A stunning win at Silverstone from Francesco Bagnaia saw him take back-to-back wins and see his title charge take flight, while his factory teammate Jack Miller made it double delight for Ducati with a P3 finish. There were plenty of deserved celebrations from the Borgo Panigale outfit, and rightly so, as they reached a milestone 200th MotoGP™ podium.
It also marked an 18th consecutive race with a Ducati on the podium, a feat not achieved since Yamaha's 35 race run from 2014 to 2016. The last time we failed to see a Desmosedici among the top three was in fact at Silverstone one year ago, when Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) were on the rostrum.
Since then, Ducati have claimed 28 podiums, 11 of which have been victories courtesy of efforts from Bagnaia (x8) and Gresini’s Enea Bastianini (x3). Those two have also contributed to the other 17 podiums in this period, as have Miller (x6), Prima Pramac duo Jorge Martin (x3) & Johann Zarco (x4) and Mooney VR46 rookie Marco Bezzechi (x1).
So far this season, Ducati have claimed 18 podiums, which is just six shy of last year’s all-time record of 24, with eight rounds of action still to go.
It’s an incredible run of form that is showing no signs of slowing down, particularly with some of the upcoming circuits favourable towards the Ducati machines. It also means we can expect to see the factory add to its impressive tally of 200 MotoGP™ podiums.
14 of those have come from Bagnaia in his time with the Italian team, while Miller accounts for 18. However, both riders still have some way to go to catch two-time MotoGP™ World Champion Casey Stoner, who has 42. The Aussie is also the only rider to deliver a Riders' Championship to Ducati. Andrea Dovizioso sits second on the list with 40, while Loris Capirossi completes the top three with 23. The Italian also delivered the very first podium to Ducati back in 2003.
Stoner also holds the record, 23, for most wins on a Desmosedici, with Dovi’s 14 seeing him in second again. Pecco’s Silverstone success sees him move to eight and third overall, one ahead of Capirossi.
Having reached the double century, we expect Ducati to add to their tally sooner rather than later, particularly with the Red Bull Ring just around the corner where Jorge Martin earned a maiden MotoGP™ win 12 months ago. Make sure you tune in from August 18th to catch all of the action from the Austrian GP.