Ducati Xerox Junior Team In 2006 Ducati launched an initiative to encourage and develop new talent with the entry of the Ducati Xerox Junior Team into the European Superstock 600 series, on board Ducati 749R machines. The riders were two young and promising Italians, Niccolò Canepa (aged 18) and Domenico Colucci (17), who finished the championship in second and fourth place respectively. With the arrival on the market of the new Ducati 1098S, 2007 saw the team move up to the more powerful 1000cc Superstock class, retaining Niccolò Canepa who was joined by Australian rider Brendan Roberts (22), while Colucci continued for another year in the Superstock 600 class with the Ducati 749R. While Roberts was hindered by injury, Canepa had an astonishing season and secured the title for Ducati following a string of six podium finishes. In 2008 the Junior Team continued on in its Ducati Xerox colours and comprised Roberts alongside Colucci. The battle for the Superstock 1000 title went to the wire, with four riders still in the running at the final round of Portimao. One of those riders was Ducati-man Roberts and it was he that reigned supreme, winning in spectacular style both the last race and the championship trophy. A completely new rider line-up for 2009 will see the Ducati Xerox Junior Team made up of two up-and-coming youngsters, Xavier Simeon (19) and Daniele Beretta (19). Having taken the last two titles, the Ducati Xerox Junior Team is confident that 2009 will prove to be another successful season. The team is managed by 1997 Italian SBK Champion and ex-World Superbike rider, Serafino Foti, and technical direction is in the hands of Gerardo Acocella and Rossano Innocenti.