Ciabatti: Davies in MotoGP? In 2018 if he wins in SBK

Andrea or Andrea? Ducati's shortlist features two riders. Dovizioso and Iannone, with one or the other set to join Lorenzo next season.

“We would like one of the two to stay with us, because both are fast, know the bike and have contributed to its development”, confirms Paolo Ciabatti.

Crutchlow, at Le Mans, proposed Davies for the 'red' seat in MotoGP, but the Brit's name is not on the list. For now at least.

“We're talking with Chaz about an SBK  renewal for next year. We've never considered him for the official MotoGP team in 2017 -  reveals the sporting director - His and our,goal is to win the title in SBK this season or next. If he can do that, then he may move to MotoGP in 2018, perhaps with the Pramac team. By that time I believe that the satellite and factory bikes will be very similar and he could gain experience in that squad”.

So Davies is not part of the short-term plan. The decision between the two Andreas has not yet been made, but it shouldn't take too much longer.

“As we've already said, the Barcelona GP is our deadline. We might conclude negotiations before then”, states Ciabatti.

At Mugello perhaps, the perfect setting for an announcement, though it might not be possible to have everything in place within a week.

“There are many factors to consider, future prospects, working methods, and I won't deny it, the financial aspect - continues - We want to come to an agreement with one of the two, for now we're not considering anyone else”.

Andrea or Andrea? The choice remains up in the air.