Bagnaia keen to stay with Ducati 'all my career', unsure who has the best bike?

On the eve of the 2022 Qatar MotoGP Francesco Bagnaia has claimed staying with Ducati 'all my career' would be his choice if possible.

Fresh off a new two-year deal that will take Bagnaia and Ducati to the end of the 2024 season, the 2021 title runner-up is set to begin what could be a championship winning season for the 25 year-old.

The Ducati rider heads into round one at Lusail as the most in-form rider based off last year’s final few races - Bagnaia claimed four wins from six and five pole positions, with the latter statistic all taking place in succession which was a new Ducati record. 

Bagnaia, who has been with Ducati since moving up to MotoGP in 2019, believes an even more relaxed version of himself will be on show following last month’s contract extension. 

Bagnaia said: "We chose together four years ago. I’m very happy to be with them for two more years. 

"If I had the possibility I would like to remain with Ducati for all my career, but let’s see what will happen. 

"For sure starting with another two years of contract it means you are more relaxed. You just have to think about giving your best. For me it’s like this. I don’t know if it’s different for other riders."

While Bagnaia's recent form suggests he’s an early season favourite for the title, the 2018 Moto2 champion accomplished his stunning 2021 performances on the Desmosedici GP21, not the new GP22 bike which has looked slightly less impressive through pre-season testing.

Although that’s somewhat expected given the GP22 is a new bike that was only rolled out for the first time in November at Jerez, Bagnaia is facing a scenario of being unsure who has the more favourable package to start the season, especially since he's only been aboard a Ducati.  

Bagnaia added: "It’s always that Ducati looks the best but the last time they won was in 2007. It’s very difficult to say if another bike is better. 

"I’m not saying Yamaha was better last year because he [Quartararo] won. I think my bike and the bike in the last part of the season was the best one I tried, but I don't know if it’s the best because I haven't tried Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM or Honda. 

"For me it’s the best bike, but I don’t know if it's the best one (on the grid)."