Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia, a four-time winner of a race in 2021 and finishing second in the championship standings behind world champion Fabio Quartararo, sees the use of eight Ducati machines in 2022 as an advantage, although he also sees the challenge that awaits the Ducati engineers.
“Eight bikes will certainly not be an easy job for Ducati, the use of two additional machines may seem like a small thing at first glance, but it is actually a lot.” Bagnaia said.
“But I believe they will manage this new situation well. It also means more data for us and more drivers asking for different things. So I think in the end it will be good for us.” Bagnaia added.
There will be two new Ducati riderswho will make their debut in the class; Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio. The pair first saw action on their Desmosedici last November during a two-day MotoGP test in Jerez.
“They made a good impression, they were strong right from the start for their first test on a MotoGP bike. I am also very happy that with Luca [Bezzecchi] but also with Luca [Marini] we have two more VR46 Riders Academy members within the Ducati family. We now have more stories to share during our joint training sessions in Tavullia.” Bagnaia said.
Fabio Di Giannantonio will be Enea Bastianini’s teammate within Gresini Racing. Bastianini, who managed to surprise many in his debut season last season by finishing third on his GP19 machine during both Grand Prix weekends at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, could well be the big surprise in 2022 now that he also gets the decision. about a newer GP21 machine.
The first MotoGP race of 2022 is scheduled for Sunday, March 6, at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. Which of the eight Ducati riders will be the best out of the starting blocks is still a question, but it is clear that the competition within the eight-member Ducati MotoGP family will be great in the coming season.
