From a press release issued by Xerox Ducati: Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), Wednesday 30th January: during the official presentation of the Ducati 1098 R, which took place this week at the Spanish track in Jerez de la Frontera, Team Ducati Xerox have unveiled the new livery of the Ducati 1098 F08 that will participate in the World Superbike Championship. The new 1098 F08 is directly derived from the 1098 R and has been developed as a result of the new World Superbike regulations that allow for both 1200cc two-cylinder machines and 1000cc four-cylinders to line up on the grid together for the first time. Never before has a Ducati Superbike been so similar to the road version, with its production engine having very few modifications made to it, the changes limited essentially to the pistons, camshafts and transmission. Filippo Preziosi, Director General of Ducati Corse, has followed the evolution of this bike from the start. He underlines the importance of the new project, that confirms and reinforces the level of commitment that Ducati Corse makes to the Superbike championship. “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.” Italian rider Michel Fabrizio (Ducati Xerox) was present in Jerez and took to the track, riding both the 1098 R and 1098 F08 during test sessions. Michel Fabrizio: “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.” Team-mate Troy Bayliss was absent from the event as he continues to recuperate after having fractured his collarbone during the recent test session in Phillip Island. He is recovering well from his injury and the talented Australian rider will return to the track at the next test session to take place in Qatar on 12th February.