Maserati nears culmination of centennial celebration with an international gathering.

Three-day drive from Modena to Turin celebrates Maserati’s first Centenary and starts with a prologue in Bologna, by the Fountain of Neptune that inspired the Maserati Trident Badge.

The most eagerly anticipated Maserati event in a year of celebrations is just days away. The unique Maserati Centennial International Gathering marks the culmination of the company’s official Centenary celebrations.

After the prologue in Bologna on Wednesday, 17 September the event will officially start in Modena on Thursday, 18 and conclude in Turin on Saturday 20 September. The three-day event includes an exciting combination of exhibitions and parades, a regularity competition, track practice session, guided tours of the two Maserati factories and a Concours d’Elegance, with cars and collectors from all over the world taking part.

More than 200 Maseratis of all periods, both classic and modern, will be the stars of an unforgettable celebration as they parade through Italian towns along the route. A full complement of road models from the Trident marque’s history will take part including the A6GCS/53, 3500 GT, 5000 GT, Sebring, Mistral, Mexico, examples of the original Ghibli and, Quattroporte, Bora, Indy and Khamsin. The stunning Boomerang prototype will also be in attendance, along with cars from the current model range.

The Gathering will feature cars from across the globe. Current Maserati owners will come from  the United States, China, Korea, Russia, the Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. When it comes to classic cars, there will be representatives from countries as far afield as Australia and, closer to home, Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, France, Germany and Greece, highlighting the international affection for the Maserati brand.

Among the cars participating in the International Centennial Gathering, are vehicles forming a special convoy of Maseratis from China.  After a month-long tour that began in Beijing in mid-August, crossed the whole of Asia, entered Russia at Ekaterinburg, touched Moscow and passed through Minsk, Warsaw, Prague and Munich, the convoy will arrive in Milan on Sunday and then travel on to Modena.

Wednesday, 17 September

The prologue of the Centennial Gathering on Wednesday, 17 September, in Bologna offers participants the chance to visit Maserati’s first premises at Via de’ Pepoli, where Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati opened their first workshop. It is a stone’s throw from Piazza del Nettuno, where they will have a photo-opportunity with their cars by the statue of the god of the seas that inspired the famous choice of badge – the Trident, in red white and blue, the Bologna colours, that went on to become unmistakable on the international motorsports scene. The inspiration to use the iconic emblem came to the only brother not involved in the engineering business, Mario, who was a painter by profession.

Thursday, 18 September

On Thursday the world’s finest Maseratis will officially start the International Gathering by meeting in the centre of Modena, in Piazza Grande, Piazza Mazzini and Via Emilia, before parading in the late afternoon to the factory on Viale Ciro Menotti. It still occupies the historic red brick complex the company moved to in 1939 after the take-over by the Orsi family in 1937, a move made on the understanding that the Maserati brothers would continue to work there for another 10 years.

At the historic headquarters, which for the last decade has also included a modern office building and a futuristic showroom, event participants will take part in a very unusual dinner in the striking setting of the production lines that manufacture Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio and Alfa Romeo 4C. This represents a unique opportunity for participants to dine in the surroundings of a state-of-the-art production facility, which also works in harmony with the manual skills of Maserati’s highly specialised workforce.

The dinner, during which tenors of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation will perform, will offer a unique sensory experience, where the senses of sight, taste and hearing will combine to provide an unforgettable event. It is well known that the bond between the great Modena-born tenor and Maserati was always very strong.

Before this, in the afternoon, participants will visit the outstanding “MASERATI 100 – A Century of Pure Italian Luxury Sports Cars,” exhibition which retraces the brand’s history with some of the most important cars from its past. Housed in the futuristic Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, a few metres from Viale Ciro Menotti, the exhibition will remain open to the public until January 2015. In terms of the historic value of the items on show, this is the biggest international exhibition of Maserati cars ever held and is an opportunity not to be missed for participants in the exclusive Centennial Gathering.

Friday, 19 September

The destination of the gathering’s second stage is linked to the creation of a racing car that was to set a world speed record. On Friday morning participants will drive towards Turin with a break at the San Martino del Lago circuit near Cremona, where the track practice sessions and regularity competition will take place. This is certain to bring out the racing spirit found in every Maserati’s genes, while their familiar comfort will come to the fore during the journey itself.

This leg of the journey pays homage to Baconin Borzacchini and his 16-cylinder Maserati V4, in which the Italian driver set the world record for the flying 10 kilometres, at an average speed of 246.069 km/h, on 28 September 1929 in Cremona. The record was set on a partially unpaved section of straight normal road temporarily closed to the meagre traffic of the time. It is now part of the ordinary road network and open to traffic so Gathering participants will actually get the chance to drive along the route used to set the original record.

Once the activities on the track have been completed, the procession of fine Maseratis will provide a beauty pageant along the streets of Cremona before setting off for Turin, home of the “Avv. Giovanni Agnelli” plant at Grugliasco that produces the new Quattroporte and Ghibli models.

In Turin, the Maseratis will be parked on show in Piazza Castello. In the evening, a gala dinner will be held in the splendid, majestic setting of the Reggia di Venaria palace: a real event within the event!

Saturday, 20 September

The third and final act of the Centennial Gathering will take place on Saturday 20 September; in the morning, the final section of the regularity competition will be held on the climb to the Basilica of Superga. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Grugliasco plant.

The concluding stage of the event, the Concours d’Elegance, will be held in the afternoon. The cars, divided into 10 classes on the basis of year of construction and type, will be showcased in Piazza San Carlo, in the real heart of Turin.

The Concours and regularity competition awards ceremony will mark the event’s farewell to the large number of fans who are certain to attend. Amongst the prizes, some of which will be kept secret until the time of presentation, Maserati has chosen to reward winners with two “Master Maserati” driving courses and an exclusive “Master Italian Lifestyle Experience.”

Ducati announces the brand new Monster 821

• Brand new Monster 821 powered by 112hp water-cooled 821cc Testastretta 11°
• Available also in Dark version, Monster 821 ready for delivery July 2014
• First images of the iconic new naked model underline Ducati’s Bologna roots

Ducati announces the brand new Monster 821, a mid-size entry for the third generation of the iconic naked model and the latest chapter in the Bologna-built motorcycle’s famous story. Underlining Ducati’s strong association to the Bologna region, the company has chosen to release the first images of the new model portrayed in typical Bolognese ambience.

Following the successful unveiling of the new generation Monster 1200 at the Milan International Motorcycle show in November, Ducati now introduces the Monster 821, a mid-size version of the exciting new model and the latest entry to the world of Monster.

Having delivered over 290,000 Monsters since the original concept more than 20 years ago, the essential new model maintains its stylish character using the new chassis and muscular styling of the Monster 1200, designed with premium components fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies.

Powered by the latest edition of Ducati’s highly successful 821 Testastretta 11° engine, the highly accessible new Monster combines 112hp and 65.9ft-lb of torque with an impressively lightweight 179.5kg – 395.7lb (dry weight) overall package. This stylish mix of minimalism and performance paves the way back to the original essence of the Monster concept, where less-is-more and made-in-Italy combine to create a motorcycle lifestyle.

High-spec brakes, excellent suspension and stylish componentry merge with Ducati’s best-yet ergonomics to offer the Italian manufacturer’s most attractive mid-range Monster ever. Super comfortable and with an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

The Monster 821 uses next generation technologies to create an enhanced rider/motorcycle relationship, delivering a high-adrenaline experience while constantly reassuring with the feeling of complete control and ergonomic integration.

Available in UK Ducati Dealerships from July 2014 onwards, the Monster 821 Dark is presented in dark stealth with black frame and black wheels with an SRP of £8,795, while the Monster 821 is dressed in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels or star white silk with red frame and matte red wheels with an SRP of £8995. Both red and white liveries are equipped with colour-matched single-seat covers. The brand new model is also made available to restricted license holders with the specially regulated power versions of 25kw for Switzerland and 35kw for other participating countries.

Warming up for World Ducati Week (WDW)

• Eighth edition of Ducati’s international WDW event to run from 18-20 July at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”
• Ticket pre-sales open for what is expected to be an event record attendance
• Massive three-day program planned for thousands of Ducatisti from all over the world
• Misano, Cattolica and Riccione collaboration takes Ducati party to the Romagna Riviera

With the eighth edition of World Ducati Week fast approaching, preparations along the Romagna Riviera are in full swing to welcome the thousands of motorcycle fans arriving for the most highly anticipated event of the year - World Ducati Week 2014.

Hosted at the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” from 18-20 July, WDW2014 is sure to be an exceptional edition. Full of Ducati “Red Passion”, the event achieved a record attendance of 65,000 Ducatisti in 2012 and now Ducati are working hard to paint the Romagna Riviera “Ducati Red” and break all previous records.

Tickets are now on sale on the wdw.ducati.com dedicated website and will remain available online until 13 July, after which they can be purchased direct at the Misano circuit venue from 17 July.

Two types of tickets offer access for single or all three days of WDW2014, with both tickets sub-categorised into “motorcyclist pass” (rider + motorcycle) and “passenger/visitor pass” (participants without motorcycle). Ticket entrance to the Misano circuit complex provides access to all WDW2014 activities organised by Ducati. 

Meanwhile, at the Italian brand's headquarters in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, staff are also preparing to welcome thousands of WDW participants to the Ducati Factory and Museum. From 16-21 July the Factory and Museum will remain open to visitors from 09.30-16:00 (17:30 for the Ducati Museum) without prior need to make a booking. Further information on the guided tours and discounted prices for WDW2014 participants can also be found online at the wdw.ducati.com website.

The highly successful WDW formula presents a packed program across all three days of the event, including the participation of Ducati Team MotoGP riders, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow in addition to factory test rider, Michele Pirro and Team Pramac riders, Andrea Iannone and Yonny Hernandez. The Ducati Superbike Team factory riders will also be present with Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies alongside Niccolò Canepa (Team Althea Racing) and Leandro Mercado and Ondrej Jezek (Barni Racing Team) who, with Fabio Massei and Alex Schacht (EAB Racing Team), participate in the Superstock 1000 Championship aboard 1199 Panigales.  

To further highlight the participation of the official Ducati Corse teams and riders at the event, look out for the WDW2014 logo displayed in upcoming races upon the Desmosedici race bikes in MotoGP and the helmets of the factory riders in World Superbike.

As this year represents the 20th anniversary of the iconic 916, a long list of legendary riders will join WDW2014 to celebrate the “Birthday of the Ducati 916”. An exhibition dedicated to the iconic model will retrace the evolution of the Ducati Superbike, starting from the 916 masterpiece and leading to the equally iconic work-of-art, the 1199 Panigale Superleggera which, 20 years later, now establishes itself as the latest benchmark of high-performance production motorcycles.

Celebrating the exhibition will be three-times world champion Troy Bayliss, alongside another star who remains part of the Ducati family as brand ambassador, Spanish rider and 2011 World Superbike Champion, Carlos Checa. The legendary Carl Fogarty, who won a spectacular four Superbike World Championships with Ducati, has also confirmed his attendance and will line-up with riders such as double World Superbike Champion, Doug Polen and highly successful riders such as, Piefrancesco Chili and Giancarlo Falappa. This incredible and fast-growing cast of prestigious Ducati Superbike riders will provide a once-in-a-lifetime gathering to complement the priceless exhibition of Ducati Superbikes.

On Saturday, 19 July, the Ducati World Championship riders will also use the Misano start/finish straight as a "Drag Strip" to battle it out in exciting head-to-head eliminators aboard the brand new Diavel Carbon models. Modified for enhanced performance and ready for the highly competitive riders to enter the exciting shoot-out, the WDW2014 Drag Races are sure to be as popular as previous editions.

While track fans will enjoy the open track sessions and the opportunity to test Ducati's latest models, road-oriented WDW-goers can chose form a selection of WDW Tours organised in collaboration with the Republic of San Marino. The tours, which wind through the surrounding countryside and visit some of Italy’s most characteristic locations, include rides to the charismatic and picturesque Republic of San Marino, an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Between action on track and adventure on the road, WDW2014 will also offer the usual packed program of paddock events. The Ducati University will provide a fascinating look behind the company's latest innovations with presentations by Ducati technicians, test riders and engineers, while the traditional and highly requested Ducati Garage Contest, Historic Area and Pit Walks, with autograph sessions dedicated to the MotoGP and World Superbike riders, are back by popular demand.

With the eighth edition of WDW, Ducati has further strengthened its links with partners, institutions and local authorities with a constructive collaboration between the Municipalities of Misano, Cattolica, Riccione and the Republic of San Marino. This partnership enables the famous Italian motorcycle manufacturer to achieve an absolutely unique event that succeeds in capturing the essence of "Made in Italy".

While WDW2014 officially opens at 09:00 on Friday, 18 July at the World Misano Circuit “Marco Simoncelli, the party on the Riviera will actually be kick-started into life the evening before. With the support of the Municipalities of Misano, Cattolica, Riccione, Thursday, 17 July will become the “Notte Rossa”, where bars, restaurants and local pubs situated along the local coastline will welcome Ducatisti with a series of spontaneous events and special offers. With this community connection, WDW2014 will welcome the massive invasion of “Ducatisti” from all corners of the world, innovatively providing "Notte Rossa" details, times and locations via a dedicated mobile app.

On Saturday night the beach food moves to the racetrack when a group of lifeguards from the three supporting towns create the "Rustida" barbecue along the Misano pit lane. Demonstrating their culinary skills, the group will cook for the thousands of Ducati fans hungry for the summer evening excitement of World Ducati Week.

The Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’ is proud to host the WDW again for 2014. This huge Ducati event adds to their already extraordinary sports season, with the Romagnola circuit being one of only six tracks in the world - and the only one in Italy - to host both World Superbike (22 June) and MotoGP (14 September) races.

Partnerships with important brands such as Main Sponsor, Tudor, are key to ensuring the success of the event. A symbol of sport and prestige, the Swiss sports watch company continues its long collaboration with Ducati, taking the role of Official Timing Partner. 

Another strategic partner of the eighth edition of WDW is Italian communications giant, TIM. Already an Official Sponsor of Ducati in both MotoGP and World Superbike, TIM will support the huge levels of phone and media traffic generated at the event by providing its innovative LTE technology on the 4G network.

Famously associated with Ducati and synonymous with performance exhaust systems, the Italian brand, Termignoni, becomes a Main Sponsor of the event for the first time. Termignoni's legendary exhausts will be in both the "operating area”, where - in collaboration with Ducati Service - WDW-goers will be able have the prestigious exhaust systems fitted to their Ducatis, and the Heritage area with displays, services and consultancy available to everyone.

The WDW2014 event will be further enriched by the fundamentally important support of three other important companies: Pirelli, Bosch and Shell. Pirelli will provide a technical tyre change service as well as a live show featuring "tattooed" tyres, while Bosch will support the Ducati Riding Experience during the event with dedicated courses on ABS and other new safety technologies, additionally presenting “Ride the Way”, an innovative App for all motorcyclists. Shell, who recently renewed its technical partnership with Ducati until 2016, will continue to ensure its commitment by presenting the technological excellence in its range of Shell Advance premium lubricating oils.

Premium car manufacturer, Audi, will also be present in the WDW2014 paddock with a display of its prestigious models, providing the dynamic opportunity of a “four-wheeled” experience around the track for WDW participants. As "Official Car Partner" Audi will also provide a selection of top models from the range to support Ducati staff and management during the organisation of the event.