Salvatore Pennisi,

as technical partner and exclusive tyre supplier, Pirelli engineers worked closely with ducati during the development of the superleggera v4 and created a customized version of the diablo supercorsa sP to achieve the challenging performance target required by the most technologically advanced production ducati ever built. the tyre is able to manage the performance of the superleggera v4 and make the most of the significant aerodynamic load generated by the biplane wings.

What was the biggest problem, dealing with the power or heat generated in the middle at high speeds?

the latter is a consequence of the former. to manage the extraordinary power generated by street-legal superbikes such as the ducati superleggera v4, Pirelli engineers used specific racingderived compounds that are able to work within a higher temperature range compared to traditional road-oriented compounds and to avoid overheating issues.

With the wings creating 50 kg of downforce, does this create more heat for the front tyre at speed? If so, how is the tyre different?

Pirelli engineers had to make some radical technical choices in order to create a highly innovative tyre to meet the challenging performance target set by ducati, while making the most of the significant aerodynamic load generated by the biplane wings which highly characterize the aggressive design of the motorcycle. in particular, Pirelli

Head of Global Testing and Technical Relation, Pirelli designed a tyre that features a new structure and a revised profile that is able to guarantee an extremely agile ride, yet stable, to let both professionals and amateurs enjoy the extraordinary performances this bike is able to deliver.

We used the new Pirelli slicks during our first ride. Can you explain a little?

you will be using slick diablo superbike in the new larger sizes: 125/70-17 sC1 and 200/65-17 sC0. these new sizes are the result of Pirelli’s constant commitment to research and development in the racing field, being used and validated by the teams of the fim superbike world Championship. nevertheless, our slogan, “we sell what we race, we race what we sell”, still stands true today. therefore, every effort in developing tyres for top-level production-based competitions is made with the awareness that all riders around the world can purchase the same product for their motorcycle, whether it is intended for competitions or trackdays. the ducati superleggera v4 is at the pinnacle of technological advancement and, as a true race-replica motorcycle, there is no better opportunity than this one to appreciate the