2016 Ducati 959 and 1299 Panigale test riders wanted

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional motorcycle test rider, and have perhaps the most awesome job in the world, well, this might be your chance. Ducati is looking for 160 test riders to take the 2016 1299 Panigale, and the brand-new 959 Panigale, through the paces at a racetrack in May.

There’s only one catch, the test rides take place in the UK, at the Silverstone and Snetterton tracks. Organised by Ducati’s UK division, interested riders can apply by filling in a form on Ducati’s UK website, and try their luck.

Selection is by lottery, and successful applicants are expected to have their own race-certified helmet and race-suit, and will have to bear their own travel and accommodation expenses. Those who do not make the first round cut will have their names placed on the reserve list.

The 2016 959 Panigale was shown at EICMA in November last year, and is Ducati’s latest version of its take on an entry-level superbike. The brand-new 959 Panigale has a 955 cc version of the Superquadro V-twin engine, putting out 157 hp and 107.4 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm.

As big brother to the 959, the 1299 Panigale comes with the same Superquadro engine, but with 1,285 cc. This lets the 1299 Panigale produce 205 hp and 144.6 Nm of torque at 8,750 rpm. Both Panigale superbikes come with ride-by-wire, ABS, traction control and ride modes, along with a slew of other riding aids.

In Malaysia, the Ducati 1299 Panigale retails for RM172,999, and the 1299 Panigale S for RM210,999. The top-of-the-line 1199 Panigale R goes for RM263,999. Prices include GST, but exclude registration, road tax and insurance.

As can be expected, interest from the motorcycling public in the 2016 959 Panigale is high, with many wanting to see how the newcomer stacks up against the previous 899 Panigale. It can be safely assumed that newbies and inexperienced riders need not apply to be a Panigale test rider.

GALLERY: 2016 Ducati 959 Panigale

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