At the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello, Ducati once again transforms the racetrack into a canvas of Italian identity—this time, drawing inspiration from one of the most iconic periods in human history: the Renaissance.
For its home race, the Ducati Lenovo Team unveils a striking new livery that pays homage to Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance and just kilometers from the Mugello Circuit. It’s a project born from the collaboration of renowned designer Aldo Drudi and esteemed historian Marcello Simonetta, blending the past and present into a breathtaking visual narrative.
Knights of Speed: Bagnaia and Márquez as Modern Warriors
This year’s livery reimagines Francesco Bagnaia (#63) and Marc Márquez (#93) as modern-day knights—warriors not on horseback, but on the roaring Desmosedici GP machines. These bikes become their “steeds,” merging medieval spirit with modern velocity, wrapped in a livery rich with symbolism and storytelling.
At the heart of the design is a reinterpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Ancient Captain,” a drawing that embodies the Renaissance ideals of balance between intellect and strength. Drudi’s modern take transforms the stoic leader into a dynamic figure, leaning forward in motion—ready to ride into battle.
Emblazoned on the bikes: the lion and the fox, drawn from Machiavelli’s “The Prince”, representing power and cunning—the dual virtues needed to conquer both politics and the racetrack.
A Tribute to Florence, the Cradle of Genius
This isn’t just a design—it’s a story told in metal, fabric, and speed. It begins in Florence, where Ducati’s modern knights wander the halls of the Stibbert Museum, surrounded by Renaissance armor and history. There, tradition is reimagined: their leathers become armor, their helmets like visored helms, the racing gloves echoing gauntlets of old.
The story unfolds in the heart of the city, where the Desmosedici GPs roll into Piazza della Signoria, surrounded by the marble majesty of Michelangelo’s David and the grand silhouette of Palazzo Vecchio. A powerful contrast: 16th-century masterpieces watching over 21st-century speed.
It’s a scene that evokes wonder—a meeting of time, craft, and ingenuity. The hum of precision engineering meets the silence of eternal stone. Ducati’s machines, embodiments of speed and innovation, respectfully coexist with Florence’s timeless beauty.
The Renaissance Spirit in Motion
The Renaissance—an age when art and science walked hand in hand—lives on in Ducati. In the elegant curves of its machines, in the relentless pursuit of perfection, in the union of beauty and engineering. Just as Leonardo merged the disciplines of the mind and hand, Ducati builds motorcycles that are not just fast—but meaningful, expressive, and iconic.
“This project is a dialogue between past and present,” says Ducati, “a tribute to the visionary spirit of the Renaissance, and to the same spirit that drives every Ducati motorcycle: the desire to create something beautiful, powerful, and unforgettable.”
More Than a Livery—A Living Legacy
With its Renaissance livery, Ducati doesn’t just race—it tells a story. One of courage, craft, and creativity. One where every lap at Mugello becomes a brushstroke on a canvas that spans centuries. It’s not simply a nod to history—it’s a continuation of it.
At Mugello, Ducati becomes a rolling work of art. A Renaissance in motion.