Ducati has revealed the Panigale V2 SP as its next move in middleweight production racing, with the new model intended to enter the World Supersport championship from 2027. It remains road legal so it can meet the category’s homologation requirements, while its chassis and equipment have been revised with circuit use in mind. The SP is based on the Panigale V2 S introduced for 2025.

The new version joins a range priced in the UK at £15,595 for the Panigale V2, £17,695 for the V2 S and £19,995 for the V2 MM93 Marc Márquez special edition. Ducati’s Panigale V4 R has also delivered major production-racing results in 2026, winning the World Superbike, British Superbike, All Japan Road Race and Asia Superbike 1000 championships. The V2 SP extends that racing focus into the middleweight class rather than chasing a large increase in engine output.

890 cc engine, with racing rules in mind

Power comes from the 890 cc V-twin already used across the Panigale V2 range. Ducati quotes 118.3 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 68.9 lb.ft of torque at 8,250 rpm. The engine is not given a major power revision because World Supersport’s balancing rules are designed to accommodate different layouts, including conventional four-cylinder 600s and newer motorcycles such as the Yamaha R9 and ZXMoto 820RR.

For track use, a racing exhaust is available as an option. Ducati claims that it adds 5.9 bhp while reducing weight by 4.5 kg, although it is intended for racing rather than normal road use. The SP also receives a dry clutch, which is designed to give race teams more precise control of engine braking, and a lithium battery among its weight-saving components. Claimed wet weight is 176 kg without fuel.

Chassis changes and road equipment

A longer swingarm retains the Panigale’s double-sided, open-structure design. Ducati says the extra length is intended to improve stability and help control wheelies. New forged wheels are 1.5 kg lighter overall, with the reduction in rotational inertia quoted at 27% at the front and 21% at the rear to make direction changes more responsive. Exact swingarm measurements were not given.

Despite the racing programme, the road-legal SP uses Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres rather than the more track-focused Supercorsa range. Braking is handled by radial Brembo M50 monobloc calipers and 320 mm discs. A six-axis IMU supports the lean-sensitive electronics, while fully adjustable manual Öhlins suspension is fitted at both ends.

The SP’s finish combines black bodywork with frost white wheels. Its equipment includes a 5-inch colour TFT display with a dedicated welcome graphic, while the passenger seat and footpegs are available as accessories. Ducati says the updates draw on a season of racing development in its V2 Future Champs Academy domestic series, which is also used to develop new riding talent. The FB63 special edition, built to honour Francesco Bagnaia, is set to be withdrawn from sale next year as he leaves the factory Ducati team for Aprilia.