Michele Pirro has signed on to be Ducati's test rider until the end of the 2026 season.

It is no secret that Pirro has been a pivotal part of making the Ducati Desosedici a race winning package again. Ducati have made sure to lock in the experienced Italian to his test rider role for another three years so he can continue to develop their machine.

Michele Pirro had this to say about his contract extension: "Most of my sporting career has been with Ducati, and I can't imagine myself in any other colour than the red of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer.

"I arrived here in 2013, probably during the most difficult years for Ducati Corse, but now I am also experiencing the best ones for the company. I am very proud of what we have done together.

"I have worked closely with the new generation of Italian riders and always learn something new from them. As always, I will work hard to continue contributing to developing the Desmosedici GP and the Panigale V4.

"I thank Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide, and all the people who believe in me. Forza Ducati always!"

Luigi Dall'Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse) said: "We are delighted to be able to count on Michele again for the next three years. Pirro started his work as a test rider eleven years ago, so no other rider knows our Desmosedici GP as well as he does.

"It is also thanks to his valuable contribution that we have been able to make our bike as competitive as it is today.

"The goal is to continue to grow; being able to count on Michele's great experience is definitely an asset in our development work."

This announcement comes two weeks before the Italian Grand Prix, where Michele Pirro will be wildcarding.