At Ducati, with Ciabatti, we are putting the final touches on the proposals that will be made to its riders for 2023 and beyond. The transfer market has thus entered its final phase since it is commonly accepted by the paddock that the prospects for after 2022 will have to be fixed before the summer break of this season. Normally, and given the consistent results brought back by the riders in Desmosedici, Ducati is a happy family that no current member will have the heart to leave. And even less so since the opportunities outside are asymptote to zero. However, there could be a change with Jack Miller…
At Ducati, we do not a priori live with the stress caused by a turbulent transfer market. And for good reason: unlike elsewhere, every driver on a Desmosedici can achieve the feat. The Italian machine is suitable for the eight drivers who have it. After seven races, the Borgo Panigale firm has, for example, four victories with two of its drivers under contract: three with Enea Bastianini on the GP21 Gresini and one with the official bagnaia on the GP22.
A situation which allows the sports director, Paolo Ciabatti, to have calm control over the file of contract renewals and other possible recruitments. The Italian also says about Motorsport : " I think any rider who has a Ducati today will think twice before going elsewhere. Not only because the bike is very competitive, but also because I think the whole package, the type of technical support we give to the independent teams, the fact that Gigi Dall'Igna goes and speaks to all our riders, is something that drivers and teams really appreciate ". And then there is also this fact: “ on the other hand, I don't think there are that many opportunities – or good opportunities – left in the market ».
There still remains one, which may surprise in view of the results it is currently displaying, but which is all the same attractive in view of the history and the means which always seem unlimited... " Obviously we have to see what Honda will do. Apparently it looks like they don't want to continue with Pol Espargaró. And then we have to see if Aprilia wants to change its drivers, which I don't think. But then, after Suzuki's decision to quit, there's not much else - maybe KTM. But I don't see the market as so active and so stressful ". On these factual elements, Ciabatta therefore confirms his serenity: “ I'm pretty sure that riders who can perform very well on a Ducati will listen to a Ducati proposition before going elsewhere ».
Ciabatti: “ Johann Zarco may be missing that spark to get on the podium more regularly«
However, there is proposition and proposition… The one put under the nose ofEnea Bastianini was thus validated while the case of George Martin is being settled: “ we've always said we want to secure Jorge and Enea, and I think we're basically there. Jorge Martin is going through a difficult time, but he has done fantastic things. Enea Bastianini goes without saying, he is fighting for the championship. Johann Zarco is doing fantastic races but perhaps he lacks a bit of that spark to get on the podium more regularly » says Ciabatta.
For these names, everything seems to go without saying. But for that of Jack Miller, nothing is less certain… “ we also want to see if we can continue somehow with Jack because Jack is a great driver, we love him. But I think we can offer him something that he might not consider good enough for him and that it could take a different direction ". At the house of KTM and at Honda LCR, we would be ready to receive it. But when will the big decision be? “ We're at that point where we need to assess the situation a little bit and hopefully between Mugello and Assen, find a final configuration with our drivers and teams » concludes the sports director of Ducati.
