In principle, it is a competition that is already a landmark and we owe it to a Ducati factory which also takes a big risk by bringing together all its riders on the same starting grid. Because they won't want to be counted out. We thank the manufacturer for this passion for racing, but we tremble for its workforce. Imagine for example that its spearheads in MotoGP and its trump card for the WSBK title Alvaro Bautista are injured in this battle where everyone will have the same weapon: a Panigale V4 S?
Certainly, the setting will be festive World Ducati Week, but don't be fooled. The manufacturer's drivers who will enter the fray called “The Lenovo Race of Champions” will not be going for the parade. Because there will be issues. For example this one: which drivers are the fastest on a Panigale? Those of MotoGP, or those of WSBK? The eternal question can only be answered in this fairly endowed peloton. Ducati takes the risk of organizing this tournament with its real pilots who participate in the world championships MotoGP and WSBK, during World Ducati Week.
Ducati pits its 21 riders with the same bike in a 12-lap race at Misano
We thus recall the list of participants: Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Michele Pirro, Johann zarco, Jorge Martín, Enea Bastianini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Luca Marini, Marco Bezzecchi, Álvaro Bautista, Michael Ruben Rinaldi and Danilo Petrucci are among the champions of an impressive grid of 21 pilots Ducati coming from the MotoGP, WSBK and SuperSport championships.
Everyone will have the same motorcycles, Panigale V4 S equipped with Akrapovič full titanium exhaust kit and a long list of the best accessories Ducati for track use. SuperSport drivers will compete on Panigale V2…The game will take place on Saturday July 23 on the Marco Simoncelli international circuit. At 15:40 p.m. will be free practice and we will go until the 12-lap race which will start at 17h. This “The Lenovo Race of Champions” is already exceptional in itself. Let's hope that no one will have to regret what must remain a celebration...
