In 1956 Ducati took one of its first major steps into racing. The Gran Sport 125, nicknamed “Marianna”, was created by engineer Fabio Taglioni and represents one of the first Ducati bikes with a true sporting soul. Light and agile, it quickly achieved success in the Motogiro d’Italia and the Milan–Taranto. More than a winning bike, the Marianna marks the beginning of Ducati DNA: technical innovation and racing spirit.  

In 1972 Ducati wrote one of the most epic chapters in its sporting history. The 750 Imola Desmo was built to take on the demanding “200 Miles of Imola” and, with Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, achieved a historic one-two finish that captured global attention. It highlighted the value of Desmodromic valve control on large-displacement engines and definitively established Ducati’s identity of character, technology, and racing ambition. Imola was not just a victory—it was the moment Ducati became an international icon.  

In 1978 Ducati entered motorcycling legend. Riding the 900 TT, Mike Hailwood returned to competition at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy after more than eleven years and claimed a historic victory. Developed by the NCR team, the bike combined power and solidity into a true racing machine, becoming the protagonist of one of the most memorable achievements in motor sport history.  

At the end of the 1980s a technical turning point arrived. The Ducati 851 introduced the Desmoquattro four-valve, liquid-cooled engine with electronic fuel injection, marking a new era for Superbikes. In 1990, Raymond Roche won the Superbike World Championship, becoming the starting point of Ducati’s Superbike dynasty.  

In 1994 a bike destined to become legend arrived: Ducati 916. Iconic lines, perfect proportions, high-mounted exhaust, and meticulous engineering immediately made it an absolute benchmark on track and on the road. With the 916, Ducati united aesthetics and performance like never before, through its trellis frame, L-twin engine, and razor-sharp chassis. More than a Superbike, it became a symbol of Ducati style and engineering.   

2007 was a historic year for Ducati. With the Desmosedici GP07, Casey Stoner won the MotoGP World Championship, bringing Ducati to the top of the premier class for the first time. Race-derived technology, a V4 engine, and extraordinary performance made this bike one of the most iconic in Ducati history.  

In 2022 Ducati returned to winning the MotoGP World Championship. Francesco Bagnaia claimed the riders’ title with the Desmosedici GP22, a bike representing the evolution of technology developed on the track. Sophisticated aerodynamics, advanced electronics, and benchmark performance defined it.  

In 2023 Álvaro Bautista won the Superbike World Championship for the second consecutive year with the Panigale V4 R of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team. This bike represents the most extreme expression of Ducati production-derived Superbikes. With this victory, Ducati also secured its 19th WorldSBK Manufacturer’s Title.   

These bikes tell some of the most important milestones in Ducati’s history. From the Marianna to the Desmosedici, it is a journey spanning almost a century, made of racing, innovation, and passion. The story continues, with bikes that are already writing the next chapter.