Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team
Autosport Plus
Analysis

How Ducati has drawn first blood in the 2022 MotoGP title race

The 2021 MotoGP season may have only just ended but preparations for 2022 are well underway following a two-day test at Jerez this week. Ducati has hit the ground running while a lack of progress dominated Yamaha’s and world champion Fabio Quartararo’s test. While no battle lines have been drawn yet for 2022, it appears Ducati has already drawn first blood...

The 2021 MotoGP season was brought to a close on 14 November. And just four days later, the first pre-season test of 2022 commenced at Jerez. After a gruelling 18-round calendar, it really was a case of no rest for the wicked. But while the paddock is weary and looking ahead to the warm embrace of some much-needed time off, the two days of running at Jerez were vitally important in establishing the battles lines for 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic meant the normal development cycle was virtually non-existent in 2021. All but Aprilia and KTM could start the year with new engines owing to the concession rules, with Yamaha, Honda, Ducati and Suzuki racing the previous season with their 2020 engines.

Previous article Bagnaia quickest on final day of 2022 MotoGP pre-season Jerez test
Next article Puig: Honda “far from ready” with 2022 MotoGP bike

More from Lewis Duncan

Ducati announces Aldeguer signing for 2025, but not where he will race

Ducati announces Aldeguer signing for 2025, but not where he will race

MGP MotoGP
Ducati announces Aldeguer signing for 2025, but not where he will race Ducati announces Aldeguer signing for 2025, but not where he will race
Why Acosta's MotoGP debut outshone Marquez's a decade earlier

Why Acosta's MotoGP debut outshone Marquez's a decade earlier

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
Why Acosta's MotoGP debut outshone Marquez's a decade earlier Why Acosta's MotoGP debut outshone Marquez's a decade earlier
Yamaha “not magicians” as it's left “not happy” after Qatar MotoGP round

Yamaha “not magicians” as it's left “not happy” after Qatar MotoGP round

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
Yamaha “not magicians” as it's left “not happy” after Qatar MotoGP round Yamaha “not magicians” as it's left “not happy” after Qatar MotoGP round
Marquez ‘not at limit’ of Ducati despite strong Qatar MotoGP debut

Marquez ‘not at limit’ of Ducati despite strong Qatar MotoGP debut

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
Marquez ‘not at limit’ of Ducati despite strong Qatar MotoGP debut Marquez ‘not at limit’ of Ducati despite strong Qatar MotoGP debut
Martin “cannot use strongest parts” of his riding on 2024 Ducati MotoGP bike

Martin “cannot use strongest parts” of his riding on 2024 Ducati MotoGP bike

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
Martin “cannot use strongest parts” of his riding on 2024 Ducati MotoGP bike Martin “cannot use strongest parts” of his riding on 2024 Ducati MotoGP bike
How Qatar MotoGP debut proved Marquez's Ducati switch is already paying off

How Qatar MotoGP debut proved Marquez's Ducati switch is already paying off

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
How Qatar MotoGP debut proved Marquez's Ducati switch is already paying off How Qatar MotoGP debut proved Marquez's Ducati switch is already paying off
MotoGP rookie sensation Acosta “has to be happy” with Qatar GP “mistakes”

MotoGP rookie sensation Acosta “has to be happy” with Qatar GP “mistakes”

MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
MotoGP rookie sensation Acosta “has to be happy” with Qatar GP “mistakes” MotoGP rookie sensation Acosta “has to be happy” with Qatar GP “mistakes”
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid

The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid

Plus
Plus
F1 Formula 1
The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid The hockey expansion rule that could benefit Andretti's F1 bid

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe