Ducati 1299 Superleggera: a production motorcycle on the podium among the Superbikes

Ducati 1299 Superleggera – A few days after the delivery of the first 1299 Superleggera, the new, exclusive, technological jewel “made in Borgo Panigale” achieved a fantastic result, participating in a round of the “Pan Delta Series” Superbike Championship in China.

An absolutely standard bike, brought to the track by the official test rider Alessandro Valia, who competed with internationally renowned SBK bikes and riders, competing on the Chinese circuit of Zhuhai and obtaining a prestigious podium in Race 1. Unfortunately, the heavy rain that hit the track did not allow Race 2 to take place, precluding an equally positive result for the rider and bike, lap after lap, who were increasingly at ease on the Chinese track. Valia immediately became familiar with the track, constantly improving his time until he achieved the third best time on the starting grid. Thanks to impeccable race conduct, the 1299 Superleggera was able to cross the finish line in third place. Valia raced as a “Wild Card” with the colors of Team CER – Ducati Hong Kong, which has been involved in this championship for three years.

The bike was fielded at the start of this round of the Chinese Superbike Championship (widely followed by the public and media) practically as standard, competing against bikes with the technical specifications permitted by the SBK regulations. The “Pan Delta Series” Championship includes two classes of participation, the “Open A” World Superbike Championship allows a series of technical modifications to the bike; and the “Open B” class, much more similar to our Superstock, where the bike must be as close as possible to series production. The 1299 Superleggera, despite having "Open B" characteristics, raced and took the podium in "Open A", proving to be the production motorcycle closest to the Superbike in terms of performance.

With the 1299 Superleggera, Ducati takes the world of road Supersports to a level never reached before by creating the first series road motorcycle with a frame, swingarm, subframe and wheels in carbon fibre. The maximum engineering, technological and performance expression ever mass-produced by a motorcycle manufacturer, offered in just 500 examples. Under the carbon fiber dress hides the most high-performance version of the Superquadro. Thanks to its 215 horsepower (EURO 4 approved), the desmodromic engine that equips the 1299 Superleggera is the most powerful series twin-cylinder ever produced and represents the technological excellence of the Borgo Panigale company. The bikes, already sold or booked even before its official presentation at EICMA 2016, are currently in production and will shortly begin delivery to the lucky Ducatisti.