Jack Miller, Pecco Bagnaia have ‘earned’ 2021 Ducati factory opportunity

Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia have ‘earned’ their chance to step up to the Ducati factory team for the 2021 MotoGP World Championship because they have ‘taken advantage’ of the bike’s potential this season, according to CEO Claudio Domenicali.

Ducati today confirmed Bagnaia would join Miller in progressing from the Pramac Racing team to the factory outfit, essentially replacing Andrea Dovizioso after it was confirmed in August that this would be their last season together after eight years.

In what could be viewed as a veiled dig at the outgoing Italian in a year that has seen relations break down between its triple runner-up and Ducati management, Domenicali says Bagnaia and Miller’s efforts have shown what can be done with the GP20, even if it is the more experienced Dovi that remains its leading contender overall.

The signings are also a validation for the satellite Pramac Racing team, a long-time Ducati partner, and one that has in recent years been competing almost on a par with the factory outfit.

“Racing is an evolving advanced technology incubator that is a fundamental part of our company,” says Domenicali. “It is essential to continue to invest in research and development and not to be afraid to innovate and renew to be successful. 

“That's why I am thrilled with the inclusion of young and talented riders who make us look to the future with optimism and a constant desire to improve. Pecco and Jack have shown this year that they can take advantage of the potential of our Desmosedici GP and have earned this opportunity. 

“Their transition to the official team from the Pramac Racing Team, where they both grew up, is proof of the efficient collaboration that binds us to the team of Paolo Campinoti, which I would like to thank.”

Turning attention to the current title fight, Domenicali wants to end the year positively with Dovizioso in pursuit of a first title since Casey Stoner in 2007.

“Now, however, we are focused on the current season, because we want to get the best possible results with our two riders: Andrea, who in these eight years with us has been runner up in the World Championship for three consecutive years, won 14 GPs, thus becoming the most successful Ducati rider after Stoner, and is still in the fight for the world title this year and Danilo. 

“Danilo, who is working hard to get back to fighting for the podium. Together with them, we will do everything to conclude our beautiful adventure together."