2021 Ducati MotoGP team unveiled
Jack Miller has made his first official appearance in Ducati factory colours as part of the presentation of the 2021 Ducati Lenovo Team on 9 February.
Part of the factory team’s all-new rider lineup for 2021 - after Andera Dovizioso decided to take a sabbatical and Danilo Petrucci was dropped – 26-year-old Miller comes to the factory Ducati team with expectations of fighting for the riders’ championship, while he and 24-year-old team mate Francesco "Pecco” Bagnaia aim to also maintain Ducati’s hold on the constructors’ title.
The launch event, which was live streamed online due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, saw Lenovo announced as title partner on a three-year deal and Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, unveil the new "all red" Desmosedici GP bikes that Miller and Bagnaia will ride in their first season as official riders for the Borgo Panigale-based squad.
The strong red livery of the 2021 bikes is continued on Miller and Bagnaia’s leathers, with the title sponsor’s branding the only major interruption to the all-red finish.
"The emotions I felt seeing my all-red Desmosedici and wearing my new suit for the first time were incredible!” Miller said. “I still have to realize that I'll be part of the official Ducati Team this year. It's taken a long way to get this far, and finally being ‘in red’ gives me a great sense of satisfaction, but also the right motivation to continue working with commitment and dedication towards my future goals. I am looking forward to this new adventure and will try to get some important results this season.”
Bagnaia had similar feelings: "This will be a significant season for me because for the first time I'll be wearing the colours of an official team.
“I'm proud to have achieved this first goal, and this year I will set my sight on even greater results. It has always been my dream to become part of the official Ducati Team. I will try my best not to disappoint any expectations. I'm sure I have all that I need to be competitive right from the start and aim high.”
Looking to this year’s season, Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, said: "It is always a great emotion to start a new racing season, which, as always, we face with dedication and incredible passion, driven by the support of the Ducatisti all over the world.
“In 2021 there are many novelties, starting with the riders: Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia. They are now the young riders of our official team after gaining experience with the Pramac Racing Team.
“We also have Ducati's MotoGP riders Johann Zarco and three of the best talents coming from Moto2, Enea Bastianini, Luca Marini and Jorge Martin. They will be a very young and future-oriented presence in the championship. We look forward to the start of the 2021 season on 28th March in Qatar and as always #ForzaDucati".
