Australian Troy Bayliss claimed his first of three titles at Assen and to celebrate, Ducati have unveiled a special bike at the same venue
To celebrate 20 years since Ducati won the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship with Troy Bayliss riding the 996 R machine in 2001, at the TT Circuit Assen venue WorldSBK is visiting this weekend, the Bologna-based manufacturer have unveiled a stunning commemorative Panigale V2 machine to celebrate the anniversary.
Australian Bayliss won three titles for Ducati throughout his career on three different bike models and retains a special bond with the Italian brand, with Bayliss involved in the graphical design of the bike as well as choosing the name of the machine; the Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary.
Bayliss’ choice of livery was based on the livery he ran in 2001 when he secured the first of three titles with Ducati’s traditional red making up the base of the livery. The bike features green and white components in a nod to Ducati’s home country, Italy. The fuel tank also features the autograph of the three-time Champion.
Ducati will celebrate the special anniversary throughout the Prosecco DOC Dutch Round with a virtual press conference in the Paddock Show; Bayliss will be joined by Ducati Corse Sporting Director, Paolo Ciabatti on Friday. After the Tissot Superpole Race on Sunday, the commemorative bike will take to the iconic Dutch circuit with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) onboard. Italian rider Rinaldi joined the factory Ducati outfit for the 2021 campaign, bringing the #21 back to Bologna.
You can view stunning photos of the special bike in the gallery at the top of this article, as well as a special video to mark 20 years since Bayliss claimed his first title.
