Ducati took its time before shine again in the motorcycle speed world championship. His last success at the end of a MotoGP season dates back to 2007, the year in which Australian Casey Stoner won. The Italian brand ended up regaining its colors in 2022 after the excellent season achieved by Francesco Bagnaiawho is now double reigning champion following his title won in 2023. If the Italian is perhaps no longer as decisive this year, he remains in the fight for a podium currently largely dominated by Jorge Martín. The Spaniard races well with a Ducati but with Pramac Racing. As for the Ducati Lenovo team, it recently extended its agreement with MAN to obtain four new trucks dedicated to transporting the equipment on board each European race.
Until the 2025 season, the German manufacturer will continue to supply the vehicles necessary for the Ducati Lenovo logistics. The team received four trucks MAN TGX 18.520 brand new vehicles which will be used to tow trailers transporting motorcycles, workshop equipment and spare parts. “ This cooperation represents an important collaboration between two strong brands of the Volkswagen Group », reminded Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, in a press release. The new tractors develop 520 horsepower and 2,650 Nm thanks to their 12.8-liter in-line six-cylinder diesel engine. “ Ces features are needed to bring the Ducati Lenovo team in the best possible way on the European circuits of the MotoGP championship », added Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali.
Powerful and comfortable MAN tractors
In addition to their beautiful red color reminiscent of the sports team, we notice that the four trucks have the MAN OptiView system replacing traditional mirrors by cameras. In addition to this safety aspect allowing better vision around the vehicle, the Ducati Lenovo MANs are intended to be particularly comfortable. Leather seats with air suspension, lumbar support, 12.3-inch digital dashboard, beds with slatted bases and even a pull-out refrigerator are all features present in these new TGX 18.520s. The latest adaptations to the engine should also allow reduced fuel consumption.
« I am particularly proud of this delivery, which pays tribute to a world-renowned Italian brand and further strengthens MAN’s image on the Italian market. This partnership represents a new step on the growth path we have embarked on over the past two years and consolidates the cooperation strategy within the Volkswagen Group », Specified Marc Martinez, general manager of MAN Truck & Bus in Italy. The new tractors should be visible from this Sunday 30 June 2024 Dutch MotoGP Grand Prix at the TT Circuit Assen. The Italians Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini will then try to return to victory this season.
