Sam Lowes believes that Ducati’s latest WorldSBK bike surpasses the previous Panigale V4 R in several key aspects. Having competed exclusively on Ducati machinery during his World Superbike career, Lowes entered the 2024 season with Mark VDS and continues to race with the Panigale V4 R.
For the 2026 model year, the Panigale underwent major upgrades, notably in aerodynamics and the rear swingarm, which switched from Ducati’s signature single-sided design to a double-sided one. Lowes had his first opportunity to test this new bike during pre-season testing in Jerez on January 21-22, although his track time was limited due to adverse weather conditions.
Despite the limited mileage, Lowes could gauge how the changes impacted the bike’s character, especially in terms of braking stability. He pointed out the obvious change of the double-sided swingarm and noted that the bike feels more stable with a different weight distribution.
While there aren’t significant changes in the engine or electronics, the overall balance—especially the seating position—feels markedly different, requiring some adjustment on his part. According to Lowes, this bike is geared more toward aggressive braking and enhanced stability, which he views as a positive development in the machine’s design.
Fan Take:
This evolution of Ducati’s Panigale V4 R highlights how innovation continues to push the boundaries of WorldSBK performance. For racing fans, these upgrades could lead to more thrilling, competitive racing, as riders exploit the enhanced braking and stability to push harder on the limits.
