The weekly “Sports Bar” of our transalpine friends immerses us in a passionate atmosphere, in the country which has 83 winners of 822 Grands Prix, the absolute record. The two biggest winners are also Italian, with 122 victories for Giacomo Agostini and 115 for Valentino Rossi. As for the manufacturers, there is plenty with MV Agusta, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Gilera, Mondial, Garelli, Minarelli, Morbidelli, Benelli, MBA, Ducati and Bimota, for a total of 92 first places.
If the activity gradually begins to move again, notably with the Misano tests, the multiple negotiations taking place at the moment are, however, the subject of numerous discussions. The MotoGP World Vice-Champion of the last three years, Andrea Dovizioso, still has not signed any contract for 2021.
The 125 cm3 World Champion in 2004 blocks negotiations because they always take place in a pyramidal fashion, from top to bottom. At the top, it's settled with a four-year renewal for Marc Márquez at Honda. But immediately afterwards, things got stuck between Dovi, his manager and Ducati. Although the best Ducati rider – by far – the man from Forlimpopoli cannot obtain the sum he wants from the Bologna manufacturer, which annoys Carlo Pernat among others.
“I don't like the way the negotiations between Ducati and Dovizioso are going, it's proof that they no longer have confidence in Andrea. They first contacted everyone from Márquez to Viñales to Quartararo, and now they don't want to renew his contract. This story leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.” has explained Pernat in a GPOne.com chat with Paolo Scalera and Matteo Aglio.
“I would have locked him in a room and not let him out until he signed. The contract with Dovi was the priority, yet as far as I know, they haven't even signed his fee cut for 2020 yet, and negotiations for 2021 haven't started yet. »
But what are the alternatives for Dovizioso?
“It seems like he’s on a roller coaster,” continued the Italian manager. “Now for Andrea there is no longer the possibility of going to KTM and Lorenzo presented himself. » (at Ducati, Editor’s note)
Could Jorge be the alternative for Ducati?
“A valid alternative, he wouldn't need to adapt to Desmosedici, who he already knows, but I don't think he will accept a reduced contract, around 2 million euros, just to be clear » observed Pernat. “Lorenzo looked in the mirror, decided to get back into the game and Dall'Igna is impatiently waiting to win his bet. »
There are no other riders for Ducati?
“To be honest, I don't like Ducati's policy. It seems like they're just shooting from the crowd! They should instead do a deal with Dovizioso, who is a certainty, and focus on youth for the Pramac team. Andrea is a cold driver, a calculator. »
“I don't think he will suffer even if he starts the championship without a contract and not doing so immediately could prove to be a double-edged sword for Ducati. If he succeeds in his first races, he will then hold the handle of the knife. »
Pernat also had harsh words for KTM following its decision to place Petrucci on the Tech3 satellite team.
“They seem to me to be in great confusion, they have also lost Pol Espargaró. They made a lot of bad choices from a managerial point of view. »
Speaking about Pol Espargaró's arrival at Honda, Carlo is convinced that it will have consequences.
“In my opinion, not everyone will enter the Honda stand in Jerez, and I'm not just talking about drivers or technicians. I am convinced that the decision to do without Álex Márquez in the official team will have consequences, Marc will not stay there for another 4 years. »
Pernat also spoke about Aprilia in the event that Iannone's disqualification is confirmed.
“They have three paths: take Crutchlow, help Lorenzo Savadori grow to promote him to the team, or wait for a few more races, in the latter case they could focus on a few Moto2 riders. But Bagnaia is also free, I would have already tried this route, in fact I would have made a pre-contract in his favor. »
As for the delay in signing Rossi, Pernat has no doubts.
“They just need to resolve the problem of the composition of his technical team. Valentino still wants to race, he could continue for a few more years. »
Andrea Dovizioso and Claudio Domenicali (Ducati CEO) with a Lego motorcycle
Paolo Scalera, Carlo Pernat and Matteo Aglio
Photos © Ducati, GPOne, Il Resto del Carlino
