Ducati extends contract with Gresini team – former world champion Joan Mir joins

Following Suzuki’s withdrawal from MotoGP after the 2022 season, Joan Mir, world champion of the highly unusual 2020 season marked by the coronavirus pandemic, signed for Honda Racing Corporation. After four unsuccessful years – during which the Spaniard never finished higher than 15th in the World Championship on the rarely competitive RC213V and secured just two third-place finishes – the two are parting ways.

It had been clear for months that Mir would not be able to secure a place with any other factory team and would move to Gresini Racing, where he will be given one of the coveted Ducatis. On 2 July, the team confirmed the 28-year-old, as well as the talented Daniel Holgado, currently sixth in the Moto2 World Championship.

In mid-June, the manufacturers and teams signed their contracts with the MotoGP Entertainment Group (formerly Dorna) until the end of 2031; Ducati and Gresini Racing have since extended their contract by several years. As in previous seasons, the team will continue to receive an official factory bike, which will be ridden by Joan Mir. As new technical regulations will come into force in MotoGP from 2027 – featuring a reduction in engine capacity from 1,000 to 850 cc, restricted aerodynamics and the removal of height-adjustable suspension – the differences between factory and customer bikes will be marginal at the start of the season.

“We are delighted to confirm the continuation of the long-standing partnership between Ducati Corse and the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP team,” said Gigi Dall’Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse. “We have a relationship that has grown over time and is based on shared values, technical expertise and a common determination to pursue ambitious goals on the racetrack. This partnership has been enriched by the team’s sporting successes, which demonstrate the quality of our joint efforts. We will continue to work side by side to drive our shared growth trajectory forward.”