Francesco Bagnaia - 'I feel ready for our first Grand Prix'

Ducati have been strong at the Losail International Circuit for several years, with Andrea Dovizioso taking victory in 2018 and 2019. 

Those two victories came after three second place finishes in a row, highlighting both his strength and the bike's at the Doha Circuit. 

And as we head into the 2021 MotoGP season opener on March 28, the factory Ducati team once again look like a hot favorite for victory with both new riders Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia. 

Miller was the fastest rider of the test, breaking the official lap record in the process, while Bagnaia was extremely quick himself in both race trim and qualifying pace. 

Speaking at the conclusion of what was by far his best pre-season test since moving into the premier class, Bagnaia said: "I'm sure that in these days we did a great job. Right from the start, I had a good feeling with the bike, and I feel I'm ready for our first Grand Prix of the season," said the Italian. 

"Unfortunately, the heat and the strong wind, and the sand on the circuit, didn't allow us to take to the track today. 

"But fortunately, we could finish our programme yesterday. Now we have to concentrate on the race weekend.

"In yesterday's simulation, I had a good pace, and I feel I can still improve my time attack: it will be important to do so to get the start from the first two rows of the grid for the race."

Ducati will face tough competition from the two Yamaha teams, with Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli all looking like potential winners too. 

Valentino Rossi can't be ruled out either, while Johann Zarco, the two Espargaro brothers Pol and Aleix, along with Suzuki pair Alex Rins and Joan Mir, have all looked in decent form heading into the new season. 

The first race gets underway in less than two weeks time, and will be the first of two in Qatar to open the 2021 campaign.