New Ducati 1199 stuns Bayliss in test at Mugello

Ducati’s rivals are reeling after retired Ducati legend Troy bayliss matched his fastest ever time around Mugello, in a sensational three-day test of the new 1199. The 52-time WSB race winner left the track stunned by the pace of the machine at such an early stage: “All I can say is the bike is a beast and she is on the money.”

Given a combination of an all-new engine, radically different chassis design, self-confessed ‘rusty’ rider and little development so far, the times Bayliss set are a staggering achievement, hinting at the huge potential of the mould-breaking new superbike.

Ducati’s garage was full of smiles following the three-day test which once again proves its semi-monocoque ‘stressed airbox’ chassis – which does away with a conventional frame entirely – works and doesn’t appear difficult to develop.

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