Ducati and Garage51 have raised the curtain on the V2 Ducati Future Champ Academy in Milan – a completely new training program that prepares young drivers for the real thing. Not an ordinary brand cup, but a serious learning experience in which riding, training and professional growth go hand in hand.
More than just racing
The Academy should become the entry-level platform for riders who dream of a career in the international road racing circuit. Led by Michele Pirro – Ducati’s regular MotoGP test rider and ten-time Italian champion – and Davide Stirpe, three-time Italian Supersport champion, the participants will learn everything that comes with a professional racing life: from riding technique and physical training to communication with teams, sponsors and media.
There is room for a maximum of thirty riders, divided into two age categories: 16–21 years and over 21. In addition to speed, it is also about discipline, knowledge and teamwork – just like at the top of the sport.
Top level racing calendar
The program consists of seven race weekends and five official test days on international circuits. The Academy follows the CIV calendar, supplemented with international top events such as JuniorGP, WorldSBK and even World Ducati Week 2026.
Calendar V2 Future Champ Academy 2026
April 24–26 – Misano (CIV)
May 8–10 – Mugello (CIV)
May 22–24 – Barcelona (JuniorGP)
June 12–14 – Misano (WorldSBK)
July 3–5 – Misano (World Ducati Week 2026)
July 24–26 – Misano (CIV)
September 17–19 – Cremona (WorldSBK)
Participants also have access to five official test moments, spread throughout the season, during which they can work on driving technique, adjustment and physical preparation under the guidance of the Academy staff.
Your own Panigale V2
Each participant must purchase a Ducati Panigale V2 (model year 2025 or later). Ducati gives a 15 percent discount on the new price, but it is by no means cheap.
Anyone who wants to participate must also purchase the official Garage51 racing kit – price tag €10,000 excluding VAT – with which the Panigale is converted into a full-fledged racing machine.
The kit includes a racing exhaust, adjustable footpegs, CNC-machined triple clamps, ABS elimination kit, custom suspension, final gearing set and a racing fairing in Academy colors. For those who want to take a completely professional approach, there is an optional equipment package of €7,500 (excl. VAT) with extra wheelset, tire warmers, paddock stands and generator trolley.
What you get for your money
The participation costs amount to €49,500 excluding VAT per season, spread over seven installments. Included are:
participation in all races and test days (including entry fee),
technical guidance by Ducati Academy staff,
parts and setup support in the pit box,
access to the Ducati Academy Village with shared logistics,
and a service for consumables such as fuel, tires and brake pads within predetermined limits.
In addition, there is room for a maximum of five wildcards per weekend for drivers who want to participate once.
At the end of the season, the most promising riders will have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive Ducati test on heavier competition machines, intended as a springboard to higher racing classes.
Not a cheap route – but the best
With the mandatory purchase of a motorcycle and racing kit, the investment quickly approaches €70,000 excluding VAT. But according to Ducati, that is the price of ambition: the Academy offers young riders access to top equipment, professional guidance and international experience – in short, everything needed to take the step to the real thing.
Or as Michele Pirro himself says:
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.