Ducati HQ Opening |
 |
 At the end of September Ducati UK officially opened their new purpose built premises within the curtilage of the historic Silverstone Circuit. The new thoroughly modern 8,000 square foot building at the rear of Woodcote corner will not only serve as offices for the historic brand, but act as a warehouse, provide classrooms for dealer training as well as a workshop servicing the press and demonstrator fleets, which will now be taken back in house to strengthen press/journalist relations.Consideration is also being given to opening during major motorcycle track events at the circuit so owners can purchase merchandise directly whilst at the circuit. Obviously the move is a good one and will allow Ducati to make better use of the demonstrator fleet and the historic circuit with some excellent motorcycling roads around increases the reasons for people to visit. A big bonus with the move has been the chance to design the building from the ground up to meet their specific and unique needs and that shows when you look around. As one might expect there was a mercifully quick official opening ceremony hosted by Tim Maccabee, Managing Director of Ducati UK who explained the reasoning for the move to the guests. After which, Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding who had flown in specially and Derek Warwick, President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club who own Silverstone unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion. But, prior to this Ducati (maybe in an effort to get us all there!) had arranged a two hour track session hosted by the excellent California Superbike School to enable most of the range to be thoroughly tested without a speed camera in sight! The sight of a row of Ducati’s from the entire range to choose from was something to behold (without a form to fill in after the safety briefing), just jump on and ride! Initially most headed for the likes of the 848 leaving the slower ones of us with a line-up of Diavel’s and Monsters. However, after the first session the Diavel became harder to get hold of as people realised just how good it is. Personally I did not really want to swap after the first session and it was only on the grounds of research that I headed off onto Monsters and Hypermotards. All I can say is that while the Diavel might not look like a conventional Ducati it certainly goes and handles like one and if you ever get the chance to ride one you must grab it with both hands! The track time was slickly marshalled by the California Superbike staff and as a result everybody had a great time and got the chance to safely study up-close the riding  style of such luminaries as Imola Winner Paul Smart, Michael Rutter, Chris Walker and Scott Smart. Well you did in the few seconds it took them to blast past, but it was generally smiles all round whatever bike you were on and wherever you were positioned on the track!All in all the day was a great success and one of the best ‘office’ openings I have ever been to. Given the fact that Silverstone is currently developing 230 acres to build a technology park, manufacturer brand centres, Business Park and leisure zones as well as hotels, conference and education facilities and a new visitor centre Ducati have clearly made a winning move very early on! Article by Ian Kerr Pictures by Ducati UK Press
|
