BSB Panigales at Thruxton

Thanks to all at MotoRapido and Saudi Falcons Racing for a fantastic afternoon!

This weekend, it's the Thruxton round of the British Superbike Championship and I was invited to go to visit the team during todays testing.

The team is running factory Panigales. These bikes are not RS' - they won't exist until next year. Instead, they are factory supported race bikes, based around the Panigale 1199S. The team is working closely with the factory to develop the bike. Some of the personnel from the old GSE days are providing an interface with Ducati Corse, except this time, Corse aren't providing ex-WSB bikes that have years of development to the team - they are collaborating very closely with both MotoRapido and Jentin Doodson to develop this new bike throughout the year.

I understand that examples of MotoRapidos development work has been shared directly with other teams running Panigales, both in the BSB paddock and I guess throughout Europe.

The team is running two bikes, in line with BSB rules. Scott Smart and Abdulaziz BinLaden are riding and I have been lucky enough to get detailed pictures of both bikes.

The bikes are extremely well prepared. The factory supplies them built, with suspension and brake upgrades. The team has worked with the factory to fit the race ecus with full data logging. Forget the shock, that's a lot of money sitting on the side of the bike.

The bikes both have factory additions, like race radiator and oil coolers. The cooling system is pressurised and the system has to be brought up to pressure with a small hand pump (similar to a bicycle suspension pump).

The water overflow tank is on the left of this picture, the fuel catch tank is on the right. Both are made by MB - the same people who make the RS radiators and oil coolers.

This picture also shows part of the ecu / data logging system.

The bikes retain batteries and starter motors. The isolator switchgear is still present (and working) on the right bar.

Master cylinders are Brembo billet. Both bikes are fitted with remote span adjusters. The preparation on these bikes is a real testament to the team. Fantastic.

Factory yokes, factory carbon intake shroud. The air intakes are in the nosecone. Air flows through the headstock, directly into the air box.

Here's the other side of that pressurised overflow tank showing the inlet valve. The white tube coming off the master cylinder is the other end of the remote span adjuster.

Factory TTX shock and carbon protector.

Termis are beautifully executed.

Left side of the motor showing race radiator.

Tanks are hinged to allow access to the air box.

Spending time with the team today was special. Practice day is less stressful than race day, so it was a good way to meet the team without getting in the way.

All I can say about Wilfs team is that they are all professional, dedicated people. Scott has a track record in the paddock, but Abdulaziz is a new rider, learning the tracks, dealing with cooling tyres and rain for the first time. He is also a real Gentleman.

I'd love to spend more time with the team later in the year.

And welcome to our new readers in the security services! Can you find my bikes please??