Dainese has gathered together its top riders for an intensive testing session at the Mugello circuit in Tuscany, with the aim of developing innovative safety solutions for all motorcyclists.
The historic Italian brand of protective gear for motorcycling has launched 'Project Apex,' an ambitious research and development program that aims to test cutting-edge materials and technologies with the help of the world's best riders. The ultimate goal is clear: to translate the data and performance excellence of the world championship circus into solutions within the reach of the millions of fans around the world who choose the Vicenza-based brand's products, a legacy also strengthened by its long-lasting bond with Valentino Rossi, its global ambassador for more than two decades.
Valentino Rossi himself was one of the protagonists of the special test day organized at the Mugello circuit. The initiative saw an exceptional task force lined up: most of the VR46 Riders Academy riders, such as Marco Bezzecchi, Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini and Celestino Vietti, joined by former rider and now coach Andrea Migno.
Other paddock bigwigs equipped by Dainese also attended the event, including Spanish talent Fermín Aldeguer and Italian Fabio Di Giannantonio, as well as established names such as Andrea Iannone, now a rider in WorldSBK. The track also hosted promising young riders such as David Muñoz and Dani Holgado.
For the occasion, Ducati's MotoGP riders used the brand-new Panigale V4 R, the same bike sent by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer to the Balaton Park test less than a month ago. Rossi rode his usual Yamaha R1, while Marini took to the track on a Honda Fireblade and Bezzecchi on an Aprilia RSV4.
The day, divided into two sessions, immediately saw a major protagonist: Fermín Aldeguer. The Spanish rider dominated the morning run with a time of 1'51.925 on the Panigale, ahead of Morbidelli by almost two tenths. In the afternoon, Aldeguer lowered his time even further, stopping the clock at 1'50.919 and confirming himself as the fastest of the lot, ahead of a fierce Morbidelli and Bezzecchi, who despite 27 laps was unable to scratch away at the Murcian's time.
Marini completed 12 laps with a time of 1.53.0, while Valentino closed with 1.54.4, completing only seven laps before lunch.
A test at the highest level, then, combining legends of the present and the future, with one clear objective: to push the limit of protection further, for everyone.
Project APEX 2025 @dainese pic.twitter.com/hcw9euqjtu