Italy’s position as one of MotoGP’s top nations could be at risk, Michele Pirro thinks.

Italy has long been one of the dominant forces of MotoGP, with the two most victorious riders in the history of the World Championship – Giacomo Agostini and Valentino Rossi – both hailing from the country.

But Ducati MotoGP test rider Pirro reckons that it’s position could be about to decline thanks to a lack of young riders coming through following the late-career drop-off and subsequent retirement of Valentino Rossi.

In comparison to motorcycle racing, tennis has seen something of a boom in recent years in Italy thanks to the rise primarily of Jannik Sinner, who has won four grand slams in the past two seasons and was ranked as the ATP World No. 1 until he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final last September.

Pirro says Italy needs a “Sinner of two wheels” to keep interest in motorcycle racing.

“VR46 has done a great job and has allowed us to inherit some incredible riders, but we know very well that, apart from the latest MotoGP riders, we have very few others,” Pirro, who will be a part of Ducati’s new V2 Future Academy series for young Italian riders, told Italian publication GPOne.

“Without a Sinner of two wheels, motorcycle racing will also lose interest in Italy. 

“Personally, I will be turning 40 this year and I would like to make a contribution to this aspect. It won't be easy, but you have to start somewhere.”

Pirro hopes the V2 Future Academy will help to provide more Italian youngsters with a chance to race in the World Championship by providing them with an affordable way to develop their abilities.