Alfardan Motorcycles Centre showcases Ducati

Ducati Motor Holding is the globe's first motorcycle manufacturer to produce a replica MOTOGP motorcycle

Alfardan Motorcycles Centre today unveiled Ducati Desmosedici 16 RR, the world's first ever road-going replica MotoGP motorcycle crowning Ducati's ultimate motorcycle's experience and demonstrating the group's visionary leadership and premium brands.

The unveiling took place at Alfardan Motorcycles Centre Khalifa Showroom under showers of appraisals and excitement.

Alfardan Automobiles was named the exclusive importer for Ducati in Qatar on March 1st, 2006 portraying the symbiotic embodiment of the company's focus on premium lifestyle products and the brand's prestigious motorcycle and racing legacy.

Alfardan Motorcycles Centre was initiated in November 2006 following a stupendous growth rate in motorcycles' demand and established, in record time, two state-of-the-art showrooms located on Suhaim Bin Hamad Street and in Madinat Khalifa featuring a range of the most coveted motorcycle's names.

Mr. Omar Alfardan, President of Alfardan Automobiles said: "We are here today to demonstrate our commitment to align Qatar with international records and we are proud to work alongside Ducati to achieve that. We consider outstanding customer experiences, services and products as the cornerstones of our success encouraging us to be fully committed to dedicate superior efforts that exceed all expectations."

Ducati's Desmosedici 16 RR is a masterpiece stemming directly out of Ducati's longstanding experience and expertise in MotoGP. Desmosedici 16 RR is derived from the Ducati Corse Grand Prix racing Desmosedici GP6 with which Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau competed in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship.

Mr. Luca Pierotti, Ducati Motor Holding Area Export Manager commented: "This is, indeed, another landmark occasion to mark our successful partnership with Alfardan Motorcycles Centre, who has proved, continuously, to be the pioneer of the industry. In locating partners, we always look for leaders whose vision, spirit and commitment are in line with our corporate values. Being among the first to showcase such a grand and memorable breakthrough underlines the stature and passion of a company that's on the constant lookout for innovative horizons to align itself and the community it operates in with world's standards."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Roy Burt, Chief Operating Officer Alfardan Automobiles said: "Today is, indeed, a momentous milestone for both companies. Over the past 18 months, we have been delighted with the Ducati business. Its growth has even exceeded our high expectations and we are very proud to be associated with a brand of their calibre."

World Ducati Week of May 2004 saw the beginning of this journey that Ducati embarked on to develop the Desmosedici Racing Replica. Desmosedici 16 RR, destined to celebrate race category of maximum engine size (1000 cc), made its debut on track at Misano circuit tested by MotoGP 2007 World Champion Casey Stoner, Loris Capirossi and Vittoriano Guareschi -official Ducati tester.

Mr. Robert Zarzour, Director of Motorcycles and Lifestyles, Alfardan Motorcycles Centre said: "This is another remarkable achievement for Ducati and Alfardan Motorcycles Centre. Our partnership with Ducati is a testament to our successful joint efforts in bringing forth premium products and services. Our brands have witnessed an unprecedented growth and we pride ourselves on the innumerable achievements and contributions to the Sports industry."

The 200 Hp limited edition Desmosedici 16 RR is a privilege only a lucky few can own with 1500 units produced worldwide, at the heart of which beats the 989cc L-four Desmodromic engine. The 16 RR is the first street bike on which MotoGP technology and performance criteria are applied. With special headlights, mirrors and plate support, this outstanding motorcycle is only 20kg heavier than a real MotoGP motorcycle and reaches an exhilarating speed of 300 km/hour.

An exemplar for superlative performance, components and style, the Desmosedici 16 RR lives up to the philosophy of the Desmosedici concept where perfect harmony prevails between the machine and the rider.