Who is Ducati test rider Michele Pirro? Everything you need to know about Marc Marquez’s replacement

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Michele Pirro will replace Marc Marquez at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix after the 2025 riders’ champion was injured at the last race in Indonesia.

The Ducati test rider will take the Spaniard’s seat for at least this weekend’s race, after Marquez broke his collarbone during a crash with Marco Bezzecchi, although he may also be required for the trip to Sepang in a week’s time.

Ducati are yet to confirm if Pirro will replace Marquez for as many races as he is out injured, with reports suggesting this year’s champion may not return for the final few races.

Pirro has been the Ducati test rider since 2013, participating in at least one race every year since, including as the team’s wildcard entry.

He has not raced around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit since he contested his only MotoGP season in 2012, where he finished 14th.

Read more: MotoGP 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend schedule, UK timings and how to watch

Who is Ducati test rider Michele Pirro?

Michele Pirro has been the Ducati test rider for the last 12 years, after joining the team in 2013. He previously contested in the 125cc class between 2003 and 2006, before moving to the Italian CIV National Championship, where he took the 2007 and 2008 Superstock class titles.

After two years in the Supersport World Championship between 2009 and 2010, Pirro returned to the MotoGP world series, making his Moto 2 debut in 2011 with Team Gresini. His first season saw him stand on the podium twice, with a third-place finish in Silverstone followed by a win at the season finale in Valencia, just two weeks after the team’s MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli was killed in a crash at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Pirro was promoted to the team’s MotoGP seat the following season, but was only able to finish within the top ten at two races.

How old is Michele Pirro? Where was he born and what is his nationality?

Michele Pirro was born in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, on 5 July 1986, making him 39 years old. The Italian is four years older than the oldest MotoGP rider on the 2025 grid, Johann Zarco.

Pirro’s hometown is in the Apulia region of southern Italy and is home to around 27,000 residents.

How tall is Michele Pirro and how much does he weigh?

Michele Pirro is on the taller side of the 2025 MotoGP grid, measuring 1.78m (5ft 8in) tall, the same as Raul Fernandez. Only four riders are taller than the pair, including Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer.

Pirro will be the heaviest on the grid during his reserve driving responsibilities, weighing 74kg (11st 6lbs). His weight is 5kg heavier than the heavier riders on the grid, which includes Aldeguer again, as well as Luca Marini, Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo.

What number does Michele Pirro use in MotoGP?

Michele Pirro races under the number 51 in MotoGP, which he has used throughout his racing career. Although the Italian has not shared why he picked the number, it plays an important role in his career and also features in his racing project and rider academy Garage 51.

Is Michele Pirro married and does he have children?

Michele Pirro married his wife, Paola Ricucci, in December 2021, and the couple share two young daughters, Geneva, 3, and Giorgia, who was born in December 2024.

Michele Pirro’s MotoGP career stats

Michele Pirro has been Ducati’s reserve driver since 2013, making appearances in every season since, with a best place finish of fourth at the 2018 Valencian Grand Prix.