New Delhi, May 17, 2024.
Ducati has unveiled a special edition of the Monster which pays tribute to F1 legend Ayrton Senna. It’s called the Monster Senna special edition, and it is limited to only 341 units. Why? That’s because the number 3 refers to the total world titles won by Senna in Formula 1, 41 is the number of Grands Prix that Ayrton finished celebrating on the top step of the podium. The three-time F1 champion was one of the first owners of the Monster when it first came out back in 1993.
The presentation of the motorcycle dedicated by Ducati to Senna took place in the paddock of the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack at Imola. Sadly, on May 1, 1994, the Brazilian racing driver lost his life after crashing into a concrete barrier at the San Marion Grand Prix, which was held at the Imola Circuit in Italy. F1 commemorated the 30th anniversary of Senna’s death at Imola in 2024. Senna and Ducati first crossed paths back in 1990, when Claudio Castiglioni, then owner of Ducati and a passionate fan of Senna and his innate talent, gave the F1 world champion an 851 SP.
In fact, Senna is said to have been impressed with the Ducati 916 when he first saw it in person. Thus, the Ducati 916 Senna was born. It was a motorcycle characterized by a livery chosen by the Brazilian driver personally, opting for a contrasting graphic between anthracite grey, matt black and red. This special edition of the 916 was limited to just 300 units and was announced back in March 1994. Apart from this, there was also a special edition 1199 Panigale, which was limited to just 161 units.