Bitauto News (May 25 - 26, Zhuhai) The 2024 DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge makes a strong comeback, kicking off the first leg of the 2024 season, consisting of two rounds, at the Zhuhai International Circuit. After fierce competition in rainy conditions, rider No. 24 Guo Jie secured the championship in both rounds with times of 14:24.820 and 14:21.749 respectively, and currently leads the standings with 50 points. The DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge, a brand-exclusive event tailored for Ducati fans, offers participating Ducati owners an unprecedented professional racing experience, highlighting Ducati's focus and importance placed on the Chinese market.

This year's first leg of DCPC has attracted attention from Ducati owners and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country. 16 riders from across the country drove the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss models modified for official races, experiencing professional racing at its best during the two rounds over the weekend. While finishing the races smoothly, they also embodied the sportsmanship of challenging oneself.

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Since Ducati's establishment in 1926, passion and sports have accompanied the brand's development and glory, carrying infinite longing for track competition. Ducati China officially launched the DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge project in 2019. Currently, the event has become an important part of China's racing sports, attracting many Ducati owners who love speed and passion to participate.

The 2024 DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge adopts a system of three legs and six rounds, starting in May and closing in October. The finale will be held at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, aiming to provide Ducati's enthusiastic owners with a series of professional and exciting racing experiences. The event is divided into three different groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C, with annual points calculated separately. The annual champion of each group will receive a special invitation from Ducati Corse to attend the MotoGP event, visit the Ducati GP team, and personally experience the charm of the world's top motorcycle racing.

All participating riders drive the Panigale V2 Bayliss model, specially tuned and optimized by Ducati's professional racing team. The model is equipped with a 955 cc twin-cylinder Superquadro engine, with a maximum power output of 155 hp and a maximum torque of 104 Nm, ensuring strong performance on the track. The Panigale V2 was driven by rider Bulega in the 2023 WorldSSP World Supersport Championship, successfully winning both the rider's world championship and the manufacturer's championship, further verifying its excellent performance in professional racing.

The optimized DCPC official race car has reduced its dry weight to 175 kg, with a top speed reaching 280 km/h and capable of delivering 160 hp. The DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge has received professional technical support and services from top-tier racing teams, including professional race pits and on-site technical teams. Ducati official coaches are responsible for the entire teaching process, and organize pre-race and post-race technical seminars. Riders can choose to participate individually or as a team, and wear Ducati customized racing suits and professional equipment. Meanwhile, the 2024 DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge has also attracted numerous world-class brand official sponsors and partners, providing solid guarantees in performance and safety.

The continuous rainfall in Zhuhai caused standing water on the track surface, and the slippery road surface brought greater tests to the riders. After comprehensive analysis of weather and track conditions, the technical management team decided that all race cars would use Pirelli wet tires. The entire event was highly challenging starting from the qualifying session, as every participating rider did their utmost on the track with full sprint efforts.

During the exceptionally intense competition process, riders demonstrated superb riding skills and fearless competitive spirit. Finally, after qualifying and each of the first and second rounds of 8 laps, rider No. 24 Guo Jie ultimately won the champion trophy in both rounds, ranking first on the standings with 50 points. Rider No. 49 Fu Yisheng ranked second on the standings with 36 points, while No. 37 Yu Xiaochen with 33 points took third place. The successful conclusion of the first leg laid a good foundation for this season's DCPC events.

It is worth mentioning that this event was held simultaneously with the well-known racing event Speed Hero at the Zhuhai International Circuit, further enhancing the attention and influence of DCPC. Ducati utilized its experience and technology in international events to provide participating riders with MotoGP-level racing experiences.

Ducati has always focused on racing on tracks,组建 professional racing teams to participate in major world events such as MotoGP, WorldSBK, and WorldSSP, winning numerous championship honors. Especially in the highest level of motorcycle racing, MotoGP, Ducati has consecutively defended the rider and manufacturer annual world championship titles, confirming Ducati's important position and absolute strength in the motorcycle field.

The return of the DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge not only provided Ducati customers who love racing a chance to challenge themselves and their limits, but also demonstrated Ducati's leadership in motorsports and its commitment to improving the racing culture in the Chinese market. This brand-exclusive event tailored for the Chinese market once again interpreted Ducati's brand spirit of "Style, Refinement, Performance", and contributed to Chinese motorcycle racing culture, reflecting Ducati's long-term commitment to the Chinese market.

The second leg of the 2024 DCPC Ducati China Super Cup Challenge will be held again at the Zhuhai International Circuit from September 7 to 8.

Exclusive Interview Session

Question 1: For Ducati, what does the first return of a single-brand non-professional rider event for over 500cc in China mean?

Joshua: Ducati's mission is to enrich people's lives through the experiences brought by high-end motorcycles. Racing is part of our company's DNA, and this cup race is the best way to promote the essence of Ducati. Ducati has already provided a world of unique experiences, such as: Ducati DRE Road Riding Academy, Track Experience and Motorcycle Travel Academy. DCPC is another complement to the brand essence because it provides a unique track experience for non-professional riders, allowing them to enjoy the passion and excitement of participating in racing themselves.

Question 2: DCPC will head to Asia for the first time this year. What different experience do you think overseas events will bring to riders?

Joshua: Ducati has rich experience in hosting international track events through DRE. We are always seeking to expand exciting experiential activities. This will be the first time DCPC is held outside China. Everyone is excited to race on a landmark track like Sepang International Circuit, which is also the venue for MotoGP. We believe this will be a great place to host the DCPC final.