Ducati Corse announced the three members of its top, factory-supported World Superbike team. Troy Bayliss had already been announced (no surprise), but he will be joined by Ruben Xaus and Ben Bostrom. Each of these riders will receive the latest and greatest Ducati hardware, including the new 998cc engine, which reportedly makes ten more horsepower than last year’s motor.
Bostrom, ironically, had been a top factory rider for Ducati at the beginning of this year’s WSB season, and was then demoted to a privateer Ducati team. His results improved, however, and he made the podium more than once. Ducati now sees Bostrom as sufficiently talented to warrant a spot on the top rung.
One interesting question is whether John Kocinski will receive the latest and greatest Ducati equipment, as well, if he signs with the Competition Accessories Ducati team to race the AMA series next year. Kocinski is, according to reports we have read, considered one of the world’s great riders by Ducati’s executives, and they may be anxious to take victory in the AMA series next year. If so, they may find an additional, top-tier bike for the multi-time World champion.
