Vrooom!! Ducati bikes set to scorch Indian roads

"We strongly believe that the fast growing Indian market is of a strategic importance to Ducati and we will do our best to consolidate our presence and to capitalize on the huge opportunities this country has to offer," Torchio said, adding, "India is no longer an emerging market. It is a reality worldwide. We feel it is the right time to enter the Indian market. The economy is booming and there is a huge number of rich Indians who aspire to buy premium bikes. With the technology to produce the world's fastest bikes, we see a great potential for superbikes in India." Ducati is a name synonymous with racing success, delivering cutting-edge motorbike technology and highest safety and emission standards.

Torchio also noted that a long-term strategy was needed for it to succeed in India. "A lot will depend on our ability to create a strong platform for our future revolution. The choice that we made to work with distributors that we have identified in India is very important because it will create this platform. They have a lot of experience in dealing with luxury products," he said.

Ducati is expected to compete with Yamaha and KTM which are also offering a premium range of bikes. In future, Suzuki and Honda are also expected to foray into India's motorbike market and heat up the competition.

According to Torchio, India has a great future with "vast improvements in infrastructure and the F1 circuit plans firming up."

"If all goes well, we shall have a full-fledged motorcycle racing season in India soon," he said, adding that he has asked MotoGP CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to bring the Grand Prix event to India.

"If this event can happen in Qatar, China, Malaysia and Australia, I think India also has a great chance," he added.