Ducati: 'Goal' to confirm new Bagnaia contract in Qatar

Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti has confirmed the factory is now very close to securing a contract extension with MotoGP title runner-up Francesco Bagnaia.

Speaking at this weekend's Mandalika test, Ciabatti told SkySport.it: "Small details are still missing for the renewal of Bagnaia, the goal is to make the official announcement within the first race of the season in Qatar."

A deal for Bagnaia, expected after last year's heroics in his debut season at the Official team, would mean the young Italian joins Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda), Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM) and Franco Morbidelli (Monster Yamaha) in having a place on the 2023 grid.

A timeline for filling the other Factory Ducati seat, currently occupied by Jack Miller, is less clear, with Gresini's Enea Bastianini and Pramac's Jorge Martin also in the running.

Meanwhile, Ciabatti also commented on the factory's newly-revealed front ride-height development, which (like the rear device) can now be operated on corner exit as well as the race start.

"The lowering device? The story of the wings and the spoon [swingarm tyre 'cooler'] is repeated, Ducati innovates while remaining within the regulations, we are sorry to hear that it is being questioned," Ciabatti said, with reference to those that speculate such a device might not fit within the MotoGP regulations.