According to Ducati Racing News, the latest 1098 F08 is straightforwardly obtained from the 1098 R and it was modified as a effect of the all-new World Superbike policy that agrees to for both 1200cc two-cylinder machines and 1000cc four-cylinders to jointly line up for the first time on the grid.
“2008 is a very important year for Ducati as it sees the debut of the 1098 F08 race bike in the World Superbike championship, a bike derived from the impressive 1098 R that has already become a technological point of reference with regard to production sport bikes. This season Ducati Corse lines up the official Ducati Xerox Team and provides extensive technical support to the satellite teams, confident that great results will be achieved thanks also to the level of expertise of all its riders. A warm welcome to our new partners that will support us this season and particular thanks to all the sponsors who have renewed their faith in the project, especially Xerox and Shell,” says Filippo Preziosi, Director General of Ducati Corse.
“I didn’t expect to be so emotional seeing the new livery of my bike and my suit for the first time here in Jerez. This event, in which the 1098 R was presented to the press, has helped me to see just how effectively Ducati transfers its racing know-how to the production of its road bikes and how, in this way, bike enthusiasts are able to have high-performance machines that are as unique as these. The season is about to get under way and I am highly motivated. I can’t wait to start the championship with this fantastic bike,” says Italian rider Michel Fabrizio of Ducati Xerox.