Michele Pirro and Ducati together until the end of 2026

Ducati Corse has announced that Michele Pirro will continue as the Borgo Panigale manufacturer's test rider for another three years until the end of 2026. Hailing from San Giovanni Rotondo and a nine-time Italian champion, Michele has been a key contributor to the development of the Desmosedici GP for the past eleven years and has also worked on the development of the Ducati MotoE. In addition to taking part in countless test sessions with the Ducati Test Team and racing in the Italian Superbike Championship with the Panigale V4 R, Michele has also been present at numerous MotoGP races and, in a little over a week, will participate as a wildcard in the upcoming Italian GP, taking place on 9-11 June at Mugello.

Luigi Dall’Igna: "No one knows the Ducati like he does"

The general manager of Ducati Corse, who has always praised the work of the Italian test rider, a key player when it comes to the development of the Italian bike, is understandably pleased with the renewal: "We are delighted to be able to count on Michele again for the next three years. Pirro started his work as a test rider eleven years ago, so no other rider knows our Desmosedici GP as well as he does. It is also thanks to his valuable contribution that we have been able to make our bike as competitive as it is today. The goal is to continue to grow; being able to count on Michele's great experience is definitely an asset in our development work."

Michele Pirro: "I’m experiencing the company’s best years"

Pirro and Ducati have formed one of the most fruitful pairings in recent years, able to develop over time while respecting the work and technical progression. Pirro himself speaks highly of the work completed, thanking everyone at Borgo Panigale: "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!"