The runner-up in the MotoGP championship 2021 won four races last season and only missed the title by 26 points after an incredibly strong second part of the campaign.
Ducati won more races than any other manufacturer in 2021. Bagnaia (4), Jack Miller (2) and Pramac rookie Jorge Martin (1) together make up seven – and secured the Italian brand for the second time in a. the Constructors’ Crown series.
Bagnaia said the Ducati was a “perfect” bike in late 2021, but the manufacturer had improved that with its 2022 prototype at the post-season Jerez test, which Bagnaia completely surpassed.
The Italian says Ducati has taken all rider feedback into account for the 2022 bike and believes it was ready to race at Jerez.
“I think Ducati heard a lot from the drivers, from me, from Jack, from [Johann] Zarco to Martin because I asked for a simpler bike because everyone is saying the Ducati is the easiest bike, the fastest bike and the more manageable bike, ”Bagnaia told Motorsport.com’s Tank Slappers podcast.
“But I can’t understand because I’m not saying another bike is best because I haven’t tried it.
“So it’s very difficult to say something about the other bikes without trying it out.
“But I wanted a bike that was simple to ride on a fast track with fast corners, because our bike is not that easy in this situation.
“But I feel a little better with the new cladding, but I also have some weak points. So I’m sure the engineers are working a lot on it.
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“But at the test in Jerez, our time with the new bike was incredible, because I made it with a full tank and also with medium-sized tires.
“So, it was amazing and [as] was the new bike, and every time you start a new bike you have to adapt to it.
“I got off to a good start, worked a lot the two days and on the second day it was okay, it was already suitable for racing. If the race took place the day after tomorrow, I would start with this motorcycle.
“So the Ducati engineers did an incredible job with next year’s motorcycle and I’m sure that for [testing in] Malaysia we are sure to find some new surprises. “
Pre-season testing for the 2022 campaign is slated to begin on February 5 in Malaysia on two official days, followed by three more days at the Mandalika circuit in Indonesia the following week.