Italian motorbike manufacturer Ducati has announced a special version of its famous Monster, dedicated to the late F1 driver Ayrton Senna.
Wearing a special livery created by Centro Stile Ducati, just 341 examples of the Monster Senna will be made.
It is the latest tribute to the Brazilian icon, who died 30 years ago in a tragic accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
The McLaren Formula 1 team raced in a special Senna-inspired livery at the recent Monaco Grand Prix – and created a one-off Senna supercar in tribute.
Celebrating the life of Senna
The Monster Senna wears a commemorative livery, featuring the yellow, green and blue colours used on the Brazilian’s racing helmet.
The livery extends to the front Brembo brake calipers, and even the tags on the lightweight forged alloy wheels. Blue is used for the seat, which also has an embossed Senna logo.
Powering the Monster Senna is a 937cc ‘Testastretta’ V-twin engine, producing 111hp and 69lb ft of torque.
Öhlins suspension, an aluminium subframe and carbon fibre mud guards all help reduce the dry weight of the Monster Senna to 175kg.
A historic partnership
This is not the first time the Senna name has appeared on a Ducati motorbike. During the early 1990s, Senna became close friends with then-president and owner of Ducati, Claudio Castiglioni.
Senna received a 851 SP from Castiglioni in 1990, and became one of the very first owners of a Ducati Monster 900 when it was launched in 1993.
In March 1994, Senna agreed a deal with Ducati to put his name on a limited-edition version of the 916 superbike. Production was delayed due to Senna’s death, but later restarted with the approval of his family.
In 2013, Ducati announced a limited-run 1199 Panigale S Senna, which was only sold in Brazil.
Ready for collectors now
Each of the 341 examples will come with a unique serialised plaque on its steering head. A special bike cover and a certificate of authenticity will be included, too.
Limiting production of the Monster Senna to 341 examples is no coincidence. The ‘3’ represents the number of Formula One World Championships won by Ayrton Senna, with the ’41’ standing for his total number of Grand Prix victories.
Orders can be placed for the Ducati Monster Senna now, with UK prices starting at £23,500.
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