MotoGP Gossip: Ducati already working on 2022, Bayliss name returns to SBK

In this week's Crash.net MotoGP Gossip Column, Ducati will take advantage of the development freeze to start work early on 2022 as 17-year old Oli Bayliss brings the iconic name back to Superbikes in Australia
Andrea Dovizioso , Portuguese MotoGP. 21 November 2020
Andrea Dovizioso , Portuguese MotoGP. 21 November 2020
© Gold and Goose Photography

- After something of a missed opportunity in 2020 and a complete overhaul of its rider line-up in the wake of both Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci’s departure, Ducati Corse team manager Davide Tardozzi  says the manufacturer is already looking firmly towards 2022 with a long development plan due to the relatively few changes that can be made to the bikes between 2020-2021. 

“Our main revolution will be 2022 because we will be able to change things that are now blocked – it’s about how the chassis connects with the engine.” (Motorsport Magazine)

- Danilo Petrucci has given his first interview since joining KTM, where he will compete for the Tech 3 team during the 2021 MotoGP World Championship. The ex-Ducati rider is bidding to join an elite group of riders to have won races with more than one manufacturer to follow on from his two victories on the Desmo at the 2019 Italian MotoGP and the 2020 French MotoGP. (Speedweek via MotoGP.com)

- The iconic Bayliss name is returning to Superbikes with the news Oli Bayliss - the 17-year old son of three-time WorldSBK champion and MotoGP race winner Troy Bayliss - will compete in the Australian Superbike Championship. Moreover, the youngster, who was runner-up in the Australian Supersport Championship last year, will be keeping it in the family by competing for DesmoSport, the ASBK outfit run by Troy, riding a Ducati Panigale V4 R (Visordown)

- It’s fun and games down in the Marquez household as Alex gets ready for the new season with a spot of, err, training...

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