MotoGP, Brivio: Iannone? will want Ducati to regret its decision

Let's recap: Yamaha will line up with Rossi and new-entry Vinales, Honda with the same team it has now, in the shape of Marquez and Pedrosa, Ducati with Lorenzo and Dovizioso and Suzuki with our very own Iannone, so we'll have an Italian in three of the top teams.

Now, to complete the eight factory rides in MotoGP we're just waiting for a decision on which Spaniard will flank Iannone in Suzuki. After which the seats at Aprilia and KTM, still only apparently half filled, will also be taken (the Italian manufacturer will take Sam Lowes, while the Austrians have Bradley Smith).

On his return from Japan, and aside from the Iannone announcement, Davide Brivio is giving nothing away with regard to the second rider.

"It was a busy trip – he confesses – we had a lot to discuss and it was tough to get it all done, also because the Le Mans week is also Japanese 'golden week' when all the trade shows take place. This meant planning everything well in advance in order to allow the relevant managers to be present. We're still discussing the possibility to extend bike supply to a satellite team, as well as other details. Aleix Espargarò? We're talking".

Could the riders market, which has come about very early this year, cause problems in terms of the current championship?

"It's true – acknowledges the manager - that agreements have been made very early on this time – but the situation has calmed down now and, now they are sorted, riders can concentrate on the racing".

Can we expect any surprises on track?

"I don't think so. Take Vinales for example, of course we're disappointed he's leaving but that's life. We made him a good offers but made a different choice. At this point, I think he'll try to complete great races, perhaps repeating the Le Mans podium, particularly for himself but also to leave Suzuki with good memories".

And Andrea Iannone…the situation in Ducati might be a little more complicated.

"Perhaps not: Andrea will do all he can to make them regret their decision".

Look what Brivio said at Sepang during winter testing