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Lorenzo’s saddle with Ducati is shaky and Dovizioso has confirmed as much. “If Jorge were to remain, it wouldn’t be a problem for me, but right now the arrival of Petrucci or Miller seems more likely”, he said as an aside to his contract renewal press conference.
His results on the ‘Red’ are pushing Jorge away from Borgo Panigale Jorge, last year barely bringing home three podiums, although finishing the season on an upward trend. However, the curve plateaued as early as the winter tests and the pile-up in Jerez wiped the smile from his face again.
“Now I can only think about going fast” he had said yesterday, well-aware that in a possible negotiation, he would not have the upper hand. Le Mans could be a chance for redemption, since he is the rider who has been the most victorious on the French track (6 wins). Instead, after the first day he is lying 10th, whereas Andrea is ahead of the rest with a record time.
“I changed the setup on the outing with the new tyre at the end of the second session and the front moved around a lot - he explained - That’s why I was unable to improve my time enough. I was 4th up to that moment.”
However, a small problem came at the worst possible moment and now Lorenzo seems to be destined for other shores. The Majorcan and the Desmosedici seem to have too many differences for a love affair and perhaps the Suzuki would be a better companion for him.
In fact, Iannone’s two podiums in a row were not enough to convince the top brass in Hamamatsu. Furthermore, the possible arrival of the sponsor Monster on the GSX-RR fairings would facilitate signing Lorenzo. It is a move that would take Andrea toward the only possible option if he wants to stay on a factory team: Aprilia.
Ducati, on the other hand, as Dovi mentioned, could promote from within. Miller, who would be a perfect ambassador for the English speaking market, or Petrucci, always loyal to the ‘Red’. Time is on Borgo Panigale’s side since they have an option with Danilo through the end of June.
The Italian on the factory team would be a perfect fit for Pramac too, as they would find themselves with rookie Bagnaia and the Australian on a factory GP19, the same treatment reserved for Danilo in recent seasons.
The upcoming races will be fundamental for setting up the moves on the chessboard. “I have some alternatives, but also an option in favour of Ducati that will be up in June. I can’t do too much except try to ride 100%, which is what I always do anyway” Petrucci’s goal, as well as that of Iannone and Lorenzo.
