Ducati and Shell Partnership Extended Until At Least 2008 - February 17th 2006

Ducati Corse is proud to announce that its partnership with Shell Advance will extend until at least 2008. The relationship will ensure the development of tailored Shell Advance lubricant and Shell V-Power fuel for the Ducati Corse racing teams. Shell Advance will also continue as the first fill lubricant of every Ducati bike that leaves the factory.

Since 1999 Ducati and Shell have won 6 World Superbike Constructors' and 4 Riders' titles which, together with the first exciting victories in MotoGP, represent the sporting history of this successful collaboration.

Federico Minoli, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A: 'Ducati has a great tradition of success. On the race track, Shell has been a fundamental part of this success enabling our bikes to achieve higher speeds while maintaining excellent reliability. It is for this reason that I welcome the extension to our partnership with Shell and the continuation of Shell Advance as the recommended lubricant for every Ducati around the world.'

Carlo Alberto del Mastro, Shell Advance Global Brand and Sponsorship Manager: 'Shell and Ducati have had a very successful relationship since 1999. We have made great leaps in our Shell Advance lubricant technology as a direct result of the work we have done with Ducati Corse engineers in World Superbikes and MotoGP. So it makes sense, both with our hearts and our heads, to commit to Ducati as we move in to a new technical era of motorcycle development.'

Closer to the road, the agreement means Shell will continue to lubricate every Ducati that leaves the Bologna factory with Shell Advance and power them through the gates with Shell fuels. The combination of development with both the race teams and the road bike designers means that Shell's commitment to motorcycle products will continue and every rider around the globe will be able to get more response from their bike using Shell Advance.