In a truly historic moment for Indian motorsport enthusiasts, Ducati India today delivered the actual 2023 Panigale V4 R World Superbike Championship race motorcycle in Mumbai. Sent to India as part of a private collection, this Ducati Panigale V4 R—winner of the 2023 World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK)—was raced by Álvaro Bautista during his record-breaking, title-winning campaign with the factory Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team.
Showcased in its iconic Giallo Yellow livery, this one-of-one, championship-winning motorcycle is now preserved as part of a private collection in Mumbai. Ducati India, together with Ducati Infinity—the brand’s authorised dealer in Mumbai—takes pride in bringing this extraordinary piece of racing history to the country, offering a select audience a rare and intimate glimpse into Ducati’s dominance at the very highest level of production-based motorcycle racing.
A Season for the Record Books
The Panigale V4 R played a defining role in one of the most dominant seasons in WorldSBK history. During the 2023 season, Álvaro Bautista delivered a staggering performance, securing 27 race wins, 31 podium finishes, and a record-breaking points tally, clinching the WorldSBK title with multiple rounds remaining.
Ducati also achieved a historic milestone by recording the highest number of wins by a single manufacturer in the WorldSBK season, further cementing its position as the most successful brand of the modern WorldSBK era.
Engineered by Ducati Corse with an uncompromising focus on performance, the Panigale V4 R WorldSBK race bike is a pure championship machine. Advanced aerodynamics derived from MotoGP, race-developed electronics, a purpose-built chassis, and the high-revving Desmosedici Stradale R engine come together to deliver performance at the pinnacle of international competition – reflecting Ducati’s relentless pursuit of excellence on the racetrack.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said,
“Bringing the actual Panigale V4 R WorldSBK race bike ridden by Álvaro Bautista to India is a moment of immense pride for Ducati India. Seeing this extraordinary motorcycle become part of a private collection in India allows us to create a direct and powerful connection to the technology, passion, and on-track dominance that define Ducati’s WorldSBK legacy.”
Mr. Lalit Chaudhary, Dealer Principal, Infinity Cars Pvt Ltd (Official Dealer of Ducati in Mumbai), added, “The delivery of a motorcycle as extraordinary as this is a rare and defining moment, and we are truly honoured to be part of Ducati’s history in India. For over a decade, we have proudly represented this iconic Italian marque in Mumbai, consistently elevating our sales and after-sales experience. Beginning the year on such a high note reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence and serving the passionate Ducatisti community of Mumbai.”
Álvaro Bautista – 2023 WorldSBK Season: Statistics & Records
Álvaro Bautista delivered one of the most dominant performances in World Superbike Championship history during the 2023 season, setting multiple all-time records and leading Ducati to its most successful WorldSBK campaign.
2023 Season Statistics
• Championship Position: 1st (World Champion)
• Total Points: 628
• Race Wins: 27 (record for most wins in a single WorldSBK season) and Podium Finishes: 31
• Fastest Laps: 23 (season record)
• Longest Win Streak: 11 consecutive race wins
2023 Highlights & Records
• Won 14 of the first 15 races, setting a new benchmark for the strongest season start
• Set a new all-time record for most wins in a single WorldSBK season
• Became the first Ducati rider since Carl Fogarty (1999) to successfully defend a WorldSBK title
Bautista’s extraordinary 2023 campaign not only redefined dominance in WorldSBK but also reinforced the Panigale V4 R’s status as the benchmark in production-based motorcycle racing.
