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Past and present congregated along the Adriatic coast this weekend as the traditional ‘World Ducati Week’ took place around Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, and the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship riders were there to enjoy the action. With Marco Melandri (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), Xavi Fores (BARNI Racing Team), Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Junior Team) and WorldSBK legend Troy Bayliss in attendance, it wasn’t a weekend to forget.

With anticipation continuing to build ahead of the launching of the all new Panigale V4, set to be raced in 2019 in the WorldSBK series, riders took to the track in the famous ‘Race of Champions’ on the Panigale V4S. Set under the scorching sunny skies, Fores was able to secure a podium finish as they came up against MotoGP™ rivals. With 12 bikes lining up on the grid after qualifying, official Ducati test rider Michele Pirro secured pole position and shot into the lead, never looking back.

Italian Pirro secured the win in front of a passionate home crowd, ahead of Tito Rabat with WorldSBK’s Fores rounding out the podium. Thousands of the Ducatisi flocked to the circuit, which saw Rea take a stunning double victory just two weeks ago but as WorldSBK hurtles into the summer break, World Ducati Week was able to fill the gap left by a lack of racing.

Despite only 12 bikes being present in the race, there were 13 on display as Chaz Davies was unable to participate after breaking his right collarbone last week.  All Panigale V4 S machines will be put up for auction, offering a dream prize for many fans.

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