The unique advantage Ducati must now use to win the 2022 MotoGP title

Ducati has littered the grid with eight strong motorcycles that has ensured it has had at least one rider stand on the podium at every grand prix in 2022. The drama of the Aragon Grand Prix has thrust Francesco Bagnaia well and truly into title contention with five races to go, and Ducati must now consider utilising a unique strength it has so far been reticent to embrace

Across the last two MotoGP rounds at Misano and last weekend at Aragon, Enea Bastianini and Francesco Bagnaia have been split by just 0.038 seconds on average at the chequered flag.

Engaging in another duel to the wire at the Aragon Grand Prix, it was Bastianini who came out on top this time with a clinically executed overtake into the Turn 7 right-hander on the final lap. Bagnaia was powerless – but also wary – to do anything, and though he emerged from the final two turns right on the Gresini Ducati’s rear wheel, his streak of four-successive victories was shattered by just 0.042s.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.