Corser takes world Ducati weekend by storm at Misano Adriatico

Troy Corser, together with his Ducati ADVF World Superbike teammate Pierfrancesco Chili, was one of the stars at the World Ducati Weekend, held from 12^th to 14^th June at Misano Adriatico’s Santamonica circuit on the Italian Riviera.

The rally, which attracted a record crowd of Ducati owners from all over the world, was a huge success and a series of events and initiatives kept the numerous spectators happy throughout the three days.

First up was Troy’s attempt on Friday to break the circuit lap record … for mini-motos, as the Australian kept the crowd amused on these entertaining little machines. Ducati owners then had the chance to try out the 4 km circuit on their own road-going bikes.

Saturday was set aside for another episode of the eternal challenge between Formula 1 cars and their two-wheeled equivalents, this time between a Minardi F1 (the Faenza team’s factory is just down the road) driven by Argentina’s Esteban Tuero and a Ducati 916 Superbike ridden by Troy. The Ducati managed to win this one in acceleration. It’s all down to the power-to-weight ratio!

The Aussie then asked to try out the Minardi for size (not in anger however!), sliding into the cockpit for a feel of the controls and was so impressed that he and Minardi fixed up a real test for later in the year. Watch this space for further details!

The Ducati factory riders then thrilled the crowds with a couple of hours practice on the track, getting in some good early preparation for this weekend’s San Marino Round of the championship, which will see Corser and Chili trying to defend their current 1^st and 2^nd places in the standings.

In the evening it was time for the prize-giving ceremony for the factory riders from top-level Ducati management, as well as an award for the Ducati rider who had travelled the most distance to be at Misano … the winner, together with his bike, was from New Zealand! Congratulations … and hope the return trip goes well!

The World Ducati Weekend concluded on Sunday with a trip for everyone to the Ducati factory at Borgo Panigale, Bologna, just a quick blast up the A14 motorway and then into the main square for a Simple Minds concert. Alive and kicking!