PIRRO QUESTIONS WHETHER VIÑALES WOULD EMBRACE DUCATI TEST DUTY

Michele Pirro has played down reports linking Maverick Viñales with a Ducati MotoGP test-rider position for 2027, saying the team needs continuity and questioning whether the Spaniard would want the demands of the job.

Viñales is set to leave the MotoGP grid after talks over a new Tech3 KTM deal fell through. His next move is uncertain, with World Superbike and a testing role among the possibilities. He was seen speaking with Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi at the Japanese Grand Prix in October, prompting speculation that they had discussed a potential role with the Italian manufacturer.

Asked by GPOne whether he had been involved in discussions, Pirro said he had heard nothing about them. He expects to remain closely involved in Ducati’s development work, arguing that continuity will matter particularly in a season of major changes. “I believe Ducati’s approach has always been to provide continuity, to have certain key points in development,” he said.

Pirro, Ducati’s long-serving test rider, said he respects Viñales’ ability but is unsure what the former race winner could bring to a job that offers no regular competition. “As a rider you can’t say anything about him,” Pirro said. “It’s clear, however, that I don’t know what contribution he can really make in a role like that, especially since you don’t have the opportunity to race.”

He stressed that testing is a different career from racing, pointing to Nicolò Bulega, who is due to join VR46 as a rider in 2027 after winning this year’s World Superbike title. A test rider, Pirro said, must work for the team rather than pursue personal results. “It’s easy to say: ‘Now he’s without a seat, he can be a test rider.’ But then you find yourself having to work for others and not for yourself.”

Pirro doubts many riders would readily accept that change, particularly someone who still believes he is competitive. “I don’t think there are many riders willing to do that, especially someone like him, who perhaps still feels strong and fast.” He added that the role requires commitment and “isn’t as beautiful as it seems.”

Ducati’s current test-rider group includes Pirro and Bulega, whose move to VR46 will leave a place to consider. But Pirro said recruiting another rider is not currently a priority: “I think we need stability above all else and not to waste energy.” He described the Viñales link as more of a media report for now, adding that Ducati should avoid creating internal competition simply to prove something.

Pirro has previously been linked with an exit, including reports that Andrea Iannone might replace him, but that move did not happen. He says he is content to continue and had shoulder surgery to be fit for Ducati’s MotoGP project after general manager Gigi Dall’Igna asked him about it in May. Whether he eventually shares development duties with Viñales or someone else, Pirro said, remains to be seen.