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2011 MotoGP News
Italians tend to stick together, especially when motorsports are involved. After Valentino Rossi made the switch to Ducati for the 2011 MotoGP season, the Italian / Italian relationship became all the rage.
And now there will be another big Italian name united with the MotoGP combination of Rossi and Ducati, Diesel.
The maker of the famed designer jeans has signed a partnership with the Ducati MotoGP team. The agreement was signed by Renzo Rosso, President and Founder of Diesel, and Gabriele del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Ducati says the two brands, known and loved all over the world, share common roots: creativity and innovation, typical of the "Made in Italy" tradition, distinct factors that have enabled both companies to assert themselves and become true Italian icons all over the world.
In the constant pursuit of excellence, the lifestyle brand and the motorcycle manufacturer have earned international reputations over the years, achieving extraordinary objectives while following unconventional paths.
For 2011 MotoGP Ducati Team livery, the GP11 will feature Diesel’s logo on the bikes of Rossi and Nicky Hayden; the famed Diesel Mohawk head will appear on the bikes’ fairings and tailpieces, and on the sleeves of the race suits and clothing worn by Rossi and Hayden as they compete the premier-class title.

Following this initial phase, the coming months will see these two prestigious brands joining forces in additional projects and initiatives, coordinated on Diesel’s side by Stefano Rosso, Renzo’s son, who is responsible for the brand’s overall strategic alliances.
A passion for MotoGP racing and the Ducati brand are nothing new for Renzo Rosso. The Diesel logo appeared on a desmodromic motorcycle in 1990, when Ducati earned its first World Superbike crown with rider Raymond Roche.


Renzo Rosso says: "I’ve always been a Ducati fan. I’ve been following them during the years and I currently drive a Monster S4R testastretta and a Streetfighter. I am proud of the appreciation that the brand has gained all over the world, both in terms of design and performance.
This season in particular is extraordinary, with the arrival of Valentino Rossi the association between our brands is perfectly in line with our "Only the Brave" philosophy!"

Gabriele del Torchio says: "I’m particularly proud of and pleased with this new partnership, which adds up to other significant collaborations we’ve made heading into this new sporting challenge.
"To be joined by a ‘Made in Italy’ icon like Diesel, and to have the personal support of a superfan like Renzo Rosso, can only bring additional motivation and credibility to the Ducati Marlboro Team and its great MotoGP riders."
