After the declarations of intent already expressed in recent weeks, Ducati has confirmed in a somewhat more formal way through the voice of Paolo Ciabatti that Pecco Bagnaia and Johann Zarco were well and truly in Borgo Panigale’s plans for next season. If only Jack Miller has been officially announced within the factory team, joining Tito Rabat, already in possession of a contract with Avintia, the other pieces of the puzzle should soon find their place in the Italian clan.
“It is true that we have reached an agreement on terms with Pecco for the next two years. It is too early to say if he will continue with Pramac or if he will move to the official team. We will also continue with Johann Zarco and we’ll clear that up just before Misano “, Ducati Corse’s sporting director informed the official MotoGP website on Saturday.
Since the announcement of the upcoming departure of Andrea Dovizioso, several hypotheses end up being studied by Ducati, and among them the popular rumor of a Jorge Lorenzo thunderous return in the official team. If this option does not succeed, it is probably Pecco Bagnaia who will be most likely to be promoted, thus freeing up a place at Pramac. We also know that Jorge Martín should make his arrival there, although no official confirmation could yet be provided.
Paolo Ciabatti himself mentioned the Martín option half-heartedly when asked this Saturday about the candidacies of Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini, notoriously vying to replace Bagnaia at Pramac or join Avintia . “There is another Moto2 rider that is interesting for us and that I cannot mention at the moment, but Luca and Enea are doing very well, so we are looking at the possibility of maybe having another Moto2 rider who would join. Ducati for next season “, he indicated.
“I think we will probably make a decision in the coming weeks and the aim is to make an announcement just before Misano, so that the Ducati line-up for 2021 is clear”, added Paolo Ciabatti.
Already strong supporter of Bagnaia’s candidacy for the factory team, like his current team-mate Jack Miller, Valentino Rossi pushed again on Friday for this option to materialize. “As far as Pecco is concerned, we are negotiating, I think that with Ducati they are really close. I very much hope for Pecco that it will be the official team”, said the boss of VR46. “I would advise him to go to the official team, because in the Pramac team they are surely all very good but the official team has something more on paper. So I hope to see Pecco in red for the year next, because it would be a really great opportunity for him. “
Chances increased “from 20% to 90%” for Zarco
Johann Zarco has not hidden in recent days being on all fronts: “I have the driver side and that of having to prepare things, because I do not have a manager who goes in my place, even if I can be supported by a lot of people around.” The Frenchman, without confirmation on the team in which he would play, however, felt that the departure of Andrea Dovizioso had significantly lightened his future. “I have already anticipated discussions and it is rather positive. The withdrawal of Dovizioso almost allows to be able to confirm a place for next year. But after, where? Ducati needs time”, he said Thursday night.
“But the percentage of running next year has increased, it may have gone from 20% to 90%. There is only room there [chez Ducati]. The goal is to stay at Ducati because they have put me back on track to regain confidence. When things go well there is a pole and a podium, that’s what I want to experience and I want to experience it with them. “
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