Ducati did not completely live up to its clear role as favourite in testing: so far it has not been able to perfectly exploit the potential of the 2022 bike
With a strong finish to last year’s season and an impressive showing at the MotoGP post-season test in Jerez, Ducati earned favourite status for the 2022 MotoGP season before the turn of the year, but neither runner-up Francesco Bagnaia nor teammate Jack Miller or hopeful Jorge Martin attracted attention with record laps at the pre-season tests in Sepang (Malaysia) or Mandalika (Indonesia)
On the 2022 version of the Desmosedici, Ducati has yet to realise its full potential. “It didn’t go badly. We are still busy improving the bike,” commented team director Davide Tardozzi.
“Honda and Suzuki, but also Aprilia, were able to improve a lot during the winter,” Tardozzi notes in conversation . “But our bike is also competitive. On race pace we are very confident, especially with the medium tyre, which will probably be the race tyre in Mandalika. “
What details Ducati would like to improve before the start of the season
“There are some areas on the bike that we still need to improve. But we are really confident that we will be competitive,” the Ducati manager looks ahead to the season opener. And which areas are Ducati looking at more closely before the first race? “We can still improve the power delivery and also the cornering behaviour,” Tardozzi is convinced.
In addition, Ducati noticed during the final test in Indonesia that there were small problems with the brakes. This is actually one of the parade disciplines. “We are 80 per cent satisfied, not 100 per cent. Our riders are showing that our bike is working well,” Tardozzi explained.
“We have five riders with the 2022 bike. It gives us a lot of confidence that a rider like Marini could get the best time of the day. But we also have to look at our opponents. And Honda and Suzuki could improve a lot,” said the Ducati manager.
Will “Pecco” Bagnaia extend his contract before the Qatar race?
It is expected that Francesco Bagnaia will be the Ducati spearhead. It would be a relief for Ducati and Bagnaia to sort out the future before the start of the season. Will there be a contract extension before the season opener?
“‘Pecco’ is a rider we would like to keep in our family. We are still discussing some details. We want him, he wants Ducati. It’s quite conceivable that we will find a solution,” Tardozzi said. “We want to reach a result as soon as possible. But nothing has been agreed yet. “
