First pictures of new Mondial WSB racer

THESE are the first pictures of the long-awaited superbike which will carry the legendary Mondial name back on to the race track later this year.

The 999cc V-twin Piega, which has only been seen in prototype roadbike guise until now, was unveiled in race trim at Valencia’s World Superbike round. The firm hope to field the bike in a handful of WSB races late in the season before mounting a full-scale race effort in 2002, and will be testing the bike extensively over the next six months.

The Piega, an Italian biker slang phrase for a bend in the road, is powered by a Honda SP-1 motor and the entire project has received considerable help from the Japanese firm. Two of Honda’s most senior men were at the launch.

The racer shown this weekend is bristling with trick parts which attest to the seriousness of the men behind the project, including a carbon-fibre swingarm, machined-from-solid radial brakes, and unbadged suspension parts which Mondial have made themselves.

There are plenty of other things which you can’t see, including lighter pistons and a dry clutch to get more power from the bike. The electronics are state of the art too, with sensors telling the engine everything from acceleration force to lean angle.

Initially 250 street versions of the racer are to be built, and sold through the internet. The complete race team, in the correct colours and with riders, will be unveiled at Monza in Italy in May.