P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ducati will update its Panigale V4 R in 2026, but how is it different from the present model?
In 2026, WorldSBK will undergo a significant transformation, with Toprak Razgatlioglu departing, Jonathan Rea retiring, and Alvaro Bautista moving from the factory Ducati team to the Barni squad. Additionally, Ducati will introduce the 2026 edition of its Panigale V4 R, replacing the current model introduced in 2019.
The Panigale V4 R from 2019 had a strong start in World Superbike, winning the first 11 races of that season. By 2022 and 2023, the V4 R secured World Champion titles with Alvaro Bautista at the helm.
The upcoming 2026 version of the bike will introduce technical updates, including new front wings and a double-sided swingarm shared with the 2025 model. The front wings will enhance aerodynamic load, providing increased downforce at high speeds.
Notable additions include downwash ducts at the fairing’s bottom, known as ‘corner sidepods’, which bring groundbreaking ground effect aerodynamics to World Superbike for the first time. The new bike’s frame and swingarm aim to improve cornering and traction performance for riders.
The engine design maintains the base of the previous model but incorporates lighter pistons and a new crankshaft to enhance inertia and reduce engine reactivity in low-speed corners. Winter testing for the 2026 season will reveal the full extent of the new Panigale V4 R’s advancements and its impact on Ducati’s WorldSBK competitors.
