Ducati 848 Race Series Launched in the UK

Ducati’s British division launched today a ‘one-make series' based on Ducati's 848 Superbike. Dubbed the 848 Challenge, the series include fifteen races, eight rounds, four world championship circuits, two overseas rounds and two thousand pounds worth of Ducati Corse Riding Gear.

The 848 Challenge race series will be run over eight rounds, six in the UK and two in Europe incorporating four world championship circuits. Each of the UK rounds will host two races. Misano will also hold two races with Assen being a single race.

The Misano round will be held during the weekend of June 12-13, during the World Ducati Week, a Ducati festival that is attended by up to 50,000 fans. The Assen Circuit will welcome the 848 Challenge during the biggest amateur race meeting the ‘Ducati Club Races'. Other circuits on the calendar include Cadwell, Castle Coombe, Oulton and Snetterton.

All competitors will use the same model of bike (848/848 Dark) which with the exception of race fairings, tires and exhausts will remain standard.

The 848 produces 134 hp and 70.8 lb-ft of torque and is regarded as one of the finest handling bikes in its class. The 848 and offers the same design and visual profile as the bike used in the WSBK by riders such as Troy Bayliss, Noriyuki Haga, Michel Fabrizio and Shane Byrne.

Competitors can purchase a new 848/848 Dark from any official Ducati dealer and included in the price will be a new Ducati Corse Riding Gear Set (Ducati Corse leather suit, Arai Chaser helmet, Ducati Corse gloves, Puma boots and Dainese-Ducati Back Protector) worth an estimated £2,000.