Abu Dhabi to host Ducati launch

Added on Friday, February 10th, 2012 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

The Yas Marina Circuit could take a step closer to hosting a round of the MotoGP championship in future after Ducati confirmed that it will host the worldwide launch of Ducati’s new generation superbike.

Richard Cregan, the chief executive of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, has confirmed that Ducati will use the circuit as the stage on which to launch their 1199 Panigale S.

This weekend’s event, which will be attended by the three-time Superbikes world champion Troy Bayliss, will provide an early indicator as to how the track is suited to MotoGP.

Cregan has long been keen to bring MotoGP to the partial street circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in F1.

“We are looking at this event as the first step to having top-level bikes at the circuit,” said Cregan, who added there have already been some changes to the track.

When asked what further changes are required, Cregan said: “I think there are still some discussions between MotoGP and FIM whether gravel traps are necessary, so we are keeping an eye on that. But other than that, it’s minor changes.”

He added: “Ducati looked at a number of places around the world, so the fact they have chosen to launch here in Abu Dhabi is great.”

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