Are times changing in MotoGP? Not long ago, going to the elite to enjoy a Ducati was not a very reassuring idea for a young up-and-comer who, on the other hand, was the eyes of Chimène at Yamaha. Today, the next generation refuses Iwata's offer to climb a Desmosedici. Demonstration made with a Francis Bagnaia who signed for two years with Ducati and trained within the Pramac satellite team… After refusing an offer from Yamaha!
At 21 years, Francis Bagnaia is one of the Grand Prix hopefuls and one more coming out of the VR46 Academy. But its trajectory can also reveal a turning point in the distribution of forces present in MotoGP. Which is hardly reassuring for Yamaha. The Italian explains on Speedweek: “ I started talking with Ducati in November 2017. So Ducati is my destiny. It's a bike that I really like. Yamaha also wanted me, so the choice wasn't easy. These two manufacturers have chosen two different paths, and both are at the top. But it was difficult for me to say yes to Yamaha, because they already no longer had a satellite team ».
A final remark which shows to what extent the current inertia of representatives of the brand in tune in Grand Prix does damage. It seems that the Japanese factory is resting on its laurels. But bagnaia continues: " This is why I decided on Ducati. I have a two-year contract with an option for the third year. This is a good point because I will be able to learn a lot. It will probably take me more than a year to understand everything ».
In passing, he consulted the Doctor, who is, as we recall, an official Yamaha. And his response was: “ we talked a lot about that in November 2017. He told me that this decision had to be above all mine, that I had to take it at the right time and that Ducati was progressing. So it might be a good choice. Even if a Yamaha is undoubtedly easier for a beginner who can be fast in a shorter time ».
“Pecco” has an official Ducati contract and enters Miller et Petrucci, one of the two will have to make room for him in 2019. Incidentally, the Italian had tried a Desmosedici when he was an Aspar Mahindra rider in Moto3, as a reward for his performances. A trial run which has undoubtedly remained in his memory. We understand better why a KTM factory wants a channel towards MotoGP... A factory which will have Tech3 as a satellite team, the same one which will leave the fold of a Yamaha manufacturer which is also letting slip John Zarco without having yet decided on its next allied structure...
