New Ducati Monster Senna Honours The F1 Icon Who Loved Motorbikes

Even someone with only a passing knowledge of F1 will likely know a thing or two about Ayrton Senna. That he was a triple world champion, perhaps, and maybe his tempestuous rivalry with Alain Prost. But what you might not know is that the Brazilian F1 ace was a huge motorcycle fan, and there was arguably one brand that mattered to him more than any other - Ducati.

When not dominating on track, Ayrton could be seen biffing around Monte Carlo, where he had an apartment, on a Monster 900. Not only that, but one of the first Monster 900s to roll off the production line. 

Ducati honoured Ayrton with three special versions of the 916 superbike following his tragic passing - the Senna I, II and III, but now the Italian manufacturer is back with a new special edition which pays tribute to the driver in the most appropriate way of all. With a Monster.

The bike is daubed in a special livery echoing that of Senna’s helmet, itself inspired by the yellow, green and blue of the Brazilian flag. Mechanically, it’s fairly close to a Monster SP, meaning it’s fitted with bougie Ohlins suspension and is 4kg lighter than a regular Monster thanks to the use of a lithium-ion battery and aluminium footrests.

It’s powered by a 937cc ‘Testastretta’ V-twin, which produces 109bhp - plenty in a bike that tips the scales at just 175kg. You also get forged wheels and Brembo Stylema brakes.

Ducati is making 341 units of the bike, a number which has two references in it - 3 for the number of Driver’s Titles won by Senna, and 41 for his total number of wins. It’s certainly not what you’d call cheap, with its £23,500 price tag representing a significant markup from the £13,995 charged for a Monster SP.

The bike will make its public debut at the Formula 1 MSC Cruises Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell'Emilia-Romagna 2024. Yes, that really is its official name.