MotoGP, Vergani manager of Petrucci: “Danilo is currently excluded from the MotoGP project”

Jack Miller within the Ducati factory team in 2021 is an increasingly clear prospect. An open secret, so many voices agree for such a scenario, and even within the walls of the builder of Borgo Panigale. Even the victim of this promotion, Danilo Petrucci, admits it. His manager Alberto Vergani adds another layer. Not without a certain bitterness…

The mass seems to be said: Jack Miller will soon be rewarded for his results and his loyalty when he could go to KTM last summer by soon signing a contract for the factory team Ducati. And as the priority of the same manufacturer is to build loyalty Andrea Dovizioso, it is indeed Danilo Petrucci who finds himself on the side of the road.

« Danilo is currently excluded from the Ducati MotoGP project »Assures Alberto Vergani his manager. “ Ducati decided to focus on a rider like Miller. For Danilo there is no place in the official team. It's very strange, considering he won at Mugello last year ahead of Dovizioso and Marquez, he also always worked hard with his head down to achieve certain results. »

We therefore feel bitterness, especially since this situation means the end with Ducati in Grand Prix. “ Dovizioso will stay at Ducati, that's my point of view. 99% I think Andrea will not leave, but will stay where he is now ". As for Petrux, he blames the blow: “ It wasn't easy when I told him, but that's the situation and there's little that can be done. When Danilo joined the Factory team, no one asked him to win the championship. He worked hard and honestly, in Mugello he won a victory that will go down in history. Unfortunately, the deal was decided on the second part of last season. It's sad, of course, but I believe that any negative situation can turn into an opportunity. ».

WSBK with Redding or Aprilia with Aleix Espargaró

Certainly, but what opportunity remains to Danilo Petrucci ? " Ducati could reposition it in Superbike with Aruba and therefore we are evaluating this possibility. At the same time, I also started talking to Aprilia, but there is nothing concrete. A lot will depend on what Iannone does in 2021 and how the disqualification situation develops. »

« Dovizioso is the kingpin of the market and everything revolves around him. When Dovi decides what to do, all the other pieces will fall into place. » The manager ends with GP One : " Danilo will have to face the 2020 races with serenity and carefreeness. He will have to try to give his all, aware of his qualities. This market is a bit of a sliding door, but I am convinced that in the end, opportunities always present themselves. This is what I tell Danilo every day. »

We will also recall that, to replace Jack Miller at Pramac, rumor has it that an agreement in principle has been signed with George Martin who would thus be torn from KTM who took it from Honda...