Ducati have become the second MotoGP manufacturer to confirm their continued presence in the series for the foreseeable future, the Italian manufacturer signing a five year deal until 2026.
The Bologna-based marque follows KTM’s confirmation last week, the Austrian organisation announcing they too would continue to compete in MotoGP until at least 2026 last Wednesday.
Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’igna expressed his delight following the news of Ducati’s further commitment to MotoGP, promising Ducati would tackle the future with the “same passion and dedication” that carried it to its first constructors title in a decade last season.
“We are happy to be able to confirm our participation in MotoGP until the end of 2026,” said Dall’igna.
“In recent years the Desmosedici GP has proven to be one of the most competitive bikes on the grid, and the 2020 Constructors’ World Title is further proof of this.
“Even though this year’s regulations will not allow for significant technical developments, we will face the 2021 season with the same passion and dedication.
“The goal is to fight for the MotoGP title with our two new riders and prepare the groundwork for our future commitment to the Championship.”
Ducati has been a staple of premier class grand prix motorcycle racing since entering the fray back in 2003, Loris Capirossi picking up its first victory just six races into its debut campaign.
Ducati would achieve its first taste of championship success as it dominated the 2007 season thanks to the efforts of Casey Stoner and Capirossi, the former taking the riders title while Ducati wrapped up both the teams and constructors titles for the first time.
It picked up its second constructors in 2020 despite a largely troubled season in which the Desmosedici lacked the outright speed of its rivals, sheer consistency from its riders affording the marque its crown.
Ducati have racked up 51 victories as well as a further 109 rostrum results across its 17 years competing in MotoGP, the latest of which achieved by the departing Danilo Petrucci at Le Mans last year.
The organisation will head into the 2021 season fielding an all-new line-up following its split with lead rider of recent years Andrea Dovizioso, with ’20 Pramac pilots Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia making up its fresh-faced roster.
Johann Zarco and rookie Jorge Martin will compete for Ducati satellite outfit Pramac next year on a pair of factory-spec Desmosedici’s, while Avintia will also field a pair of Ducati’s for rookie duo Enea Bastianini-the ’20 Moto2 world champion- and Luca Marini.
