Maria Costello Debuted on the VIP Ducati 848 Bike

Not only she has been the first female to compete in the 848 Challenge, but former Isle of Man TT female lap record holder, Maria Costello, also made her debut on a Ducati the past weekend. The 38-year-old British motorcycle racer competed on a Ducati bike in the first round of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge at Brands Hatch.

“It’s over ten years ago since Maria last competed in a short-circuit support race at a British Superbike Championship event. But her lack of recent short-circuit experience was no match for her absolute desire to compete on a Ducati, a brand with vast racing heritage,” Ducati brags.

The 848 Challenge opening round saw last season’s runner-up Leon Morris take the double win, pushed hard all the way by double second placed man and former British Supersport champion Mike Edwards. The competition was fierce and although Costello found more speed with each session on track, she finished in 19th and 18th places respectively.

While slightly disappointed with her results, nothing could detract from the sheer satisfaction and enjoyment she obtained from racing a Ducati in the 848 Challenge.

"To race the Ducati 848 in such a highly competitive series, without having ridden or tested it before, was always going to be a tall order. Thankfully my fears didn't stop me from accepting the challenge. It’s been a dream come true and I’d love to compete in the rest of the series. Huge thanks to Ducati UK, Team AOR /Boast Plumbing, Tim McGivern and all the 848 Challenge riders for making me so welcome and making it such a fantastic weekend of racing," Costello said on her Ducati debut.

Costello took advantage of this opportunity to help raise awareness of the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! by carrying their logo on the VIP 848 bike.