Ducati’s team manager Davide Tardozzi expressed surprise over Uccio Salucci’s recent statements regarding Francesco Bagnaia‘s GP24 testing at Misano. The factory team remains cautious while addressing the Francesco Bagnaia GP24 test, amid conflicting reports about the use of Franco Morbidelli’s bike during the session.
The Misano test took place shortly before Bagnaia’s resurgence in form, which culminated in a dominant performance in the following race in Japan. However, despite suggestions that Bagnaia rode Morbidelli’s GP24 machine, Ducati is reluctant to confirm this openly, maintaining a reserved position amid Salucci’s public remarks.
Ducati’s View on Parts Sharing and Bike Development
Responding to Salucci’s comments, Tardozzi emphasized the normality of using previously tested components in development. He said,
“We have the opportunity to make several changes to the bike, so using parts that have already been used is normal,”
illustrating the iterative nature of bike refinement.
Tardozzi further clarified that while there are some differences in parts, critical elements such as the engine and chassis remain consistent among the bikes.
“Every official rider has the opportunity to put all the available parts on the bike. The rider decides on the mix to find his confidence,”
he explained, underscoring rider autonomy in customizing setups.
He added,
“Pecco, Marc [Marquez] and Diggia [Fabio Di Giannantonio] all have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of parts that can go on the bike, then it’s up to the rider to put it together in the best way.”
VR46 Team Offers Additional Explanation on Bagnaia’s Test
Following Salucci’s declarations, VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto provided further insight during an interview with DAZN, discussing why Bagnaia tested Morbidelli’s bike. Nieto remarked,
“Because [a test day is] when you have a little more time to do testing and so on. At the end of the day, we’re a family, so why not help Pecco?”
demonstrating the cooperative spirit within the organization.
Although Ducati maintains that the GP24 and GP25 bikes are largely similar, Nieto highlighted several distinctions. When questioned on differences, he stated,
“It’s different. The chassis, swingarm and electronics are different. Obviously, the fairings are different too, which is more visual. And more internal things. It may not seem like it, but there are always small differences.”
Nieto also noted,
“The GP24 and GP25 engines are very similar, but they are not the same. Morbidelli’s GP24 is a slightly different GP24. And you would have to ask Ducati about the GP24 that Bagnaia is riding now, I’m not 100% sure about the bike he is riding now.”
On the subtle visual cues, Nieto added,
“When you look at the fairings, you realise that [Bagnaia’s bike] is a bit like the GP24, but in the end, it’s all so minimal that it’s hard to say one thing or the other.”
Morbidelli Confirms Support for Ducati During Testing
Franco Morbidelli also confirmed Bagnaia’s use of his bike during the Misano test. Reflecting on the role of team cooperation, he stated,
“We were asked to do that by Ducati and we gave everything, our means and our support to the factory in the best way we could and that’s what we did.”
Meanwhile, Bagnaia refrained from commenting on the subject during his media briefing on the Friday following the test, keeping with the unclear communication approaches surrounding the issue.
Implications for Ducati’s Testing Strategy and Future Performance
The cautious dialogue surrounding the Francesco Bagnaia GP24 test underscores the intricate balance Ducati maintains between transparency and strategic discretion. This episode reveals how components and machinery are shared within the factory and satellite teams to optimize performance and rider confidence.
Understanding subtle differences between machines such as the GP24 and GP25 is crucial for fans and analysts, especially as Bagnaia aims to sustain his winning momentum following his strong performance in Japan. The ongoing openness within the Ducati and VR46 collaboration highlights a unified approach to technical challenges, which may continue to influence upcoming rounds.
