Pirro wins WDW Panigale V4 S 'Race of Champions' | Video

Michele Pirro wins from pole at Misano

A colourful flyover by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team signalled go time for the World Ducati Week Panigale V4 S ‘Race of Champions’ at 1300 on Saturday afternoon at Misano

The race saw 12 Ducati MotoGP and SBK Champions competing on the Misano circuit onboard specially prepared Panigale V4 S machines in dedicated liveries.

World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Flyover — World Ducati Week 2018 “Race of Champions”

After the free practice sessions and qualifying rounds to establish the starting grid, the race saw Michele Pirro, who started at pole position, immediately take the lead, setting a pace that allowed him to extend his advantage over the group of pursuers.

World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Pirro Fores Rinaldi — World Ducati Week 2018 “Race of Champions”

A spectacular comeback by Rabat who recovered from a poor start to move up to second place after a series of duels with Melandri, Miller and Fores, firing up the spectators at the Misano World Circuit.

Tito Rabat chasing down Xavi Fores – World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Fores Rabat

Miller, Melandri and Rinaldi followed in order, then Dovizioso, Siméon, Petrucci, Lorenzo, Abraham and Bayliss to complete the exceptional line-up of the “Race of Champions”. Bayliss ran off the circuit around mid-race while running ninth, rejoining the race at the back of the field.

The rain – which fortunately stopped falling after a few minutes – forced the chequered flag at the sixth lap, two laps ahead of time, but didn’t detract from the victory of the Ducati MotoGP Team test rider.

World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Michele Pirro — Michele Pirro – World Ducati Week 2018 “Race of Champions”

At the end of the race the riders greeted the public, with spectacular burn-outs. The 12 Panigale V4 S from the “Race of Champions”, plus the thirteenth of Chaz Davies who has not competed due to injury, will be available to purchase through a public auction on eBay.