Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia confirmed he respects Ducati's decision to omit him from Monday's 850cc/Pirelli test at Brno, but warned that the current format disadvantages riders who are moving to new manufacturers. He argued that those switching teams should be allowed to evaluate Pirelli tyres on their existing 1000cc machines, a proposal he called "impossible" under the present rules.
With only a handful of 850cc prototypes available, most factories are selecting riders who will stay with them next season, meaning the majority of the grid – including Bagnaia – will miss the Brno session and may not ride Pirelli tyres until the post‑season test in December. Bagnaia said a single day in December offers little time to learn the tyres, leaving riders without meaningful feedback.
Other teams are taking different approaches: Honda has entered factory riders Joan Mir and Luca Marini despite their imminent departures, while KTM has yet to announce its lineup. Pedro Acosta, Ducati’s expected replacement, downplayed rumors of his participation. The next open 850cc/Pirelli test for race riders is slated for the Red Bull Ring in September.
