The air is thick with the smell of high-octane fuel and succession rumors as the legendary Ducati Team Manager, Davide Tardozzi, might be riding off into the sunset after the 2026 season. After transforming a “midfield outfit” into a championship-hoarding behemoth (six straight Constructors’ titles! Molto bene!), some internal figures are reportedly unhappy with his conflicting statements about Pecco Bagnaia’s 2025 struggles.
It seems even a titan of team management can’t escape the drama when a star rider is having an off-season!
Michele Pirro: The Understudy Steps Up
Enter the man who bleeds Rosso Corsa (Ducati Red): Michele Pirro, the veteran test rider and official glue between the racing and road-bike divisions.
At 39, Pirro is looking past his riding career and has officially thrown his helmet into the ring for a management role. Forget organizing a picnic—he wants to be a Team Manager!
“I have learned a lot in these almost 15 years… I believe I would have the opportunity to do well where I am needed. In the future, I don’t see myself as an organiser, but I wouldn’t mind being a team manager.”
When asked about replacing his mentor, Tardozzi, Pirro’s answer was a masterclass in diplomacy… with a hint of ambition:
- He praises the King: “Tardozzi has done and continues to do a great deal for the company.”
- He sees the reflection: “I’ve learned a lot from him, and I see myself in what Davide has done.”
- He suggests a Tag Team: “So, maybe, why not?! Together, we can continue to write history.” (Imagine the training montages!)
The Three-Way Race for the Throne!
It’s not just a Pirro party! The latest gossip suggests Ducati has a shortlist of three candidates, turning the search for a new Team Manager into a mini-MotoGP grid battle:
- Michele Pirro: The Ducati DNA candidate. He knows the bike, the riders, and the technical heart of the operation, making him the ultimate insider choice. He’s practically part of the Desmosedici furniture!
- Gino Borsoi (Pramac Chief): The Championship Challenger. He not only led Pramac to the 2023 Team’s title but also guided Jorge Martín to the 2024 Riders’ title (as per the article). He’s already shown he can dethrone the factory squad! Awkward!
- Francesco Guidotti (Former KTM Manager): The Experienced Maverick. Currently on sabbatical, he has experience running a factory team and, crucially, has history working with Ducati’s current superstar, Marc Marquez. A smart pick to keep the new champion happy!
The clock is ticking down to the end of 2026, and the stakes are higher than a last-lap pass at Mugello. Ducati needs to pick the right leader to manage the Marc Marquez/Pecco Bagnaia dynamic and spearhead the transition to the 2027 850cc regulations.
What do you think? Should Ducati gamble on the loyalty of an insider like Pirro, or go for the proven management clout of Borsoi or Guidotti? Let me know who you’d pick!
Source
These are the sources related to the rumors about Davide Tardozzi’s potential exit and Michele Pirro’s interest in the Team Manager role:
- Paddock-GP: Rumor report on Tardozzi’s exit, Pirro’s succession, and the 2027 850cc change.
- Gazzetta dello Sport: Search result pointing to coverage of Tardozzi, the original source for the shortlist rumor.
- Paddock-GP: Report detailing the potential split between Tardozzi and Gigi Dall’Igna, and naming candidates Borsoi/Guidotti.
- Misterhelmet: Video/Article discussing Tardozzi’s exit and possible replacements (Pirro, Borsoi, Guidotti).
- Pramac Racing: Team history page confirming Gino Borsoi’s role in the 2023 Team’s title and 2024 Rider’s title.
Our Social Media Handles
- Instagram : LivingWithGravity
- Medium : Akash Dolas
- YouTube Channel : Gear and Shutter
- Facebook : LivingWithGravity
