Ducati establishes V2 Future Champ Academy: New talent program for young racers with Michele Pirro

Promotion through practice and equal opportunities

The Academy focuses on the Ducati Panigale V2, a modern two-cylinder sports motorcycle from Bologna. Participants compete in the Italian CIV, at World Ducati Week 2026, and in the Superbike World Championship. The format includes a combination of test rides before the start of the season, qualifying rounds, and two races per event. This intensive practical experience is designed to help young riders develop their skills under real competitive conditions.

Technical support from Michele Pirro

Michele Pirro, official Ducati MotoGP test rider, will provide technical support to the participants. His many years of experience and methodical approach will offer guidance to the young riders. Pirro emphasizes that everyone will compete with identical equipment, meaning that talent, commitment, and willingness to learn will be the only factors determining success. This concept is based on equal opportunities and a performance-oriented environment.

Voices from the company management

Francesco Milicia, Vice President of Global Sales and After Sales at Ducati, emphasizes the importance of promoting young talent:
“Ducati’s history is closely linked to racing, and investing in young riders means training the champions of tomorrow. With the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy, we want to provide targeted support to new talent and give them the tools they need to establish themselves in professional racing. Michele Pirro plays a central role in this, as he not only has enormous expertise, but also serves as a role model.”

Meritocratic approach and concrete opportunities for advancement

Pirro himself emphasizes that the Academy specifically focuses on an environment with equal technical conditions:
“Experience is invaluable, and at Ducati I have had the privilege of experiencing excellence firsthand. It is precisely this knowledge that I now want to pass on. At the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy, everyone rides the same motorcycles—the only difference is talent and commitment. The program is a real opportunity for growth and can pave the way to higher racing classes. My goal is for the next world champions for Ducati to come out of this Academy.”

Outlook and further information

Full details of the Academy project will be presented at EICMA 2025. Further information and regular updates will be provided on the official website futurechamp.it.