Pirelli and Ducati have strengthened their longstanding partnership, announcing an agreement to fit all models with Pirelli motorcycle tyres beginning from 1 January 2010.

The agreement between these two brands appropriately confirms an existing collaboration which began years ago with Pirelli developing dedicated solutions for Ducati models and the support of marketing initiatives like the Ducati Desmo Challenge. Consumers and dealers alike will benefit from one unique tyre range and a closer connection between the brands’ existing communities.

Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, commented: “We can only be very happy and proud of this partnership. It is not only a commercial agreement but a constructive collaboration between two important Italian companies. Pirelli and Ducati are two examples of Italian industrial excellence that, in terms of innovation, productivity and competence, demonstrate their winning spirit in both the sporting and business areas. A partnership such as this, the latest in a line of important collaborations with selected suppliers, allows us to contribute to the development of our bikes, in terms of both performance and safety.”

At the recent EICMA show, Pirelli opened a “Fuori Salone” at its PZero Showroom to present the new top-of-range hypersport and track day tyre, the Diablo Rosso Corsa, dedicated to motorcyclists with a sporty riding style who use their bikes on the road and track. This new tyre will be immediately fitted to the 2010 Monster 1100S.

The main highlight of Ducati’s presence at EICMA, the new 2010 Multistrada, will come equipped with the Pirelli Scorpion Trail enduro street tyre with new 120/70ZR17 front and 190/55ZR17 rear, the latter being a first for the enduro segment since the size is typically reserved for hypersport tyres. The new Hypermotard EVO SP will be fitted with the Diablo Supercorsa SP, originally developed for the 1098R, while the base model of the Hypermotard will use the Diablo Rosso.

Guglielmo Fiocchi, Managing Director of the Moto Business Unit of Pirelli Tyre, added “Pirelli’s original equipment program is a key component which drives product development and adds value to our leadership in the motorcycle world. Ducati is a natural partner for us and we are thrilled to maintain a longstanding partnership between our two Italian companies.”

Pirelli Motorcycle tyres are Imported and Distributed in Australia by Link International.