Ducati continues to set the pace in MotoGP… and is already preparing for the next round. Before the 13th Grand Prix of the season, the Borgo Panigale brand has pulled away in the Constructors' Championship: 430 points, 243 ahead of Aprilia, its closest rival. The path seems clear to a seventh consecutive title, but in Bologna, they're not waiting for the champagne to think about the future. A subsidiary of the Audi group, Ducati Corse is already aligning itself with the new era that will begin in 2027 with a significantly revised regulations and the arrival of 850cc four-cylinder engines.
Gigi Dall'Igna, boss of Ducati Corsica, set the tone and the timing. The red manufacturer is moving forward on two fronts to remain the technical reference. His words are clear: " We also need to keep an eye on 2026. The goal is to fight for the title next year, and for that, we will also have to further develop the existing motorcycle. 2026 will therefore be a very intense year. We will be working simultaneously on the 2026 model and the brand new 2027 machine.. » In other words, it will be necessary to optimize the current GP while shaping the GP27, without losing a development cycle.
Direct consequence: the test team is expanding. Dall'Igna confirms a duo strategy to multiply the kilometers and validations: “ It is therefore necessary to work with two pilots in testing from next season. Michele Pirro's commitment is undeniable. With his experience, he remains a major asset. We have also prepared the groundwork in time for Nicolo (Bulega)'s deployment. He will also be available for the MotoGP project from 2026. »
Gigi Dall’Igna: “ We are planning a first shakedown with the Ducati 2027 in early 2026 »
A hyper-reliable veteran on one side, a Superbike champion with a fiery handlebar on the other: the casting looks good for an R&D phase that promises to be tight.
The calendar is already written in stone. Dall'Igna specifies it on speedweek : " as of today, we are planning a first shakedown with the 2027 machine in early 2026, and I think Michele will be the driver for the first test. » This first ride will open the most intense sequence: validating the 850 cc engine architecture, refining the aerodynamics, and above all aligning the bike with the new technical fundamentals, including adaptation to Pirelli tiresAt the same time, the 2026 updates will have to be frozen to stay at the top until the final 1cc season.
With Michele Pirro for the science of testing and Nicholas Bulega for high frequency attack, Ducati is giving itself the means to get through the transition without taking its foot off the gas. One thing remains certain: in 2027, the slate will be partially wiped clean and the cards reshuffled. But in terms of the method Dall'Igna and current technical advances, it is difficult to imagine Ducati other than at the forefront when it came to switching to the 850 cc era.
