An improved Ducati 1198 Superbike
2008 saw Shell and Ducati wave an emotional goodbye to two of their greatest performers, as Troy Bayliss and the 1098 F08 concluded their service to the motorsport heavyweights. Shell, pursuing technical innovation at every turn, never looks back in motorsport and 2009 is no different with a new Ducati line-up atop the all-new Shell-powered 1198.
As the name suggests, the World Superbike contender now has 100cc extra on its 2008 counterpart, but retains the 4-stroke L-twin 90° configuration. As a result of this, the 'Testastretta Evoluzione' now produces over 200 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and, with a dry weight of only 168kg, reaches speeds of over 310kph.
Whilst the technological landscape is changing faster than ever, the Shell technical partnership with Ducati has now reached its tenth anniversary. Since 1999 the partnership has taken six Riders' World Titles, making it one of the most successful collaborations in the history of motorcycling - but the partnership does not end at the chequered flag.
The road-going version of the new superbike, the Ducati 1198, has been designed and built with the input of Ducati racing legend, Troy Bayliss. He has used his extensive knowledge of racing Shell-powered Ducati bikes to help the development of the road-going bike. Throughout 2008, Troy continually gave his feedback to the Ducati and Shell teams working alongside each other in the paddock and at specialist facilities in Italy and Hamburg.
The competition in the 2009 World Superbike season looks to be as tough as ever, but Shell continues to work alongside Ducati to develop its charge on the season and all the learnings Shell takes from the track with Ducati are transferred directly to the road bikes for every rider to enjoy.
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