Between Ducati and Andrea Dovizioso, a delicate game of lying poker has begun regarding the future lease to be negotiated. Each thinks that they will not be able to do without the other, so much so that both parties feel calm about their ability to make the party opposite bend. A dangerous game, because weariness, misunderstanding and frustration can lead to unexpected decisions. The paddock columnist, Carlo Pernat, who has been in charge at Aprilia, warns that there are two possible outcomes. Who will leave traces...
They have linked their fate since 2013 and yet, they give the impression of not really getting along. Perhaps this is the fate of any rider who evolves in a Ducati factory which has always had a particular way of treating its champions. You can enter the Reds as quickly as you leave, of your own free will, or by force. But Andrea Dovizioso survives it, passes the years, overcomes the trials. But those who are presenting themselves for the renewal of the lease after 2020 this time seem very complicated to cross out.
The question is economic and it is driven by a crisis of coronavirus which shook things up. And not for the better. The crisis is coming, so we must reduce the payroll. And that of pilots is one of them. Andrea Dovizioso is aware of it. His salary is estimated at 6 million euros. For the last three years, he has been the vice-world champion. And during the period Lorenzo, he was paid more than ten times less than the Majorcan…
The sum of all resentments ?
All this left its mark. Covid-19 or not. Ducati et Dovizioso are certain of the legitimacy of their position. A showdown seems inevitable. On GP One, Charles Pernat gives his opinion: Dovizioso is in a “Kafkaesque” situation. Ducati put Miller on the factory team. I think the goal is to work with Andrea, but the problem is purely budgetary. All the manufacturers are in financial difficulty and the offer for Dovizioso is half of what he had before. This has already happened once, when Andrea had to accept a significant reduction in her salary, when Lorenzo arrived. »
Even for different reasons, reliving the scene a second time seems unbearable: “ he may have an unfavorable view of another reduction in his salary and it will not be an easy situation. I think in the end it will be Dovi who has to keep his head down ", explain Feathered, who would nevertheless advise Ducati, from him " give the money« . For what ? “ we must not forget that Dovizioso, if the courage takes him, could also decide to leave. » Ducati or the competition that is. KTM and Red Bull are on the lookout, as implied Hervé Poncharal...
