In the MotoGP transfer market which must decide the future of many riders at the end of this year, and not the least, we already have a Casa Particular in Viñales, Marc Márquez and Red which left the shelves. Yamaha is thus assured of its two official drivers while Honda has retained the loyalty of its phenomenon which has brought it four titles in five years in the premier category. For the rest, everything is open, especially among the reds of Ducati. During the first Grand Prix of the year, in Qatar, there was a lot of talk about Johann Zarco at Honda or Suzuki. But Andrea Dovizioso could well put the brakes on him...
This is an alert launched by the rumor which could well give sleepless nights to the red stable which has until now displayed unfailing serenity in its negotiation process with its two current residents. However, these start from unbalanced bases which can endanger the serenity of the debates and their outcome: on the one hand a Dovizioso vice-world champion, at the head of seven victories in fourteen successive races and paid 2 million euros. And on the other, a five-time title winner with Yamaha who has not yet won anything with Ducati and who does not seem close to doing so, maintained at 12 million euros.
A situation that cannot continue. But the room for maneuver at Ducati is slim. To be honest, Por Fuera would have to agree to be paid in view of his recent results, which means a significant reduction in his emoluments. The difference going into the pocket of DesmoDovi at the top of his art.
For the moment, the protagonists do not say they are in a hurry to conclude. Assuming the idea is to stay together. But still… Messages get through. On Motorsport, we thus learn that the entourage of Dovizioso clearly indicated that the one who leads the young 2018 championship this time demanded to be remunerated commensurate with his exploits. And that he would not accept any excuses, such as the need to maintain a driver with a well-rounded track record in his box.
Better still, it seems certain that contacts have been made with Honda and Suzuki. For HRC it would be a reunion and the prospect of a dream team with a Márquez who gets along well with the Italian. For Suzuki, it would be a godsend to enlist a real, sporting and technical leader. And since there is declared competition, you will have to pay the price. But can Ducati seriously do without Dovizioso ? Probably not. Lorenzo, on the other hand…
