Passion, courage, ingenuity—that’s what Ducati stands for. The company was founded in Bologna on July 4, 1926, and last weekend, the brand’s 100th anniversary was celebrated at the Misano World Circuit. EURO MOTO Superbike rider Lukas Tulovic (Triple M Racing Ducati Frankfurt), the national champion, competed in the star-studded “Race of Champions” and crossed the finish line in ninth place after ten laps.
World Ducati Week was a massive party at the World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. At times, they even had to stop letting fans in because the open paddock had turned into complete chaos. The unique showdown between Ducati’s MotoGP and Superbike riders was the absolute highlight of the festivities—and Lukas Tulovic was right in the thick of it.
In the “Race of Champions,” the only German on the starting grid faced off against Ducati greats such as Supersport Nicolò Bulega, who won the race, as well as MotoGP World Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, two-time Superbike World Champion Álvaro Bautista, and Marc Márquez, one of the most successful racers in motorcycle history. The nine-time world champion held back in the exhibition race, however. “He didn’t open the throttle,” Tulo noted immediately. “We all rode identical Ducati V4S Tricolore bikes, except that the world championship riders’ bikes had their own unique designs.”
What did the trip to Italy mean for Tulovic? “I got to meet all the big names. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali and MotoGP Racing Director Gigi Dall’Igna came to see me even before the race. It was an exhibition race, but everyone saw it, and that was important. It was a combination of a showcase and a sporting challenge.”
Tulovic doesn't have much time to reflect on the Centenario anniversary, which has attracted worldwide attention. This coming weekend, he'll be working as an expert commentator for the TV network Sky at the Grand Prix at the Sachsenring.
