Ducati will celebrate its 100th anniversary at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a special ‘balcony moment’ bringing together some of the most successful riders in the Italian firm’s racing history.
The Festival of Speed runs from Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12, with the Ducati celebration taking place on the opening day. Over the years, the balcony of Goodwood House has hosted some of motorsport’s biggest names, and Ducati’s centenary will now be marked in a similar fashion.
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Set to appear are Carl Fogarty, Troy Bayliss, Casey Stoner, Dario Marchetti, Michael Rutter, Josh Brookes and Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne. They will be joined by current World Superbike riders Nicolò Bulega and Iker Lecuona of the Aruba Ducati team, alongside Alvaro Bautista, Tarran Mackenzie and Tommy Bridewell, arriving directly from WSBK action at Donington Park.
Away from the balcony, visitors will also be able to see Ducati’s ‘Collezione 100’ display in the paddock. The collection comprises 10 special liveries, each limited to 100 numbered units worldwide, drawing inspiration from significant moments in the firm’s competition history.
Among them is a Panigale V4 S 100 finished in colours referencing the machine that won the inaugural 200 Miglia di Imola in 1972, ridden by Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari. There is also a Diavel V4 RS 100 paying tribute to the 1979 900 Replica, itself linked to Mike Hailwood’s victory at the 1978 Isle of Man TT.
“This will be a remarkable moment in the history of Ducati,” said Fabrizio Cazzoli, Ducati UK Managing Director. “Shaping motorcycle culture, on and off road and track, has always been our role.
“On 9 July, we’ll be celebrating Ducati sporting DNA, talking about the most successful manufacturer achievements in the history of the Superbike World Championship, and we’ll celebrate Ducati product excellence and history with the exclusive Collezione 100.”
The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Festival of Speed, added: “Ducati is, quite simply, the most charismatic motorcycle brand in the world.
“It’s a little-known fact, but the first vehicle up the Goodwood Hill when we were planning the inaugural Festival of Speed in 1993 wasn’t a car, it was my own Ducati 888, a bike I still own to this day. It will be fantastic to have so many legendary bikes and riders joining us at this year’s Festival of Speed, as we celebrate Ducati’s centenary.”
Ducati’s centenary celebration continues a run of high-profile motorcycle moments at Goodwood in recent years.
In 2024, the Festival marked 75 years of Grand Prix racing , with MotoGP machinery and world champions taking to the 1.16-mile hill climb. Riders including Kenny Roberts Snr and Jnr, Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner tackled the course.
More recently, the 2025 event shone a spotlight on the ‘Golden Era of WorldSBK’ , with Carl Fogarty honoured in his own balcony moment. Period Ducati race bikes, including the legendary 916 and its later 996 evolution, were fired up and joined by rival machinery from Honda and others, drawing large crowds throughout the four-day even t.
Barry Sheene’s legacy will also be marked in 2026 with a dedicated on‑track tribute as part of the 50th anniversary of his first 500cc world title. Ten Grand Prix bikes from across his career are set to take on the 1.16‑mile Goodwood hillclimb, with riders including his son Freddie Sheene involved in the celebrations.
Limited Thursday tickets for the 2026 Festival of Speed remain available via the Goodwood website .
Bikes can feel like they play second fiddle at Goodwood sometimes, so it’s great to see two wheels thrust into the spotlight like this. It will be a great opportunity to catch a glimpse of your racing heroes and see the ultra-rare Collezione 100 in one place, too.
Ben Clarke began riding (legally) at 21-years-old when he passed his direct access one month before shipping his Yamaha XT660 R to Miami and embarking on a 13,500-mile tour of the USA and Central America. He's worked at MCN for the last six years, riding everything from super nakeds and superbikes to small-capacity electrics and scooters across several continents. In more recent years, he's worked closely with the bike kit team to bring you all the latest news and reviews about the bike-related products we all use every day.
Lover of V-twins and big singles, partial to a tour.