Ducati Corse has officially announced the continuation of Michele Pirro’s contract as their test rider, ensuring his services until the end of 2026. This extension reinforces Pirro’s integral role within the Ducati team, as he has been part of their project for more than a decade.
"I’m really happy to continue working with Ducati for another three years," said Michele Pirro, reflecting on his long tenure. His expertise has been pivotal in testing new components and providing valuable feedback to the engineering team.
In this ongoing collaboration, Pirro has engaged in numerous test sessions with the Ducati Test Team while also competing in the Italian Superbike Championship aboard the Panigale V4 R. His dual role showcases a dedication that is crucial for the brand's competitive edge.
Beyond his testing duties, Pirro's presence on the race track is noted at various Grands Prix. He will be participating as a wild card at the upcoming Italian GP, scheduled for June 9-11 at Mugello, a race he's excited about. "Racing at Mugello is always special for me. It’s my home track, and I look forward to sharing the experience with my fans and the Ducati team," remarked Pirro.
The commitment from Ducati to keep Pirro until 2026 signifies not only the trust in his abilities but also a collective vision for ongoing improvement in performance and innovation within the motorcycle racing sector. Ducati's management has expressed confidence in Pirro's capacity to enhance their competitive status.
"Michele’s contribution to our project is invaluable," stated a Ducati spokesperson.
His performance during testing allows for rapid iterations on the bike's engineering, ensuring that Ducati remains a formidable challenger in both the MotoGP and Superbike arenas. The decision to renew his contract is a testament to their belief in building continuity with experienced personnel.
As Ducati looks ahead toward its goals over the next few seasons, Pirro’s involvement will be key in helping the team gather the necessary data and insights to improve their racing technology. His broad experience is an asset that tends to pay dividends on the racing circuit, and both fans and team members eagerly await what’s next. With Ducati's firm foundation established by seasoned contributors like Pirro, the next three years promise to be filled with significant developments in their racing performance, both on the MotoGP circuit and beyond.