The results obtained by Ducati in 2003, on their debut in the MotoGP category, amazed the entire world. A podium finish in the first race, pole position in the third, second place in the fifth race and a win after just six races. At the end of the season, the Ducati MotoGP Team had accumulated one win, two second places, six third places and three pole positions.

Thanks to these superb results, Ducati finished second in the Constructors’ standings and fourth and sixth in the Riders’ championship with Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss respectively.

The results were achieved with a totally new prototype bike, the Desmosedici, which took to the track for the first time just a few months before the start of the championship. The result of a project developed entirely within Ducati Corse, the Desmosedici on numerous occasions achieved the highest top speed on the track, demonstrating a power output that many people consider to be at the top of the category.

Now in 2004 the Ducati MotoGP Team is expected to be amongst the outright contenders, capable of fighting for the podium in every race with both its riders.