Riding with giants: Experiencing Ducati's new DRE in the UK

A splinter of scarlet splits the greyscale of the Silverstone scenery, the ‘Lenovo’ logo across the back of his
kangaroo-skin leathers my only focal point.

“Do not look through the corner, for now you are not riding for yourself. You must keep your eyes locked onto my tail. Trust me.”

Who was I to ignore direction from the man credited as helping return Ducati back to winning ways in MotoGP? I make the leap of faith and barrel in…

Factory MotoGP test rider, Michele Pirro is just one of the star instructors on hand today, as Ducati bring their acclaimed Ducati Riding Experience programme to UK shores for the first time.

A huge success in Italy where it’s been running for the past 20 years, the DRE comprises a package of training courses with a difference – the difference being a sprinkling of Ducati panache, passion and performance.

Across tarmac, track and trail, using relevant models from the firm’s line-up, the DRE programme takes riders from fast laps of Mugello to conquering dirt roads in Tuscany.

There are even road-based skills sessions for novices that take place in the paddock at Modena, and a new adventure touring session in Thailand later this year.

The overarching aim is to give all riders, regardless of experience level, high-quality tuition as well as exposing them to Ducati’s model range – and brand ethos…