While Ducati is negotiating with Andrea Dovizioso and at Honda we are thinking about the new organizational chart that the installation of Pol Espargaró will impose alongside Marc Marquez, on the Aprilia side, we are not idle. And for good reason: we will have to decide directly the case of Andrea Iannone whose fate hangs on the decision of an appeal before the sports court for a doping case. Fausto Gresini takes stock and reveals the existence of plans B, which are characterized by their “Italianness”…
« Andrea Iannone's situation hurts us a lot ". It is with these serious words that Fausto Gresini, boss of an eponymous team in whose hands Aprilia has put the fate of his MotoGP project, begins his situation update before the launch, next July, of the 2020 season. He does not blame, of course, his compatriot entangled in his doping affair, uncertain outcome. He can thus be completely absolved or be suspended altogether for four years... Meanwhile, the new RS GP is orphaned by a pilot who would help its development.
« I'm waiting for the outcome of the appeal, but I want to stay positive. I think his situation is not easy. He is innocent but at the same time a condemned man. I hope justice will be done. I think Andrea at least deserves justice »Comments Gresini expectantly. We must therefore consider a plan B. And the latter seems to crystallize around a name…
“Seeing an unconfirmed driver when there have been no races is not good”
« Danilo Petrucci is a proven driver. He is also young, has good experience and is an interesting driver. Saying what Aprilia will do is difficult. But it is clear that we, as a company, we want an Italian driver, because we are an Italian company and this is an important aspect ". “Italianness” therefore remains a strong marker. Incidentally, there is another driver who must decide on his future. As it happens Valentino Rossi ! " Who wouldn't want Valentino? » recognizes Fausto. “He has made history in the last twenty years in this sport and everyone would love him ».
« It would be a huge added value for Aprilia, but from there, saying that it will come to fruition is very different. Valentino obviously interests everyone, those who deny it are lying. I think it is not easy to imagine such a scenario.o”.
But we are experiencing quite a few improbable scenarios these days, with the particularity of seeing drivers fixed on their fate while no race has yet taken place this year... Gresini thus has a moving thought for Alex Marquez : " thinking that it is not confirmed when the first race has not yet taken place is not good. That's my first thought. For Pol Espargaró he has a lot to think about, he will have to think carefully about the future and make the right choice ».
