WSBK: Scott Redding would have qualified third in Moto2 at Valencia with his stock Ducati

Comparison is not reason, they say, but that doesn't stop us from asking questions. Compare the times achieved by a Grand Prix machine, in this case, a Moto2, with a production motorcycle, for example the Panigale V4 S from Ducati, on a track covered by the two racing cars, but at periods and therefore different conditions, requiring the integration of variables and other corrections to arrive at a more or less objective estimate. But what we only remember most often is the raw time. In fact, what Scott Redding achieved with his Ducati in Valencia did not fail to attract the attention of the brand's boss Claudio Domenicali...

It's a nice publicity stunt, and it's a great way to improve your reputation with your employer. But the result is there. Scott Redding, the official Ducati en WSBK for this 2020 season, went to train with his Panigale V4 S standard on the Valencia circuit, acting for the occasion as prestigious instructors for the Pro Racing Experience school.

Equipped with exhaust Akrapovic complete which raises its power above 220 hp, slick tires and a rear shock absorber Öhlins Standard TTX36, but with special tuning, Redding was able to ride in Valencia in 1'34.5, or 4,5 seconds more compared to pole than fabio quartararo established last November with his MotoGP Yamaha M1 (1'29.978).

But the performance established by Redding with her Panigale V4 S would have placed it third on the Moto2 starting grid for the last Valencia Grand Prix, less than a tenth of the poleman Jorge Navarro. Obviously there is a significant difference in terms of power (+220 hp in the Ducati compared to 140 hp of the Triumph Moto2 engine), but it is also a heavier bike (30 kilos above the Moto2) with a value four times lower than that of a Moto2 (31 euros for the Panigale V590 S against 4 euros for a Kalex Moto120) ...

Sundays himself, CEO of Ducati, publicly congratulated Scott Redding for his time: “ Scott was in Valencia today training with a 4 V2020 S. Complete standard bike, only mirrors removed, full Akrapovic exhaust, slicks, softer rear shock (80 N/mm vs. 85 N/mm in standard). The lap time was an incredible 1'34.5. Fantastic Scott and great teamwork to improve the Panigale! », tweeted the Italian boss on his social networks.