From a press release:
DUCATI CORSE PRESS INFORMATION
DUCATI AND THE CITY OF BOLOGNA TOGETHER IN THE 2002 WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
This morning, in the courtyard of Bologna City Hall, the Managing Director of Ducati Motor Holding, Carlo di Biagio, presented to Mayor of the City, Giorgio Guazzaloca, the Ducati 998 Factory bike, on which was applied the coat of arms of Bologna City Council.
Left to right: the Mayor of Bologna Giorgio Guazzaloca, Ducati Motor Holding CEO Carlo Di Biagio and Paolo Foschini, City of Bologna Sports Councillor
The aim of the initiative is to underline the close ties between the Borgo Panigale manufacturer and its city.
In 2001 Ducati reached an important landmark in its history: its 75th anniversary.
In this long period Ducati, which has always had its roots in the area, has worked to consolidate its position in the international markets in terms of turnover, product and prestige, and at the same time has become one of the most recognised symbols of ‘Made in Italy’ throughout the world.
Today Ducati is an important industrial reality, one that is at the forefront in its high-performance sportsbike sector and, thanks to its commercial success in the world, has also helped to spread the culture and traditions of its city.
Furthermore Ducati continues to win not only on the international markets, but also on racetracks throughout the world, where the red bikes from Borgo Panigale have dominated the World Superbike Championship, winning 10 Constructors’ and 9 Riders titles in 14 editions.
“It is our wish to create a synergy and implement close ties between our company and the City of Bologna” declared Managing Director Carlo Di Biagio. “The union between industrial and sporting activities and their roots in the territory of Bologna create close ties between us, and for our company they are a source of great pride. The opportunity to bear the coat of arms of the City of Bologna on the fairings of the official Ducati bikes will further strengthen the rapport between the two, in particular due to the original and unique nature of the partnership.”