Ducati will begin SportClassic production early, to start in September Surprise preview of the Paul Smart 1000 and Sport 1000 at the Motogiro d’Italia. Ducati gave a surprise preview of two of its three new SportClassic motorcycles at the Motogiro d’Italia opening. This unique 70’s-inspired range of Ducati motorcycles reflects the beauty, timeless style and sporting roots of the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer. Ducati has borrowed the best style features of the past and combined them with the latest technology and engineering. There could be no better backdrop than the Motogiro d’Italia for this first public appearance. The honour of riding the first two examples was reserved, of course, for Federico Minoli, Ducati President and CEO, and Gianluigi Mengoli, President of the Fondazione Ducati. They are key figures in corporate Ducati, but more importantly, they are motorcycle enthusiasts riding in this tough historic and legendary competition. The Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition pays homage to the legendary Ducati 750 Imola Racer and its rider, Paul Smart, that together won the now famous 1972 Imola 200 mile race. Fans will be pleasantly surprised to discover that production will begin in September, well before the publicized schedule. The appearance at the MotoGiro is also the first time the public will see the production sea green frame and silver bodywork as inspired by the 1974 Ducati 750SS. Alongside the tribute to Paul Smart will be the Sport 1000, which stands out in its bold yellow paint scheme reminding us of the 1973 750 SuperSport. A “café racer,” with aggressive but nevertheless essential lines, the Sport 1000 is destined to become a cult object that combines modern performance with vintage charm. The enthusiasm and focus that the public has shown since the Tokyo 2003 Show debut, have encouraged Ducati to schedule launches earlier than anticipated and to preview two of these three “jewels” ahead of time. The production dates of the bikes have been announced and the Paul Smart 1000 Limited Edition will start in September 2005, with the Sport 1000 hot on its heels in October 2005, six months ahead of schedule. The GT 1000 will also be produced early, beginning in spring 2006. Right after the Motogiro “show circuit,” the two mature SportClassic prototypes will head back to Bologna to complete trials for their official worldwide road launch, as testimonials of Ducati tradition, innovation, style and design. Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and the new SportClassic. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com.