The Ducati Press Conference for the launch of the 2013 model
range also provided an ideal occasion to present Ducati's official
racing program for 2013. Four Ducati riders have already been confirmed
in MotoGP with Nicky Hayden and Andrea Dovizioso for the factory Ducati
Team and Ben Spies and Andrea Iannone for the satellite team. For World
Superbike, the new Team Ducati Alstare was officially announced and,
coordinated by the Belgian organisation managed by Francis Batta, will
field Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini aboard the new 1199 Panigale.
The
brand ambassador and guest of honour at the Conference was Daniele
Molmenti, Gold Medallist at the London Olympic Games in the K1 Canoe
Slalom and a passionate "Ducatista". While on the podium in London
earlier this year, the Olympic medal winner explained that he competes
in a red canoe to underline his love for Ducati motorcycles. Molmenti
greatly appreciated the chance to preview the 2013 models and was
particularly interested in the new Superbike 1199 Panigale R, a
masterpiece of applied technology and pure performance.
Claudio
Domenicali, General Manager of Ducati Motor Holding, then took to the
stage to explain the details and features of the 2013 Ducati models. He
focused in particular on the long-awaited new generation Hypermotard
family, and underlined the major, strategic role of the 1199 Panigale
supersport model and its world debut with the prestigious R version.
"Here
at EICMA 2012 we present one totally new model and a series of
significantly updated models in line with our strategic plan," Said
General Manager, Claudio Domenicali at the Press Conference. "The
Hypermotard is completely new. Technologically enhanced and presented in
standard and SP versions, it has a brand new 4-valve per cylinder,
liquid-cooled, Testastretta 11° engine, equipped also with our new
secondary air system. The new motorcycle maintains the spirit of the
original Ducati Hypermotard, but widens its accessibility with a larger
fuel tank and revised ergonomics. We also present the Hyperstrada, a
model equipped with a series of features that extend the motorcycle's
use into the world of touring, while maintaining the fun-to-ride
character typical of a supermotard.
"With our passion for racing
and sport bikes, we just had to produce an ‘R' version of the 1199
Panigale. The ‘R' title represents Ducati's maximum expression of
technology. In this case, connecting rods in titanium in addition to
many other lightweight components and a race kit that represents a
package ideal from which to develop the Superbike version, which will
race next year. We have also decided to extend the Diavel range with the
introduction of the Diavel Strada. Equipped with luggage, large screen
and revised, more upright riding position, the Diavel is now ready also
to entertain riders on longer rides outside the city."
