Ducati has gone big on customer riding activities in recent years, and they show no signs of easing up in 2018. The Italian brand has upped its game again this year, with a host of top events both here and in their homeland.

For those looking for an excuse to get over to Italy and experience some of the best roads and racetracks known to mankind, the Ducati Riding Experience programme has a bit of something for everyone.

The DRE Safety Academy has two levels and takes place at the Vairano test track. Yes, it involves riding around cones and all kind of other technical drills, but with Ducati test riders Dario Marchetti and Alessandro Valia at the helm, you can be sure to pick up some real expert tips to improve your riding. Ducati provides the bike, a Monster 797 or 821, and can even supply the gear if you want to travel light.

If thrills are more your thing, the DRE Track Academy courses will be right up your strada. All take place at the legendary Mugello MotoGP circuit (and if that isn’t a reason to go, what is?). The ‘Track Warm Up’ course utilises the Panigale 959 and is designed for newcomers, while the ultimate course has you armed with a Panigale V4 and is taught by dudes like Carlos Checa and Marco Melandri. Sure, it costs 2200 Euros, but really… Panigale V4. Mugello. Checa.

Off Road Thrills

For off road fans, Ducati is once again running its DRE Enduro Academy, which provides plenty of off road thrills on a Multistrada 1200 Enduro. With stunning terrain and some excellent tuition, the enduro event is another great way to develop one’s riding skills. Details of all of the Italian based DRE events, including dates and prices, are available at www.dre.ducati.it

UK track days

Closer to home, Ducati UK has announced that it will again host track days at Donington Park and Silverstone. The Silverstone event, which takes place on the full MotoGP circuit, is on May 31, with the Donington date on July 5. Each one costs £199, including breakfast and lunch, for Ducati owners with their own bike, with bikes including the Supersport S, Panigale 959 and Panigale V4 S available to rent from £265 for the day.

This year also see the biennial World Ducati Week taking place at the Misano circuit on the Adriatic coast. Held between July 20-22, WDW is the ultimate party weekend for Ducati and usually features the company’s MotoGP and world superbike stars, as well as the inevitable new model premieres. Well worth putting in the diary.