Volkswagen has gifted an exclusive Ducati 1199 Panigale S Senna edition motorcycle to two-time WRC champion, Sebastien Ogier. The French rally driver was awarded the motorcycle to celebrate his second World Rally Championship title at the Italian motorcycle brand’s factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna.
The last two seasons of the World Rally Championship (WRC) have been dominated by Sebastien Ogier driving the Polo R WRC. In this season, Ogier and his team, Volkswagen Motorsport, secured both the drivers and manufacturers title for a second consecutive time.
The 1199 S Panigale Senna is a special edition motorcycle dedicated to the late Formula One champion, Ayrton Senna. It is based on the standard 1199 S Panigale, only 161 units of the 1199 S Panigale Senna have been produced and are intended exclusively for Brazil, the hometown of Senna.
The colour scheme of this special edition was personally chosen by Ayrton Senna a few weeks prior to his last race in Imola in 1994. This same paint scheme was also used in 1995 in the limited edition Ducati 916 SP, which was Ducati’s first motorcycle dedicated to Senna.
Ogier, who is a huge fan of Senna, said during the ceremony, "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.”
