Source: Ducati Superbike Team.

Ducati has officially launched its 2014 Superbike World Championship team in Italy, marking its factory return following a three-year hiatus.

Winners of 31 WSBK championships – 14 rider and 17 manufacturer titles – Ducati will field Chaz Davies and Davide Giugliano in the team operated at the factory by Feel Racing.

“As it always has been, superbike is an important element for Ducati, its fans and enthusiasts and we take great interest in itsaid Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali.

“Its proximity to the product, the fact that Ducati made its name in the modern era thanks to the many victories of its twin-cylinder machines in this championship for production-derived bikes, the chance to develop solutions and kits to offer to our clients and fans, all of this makes superbike a strategic championship for us.

“Ducati and its fans look forward to seeing the Panigale fighting for the top step of the rostrum, and Luigi Dall’Igna certainly has the experience and competence with which to take the team in that direction.

“I wish them all the best of luck, especially our two new riders Chaz and Davide who, I am sure, will do everything they can to put the smile back on the faces of the Ducatisti.”

Dall’Igna, who joined Ducati Corse as general manager in a high profile switch from Aprilia during the off-season, is confident the team can make great steps forward in 2014.

“The results of the latest tests are encouraging,” he said. “Both riders were able to record important lap times, but more important is the fact that their comments regarding the bike have been positive.

“This is a key factor, especially in view of the experience they have accumulated in recent seasons and the fact that both were riding bikes of reference until just a few months ago. They are together providing us with the feedback needed in order to develop the 1199 Panigale in the best possible way.

“There is of course a lot of work still to do but I am confident and optimistic and believe that over the course of this coming championship we will get the bike back to where it deserves to be.”

The Panigale in WSBK trim for 2014 has a completely new electronics package, new Ӧhlins suspension, 328mm Brembo front discs, and an upgraded engine package.