Panigale at COTA

Ducati’s American MotoGP riders Nicky Hayden and Ben Spies were both on hand today at the Circuit of the America’s for the official manufacturer’s US launch of the 1199 Panigale R.

The Panigale R, is the extreme racing version of the Italian company’s Superbike. With its four levels of adjustable swingarm pivot, titanium piston rods, carbon fibre bodywork, and Ducati Performance racing exhaust it is one of the most technologically advanced superbikes available to the public.

The two American riders, are currently nursing injuries. Nicky Hayden is recovering from minor surgery earlier this month on his right wrist. Whilst Ben  Spies still isn’t 100% fit following his shoulder surgery last year.

The duo completed some exhibition laps as they got their first taste of the new circuit, and they will be back in action today to complete some further laps, in an effort not only to model the new bike, but also to assist the home riders ahead of the second race of next season which takes place at the new COTA facility.