2011 Ducati Diavel on 2040-motos

Moto blog

And it's goodbye from him

THIS IS Valentino Rossi's farewell letter to his Fiat Yamaha team following the announcement the flambouyant Italian is to head to Ducati MotoGP in 2011.The hand-written letter, mistakes and all, is written in almost a 'my first romance' kinda way. It's touching, if a little bizarre. Some of the letter reads:“Unfortunately even the most beautiful love stories finish, but they leave a lot of wonderful memories, like when my M1 and I kissed for the first time on the grass at Welkom, when she looked straight in my eyes and told me ‘I love you!'"Somehow, we can't see Casey Stoner gushing quite as freely when he leaves Ducati for Repsol Honda.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Unveiled

Here it is, the long-awaited and much-hyped 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale, unveiled just this morning as preparations are underway to begin the EICMA show in Milan all this week. The new flagship for Ducati was uncovered to the public alongside the entire 2012 range in a stylish press conference at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, Italy.Ducati President Gabriele del Torchio took the honor of introducing the new machine, but not before announcing that, despite global economic troubles, “2011 has been the most successful year in the history of Ducati.” “Sales of approximately 42,000 motorcycles have generated revenues of €480m (approx. $660m), a 20% increase over the previous year and just reward for our highly innovative products.

Hayden rides dirt track (again)

So Nicky Hayden's signed for another two-years at Ducati. He must be chuffed with that deal, I mean it's not as if he's wowed anyone with his performances on the Desmosedici, but he is a grafter. And perhaps the perfect team mate to play second fiddle to Rossi?