Shell and Ducati in MotoGP
Shell brings you all the essential MotoGP information - the history, this season's races and the Ducati Desmosedici GP bike.
Shell’s involvement in the MotoGP World Championship
MotoGP is the premier motorcycle racing championship in the world: an 18-race series that will visit 14 countries on four continents this season, with pan-global television coverage. The world’s most skilled riders line up on the grid armed with cutting-edge motorcycle technology and prototype machinery.
Established as a world championship by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) in 1949, MotoGP is now into its 67th year. It is the oldest motorsport championship in the world and is steeped in a rich history with events that have taken place in every corner of the world.
The 2017 MotoGP season sees three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo join Andrea Dovizioso at Ducati Corse as one of their two factory riders, with high hopes that he’ll bring his winning pedigree to an already successful team. This year, the partnership also celebrates its 10-year milestone since the clean sweep of the 2007 World MotoGP Riders’, Teams’ and Constructors’ Championships with Casey Stoner.
On top of providing bespoke Shell Advance motorcycle oils and Shell V-Power fuel for the Ducati factory team’s Desmosedici GP17s, Shell also extends their support to Ducati supported team Pramac Racing and their riders Scott Redding and Danilo Petrucci.
Meet the team
Andrea Dovizioso
Job Title: Rider, Ducati Team factory rider in MotoGP
Born on: March 23, 1986 in Forlimpopoli, Italy
Racing debut: Began on minibikes whilst only young, racing on both asphalt and dirt – winning mini road racing titles in 1997 and 1998 by the time he was age 12. Andrea moved up to 125cc machines in 2000, taking the Aprilia Challenge crown in his debut season.
MotoGP debut: Andrea moved up to MotoGP in 2008, finishing fifth overall and achieving his first podium at Sepang in his debut season.
Move to Ducati: Moved from Tech3 Yamaha to Ducati in 2013, replacing Valentino Rossi in the factory team. 2017 will be his 5th consecutive season as a rider in the Ducati Team.
Other Titles: Won the European 125cc title in 2001 and the 125cc World Championship in 2004.
