Maria Costello M.B.E. realised yet another racing ambition when she competed on a Ducati in the first round of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge at Brands Hatch over the Easter break.

It’s over ten years ago since Maria last competed in a short-circuit support race at a British Superbike Championship event. But her lack of recent short-circuit experience was no match for her absolute desire to compete on a Ducati, a brand with vast racing heritage. And despite the huge challenge, Maria accepted the invitation to race the VIPDucati 848 Evo Superbikebike without hesitation.

The Challenge opening round saw last season’s runner-up Leon Morris take the double win pushed hard all the way by double second placed man and former British Supersport champion Mike Edwards. The competition was hot and the pace was fast and although Maria found more speed with each session on track she finished in 19th and 18th places respectively.

While slightly disappointed with her results nothing could detract from the sheer satisfaction and enjoyment Maria obtained from racing a Ducati in the 848 Challenge.

Maria commented on her Ducati debut, “To race the Ducati 848 in such a highly competitive series, without having ridden or tested it before, was always going to be a tall order. Thankfully my fears didn’t stop me from accepting the challenge. It’s been a dream come true and I’d love to compete in the rest of the series. Huge thanks to Ducati UK, Team AOR/Boast Plumbing, Tim McGivern and all the 848 Challenge riders for making me so welcome and making it such a fantastic weekend of racing.”

Maria is the first female to compete in the 848 Challenge and used the opportunity to help raise awareness of the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! by carrying their logo on the VIP 848 bike.

CoppaFeel! is on a mission to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that people know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, know what their boobs look and feel like normally, check their boobs regularly throughout their lifetime and have confidence to seek medical advice referral when they detect abnormalities. For more information go to www.coppafeel.org

Maria’s brief endeavour onboard a Ducati has provoked yet more passion for the brand and she would love to compete in the remaining seven rounds of the series. If you want to race in the Ducati 848 Challenge, places are still available on the grid, contact 848challenge@tbpsports.com or go to www.ducati848challenge.co.uk

If you are interested in sponsoring Maria for the remaining rounds of the 848 Challenge, an official support race for the MCE Insurance British Superbike championship, contact her via her website www.costelloracing.com

Image courtesy of Barbara Mass.