Ducati Team confirms 2021 MotoGP online launch date

The Factory Ducati team will officially present its new MotoGP rider line-up of Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia during a team launch on February 9.

The online-only presentation will begin at 4:00 PM (CET) and be broadcast live on the Ducati website and Official YouTube channel. The usual media press conferences with riders and management will also be held virtually, due to the Covid pandemic.

Ducati is set to kick off a series of online Factory MotoGP team launches, with Repsol Honda (Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro) expected to hold its presentation a few days later (perhaps February 11), followed by the confirmed dates of February 12 for Red Bull KTM (Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder) and February 15 for Monster Yamaha (Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo).

Defending world champion's Suzuki currently have nothing scheduled for mid-February, suggesting a later launch, while Aprilia said they might again choose to unveil their latest colours at the Qatar tests, in March. Most Independent teams are still to set a launch date, although Tech3 is expected to be part of the Red Bull KTM launch.

With the Malaysian tests cancelled due to Covid restrictions all Official 2021 pre-season MotoGP testing will now take place in Qatar, starting with a Shakedown on March 5 then Official testing on March 6-7 and again on March 10-11-12.

The season-opening night race is set for Losail on March 28.