First pics from Ducati’s V4 and 999 track test

These are the first pictures from Ducati’s debut track test of both its V4 Desmosedici MotoGP machine and 999 World Superbike at Mugello.

You can read about the test in detail in the next issue of MCN, out Wednesday August 7.

GP and WSB veterans Vittorano Guareschi and Steve Martin were drafted in for the testing duties, which took place behind closed doors. Martin said afterwards: ” The 999 is great, it’ s more aerodynamic and handles better than the old 998.

” Compared to the 998 RS customer bike I race with, the latest version of the Testastretta engine has got a lot more torque as well as the same superb driveability. ”

Both riders are focussing on improving the bikes aerodynamics, and Guareschi was well pleased with the 32 laps he managed today on the V4. He said: ” Although the power is very similar to the 999 currently, the new bodywork is very aerodynamic and it allows us to reach a much higher top speed.

” We’re carrying out several tests with bodywork vents to check the bike’s different reactions to side-winds and to see what the turn in is like. ”

In its final form the V4 is expected to make in excess of 220bhp.