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Ducati's massive World Ducati Week 2012 got under way Thursday with thousands of fans from all over the world arriving at the Italian manufacturer's mega-event at the Misano World Circuit in Misano Adriatico. The event, which runs from 21-24 June, attracts huge numbers of passionate followers who rode in as soon as the gates of the Misano circuit opened.

With 60% of WDW-goers from Italy, an impressive 40% of international visitors highlights the global power and appeal of the Ducati brand. Ducatisti are expected to flock in from Europe, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and India and as far away as Brazil, China and Malaysia, all united by the common passion for Ducati and motorcycling.

Ducati have taken on a massive logistical challenge to organise such a packed programme for this year's four-day event, with the action taking place at the Misano circuit during the day and in nearby Cattolica, Misano and Riccione by night.

Yesterday's track action included Carlos Checa making a surprise first test on the 1199 Panigale Superbike, the World Superbike Champion giving valuable feed-back in the brand new model's preparation.

On Saturday, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden from the MotoGP team, three-time WSBK champion Troy Bayliss, and current Ducati Superbike riders Carlos Checa, Davide Giugliano, Sylvain Guintoli and Jakub Smrz will all be at WDW2012 to meet the fans, sign autographs, ride the track and then do battle in the Diavel Drag Race along the Misano World Circuit start/finish straight.