P112
FEATURE I THE ULTIMATE DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE
tor making sure I understand the
race shift pattern. I'm reminded
that neither bike has neutral be
-
tween first and second; instead,
it's down for first (and all the
way to top gear).
By lunchtime, I've passed
every test. Then it's my turn to
sit down with my DRE Academy
instructor and recap the circuit,
review the gear changes, and
spend more time on the simula
-
At any point, we can be stood
down, told we are either physical-
ly or mentally unsuitable to ride.
Even in the shade, the 97-degree
paddock heat is as relentless as
the ratcheting tension.
We stay calm by joking and
chatting. It's brilliant talking to
red-blooded Ducatisti like Ben
-
jamin Lisle and Mark Brackley.
Both own dream garage collec-
tions, and both have purchased
the absolutely stunning Super-
leggera V4 Centenario. Like me,
they know the next few hours
will be a defining moment in
their riding careers.
(Above) Simulator work is a must
to convince the head boffins at
Ducati you are ready to take on this
rather unique assignment. (Right)
Current Italian Superbike (CIV) rider
and DRE instructor Matteo Ciprietti
explains the Panigale to Chad
before his run.
