The first two tests of the off-season had their effect on a transfer market which opened well before the 2018 season. And for good reason: the stakes are colossal since all the leading drivers are called to the negotiating table . The first Grand Prix has not yet taken place but the six days of testing have forged some certainties among some and caused confusion among others. And it seems that it is at Ducati where we are making the most progress…
Let's sum up: Casa Particular in Viñales immediately burned out his cartridge by signing with his eyes closed for two more years with Yamaha. His teammate Red should follow but the conditional must be taken into account in view of the results of the latest tests in Thailand. These revealed an Iwata factory far from ready, to the point that the Doctor is preparing people's minds for a very complicated start to the campaign...
The situation is exactly the opposite at Honda which presents a formidable new RC213V. Marc Márquez calls for an end to negotiations for a lease renewal while Pedrosa shows that he can always set good times to keep his position.
And at Ducati? It's radio silence. It must be said that the situation is sensitive. Jorge Lorenzo must revise its financial claims downward so that Dovizioso can be remunerated at the height of his 2017 season. And that's not all: Por Fuera surprised in Buriram by showing himself undecided on a GP18 that he had praised at Sepang, a track where he set a new lap record with…
So ? Paolo ciabatti, sports director of the brand sets the tone on Tuttomotoriweb: “ It seems that we must take our time this time before sitting down together around a table. Andrea has been with us for six years and is coming off a fantastic season. He is also a rider appreciated by Ducati fans. Jorge is an immense talent. After adaptation difficulties, he showed that he was making progress, particularly at Sepang ».
We will leave it there and all these beautiful people will meet in Qatar to develop the subject. A subject that concerns less and less Danilo Petrucci : " Pramac's job is to find young talents. It worked with Iannone and with Petrucci himself. We're keeping an eye on the intermediate categories to find out who the future Ducati rider could be ". Borgo Panigale has already warned that bagnaia was in the viewfinder. But there would also be Alex Marquez et Miguel Oliveira...
