WSBK imposes new restrictions on Álvaro Bautista and his Ducati Panigale V4 R: Lower RPM at Imola

Published by Stree Missile on 13/07/202313/07/2023

The undisputed dominance of Álvaro Bautista in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) has not gone unnoticed by the organization. In order to level the competition and curb the triumphant ride of the Spanish rider, it has been decided to implement a new reduction in the performance of the Ducati Panigale V4 R, which will take effect from the next race at Imola.

This is not the first time that measures have been taken to limit the speed of the Ducati. A few weeks ago, 250 rpm were reduced in an attempt to curb Bautista's dominance, but these changes have not been enough to stop his unstoppable performance on the track. Now, the WSBK organization has agreed to a further reduction of 250 rpm, a measure that will affect not only Bautista's bike but all Ducatis on the grid.

With this new restriction, the Ducati Panigale V4 R now has a rev limit of 15,600 rpm, matching the Honda CBR1000RR-R as the bike with the highest rev range in the championship. However, it is important to note that this measure has not been well received by the other Ducati riders, who have yet to win a single race so far this season.

Previously, before the round in Barcelona, the Ducati had already lost 250 rpm, but this hasn't stopped its overwhelming performance. Additionally, Kawasaki used concession points to increase their rev limit by an additional 250 rpm, but this has also been insufficient to close the gap with the leader. It seems clear that these measures are not the definitive solution.

It is important to highlight that the new rpm limitation on the Ducati Panigale V4 R, which is now set at 15,600 rpm, puts it on par with the Honda CBR1000RR-R as the motorcycles with the highest rev limit in the championship. In comparison, the BMW M 1000 RR has a limit of 15,500 rpm, the Yamaha YZF-R1 is at 14,950 rpm, and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR is the lowest, with a limit of 14,850 rpm, despite the improvements obtained through concessions.

While the rider and manufacturer championships already seem to be decided in favor of Bautista and Ducati, WSBK aims to maintain excitement in the remaining races. Only time will tell whether this new reduction in the rpm limit of the Ducati Panigale V4 R will be enough to curb Álvaro Bautista's success or if there are other factors influencing his outstanding performance.