One of the most striking aspects of the new Ducati Panigale V4, unveiled just over a week ago, is its aerodynamics. The work to develop it was meticulous.
Ducati Corse’s technicians and methodologies, in collaboration with the Centro Stile, were used in a process that took a year and a half. The development involved CFD analysis and feedback from track testing riders.
Two goals guided the development of the aerodynamic package for Ducati’s new superbike – on one hand, increasing drag coefficient; and on the other, optimizing aerodynamic downforce by integrating wing profiles into the design.
Designed to increase top speed on the track, the aerodynamic configuration reduces rolling resistance by four percent, while increasing airflow to the water and oil radiators by nine percent and 19 percent, respectively – crucial for use in extreme circuit conditions.
The fairing’s surface is reduced in the lateral view, in line with the Desmosedici GP from MotoGP, aiming to enhance transverse airflow. This has a positive impact on high-speed cornering, with less influence from crosswinds.
The windscreen is higher, offering better protection for the rider in a straight line, while the double wing profiles are integrated with the front shapes of the bike, maintaining the same aerodynamic contribution as in the previous Panigale V4 version.
The front mudguard also features a new shape. The vertical load generated by the wings reduces front wheel lift at high speeds, while stability is improved during braking, corner entry, and cornering.