until Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League
The Ducati MotoGP team will return to its roots for 2021 with a new-look colour scheme that ditches much of the black, white and silver colours of recent seasons.
Its new look that harks back to iconic Ducati race bikes of the dominant Carl Fogarty World Superbike days.
The bikes were unveiled this afternoon by Ducati CEO and former head of racing Claudio Domenicali in a pre-recorded presentation from the firm’s headquarters in Bologna, showing off colours that mark a big change from recent seasons for the team.
Ducati has a new title sponsor in Lenovo, which has been a smaller partner in recent years.
The Chinese computer manufacturer replaces years of both overt and covert sponsorship from tobacco giant Philip Morris International and its Marlboro brand.
Ducati also begins 2021 with a fresh rider line-up, as it promotes Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia from its second-string Pramac team to replace Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci.
Dovizioso is taking a sabbatical having been unable to secure an alternative ride for 2021, while Petrucci will race for Tech3 KTM.
Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna said the fact the works team’s new riders were coming up from Pramac meant there was a degree of continuity even with the change of line-up.
“Both are extraordinarily talented, they’re young, but they have already a lot of experience on our bike,” said the veteran engineer.
“Jack and Pecco have great potential, and I think that together we can fight not only to defend the constructors’ title won in 2020, but we can also aim for the riders’ title.
“As per this year’s regulations, we cannot modify some of the bike’s components.
“Still, during winter, we have been able to work on many other aspects to improve our bike’s competitiveness and be ready to start the new season.”
