TEN MINUTES WITH STEFANO STRAPPAZZON…

DUCATI PANIGALE V2 PROJECT MANAGER

What was your aim and priority for the V2, when looking to evolve the 959?

It’s hard, because we wanted to improve everything. The start was the chassis, because we wanted to make the bike more enjoyable on road, while maintaining a very high level of performance. So the chassis and suspension set up we worked hard to improve, and then the engine power as well, alongside the electronic control. That is a huge improvement, and is the highest level of evolution alongside any range-topping superbike.

You say about the electronics being the same as a range-topping superbike… why doesn’t it have launch control like the V4s?

Ah, see, this bike is not completely race track orientated that way – it’s made for road and track, so we didn’t think it would be so necessary. So we thought maybe it’s something we don’t need so much!

You put a lot of emphasis on making the V2 the best road bike then, but then what was the thought process in the change in weight bias [to go further forward for better handling on track]?

Well, yes, we wanted to make the bike better on the road, but we cannot forget the track. We made the centre of gravity higher and reduced the trail, which in turn make the bike more agile and more fun – whether on the road or pushing hard on track. It must go as fast as it looks!

On the subject of which, how did you get that exhaust so small?

It wasa very big job! We wanted to make it much smaller than the

959, but to keep it in the emission levels was a very big challenge. It is doable though, and we’re very proud of it.

Like with the 959, will you be releasing a Corse, or a special edition?

Well, who knows! At the moment it’s not planned, but it’s possible. We love the idea of specials…