Ducati is in the A-tier of the concession system in MotoGP, meaning they have many development limitations – including not being able to make wildcard entries.
The situation is similar to last year, particularly affecting Michele Pirro. The test rider had almost no chances to ride the MotoGP bike last year, and the scenario is repeating itself this year.
The Italian did substitute the injured Fabio Di Giannantonio at the 2024 Solidarity GP of Barcelona… and admitted to GPOne.com that this should be the only scenario in which he will have a chance to be on the grid this year:
– I don’t see [wildcards] happening, because the new regulations prohibit it since we won the last races in 2024 and also the first ones in the new World Championship. The only possibility is replacing someone, but this is a path I don’t like very much, as you have to step in when the incumbent has had problems or is injured, so it’s never ideal.
Despite having to stay further away from the premier class and all that it entails, Pirro assures he has accepted the situation: ‘I’m at peace with this, although I’m a bit disappointed because my three appearances were an opportunity to experience personal progress and improve the bike so I could maintain a good level, but the rules say otherwise. However, overall, I’m happy because it means Ducati continues to dominate, and we are finally reaping the rewards of the work we started a long time ago’.