LOOKING likely to be one of the top teams in the 2022 MotoGP championship, the Ducati GP 22 has been revealed, along with factory Ducati pilots Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia.
It’s really no surprise to see the factory GP 22 wearing Ducati’s traditional red colour scheme, although the fairings of the bikes now feature a smattering of graphic elements to help break up the striking-looking profile of the machine.
While this is the first time the bikes have been seen, albeit on screen, both machines in GP 22 spec will be hitting the track for the preseason test kicking off at Sepang this weekend – 5th to 6th February. That said, it’s not clear whether the bikes will be wearing the new colours as seen here, or a special testing livery, as is sometimes the way.
Retained for 2022 are both factory riders, with Jack Miller and Francesco (Pecco) Bagnaia for this year, after the two had a strong season in 2021, with Bagnaia finishing up 2nd in the standings on252 points, and Miller ending up 5th on 181.
Speaking about the impending season beginning, fan favourite Miller said:
“The Championship is finally about to start, and I feel ready more than ever to face this new season. Having another year of experience in MotoGP under my belt definitely makes me feel stronger, and I feel I have improved a lot, both physically and mentally, compared to 2021. It will be my second year with the Ducati Lenovo Team, a group of people who are really passionate about Motorsports, and I feel lucky to be part of it. Being a factory Ducati rider is a source of pride, and it means having the support of many fans, not only in Italy but also all over the world. I can't wait for March and be able to head out on track for the first race of the year in Qatar!"
Bagnaia was the standout Ducati rider last season, chalking up four wins and fastest laps, and six pole positions in 2021. He said:
"I'm happy for the start of this new season. We've ended 2021 on a high, and I hope to continue 2022 from where we left off last year. My team and I have grown a lot since then. I feel good with my team, and I'm sure that we can do great things together. The Desmosedici GP in this new colour is even more beautiful, and I can't wait to get back to racing with it. The goal for this season will be, as always, to constantly improve and be competitive in every race. We'll aim to bring the MotoGP riders' title, as well as the teams' and manufacturers' titles, back to Borgo Panigale".
