Ducati's MotoGP sporting director Paolo Ciabatti will only accept a podium result from his factory riders at Le Mans this weekend after both Jack Miller and Pecco Bagnaia bagged first and third at Jerez.

The suave Italian has high hopes for this round and the factory's home race at Mugello at the end of the month but Ciabatti is also pragmatic about the result of the Spanish GP.

"To be honest, we are very satisfied with the result in Jerez. We know that the victory would have been more difficult if Quartararo hadn't had arm pump," said Ciabatti.

“On the other hand, Jack Miller was plagued by these problems in Qatar, which is why he was unable to play his strategy there, he only came ninth twice in Doha. In Jerez it was seen how fast Jack is when he is healthy. But such setbacks happen in racing, you have to accept them.

"Now we come to Le Mans. The Yamaha will certainly be quick there, but I think we have a good chance because Bagnaia has already achieved three podium positions, he is a very consistent rider, he has matured a lot. And Jack found what he was missing.

"After the not particularly good results in the first three races, his self-confidence was a little damaged. Now he's mentally strong again. Ducati can safely drive onto the podium at Le Mans.

"A top three result is our minimum requirement for France and for Mugello. On the Circuit de Catalunya, grip is getting worse every year. In such conditions, when the grip level is low, we've often had problems so far. But we are confident that we can show a decent MotoGP season. At the same time, we keep our feet on the ground, because the championship will take a very long time."