Ducati factory test rider Michele Pirro has boosted the morale of the VR46 Racing Team by sharing that the GP24 and GP25 are currently very close in terms of performance. However, he also cautioned that Ducati will continue working to improve the new prototype ahead of the next official test in February.

Alex Marquez impressed by taking the GP24 to the top of the session during his debut with the bike. Factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez placed third and fourth fastest on the GP25.

Pirro, who filled in for VR46 during the final weekend of the season, also had the opportunity to test the new bike.

“It’s interesting to switch between bikes 23 and 25 and not test the 24,” Pirro said. “But anyway, the GP25 is a good improvement over the 2023 bike. The GP25 and GP24 are very close, with some areas showing progress, while in others, we lose a bit of time. I hope we can make further improvements over the next two months and take a step forward at the Sepang test. But it’s difficult to make the same kind of leap we saw from 23 to 24. It’s a good challenge, but it’s not an easy one!”

Having been a Ducati test rider since 2013, Pirro has witnessed the factory’s journey from its lowest points to winning the title for three consecutive years.

“I’m happy because Ducati has won the championship for the last three years, but improving at this level is tough, especially after the level of performance we saw this year,” Pirro admitted. “It’s not easy. But we will see. The important thing is to keep winning. Next year, there will be two fewer Ducatis on the grid, but we have two champions in the factory team, and also Fabio di Giannantonio on the GP25. I hope the Ducatis remain at the top.”

Due to shoulder surgery, Di Giannantonio won’t debut the GP25 until the Sepang test in February. Meanwhile, Ducati’s concession status means Pirro will be unable to make any wildcard appearances until mid-2025.