Ducati rider racing in the motogp

Shell and Ducati in MotoGP

Shell brings you all the essential MotoGP information - the history, this season's races and the Ducati Desmosedici GP bike.

Andrea Dovizioso motorbike on a racetrack

Shell’s involvement in the MotoGP World Championship

MotoGP is the premier motorcycle racing championship in the world: a 19-race series that will visit 15 countries on four continents this season, with pan-global television coverage. The world’s most skilled riders line up on the grid armed with cutting-edge motorcycle technology and prototype machinery.

Established as a world championship by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) in 1949, MotoGP is now into its 68th year. It is the oldest motorsport championship in the world and is steeped in a rich history with events that have taken place in every corner of the world.

The 2018 MotoGP seasons sees three-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo once again partner Andrea Dovizioso at Ducati Corse, with hopes high after a successful 2017 season which saw the team claim six overall victories with Dovizioso finishing runner-up in the riders’ standings.

On top of providing bespoke Shell Advance motorcycle oils and Shell V-Power fuel for the Ducati factory team’s Desmosedici GP18s, Shell also continues its support to Ducati supported team Pramac Racing and its riders Danilo Petrucci and Jack Miller.

Meet the team

Andrea Dovizioso

Andrea Dovizioso

Andrea Dovizioso

Job Title: Rider, Ducati Team factory rider in MotoGP

Born on: March 23, 1986 in Forlimpopoli, Italy

Racing debut: Began on minibikes whilst only young, racing on both asphalt and dirt – winning mini road racing titles in 1997 and 1998 by the time he was age 12. Andrea moved up to 125cc machines in 2000, taking the Aprilia Challenge crown in his debut season.

MotoGP debut: Andrea moved up to MotoGP in 2008, finishing fifth overall and achieving his first podium at Sepang in his debut season.

Move to Ducati: Moved from Tech3 Yamaha to Ducati in 2013, replacing Valentino Rossi in the factory team. 2017 will be his 5th consecutive season as a rider in the Ducati Team.

Other Titles: Won the European 125cc title in 2001 and the 125cc World Championship in 2004.

Jorge Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo

Job Title: Rider, Ducati Team factory rider in MotoGP

Born on: May 4, 1987, Palma de Mallorca (Spain)

Race debut: Jorge made his world championship debut on his fifteenth birthday, on the second qualifying day for the 2002 125cc Spanish Grand Prix, after having to miss Friday practice as he was not old enough to race.

MotoGP debut: Jorge rode for Yamaha in 2008, having been confirmed as Valentino Rossi’s partner. He went on to win three MotoGP World Championships in 2010, 2012 and 2015.

Move to Ducati: Jorge will wear Ducati leathers for the first time as a rider for the factory team in 2017, after nine consecutive seasons in the premier class as a rider for Yamaha.

Other titles: Jorge became the most successful Spanish rider of all time in the 250cc class, having accrued 16 victories and two 250cc World Championships by 2007.

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