Ever since Ducati announced that the prototype of the brutal Streetfighter V4 will be participating in this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb Challenge, all we did is imagine the naked monster in action in those corners. Looking at the facts, the Streetfighter V4 appeared to be a capable machine to set a mind-blowing lap time at the Pikes Peak, provided it is being ridden by a similarly capable rider. And that’s exactly what has happened. The Ducati Streetfighter V4 prototype was the fastest bike at the end of the qualifying session.
Carlin Dunne of the Spider Grips Ducati team rode the Streetfighter V4 at the limits to secure the pole position. He scored the best time during all qualifying sessions. His teammate, Codie Vahsholtz, competing on the Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak, qualified in second place in his category and in third place overall.
Pikes Peak, famously known as “The Race To The Clouds”, is in its 97th edition. It marks the world premiere of Ducati’s new Streetfighter V4 in prototype form. Ducati chose this circuit as the proving ground for the prototype. The Streetfighter V4 derives directly from the sporty Panigale V4, stripped of its fairings, and fitted with high and wide handlebars. The production version of the Streetfighter V4 will be unveiled at the Ducati World Première and is scheduled to be available in Ducati dealerships starting in Spring 2020.
Ducati’s heritage at the PPIHC is well-known throughout the world, with Ducati being crowned a winner of the race in 2018, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, eight instances in total, including last year.
The showstopper round is going to take place on Sunday, 30th June in Colorado from 7:30 in the morning till noon (local time).
