The Ducati Lenovo Team’s final track appointment of the season ended, with Francesco Bagnaia and Nicolò Bulega taking part in the first official test of 2026 at Circuit Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia. A challenging and retro-inspired day concluded with the eighth and tenth place in the combined standings. Both riders tested setups and new aerodynamic parts in view of the appointment at Sepang International Circuit the next February. Nicolò sings an excellent 1:29.661 (45 laps), a time that means the Top10, just over two tenths behind the top guys. Pecco also had positive feelings, set a best lap time of 1:29.731 (50 laps).

The common thread throughout the day was Ducati’s centenary, which will be in 2026. Pecco and Nicolò took to the track with two iconic liveries that recall iconic victories in the Borgo Panigale manufacturer’s history. A tribute to the 750 Imola Desmo, the emblem of Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari’s legendary one-two finish at the 1972 Imola 200 Miles, and to the 750 Supersport Desmo, the bike on which Franco Uncini won the Italian 750cc title in 1975.

Nicolò Bulega (#11 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 8th 1.29.661
“I’m happy, although I’m disappointed about the mistake in the last corner in the time attack, where I lost two tenths. I’m starting to ride better and better, I feel the bike is a little more mine, and I’m able to push harder. Today was an important day: during the test, the atmosphere is more relaxed and there’s less stress. We worked more calmly, step by step, and at the end of the day, I put in some good laps and was even able to feel the new tires. It was a very useful experience, especially for my role as a test rider in 2026″.

Francesco Bagnaia (#63 Ducati Lenovo Team) – 10th 1.29.731
“I’m finishing the final round of 2026 with a definitely good feeling. Compared to the race weekend, I immediately felt comfortable with the 2026 prototype and we worked hard. The pace and the lap times were good from the first outing, and I didn’t have any difficulties. I’m happy; it was a test with really fast times. It’s a shame I didn’t do a final time attack with the soft tyres, but I’m satisfied. I’m going on holiday with a positive attitude”.

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