German automobile group Volkswagen, the owner of motorcycle brand Ducati, has gifted the 1199 Panigale S Senna edition to Sebastien Ogier, who is a two-time WRC champion. The company gave this motorcycle to the French driver to mark the celebration of his second World Rally Championship. This presentation was made to the Italy-based brand’s production unit in Bologna.
Sebastien Ogier has dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the last two seasons and he drives the Polo R WRC. In fact, Volkswagen Motorsport, the team for which Ogier drives, won the drivers and manufacturers titles, that too for the second time in a row.
Ducati 1199 S Panigale Senna edition, like the name suggests, is dedicated to late Ayrton Senna, the great Formula One driver. Based on the 1199 S Panigale, this motorcycle has been made only for Brazil, the country where Ayrton Senna was born. Also, only 161 units of this motorcycle have been manufactured.
Interestingly, the colour scheme used in this bike was chosen by Ayrton Seena before the race at Imola in 1994. In addition, the same paint scheme was made use of in the Ducati 916 SP, another limited edition bike that was dedicated to Senna.
Ogier, a big lover of Senna, spoke during the ceremony and said, "For me, Ayrton Senna is the biggest hero in motorsport. It would have been great to meet him and get to know him, but in any case, he remains a fine example in motorsport. This Ducati 1199 Panigale Senna is a fantastic gift. I am very grateful to Volkswagen, both for the bike and for the importance it has for me, as I really admire Ayrton.”
