MATCH POINT
I’m standing with my hand on my hips and I dig my thumb into my waist to make sure I’m not dreaming. It’s the end of October 2021, two months before the official launch of Ducati’s 2022 Panigale V4 S, and Ducati has invited AMCN to the demanding Vallelunga racetrack in Italy to answer one simple question. How much quicker is the new version over the existing 2021 bike?
On track, Ducati has its legendary test rider Alessandro Valia, along with Italian Superbike and MotoGP ace Michele Pirro. We have at our disposal a ‘new’ 2021 Panigale V4 S and the-then unseen 2022 model. Both bikes are fitted with data-loggers and race-ready Pirelli slicks. We will not only be able to measure lap times, but also top speeds, lean angle, even rider aid intervention and throttle openings. There will be no hiding place for man or machine and, frankly, your tester feels slightly daunted.
The Vallelunga racetrack just outside Rome is basking in sunshine, and completely silent. All the garage doors bar one are closed. A single Ducati race truck plus a few engineers decked out in Ducati Corse teamwear give an indication of impending racetrack activity. Although I’ve been testing bikes for over 20 years, this feels like the deep end to
