MotoGP: Factory Ducati rider annoucement after Barcelona

Ducati are to wait until after Barcelona to confirm their factory rider who will ride next to Jack Miller.

The name pipped for the factory Ducati seat currently is Johann Zarco given that teammate Francesco Bagnaia has not had a chance to prove himself yet due to his injury at Brno, missing both Austrian rounds plus the Brno race. Ducati were rumoured to announce their second rider at the Misano round, however following Bagnaia’s injury the factory feel they need longer to assess the two riders they have available to them before signing any deals for their 2021 factory seat next to Jack Miller.

Ducati team manager Paolo Ciabatti spoke to GPOne.com and confirmed that the rider will not be decided until after the Barcelona GP held on the 25th – 27th September, giving Ducati three extra races to assess both their riders, also taking into consideration that Francesco Bagnaia will not return at 100% fitness, he said, “I think we’ll take a little bit of time. Having decided on the riders, it remains to be seen which is the most appropriate choice for the factory team. Zarco has shown some great things, just like, before his injury, Bagnaia, who will not return 100% in shape because he underwent a rather serious operation.

The choice for the factory team is important and in any case for both the alternative in Pramac is of the highest level, with an identical bike, so we will take a few races to decide. It would have been nice to make the announcement in Italy, but we will wait until after the Barcelona GP to decide.”

Sadly the MotoGP paddock will have to continue to wait with bated breath until after Barcelona when we may finally find out Jack Miller’s teammate for 2021.

Featured image – www.motogp.com

Source – www.GPOne.com