Ducati launches V2 Future Champ Academy for young racers

Ducati and Garage51 unveil the V2 Future Champ Academy, a Panigale V2-based programme combining racing, technical training, and mentorship to prepare the next generation of motorcycle champions.

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Ducati has unveiled the V2 Ducati Future Champ Academy. It is an all-new training platform built in collaboration with Garage51 to develop the next generation of motorcycle racing talent. Centred around the Panigale V2, the programme blends a one-make racing series with professional mentorship, hands-on technical training, and international exposure.

A Complete Pathway from Rookie to Racer

Designed for riders aged 16 to 21 and an Over 21 category, the Future Champ Academy aims to transform promising talent into complete, race-ready professionals. The format combines on-track competition with classroom sessions, fitness coaching, technical workshops, and guidance on communication, sponsorship, and race management.

Leading the programme is Michele Pirro, ten-time Italian Champion and Ducati MotoGP test rider, alongside Davide Stirpe, triple Italian Supersport Champion. Both lend their expertise to help riders master the Panigale V2 while refining racecraft, data analysis, and mental preparation.

From CIV to World Ducati Week

The 2026 calendar features seven race weekends across Italy and Spain. It integrates rounds of the CIV Championship, JuniorGP, WorldSBK, and World Ducati Week. Riders will compete on world-class circuits like Misano, Mugello, and Barcelona, gaining experience on the same tracks used by top-level championships.

2026 Key Rounds

• Apr 24–26: Misano (CIV)
• May 8–10: Mugello (CIV)
• May 22–24: Barcelona (JuniorGP)
• Jun 12–14: Misano (WorldSBK)
• Jul 3–5: Misano (World Ducati Week 2026)
• Jul 24–26: Misano (CIV)
• Sep 17–19: Cremona (WorldSBK)

Between races, five official tests will allow riders to refine setup and performance with direct guidance from Ducati engineers and Academy staff.

Factory-Level Support and Real-World Skills

Each of the 30 Panigale V2s will be prepared and managed under Ducati supervision. Technicians are present in the pits to provide setup assistance and technical feedback. Participants will also access a dedicated Future Champ Academy Village. It is a shared paddock hub offering coordinated logistics, workspace, and Ducati’s on-site spare parts service.

The full-season participation package costs €49,500 + VAT (approximately RM255,000), covering race entries, technical support, consumables, and official training. Riders must purchase their own Panigale V2 S (MY2025 or later), which comes with a 15% discount, and fit the official Garage51 racing kit (€10,000 + VAT, about RM51,500) featuring upgraded suspension, exhaust, and team livery. Optional professional paddock equipment (€7,500 + VAT, around RM38,600) can be added for a complete race-ready setup.

Building the Future of Ducati Racing

At the season’s end, standout riders will earn a Ducati-organised test on higher-spec competition machinery, helping them chart a path toward national and international championships.

By merging competition with education, the V2 Ducati Future Champ Academy embodies Ducati’s vision for the future of racing. A direct, structured route from young talent to professional athlete, forged through performance, discipline, and Italian engineering excellence.