ALFA ROMEO has launched a limited edition variant of the compact Alfa MiTo model, to mark the brand's collaboration with the FIM World Superbike Championship.

Named the Quadrifoglio Verde SBK, only 28 examples of the car are so far due to be destined for the UK.

To mark the model's UK arrival, Alfa Romeo coordinated a driving dare involving precision driver Paul Swift and British Superbike rider Chris ‘The Stalker' Walker.

They met at the Silverstone circuit where Walker, aboard a Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja British Superbike ‘undertook' Swift in the Alfa MiTo SBK - with the car up on two wheels.

As the MiTo swept round Brooklands corner, Walker throttled in on the inside line, building up enough speed to get the bike over and, for a brief moment, under the chassis of the Alfa before speeding out the other side to safety.

First revealed at last autumn's Paris Motor Show, the Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK is aimed at combining the Italian marque's passion for style with the competitive edge of the FIM Superbike World Championship - for which Alfa Romeo is sponsor and safety car provider.

Powered by a 1.4-litre MultiAir 170bhp Quadrifoglio Verde engine, the limited edition model features SBK decals, a racing body kit including side skirts and rear lower spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and red Brembo brake callipers.

The limited edition is available in Solid Black with an Alfa Red roof.

The motorsport-inspired theme continues inside, with red stitched Alcantara sports seats with carbon fibre backs - normally a £2,000 option - sports pedals and red-stitched leather steering wheel and gearstick, while an individually numbered SBK Limited Edition badge guarantees exclusivity.

You also get dual-zone air-con, Blue&Me hands-free system, cruise control, Alfa Active Suspension and rear parking sensors.

Body colour is black with an Alfa Red roof and the price is £21,595 on the road, which represents a saving of £1,200 over the standard MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde fitted with the extra equipment.