Ducati ready for home race

From Marlboro Ducati

The Ducati Marlboro Team is preparing itself for one of the most popular events of the season for the teams, riders and fans this weekend, as the Grand Prix of Italy takes place at the Mugello circuit, located less than 90km from the factory's headquarters in Borgo Panigale.

As has become tradition the factory's red army of fans will again gather in the Ducati grandstand at the Correntaio corner for both qualifying and the race, with 3,000 of them giving their passionate support to both Casey Stoner and Marco Melandri.

Melandri took 250cc victory in 2002, having finished second in the 125cc race in '98 and '99, whilst Stoner took his maiden career pole in the 125cc class in 2003. He also finished second in the 250cc race in 2004 and just missed out on a MotoGP podium last season to fellow Ducati rider Alex Barros.

"It is always a very important occasion that traditionally brings together the Ducatisti and, as always, it will be a great party," said Decati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele del Torchio. "We're expecting to have a Ducati grandstand that is even redder and more passionate than ever. The championship still has a long way to go and we're just as aware of the strength of our rivals as we are of our own ability to fight for victory."

At 5.245km, Mugello is one of the longest circuits on the current MotoGP calendar. It is distinguishable from other fast tracks because of its frequent changes in elevation and the speed of its two chicanes. Measuring some 1141m, the main straight is also one of the longest in the world and at the end of it the riders go from full throttle to full brakes as they drop from around 320km/h to around 100km/h in order to tackle the tight first turn.

The rest of the track is an exciting mix of fast corners, quick direction changes and long bends that make tire choice absolutely crucial.