World Superbike star and Ducati ambassador Carl Fogarty led the first ever UK laps for Ducati’s brand new ‘supermid’ 899 Panigale. The bike, which was unveiled for the first time just two weeks ago in Imola, took to the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit for it’s first demonstration on British soil, with Fogarty leading round the 2013 Ducati TriOptions 848 Challenge champion Marty Nutt and runner up Jonathan Railton.

Adding to the drama of the BSB Showdown finale, the trio of new machines was chased around the track by a police-liveried 1199 Panigale. Despite its extra power, there was nothing the bigger bike could do to catch the agile 899 on the damp circuit, and several riders have already confirmed they will make the step up to 899 machinery for the Ducati TriOptions Cup in 2014.