Ducati fuels motorsport innovation with NetApp

Behind every split-second decision on the MotoGP circuit and every precision-engineered bike rolling off the production line lies something equally thrilling: a unified data infrastructure that transforms raw information into racing dominance and consumer excellence.

By partnering with NetApp, Ducati has built more than just motorcycles—they’ve engineered a seamless pipeline that channels cutting-edge innovations from the world’s most demanding racetrack directly to the bikes enthusiasts ride every day.

Ducati’s competitive edge stems from relentless innovation and legendary Italian craftsmanship. From launching the first motorcycle Traction Control system in 2008 to introducing radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control in 2020, Ducati consistently redefines what’s possible in motorcycling. With over 48,000 motorcycles produced annually, success isn't just about handcrafted excellence—it’s powered by precision engineering that has made them MotoGP Constructors' World Champion for six consecutive years.

Modern racing presents a unique challenge: transforming massive volumes of data into competitive advantage faster than your rivals. Every MotoGP weekend generates gigabytes of information from multiple sources, and Ducati needed to turn this data explosion from a liability into its secret weapon.

Each Ducati race bike carries over 50 advanced sensors that continuously monitor critical performance metrics: 

• Speed and acceleration sensors track velocity changes and G-forces
• Lean angle monitors measure cornering dynamics with millimeter precision
• Brake force sensors monitor stopping power and heat distribution
• Engine performance instruments capture RPM, temperature, and fuel consumption
• Tire grip sensors analyze contact patch pressure and slip rates
• Suspension sensors measure compression, rebound, and rider input

Beyond the bikes themselves, additional data streams from weather stations, track surface conditions, simulation models, and factory testing create an information ecosystem that demands real-time processing and analysis.

The challenge wasn’t just collecting this data—it was consolidating, transferring, and analyzing terabytes of information fast enough to make race-winning decisions between sessions.

NetApp’s unified, high-speed data management backbone became the foundation of Ducati’s “race to road” innovation pipeline. This streamlined infrastructure enables seamless data flow from trackside engineers to the factory in Borgo Panigale—and ultimately to consumer motorcycles.

Unified data consolidation: NetApp^® ONTAP^® software eliminates data silos by consolidating information from every source—race bikes, simulations, factory systems—into a single, intelligent infrastructure. This enables rapid analysis, transforming raw telemetry into actionable insights that optimize both bike settings and rider performance.

AI-powered predictive analytics: The high-performance platform supports advanced predictive models that help engineers anticipate track conditions and fine-tune motorcycle settings for maximum speed and rider confidence. This approach allows Ducati to stay ahead of competitors by making informed decisions faster than ever before.

NetApp’s partnership with Ducati delivers measurable results across every aspect of their operation:

Accelerated innovation pipeline: The seamless flow ensures that breakthrough technologies developed for MotoGP racing—from advanced traction control algorithms to predictive maintenance systems—integrate rapidly into consumer motorcycles. Every lesson learned at 200+ mph becomes available to riders worldwide.

Enhanced competitive edge: Superior data infrastructure enables faster analysis, more efficient data transfer, and more accurate simulations. This agility directly contributes to Ducati’s consistent success in MotoGP and reinforces its position as the sport’s technological benchmark.

Safer, smarter riding experience: Consumer motorcycles benefit directly from race-proven innovations in electronics, safety systems, and performance optimization. Technologies like cornering ABS, wheelie control, and engine mapping, which originated on the racetrack, now enhance every Ducati road bike, ensuring customers experience the same precision engineering that wins championships.

Continuous innovation sets Ducati apart from every other manufacturer. Its commitment to pushing technological boundaries—from developing the revolutionary V4 Granturismo engine to entering motocross racing with the new Desmo450 MX—demonstrates how data-driven innovation creates new paradigms that elevate sportiness toward fresh horizons of versatility and reliability.

The partnership between Ducati and NetApp continues to evolve, driven by a shared vision of pushing performance limits. For Ducati, success means one thing: building the fastest motorcycle possible. The continuous evolution of technology—and the data management infrastructure behind it—remains central to that goal.

As the technological landscape advances, the role of information becomes increasingly critical. Ducati leverages AI and advanced analytics to explore new ways of optimizing performance, enhancing safety, and delivering unparalleled riding experiences. With an intelligent data infrastructure, Ducati is not just winning races today, it’s building the foundation for tomorrow’s motorcycles.

The emotional connection: where data meets passion 

Here’s what makes this partnership truly special: every data point collected, every algorithm refined, and every predictive model deployed ultimately serves one purpose—enhancing the emotional connection between rider and machine. The split-second decisions made possible by NetApp’s infrastructure don’t just win races; they create moments of pure exhilaration for riders around the world.

Whether you’re leaning into a corner on a Sunday morning ride or accelerating out of a turn on the track, this is how the legendary Ducati spirit thrives. 

With an advanced infrastructure, Ducati proves that when passion meets precision, the result is pure emotion on two wheels.

Explore the partnership.