 2 video: https://youtu.be/-41vsegVx3Y

David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati #86) – Race 1 & 2, 1st
“The ‘double double’. I’m over the moon! That race I really had to work for. I actually opened up a bit of a gap, and unlike yesterday, I obviously got off to a really good start and saw a gap appearing and I thought I wasn’t going to let it get away. Saturday it was arm pump that caused it, but I have my old leathers on Sunday and no arm pump whatsoever. So, I thought that was all good. But I tucked the front at the old hairpin, it was my fault I caught the kerb. I had a properly big moment, by far, the biggest save I’ve ever been able to come back from, I can’t believe it. That meant Tom was back on my tail and pushing me all the way to the end. Then the backmarkers came into contention, and today, unlike yesterday, they sort of played into my favour. Brought it home but I actually thought there was one more lap to go so was relieved to see the chequered flag. Well chuffed, done the ‘double double’ and long may it continue.”

Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts #21) – Race 1 & 2, 2nd
“Closer! He obviously got in front in that race, Shouey was pretty loose but still again he kind of held a bit of a gap. I kept the pressure on, and he made a couple of mistakes and got on the back of him and got in front. Just lost a bit of drive and then we were kind of on the back of him really, going into the closing laps. Just didn’t get the backmarkers right. Got one in between us, and then another in the last corner. I’m happy with the result and happy to be getting closer, happy that we’re giving him a run for his money, and we were leading the race. A little bit unhappy that I didn’t get the win. We’re getting closer, I think it’s a matter of time. But we’ll see. Good racing, and good fun.”

Phillip Atkinson (Q-Oil Treatments / Unique Motorsport #7) – Race 1 & 2, 3rd
“It was good. I got involved with a few people that time. Unfortunately, the leaders got away, and I got involved in a battle. It made me work for it that time, even harder, so I need to get to the front guys. But I never expected a double podium for my first time back. I’d just like to say a big thanks to Unique Motorsport, Q-Oil Treatments, and everyone else who’s helped me to get here. Two and half years is a long time, but I’m happy to be back and hopefully I can go another step-up next time.”