Ducati has presented a collector’s Limited Edition Monster in the Formula 1 paddock at the Imola circuit. The Monster Senna, which is produced in a very limited edition of only 342 units, is a tribute to the Formula 1 legend who lost his life on this circuit 30 years ago.
Ducati pays tribute to Ayrton Senna by presenting a limited edition collector’s Monster in honor of the Brazilian Formula 1 driver’s extraordinary career and the legacy he left behind. The limited number of units is a tribute to the legend: 341. 3 is the number of world titles that Senna won in Formula 1. 41 is the number of Grands Prix that Ayrton celebrated on the highest step of the podium.
The choice of the Monster is also linked to the history of Ayrton, who was one of the very first owners of the Monster 900, which he used to get around Monte Carlo and on which he appeared at the gala evening of the 1993 Monaco F1 Grand Prix. Ayrton loved the Monster’s simple concept of bringing riding pleasure to the center of the motorcycle experience: a sporty bike, perfect for road use, chassis derived from the Superbike, wide handlebars and no fairing.
The Monster Senna pays tribute to the talent of the three-time world champion with a special livery inspired by the color of the helmet the driver wore during races throughout his career with parts in yellow, green and blue, clear tributes to the Brazilian flag .
The presentation of the Monster Senna took place in the paddock of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola on the occasion of the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Formula 1 Grand Prix. The memory of the bond between Senna and Ducati was conveyed through the words of Claudio Domenicali (Ducati CEO), Bianca Senna (Senna Brands CEO) with also a contribution from Stefano Domenicali (Formula 1® President and CEO).
“Ayrton Senna was and will forever remain an icon. A sports legend, an extraordinary person, but also a passionate motorcyclist, whom we want to honor with a special edition of one of the most iconic models in our range: the Monster. Senna was a from the very first owners of the Monster 900 and perfectly represented the values ​​of this motorcycle: style, daring and fun. The Monster Senna shows how honored we are to define a champion of this incredible level as a true Ducatista.”
“The collaboration with Ducati is historic and very relevant to this day. The Monster is a perfect motorcycle that recalls Ayrton’s lifestyle, focused on high performance but with the opportunity to enjoy moments of relaxation. Fans all over the world Those who admire Ayrton will find this partnership a true tribute to his legacy.”
The Monster Senna is equipped with components that, in addition to enhancing its appearance, also improve the dynamic qualities of the motorcycle and allow it to reach a weight without fuel of 175 kg, 4 kg less than the standard model. The bicycle is equipped with fully adjustable and sporty Öhlins suspension, forged wheels, Brembo Stylema brake calipers and aluminum flanges for the brake discs.
The aesthetics of the Monster Senna, in addition to the special color scheme, are enhanced by the yellow/green/blue tag on the black rims, specially made for this model, and by the yellow on the brake calipers and on the Termignoni homologated carbon fiber dampers. Other distinguishing elements of this model are the special saddle, the matching engine guard and a special animation in the TFT display when the engine is switched on.
Finally, each motorcycle is made unique by a plaque on the triple clamp with the model name and number of the motorcycle, as well as by a certificate of authenticity and the presence of a special motorcycle cover.
The story of Ducati and Ayrton Senna
The paths of Ducati and Ayrton Senna first crossed in 1990, when Claudio Castiglioni, then owner of Ducati and a passionate fan of Senna and his innate talent, gave the three-time world champion an 851 SP. In the following years, Senna and Ducati realized that they had many values ​​in common and when the world champion saw the new Ducati 916 in the flesh, he was absolutely fascinated by it, giving rise to the idea for a collaboration on a special project that would enhance the Ducati brand and could unite the Senna brand.
Thus was born the Ducati 916 Senna, a motorcycle characterized by a livery personally selected by the Brazilian rider, opting for a contrasting graphic between anthracite gray, matte black and red, which became iconic in the following years. The special series, limited to just 300 units, was announced by Ducati in March 1994.
The tragic accident that killed Ayrton Senna occurred a few months before the start of production of the Ducati 916 Senna and stopped all activities related to Ayrton, but the subsequent discussion between Ducati and Senna’s family convinced the parties to to continue with the project in memory of Ayrton and the presentation took place at the 1994 Motor Show. The first series sold out in a very short time and was followed by two more series in 1997 and 1998 with colors chosen by Ayrton’s brother, Leonardo Senna.
The collaboration with Senna Brands resumed in 2014 with the 1199 Panigale, on the basis of which a limited series of 161 units was created – the same as the number of Grands Prix raced by Ayrton – reserved for the Brazilian market. All Ducati Sennas are highly sought after by collectors around the world.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.