Ducati Keep Michele Pirro As A Test Rider Until 2027

One of the longest rider and team relationships in MotoGP will continue as Ducati keep Michele Pirro as a test rider until 2027.

The 36-year-old from San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy first joined the manufacturer in 2013, developing the Desmosedici GP for 11 years so far alongside with competing in races as a wildcard rider. He’s also a multiple Italian champion in the superbike and superstock classes, and has also been involved in developing the new Ducati MotoE machine.

Michele Pirro (#51, Ducati MotoGP Test Team): “Most of my sporting career has been with Ducati, and I can’t imagine myself in any other colour than the red of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. I arrived here in 2013, probably during the most difficult years for Ducati Corse, but now I am also experiencing the best ones for the company. I am very proud of what we have done together. I have worked closely with the new generation of Italian riders and always learn something new from them. As always, I will work hard to continue contributing to developing the Desmosedici GP and the Panigale V4. I thank Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide, and all the people who believe in me. Forza Ducati always!”

Prior to joining Ducati, Pirro competed in the 125cc Grand prix class in 2005 and 2006, following by two years winning consectutive titles in the Italian National Superstock class. He moved to Supersport in 2009, and Moto2 in 2011, racing for Team Gresini and taking a win at Valencia two weeks after the death of Marco Simoncelli. He moved to MotoGP with the team in 2012, with a best place of fifth before joining Ducati as a test rider.

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