Michele Pirro wins from pole at Misano
A colourful flyover by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team signalled go time for the World Ducati Week Panigale V4 S ‘Race of Champions’ at 1300 on Saturday afternoon at Misano
The race saw 12 Ducati MotoGP and SBK Champions competing on the Misano circuit onboard specially prepared Panigale V4 S machines in dedicated liveries.
![World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Flyover World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Flyover](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/World-Ducati-Week-2018-Race-Of-Champions-Flyover-1024x845.jpg)
After the free practice sessions and qualifying rounds to establish the starting grid, the race saw Michele Pirro, who started at pole position, immediately take the lead, setting a pace that allowed him to extend his advantage over the group of pursuers.
![World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Pirro Fores Rinaldi World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Pirro Fores Rinaldi](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/World-Ducati-Week-2018-Race-Of-Champions-Pirro-Fores-Rinaldi-1024x576.jpg)
A spectacular comeback by Rabat who recovered from a poor start to move up to second place after a series of duels with Melandri, Miller and Fores, firing up the spectators at the Misano World Circuit.
![World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Fores Rabat World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Fores Rabat](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/World-Ducati-Week-2018-Race-Of-Champions-Fores-Rabat-1024x733.jpg)
Miller, Melandri and Rinaldi followed in order, then Dovizioso, Siméon, Petrucci, Lorenzo, Abraham and Bayliss to complete the exceptional line-up of the “Race of Champions”. Bayliss ran off the circuit around mid-race while running ninth, rejoining the race at the back of the field.
The rain – which fortunately stopped falling after a few minutes – forced the chequered flag at the sixth lap, two laps ahead of time, but didn’t detract from the victory of the Ducati MotoGP Team test rider.
![World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Michele Pirro World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Michele Pirro](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/World-Ducati-Week-2018-Race-Of-Champions-Michele-Pirro-1024x575.jpg)
At the end of the race the riders greeted the public, with spectacular burn-outs. The 12 Panigale V4 S from the “Race of Champions”, plus the thirteenth of Chaz Davies who has not competed due to injury, will be available to purchase through a public auction on eBay.
![World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Dovizioso World Ducati Week Race Of Champions Dovizioso](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/World-Ducati-Week-2018-Race-Of-Champions-Dovizioso-1024x636.jpg)
Claudio Domenicali handed out awards to the three winners on the podium, giving them a sculpture replicating the crankshaft of the Panigale V4.
WDW 2018Â Panigale V4 S Race of Champions Results
- Pirro Michele ITA Ducati Panigale V4 – 1’38.030
- Ra bat Esteve ESP Ducali Panigale V4 +2.388s – 1’38.171
- Forés Javier ESP Ducali Panigale V4 +3.070s – 1’36.610
- Miller Jack AUS Ducati Panìgale V4 +5.838s – 1’39.304
- Melandri Marco ITA Ducali Pamgale V4 +6.144s – 1’39.264
- Rinaldi Michael ITA Ducali Panigale V4 +6.698 – 1’39.168
- Dovizioso Andrea ITA Ducali Panigale V4 +7.788s – 1’39.149
- Simeon Xavier BEL Ducali Panigale V4 +9.706s – 1’39.860
- Petrucci Danilo ITA Ducall Panigate V4 +12.324s – 1’39.877
- Lorenzo Jorge ESP Ducat• Panigale V4 +14.413s – 1’40.252
- Abrham Karel CZE Ducali Panìgale V4 +15.708s – 1’40.750
- Bayliss Troy AUS Ducali Panigale V4 +37.059s – 1’39.662