World Superbike technical boss Scott Smart has reiterated that Ducati’s exhaust system on the Panigale is perfectly within the rules in an effort to finally remove all speculation on its legality.

Smart spoke to bikesportnewscom said that the rules are there in black and white, and those that believe Ducati are doing something wrong should read the regulations.

“It’s pretty clear in the rules, which say: the appearance from the front, rear and the profile of Superbike motorcycles must (except when otherwise stated) conform in principle to the homologated shape (as originally produced by the manufacturer). The appearance of the exhaust system is excluded from this rule,” a clearly-exasperated Smart told BSN.

“The Panigale’s is homologated to have one exhaust exiting on either side of the bike. The first change of exhaust in Portimao last year, although looking completely different, conformed to that rule and the latest upgrade also has one exhaust routed on either side, so it is within the rules. There should be no question of it. The Fireblade and Yamaha R6 have also raced with a different but still legal exhaust, but no-one seemed to notice that…”

Rule 2.4.8.18 states: The number of the final exhaust silencer(s) must remain as homologated. The silencer(s) must be on the same side(s) as on the homologated model.

Ducati’s Panigale for Japan is also homologated but has one whopping silencer on the right-hand side due to the country’s noise laws. If the factory wanted to, they could run that thing.

British Superbike boss Stuart Higgs confirmed his series run the same rules and that the Termignoni upgrade added to the Be Wiser bikes is also within the rules.