Britain's motorcycle sport governing body the ACU has included the 800cc air-cooled Ducati Monster to its list of bikes available for 16-year-old Novice and 15-year-old National licence holders.

Previously riders in this licencing category were allowed to race 250 two stroke or 400 cc four stroke production based machines and up to 650cc twin cylinder four stroke production based machines.

The Monster is of a similar weight and power out put to the 650 cc twin cylinder machines and so the ACU has agreed to include it in the list of options available to riders in this age/licence group.

An ACU spokesman said: "The ACU is dedicated to developing up and coming motorcycle talent in the UK and by extending this category it is giving young riders more scope to learn.

"It will give them another option regarding which bike to race and allow young racers to get to grips with the Ducati characteristics at an early age."

For further information please contact the ACU Road Race Department on 01788 566406 or email Rowena@acu.org.uk.