MotoGP, Tardozzi: “We need to keep Bagnaia in the family, we’ll find a way”

With the tests complete, it’s time for Ducati to draw some initial conclusions. We saw eight riders and bikes on track at Sepang and then at Mandalika. Factory Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi talks about the recent test sessions, before also touching on Francesco Bagnaia’s contract renewal.

Tardozzi: “Honda and Suzuki a big step forward”

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“As for the pre-season, we’re 80% satisfied - Tardozzi tells MotoGP.com – I think our riders have shown that our bike is at a good level. We have five riders with the 2022 version. The fact that Luca Marini was at the top of the timesheets on day two for example tells us that we’re doing a good job”.

Tardozzi adds: “But it’s also true that we can’t just look at what’s going on in our garage, we also need to keep an eye on our rivals. I can say that Honda and Suzuki have taken a big step forward”.

“We want Bagnaia and he wants us”

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He then goes on to mention Pecco Bagnaia’s contract, which will expire at the end of 2022. It’s almost certain that the Bolognese manufacturer wants to continue on with the Italian rider though: “Francesco is a rider who we want to keep in the family. We’ve already discussed certain points, but the truth is that we want him and he wants to stay, so all we have to do is come to an agreement.”

Translated by Heather Watson

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