In a driver market which still has major unknowns, the Ducati-Dovizioso file is not the least burning. And for good reason: either we are in the middle of a lying poker game between the two parties, or we are on the eve of a major shock, the consequences of which will be at least as measurable as the one that is being prepared with the departure of Pol Espargaró from KTM, to Honda. Within the Borgo Panigale satellite team, we are observing the situation. Manager Guidotti gives his opinion…
Le clan Ducati is on the lookout. He knows that Danilo Petrucci will no longer be part of the landscape while Jack Miller is assured of his place within the factory team. But apart from that, nothing has yet been done with the flagship driver who has consecutively brought back three vice-world champion statuses over the last three years. Negotiations on the renewal of the lease are dragging on. The fault lies with a new economic situation pushing for austerity, while human problems are also very present. Because it is certain that between Dovizioso and the engineer Gigi Dall'Igna, it feels like a cold…
However, the fate between the brand and the driver seems fatally linked. The Pramac team manager is Francesco Guidotti recalls it thus: “ they need each other », he explains to the microphones of Corriere dello Sport. “ Dovizioso races to try to win the championship and the combination works. There are edges to smooth, including economic ones, but once they manage to put everything in black and white, they will work towards that goal. Dovizioso without Ducati would weaken too much and Dovizioso probably has no alternative left to try to win the World Championship. I think and hope that reason will prevail over all. Their story is the right one ».
Bagnaia will be reconfirmed. Too bad for Johann Zarco?
That being said, at Pramac, we will also have to fill a position since Jack Miller will be lost at the end of 2020. Guidotti reveals that the renewal of bagnaia is taken for granted, and alongside him, a new young emerging talent is sought after. “ We first want to end the relationship with Jack Miller in the best way possible “, he continues. “ Pecco, we have to manage him in the right way, in order to bring out the speed he showed at the beginning of last year. Its reconfirmation is only a matter of time ».
This contradicts a Paolo Ciabbati who wanted to determine the fate of academician VR46 based on his 2020 results, thus giving hope to Johann zarco, placed at Avintia…
For the other free handlebar, there are several candidates, all beginners. “ With some Ducati spoke in more detail, but I don't know if a decisive decision has been made yet " finished Guidotti. The name that is circulating insistently these days, and which responds precisely to this identity, is that of George Martin...
