During the recent auction in Monterey of auction house RM Sotheby’s, a special Desmoses GP8 was auctioned for a considerable amount. The auctioned MotoGP Racer was compiled from Ducati Corse parts and sprayed in the “Stars and Stripes” Livery with which Nicky Hayden drove during the first winter test in preparation for the 2009 season in Valencia.
At the end of the 2008 season, Nicky Hayden made the switch to Ducati for six seasons for Honda, where he became the teammate of Casey Stoner who made himself immortal the year before by giving her first world title in the MotoGP in the first season of the 800-era Ducati. It was the first constructor title for a European manufacturer since 1974.
Two days after the last race in Valencia, traditionally followed the first winter test of the following season, where Hayden was introduced to the Ducati Desmoses MotoGP Racer for the first time. The 2006 MotoGP world champion rode on the outgoing GP8 and the machine with which he would ride his first season for Ducati: the GP9.
For the occasion, Ducati had provided the GP8 with a suitable “stars and stripes” livery, as a tribute to the proud American roots of Hayden. Given the sensitivity around Haydens switch between teams, the Livery did not contain sponsor stickers except Bridgestone logos, which ensured a tight and timeless design that is still being adored by many.
The machine offered for auction was purchased in February 2010 in the Ducati Factory in Borgo Panigale as a dismantled but authentic Ducati Desmosedici GP8 from the GP7 and GP8 machines stock.
The racer was then completely structured again, using a frame produced in July 2008, a new and unused motorcycle carter, a Hayden fuel tank used in the race and other Hayden and original Ducati MotoGP parts, all of which were purchased in 2010. As a Finishing Touch, the GP8 is equipped with the “Stars and Stripes” Livery with which Hayden Reed Winter Test in Valencia in 2009.
The “Stars and Stripes” GP8 auctioned at RM Sotheby’s auctioned has gone for the mere amount of $ 288,000, that’s € 247,226.11 at the current rate of the dollar. That may sound like a bargain, but remember that it is not an authentic GP8 that actually raced in 2008, let alone the copy that Hayden drove during the winter test.
It also also comes that the auctioned Desmosisedics GP8, although entirely made up of original Ducati Corse parts, is currently in Show Bike condition, and you cannot go on the circuit, let alone start it. However, the machine can be made on foot with the right parts, and that will have been sufficient for the new owner.
That plus the fact that it is a piece of Ducati history anyway, how many GP8s are there at all?
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.