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For eleven years now, Michele Pirro has been the backbone of Ducati development. With commitment and dedication, the Apulian test rider has grinded out mile after mile to help the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer reach the highest levels of motorcycle racing. Contributing significantly to the development of the Desmosedici, the Panigale V4 and many other projects of the Bologna-based manufacturer, such as the V21L engaged in MotoE.
It is therefore not surprising that one of the conditions set by Alvaro Bautista, in order to prolong his career in Rosso, is an increase in Ducati's efforts in Superbike. Focused precisely on greater involvement of the rider from San Giovanni Rotondo, the leading rider of the Barni Spark Racing team in CIV Superbike.
It was on the sidelines of Misano Racing Night, where the 38-year-old was confirmed unbeatable in the night race, that we spoke with Pirro about what awaits him and Ducati in the near future.
"First of all, I'm happy if Alvaro decides to stay because he is a two-time World Champion and he brought Ducati back to the top. So if he decides to stay it is because he still feels competitive and can have his say, " the test rider was quick to point out. "If I can help the development of SBK, I do it gladly, because it is part of my role in Ducati. What we have done in these years, combining the new V4 that raced at WDW with the MotoGP bike is the result of the work done by all the guys, but above all the information I brought by riding the production bikes."
Michele, have you already started preparing the development plan for next season?
"There is obviously a problem in SBK, because you have to develop a new bike that will be twin-sided swingarm for 2026, but you also have to try to limit the damage in 2025 with the current one. It will not be easy, because it is a bike that has done so much over the years, however, we are trying. It is clear that against Toprak Razgatlioglu and such a BMW it is not easy, because they have invested on a completely new and very effective project. However, we have ideas and we have things to analyze, to try to recover something and make up for this gap. Clearly, even Alvaro knows very well that we will have to grit our teeth in 2025 and do our best waiting for 2026, and he also appreciated the new V4, which has the characteristics of an evolved bike."
Kawasaki managed to make up some ground with engine revs, where do you plan to intervene?
"Regulations can change and to us they have taken revs away, while to others they have given, but right now the World Championship is not over yet and you have to try to do your best and work to find something. As I said, it is not easy, because we are talking about a factory bike that has run its course. We are working on it and I am happy to be able to help Alvaro, although actually with the work I have done over the years it is not that I have helped just one rider, but all the bikes. I never rejoice over certain things, but I think the fact that I have been the glue between MotoGP and the production bikes is a result of what I have done over the years, also racing in CIV and trying to push the company to always make a better bike than the one they produce."
Speaking of regulations, do you think Bautista is chasing this year mainly because of ballast?
"No, I think the biggest problem is Toprak, who has raised the bar so much. Alvaro has ended up a little bit in limbo, maybe also because he was not good at the beginning, however, the level now is really high."
Could Bulega's performance also have destabilized him?
"I don't think so, it's just that opponents grow. It happened to everyone and it will always happen, that's sport. I notice it too as I get older that when young riders come along they go harder, or at least they have something more. So with the same effort you used to make you are no longer competitive. It's part of the cycle, otherwise champions would last forever."
What about Nicolo?
"I think he is one of the best talents Italy has. He's had a bit of a troubled path, but he's getting back to the levels where he can be. He is not doing anything more than what his talent and nature has given him. I remember Bulega as a kid was predestined, he had a detour in his career but now he's recovering and that's a really important thing."
How do you feel about Iannone's comeback instead?
"Iannone's talent is not in question. He had this four-year downtime, but the talent remains and what makes the difference now for Andrea is motivation. He is trying to earn himself a seat but it is not easy, because you need a manufacturer to invest in a rider who will be 36 years old anyway. Motorcycle racing has changed and all the manufacturers, starting with us, have invested in young riders. It's disappointing because he can still give so much to motorcycling. But as Dall'Igna always says, unfortunately we don't have the bikes for everyone and we have to make choices, which sometimes please and sometimes displease."
Photo credit: Barni Spark Racing
