Ducati 1098 takes debut victory in FIM Superstock World Cup

Niccolò Canepa took victory at Donington Park

The brand new 1098 debuts in style at Donington Park. © Ducati Xerox Jr. Team. Ducati Xerox Junior Team rider, Niccolò Canepa, took the brand-new Ducati 1098 S to a sensational victory on its Superstock 1000 FIM World Cup debut at Donington Park on Sunday. The award-winning 1098 which was launched in Milan at the end of 2006, now leads one of the most competitive production motorcycle championships in the world.

Canepa powered into the restarted race from second on the grid and immediately attached himself to the leading group. He lapped consistently, keeping in touch with the leaders and preparing to make his move in the closing stages of the race.

An incident at the ‘Melbourne Loop' on the penultimate lap saw the riders ahead of him, Pirro and Badovini, collide and go down, leaving the cool-headed 19 year-old Italian to take the chequered flag and an early championship lead ahead of Corti (Yamaha).

Niccolò Canepa scored Ducati 1098's first victory. © Ducati Xerox Jr. Team. "That was fantastic!" enthused Canepa. "A great day for Ducati, for the team and obviously for me. Riding the new 1098 on its debut was quite a responsibility, but winning the race was simply incredible. With the restart we had a few concerns, but the bike's perfect set-up allowed me to run just as fast in the second part. I'm back to my winning ways, thanks to everyone!"

Race Results:

1. Canepa (Ducati 1098 S)
2. Corti (Yamaha)
3. Van Keymeulen (Yamaha)
4. Aitchison (Suzuki)
5. Baiocco (Yamaha)
6. Dionisi (Suzuki)
7. Simeon (Suzuki)
8. Tode (Honda)
9. Morais (Ducati 1098 S)
10. Mahr (Yamaha)