Ducati's massive World Ducati Week 2012 got under way today with thousands of riders from all over the world arriving at the Italian manufacturer's mega-event at the Misano World Circuit in Misano Adriatico. With advance ticket sales alone standing at over 18,000, the event, which will run from 21-24 June, looks likely to set a new opening day attendance record. Huge numbers of passionate followers rode in as soon as the gates of the Misano Circuit opened, tripping the counter to record over 30% more visitors than the 2010 edition.

With 60% of WDW-goers from Italy, an impressive 40% of international visitors highlights the global power and appeal of the Ducati brand. Ducatisti are expected to flock in from Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and India and as far away as Brazil, China and Malaysia, all united by the common passion for Ducati and motorcycling.

Ducati have taken on a massive logistical challenge to organise such a packed programme for this year's four-day event, with the action taking place at the Misano circuit during the day and in nearby Cattolica, Misano and Riccione by night. Today's track action included Carlos Checa making a surprise test on the 1199 Panigale Superbike, the World Superbike Champion giving valuable feed-back in the brand new model's preparation. In addition, Audi provided WDW-goers the opportunity to passenger the highly desirable R8 LMS and R8 V10 in the capable hands of Audi's professional drivers. On Saturday, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Troy Bayliss, Carlos Checa, Davide Giugliano, Sylvain Guintoli and Jakub Smrz will be at WDW2012 to meet the fans, sign autographs, ride the track and then do battle in the Diavel Drag Race by Tudor along the Misano World Circuit start/finish straight.

Immediately after the Drag Race, WDW2012 "by night" will start on the sea-front stage set-up in Piazzale Roma in nearby Riccione for the massive celebration night. With Ducati Factory riders on stage to warm-up the fans, the Ducati All Stars band, featuring world-famous stars like Steve Jones (Sex Pistols) Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses) Franky Perez (Pusher Jones) Steve Stevens (Billy Idol band), Billy Morrison (The Cult) and Isaac Carpenter (Loaded) will be ready to go full-gas and deliver a magnificent performance.

Ducati have also catered for all those unable to make it to the event covering it live on on the official event website wdw.ducati.com. Providing real-time updates with spectacular photos, videos and interviews with the event's top stars the website also supports Ducati's official Facebook and Twitter accounts.

WDW2012's event Main Partners are Effenbert, Pirelli and Tudor and the event Official Car Partner, Audi. Event Official Partners include Arai, Arrex Curva Rossa, Bellenda, Cartorama, Cantine Ceci, Dainese, Ducati Caffè, "Fight for me Ducati", Nilox, Shell Advance, TIM and Wurth. Ducati's long list of partners are also supported by the valuable contributions of Aci Global, Adecco, Artsofbrands, Fiam, Garelli and SDA.

Partnerships with institutions, organisations and authorities involved in the event provide a valuable contribution to its success. The Province of Rimini, Municipality of Misano, Municipality of Cattolica, Municipality of Riccione, and the Republic of San Marino, in addition to the special relationship and sponsorship of the Spanish Tourist Board, will enable the thousands of fans arriving from all over the world, to help promote its own regions.

The association with the Leardini Group provides a high quality catering service in Adriatic Riviera style, and the Adria Congrex organisational support. The stunning Misano World Circuit, now hosting its seventh World Ducati Week, provides the dream venue for this uniquely thrilling event and the platform on which all these passionate partnerships have been built.

Last minute visitors can purchase WDW2012 tickets at the Misano Circuit ticket office upon arrival.