TARDOZZI SAYS DUCATI HAS NOT DECIDED ON A FUTURE TEST RIDER

Maverick Viñales’ MotoGP future is uncertain after he prepares to leave Tech3 at the end of the 2026 season. A promotion to KTM’s factory team had once appeared possible, but injuries and disappointing results have ended that prospect. Viñales has also criticised KTM publicly and reportedly fallen out with Tech3 team boss Guenther Steiner. With the 2027 grid filling up, his 12-year run as a full-time MotoGP rider could be nearing its end.

The Spaniard has missed seven races this season as a lingering shoulder problem, dating back to 2025, continues to trouble him. He is not keen to switch to World Superbikes and wants to return to the premier class full-time. A reserve or test-rider position may offer a way to remain in MotoGP while he works towards that goal.

Attention turned to Ducati after Viñales was reportedly seen visiting the team at Motegi. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi said the sighting had prompted speculation, but was not evidence of a deal. He explained that he and Viñales have known each other for years: “I have had a close relationship with Viñales for a long time, and his masseur is a childhood friend of my son. There is a friendship and they saw us walking from the offices to the hospitality area at Motegi, which is how this rumour came about.”

Tardozzi did not rule out a future opportunity, while stressing that no decision has been made. “As far as I am concerned, my relationship with Maverick goes beyond work,” he said. Ducati is considering its longer-term needs as Michele Pirro, its long-serving test rider, gets older. But Tardozzi said the team had “absolutely nothing done, written or even thought out yet” about who might fill the role.

Ducati could need a rider to help develop its future 850cc machinery and provide test data. Viñales’ experience would be relevant, and his relationship with Tardozzi has fuelled talk of a possible fit. However, the report notes that Pirro does not believe Viñales is suited to the test-rider job. For now, Ducati’s interest remains unconfirmed, leaving the injured Spaniard’s route back to a full-time MotoGP seat unresolved.