The 2022 Ducati MotoGP Team start is the first event of the season to be hit by COVID-19, with the official presentation of the new colors being delayed by a week as factory rider Jack Miller is stranded in his native Australia after testing positive for the virus .
Miller was originally scheduled to fly back to Europe from Queensland for the January 27 presentation, but it has now been delayed until he can join the team for the first pre-season test of the year – the start is now February 7. a day ahead of rival Repsol Honda and in the short break between the two pre-season tests in Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Miller said in a brief statement from the team, “which means I am unable to travel to Europe. I’m still at home in Australia and I’m fine. Since I have no symptoms, I can at least continue my training. I miss you all and see you in Sepang for the test.”
However, there will be an opportunity to see Ducati’s 2022 livery ahead of the rescheduled event, with test rider Michele Pirro set to unveil a likely relatively unchanged color scheme at the Sepang shakedown test ahead of the first real pre-season test.
The three-day shakedown begins on January 31st.
This means the only factory team set to demonstrate their new machines before testing begins will be KTM, with the Austrian factory once again joined by satellite team Tech3 for a doubleheader event to be held on January 27th.
Before that, the newly formed Yamaha team WithU will unveil their bikes in Verona early next week, with the team scheduled to start on Monday 24th.
The factory Yamaha team will unveil their bike on February 4, with Suzuki and Aprilia yet to confirm when they will launch their bikes.
Previous MotoGP start dates 2022
January 24 – RNF Yamaha
January 27 – KTM and Tech3 KTM
February 4 – Jamaica
February 7 – Ducati
February 8 – Honda
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