Ducati’s Nicky Hayden and Pramac’s Ben Spies were at the Circuit of the America’s for the manufacturer’s US launch of the 1199 Panigale R, the extreme racing version of the Italian company’s Superbike with its four levels of adjustable swingarm pivot, titanium piston rods, carbon fibre bodywork, and Ducati Performance racing exhaust and livery.
The two American riders, that are both in recovery mode – Hayden after minor surgery earlier this month, and Spies who is yet to be 100% fit following his shoulder surgery last year – thus had a chance to check out first hand the Austin circuit where Yamaha Factory.
Repsol Honda, and LCR Honda team riders tested three days last week, and saw MotoGP rookie Marc Marquez send everyone into a state of giddiness over his performance.
The COTA circuit will be hosting the second round of the 2013 MotoGP championship from April 19th to the 21st.