Among the major MotoGP factories, there is only one that still has no secure base in terms of riders for after 2020. That is Ducati. Indeed, the official Yamaha pair is formed, that of Suzuki has been retained and at Honda, we have secured the pillar Marc Márquez until 2024. KTM and Aprilia have not yet signed anyone, but still benefit from the “ concession points” of the regulations and therefore still have everything to prove. Ducati is thus indeed a flagship manufacturer still in obscurity. A situation that is not without danger...
Ducati saw the trains pass by and was only a spectator of a pilots' market which still remained active despite the confinement imposed by the Covid-19 crisis. Suzuki thus proved that we could still do business, even while working remotely. A situation which puts the Italian manufacturer face to face with its current drivers and not necessarily in a position of strength. Especially regarding a Andrea Dovizioso, the project leader.
Si Dovizioso is more than devoted to the Desmosedici project, he also knows the protest which can be a source of motivation but also of weariness. During this delicate period which forced the pilots to come face to face with themselves within four walls, DemoDovi did not hide the fact that he could taste another life. Wheras'Alberto puig revealed an interested approach on his part towards Honda.
Meanwhile, his manager Simone Battistella made it clear that Ducati needed its pilot more than the other way around. All in a situation where salaries will have to be negotiated downwards... So? If things turned sour between Dovizioso et Ducati, what would be Borgo Panigale’s plan B? Eyes turn towards Pol Espargaro...
Dovizioso is in a strong position
Pol Espargaro stepped on Honda, but he's a Red Bull driver, like Dovizioso. The Spaniard is very involved in the project KTM but he knows that he is reaching a stage in his career where he finally needs a winning bike to showcase his qualities. That being said, there is also Andrea Iannone, the current pilot Aprilia, even still suspended, pending the verdict of an appeal filed after a conviction for doping. At the house of Ducati, we swore that he was always loved and at home Pramac, we would welcome him with open arms.
Two options which would however be a stopgap compared to the preferable prospect of loyalty of Dovizioso. But they would be the only ones, since the Italian next generation is not yet ready and continues to train in Moto2. As for Miller, Petrucci, Bagnaia or even again Johann zarco, who are in the walls, they have always been considered until now as Dovi's teammates.
