Video: Ducati riders battle with new V4 in ‘Race of Champions’

Ducati’s best riders from MotoGP and World Superbikes took part in a one-off race at Misano with the Italian brand’s new Panigale V4 S, as part of this year’s World Ducati Week celebrations.

12 riders in total contested the special six-lap race, including Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso plus a standout appearance from three-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss, to promote the new V4 S Superbike.

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who recovered from his horrific crash at Mugello in May, claimed victory in the special race ahead of Avintia Ducati’s Tito Rabat and Barni Ducati’s Xavi Fores.

Factory Ducati World Superbike rider Chaz Davies missed the race as he recovers from a collarbone injury sustained while training last week.

Before the race a flyover of the Frecce Tricolori and a demonstration team entertained Ducati fans at Misano, with CEO Claudio Domenicali thrilled with the event’s success.

“World Ducati Week is a big party”, Domenicali said. “A celebration for all Ducatisti that every two years brings us all together to share the passion for this unique brand.

“[This is] something special, unique, powerful, which is the confirmation that I am part of a community of women and men who work and share – along with tens of thousands of Ducatisti who have travelled – the pride of belonging to this historical and prestigious brand. There are so many of us, yesterday 30% more than in 2016, and we expect this 10th edition to set a new record.

“Seeing the paddock of the Misano World Circuit with so many people gives me goosebumps.”

Watch the highlights of the special Ducati race here: