Patryk Stachowiak
In a spectacle as grand as the Tuscan hills that surround it, Ducati once again made the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello more than just a race—it became a canvas for cultural celebration. For the 2025 edition, the Ducati Lenovo Team unveiled a special livery infused with the spirit of the Italian Renaissance, seamlessly blending art, history, and speed.
The unique design, the result of a creative alliance between renowned designer Aldo Drudi and historian Marcello Simonetta, paid homage to Florence—the cradle of the Renaissance and a symbol of Italian creative brilliance. While last year’s sky-blue theme nodded to the colors of Italian national teams, this year’s design dives deeper, into the heart of Italian philosophical and artistic identity.
Between Lion’s Might and Fox’s Guile
Inspired by two monumental figures—Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli—the livery draws on dual archetypes: da Vinci’s harmonious vision of art and science, and Machiavelli’s calculated wisdom. At its core lies the reinterpretation of Leonardo’s “Captain Antique” drawing, transformed by Drudi into a futuristic knight: head cocked forward, gaze sharp, ready to command a machine of modern warfare—the Desmosedici GP.
But this wasn’t just visual poetry. It was philosophy in motion. Etched into the design were two emblems: the lion and the fox—symbols pulled straight from Machiavelli’s The Prince. The lion: bold, fearless strength. The fox: clever, strategic finesse. Both are required to reign.
The Modern Knights: Bagnaia and Márquez
And so the mantle fell on Francesco Bagnaia (#63) and Marc Márquez (#93), Ducati’s modern-day condottieri. Both pilots carried this historical duality into battle on Italian soil. Bagnaia, reigning champion, has long been Ducati’s symbol of precision and national pride. Márquez, the Spanish maestro, remains a master of psychological warfare and tactical brilliance.
As the red haze settled and engines cooled, a narrative emerged—one not painted in lap times alone. At Ducati, the embodiment of both lion and fox may no longer be Italian. Márquez’s adaptation, ferocity, and strategic racecraft hinted at a power shift. He is not just chasing titles; he’s redefining the team’s identity on a global scale.
A Renaissance for Ducati?
In Mugello, Ducati reminded us that motorsport is more than machinery—it’s a living mythology. Through artful symbolism and blistering pace, the team invited fans to ponder: in this new Renaissance, who truly wears the crown?
The battle lines are drawn. The answers will come, as always, at 350 km/h.