There has not yet been a single race in this 2020 MotoGP season which does not even have its official calendar. But the pilot market is still in full swing. It has even accelerated in recent days with Ducati and Honda in action. If, for this last brand, only the Pol Espargaro case causes a sensation, for the second, we must confirm a veteran and prepare for the future. Paolo Ciabatti, the sporting director of the Reds, says he is calm for Andrea Dovizioso. But for Jorge Martin, it seems that KTM has counterattacked…
Paolo ciabatti has hot files on fire and he must monitor them with the greatest attention. Because if he burns his fingers, it might be the whole project Ducati in MotoGP which could burn out. Certainly, the sports director ensured the services of Jack Miller in his factory team, but this promotion angered Danilo Petrucci who still has to do this season on the Desmosedici. Will it still be manageable? We do not know. But one thing at a time. And now is the time to focus on Andrea Dovizioso, as on the next generation George Martin.
Let's start with the latter. The Spanish clan of hope assures that things are on the right track. But on the Italian side, it seems that the Austrian grain of sand was involved in the mechanism which was to lead to an announcement for the benefit of Pramac: “ I do not deny that we are very interested in him, but the situation is now more complex because KTM wants it »Comments Ciabatta on GP One.
KTM would therefore counterattack. Which is understandable, the Mattighofen brand having suffered in quick succession this offensive on its hope George Martin of Ducati then that of Honda on its leader Espargaro Pol… But be careful: the response could extend to a Andrea Dovizioso who hasn't signed anything yet! “ We are not worried » however assures the red sports director Paolo ciabatti. " If Pol Espargaro were confirmed, the move to Honda would be unexpected and would certainly take away from KTM the rider with more experience and knowledge of the bike, but it's not just Andrea. For example, Petrucci is on the market, at the moment he is not part of our MotoGP project ».
“With Dovizioso we can make a decision quickly"
On negotiations with Dovizioso, it develops : " they are evolving at the pace we expected. This period of inactivity has led everyone, including the drivers, to think, but now we and Andrea have clear ideas and it is possible to reach an agreement in a relatively short time.. Before the start of the championship? “ Andrea and we have all the elements to make a decision in the coming weeks and I don't see any particular reason to wait. I don't think there is anything to add, unless Andrea wants to start running before making her choice, but that would be her will ».
« We are talking about a biennial period. If Andrea wanted, we would be willing to consider an annual contract with an option for the following season, but that should be her proposal " precise Ciabatta which ends: “ I am calmly optimistic, even if we still have to overcome some pitfalls. I think reaching an agreement is the best solution for both of us and there is this desire on our part, I hope that Andrea shares it. I don't want to repeat myself, but we need to sort out economic side, the situation has changed for everyone, we need to understand what impact this crisis will have on the sale of motorcycles and if we will have the same ability to reach the same budget thanks to the sponsorships that we have had so far. There is no driver who could offer the same guarantees in terms of competitiveness as Andrea, he is our number 1 choice ».
The other riders under Ducati contract are, remember, Pecco Bagnaia et John Zarco.
