Ducati's brand new Panigale 899 will be the star of next year's Trioptions Cup after a new, two-year deal was penned with the MCE British Superbike Championship.
The bike, which was unveiled on Monday night, will race alongside the existing 848 in the series, which is the first to feature the brand new model, and two separate championship will co-exist.
The Supermid model is priced at £12,495 and will be in showrooms in November featuring a new Superquadro engine, producing 148hp and a full electronics package including Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control and ABS.
“As we enter our fourth year as part of the British Superbikes series, it’s great to be able to announce that we will feature the new Supermid Panigale 899, keeping the series at the cutting edge of sports bike technology. I can’t wait for the new season to start," said Ducati UK MD Tim Maccabee.
For 2014 the series registration fee is reduced to £750 which includes a Ducati Corse paddock clothing pack, access to the exclusive Ducati UK hospitality unit and other benefits to be confirmed. Neil Hodgson, World and British Superbike champion, will continue his role as series ambassador to help promote the series and support the riders with his racing expertise and experience.
Entrants to the series, after paying the registration fee will be able to enjoy £1,000 off the price of an 899 Panigale while those 2013 participants choosing to upgrade will be entitled to a £1,500 discount on the price of an 899 Panigale. If purchased before 20th December 2013 they will also receive a free Termignoni slip-on exhaust system which will be a requirement of the 2014 season.
The 2014 Ducati TriOptions Cup will again be contested with two point scoring races over eight MCE British Superbike Championship events, including the TT Circuit Assen. The full 2014 Ducati TriOptions Cup calendar and full regulations will be announced in due course.
