The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has announced that Ducati’s trusted Test Rider, Michele Pirro, will step in for Fabio Di Giannantonio at the upcoming Motul Solidarity Grand Prix of Barcelona, marking the final race of the MotoGP season.
Pirro’s inclusion comes as Di Giannantonio continues his recovery from successful shoulder surgery, performed in preparation for the 2025 MotoGP season. The Italian rider’s absence opened the door for a temporary replacement, with Andrea Iannone making a celebrated return at the Malaysian GP earlier this month. Now, the reins are passed to Pirro, a seasoned Ducati Test Rider renowned for his consistency and technical expertise.
This outing will be Pirro’s first competitive MotoGP appearance of the 2024 season due to the new concessions system introduced this year, limiting Ducati’s opportunities for wildcard appearances. His last race was at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, and his return to the grid is highly anticipated given Ducati’s dominant form in recent years.
Pirro will team up with Marco Bezzecchi, the leading rider for the VR46 squad, at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The race serves as a crucial warm-up ahead of the first official test for the 2025 MotoGP season, scheduled at the same venue on November 19th.
Ducati’s depth of talent and tactical approach to rider placements continue to showcase their adaptability and long-term vision. The decision to place Pirro in the VR46 box highlights Ducati’s commitment to maintaining performance levels even in transitional phases for their riders.
As the season finale unfolds, all eyes will be on Pirro to see how he handles the pressure of stepping into a competitive MotoGP field once again. The Barcelona GP not only serves as a platform for his return but also offers the VR46 team an opportunity to further solidify their plans for the 2025 campaign.
With Ducati’s dominance and Pirro’s expertise, the VR46 Racing Team remains poised for a strong finish to the 2024 MotoGP season.
Credit Photo : Ducati
