Speedweek MotoGP17 October 2026

Is Ducati a test rider?

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Red Bull-KTM-Athlet Maverick Vinales became the main rider for five teams that will not compete in MotoGP next year. While drivers who will not compete in MotoGP this year include Jack Miller, Brad Binder, and Franco Morbidelli, the Noch-Yamaha rider Alex Rins will leave the professional rider group. Maverick Vinales's situation remains uncertain. As the Tech3 rider who has a contract for two years, Maverick Vinales is positioned as the main rider for Red Bull Factory Racing, but currently has no assignment. It is stated that Vinales's situation is disappointing.

Maverick Vinales's Situation and Dilemma

Plans regarding Maverick Vinales's situation were shaped during this period. It is emphasized that the overall strategy needs to be redirected. The main trigger for this situation is identified as the shoulder injury Vinales suffered. Although officially written for MotoGP, it is stated that his form is declining starting from the beginning of 2025. Interest in "Top Gun" is expected to increase following this situation. Maverick Vinales's next opportunity will be evaluated as the last Australian GP at Phillip Island.

Relationships with Ducati and Other Brands

Ducati is considered as an option for a test rider role in MotoGP. This option is related to Nicolo Bulega's rise rather than Pirro's 40 years. The Superbike champion can take on the role of a permanent test rider. Regarding Aprilia, it is recalled that Vinales was involved in the Noale project for three years starting from 2021 and successfully completed this project. An example is the presence of only one test rider for Aprilia, where Triumph achieved a joint success at Austin in 2024, and Matteo Baiocco occasionally stepping in for functional tests. It is stated that a role in Aprilia Racing can be almost exclusively defined. Regarding Yamaha and KTM, there is no great excitement for cooperation for both brands due to personal agreements in 2021. Both brands are filled with two-person teams. Although Espargaro has a close relationship with Vinales, the situation is that he is not 100% ready after the severe shoulder injury.

Davide Tardozzi's Views

Davide Tardozzi, Ducati team manager and member of the board of riders, points to the close relationship between Vinales and himself. He stated that there has been a long-standing close relationship with Vinales, and that he has been friends since his masseur was a child. He indicated that this friendship led to the rumor emerging about their transition from work to leisure activities. He said that the situation concerning him showed that his relationship with Maverick was beyond work. Furthermore, he stressed that the future must be looked at, and that there will be a need for someone in the future as Michele reaches a certain age, but it is not yet certain who that will be.

The reality is that we are looking to the future, Michele has reached a certain age, and we will probably need someone in the future. This is a reality, but it is not yet clear who it will be: We have not confirmed anything, we have not held anything, or we have just thought about it.

Statements

Davide Tardozzi said the following regarding his relationship with Maverick Vinales:

We have a long-standing close relationship with Vinales, and he has been a friend since my son's childhood. There is a friendship, and we saw how we transitioned from work to leisure – this rumor emerged. What concerns me is that my relationship with Maverick is beyond work.