Photo: motogp.com
Two days into the summer break (even though testing still takes place around the world) and the rumor mill has delivered the first kind-of-credible news. Paddock winds say that Ducati would have a completely new factory team for 2015, comprising the multiple CRT champion Aleix Espargaro and the current satellite (Pramac) Ducati Andrea Iannone at the helm of the new GP15 Desmosedici bikes Gigi Dall’Igna is working hard on.
Showing much better riding skills aboard the Yamaha-powered NGM Forward Racing bike, Aleix Espargaro has had a very good half of the season so far, with the first pole position in his career, and a noticeably better positioning in the 9 races of the year, than what he was able to offer last year. The elder of the Espargaro brothers was never shy to admit he was in search of a factory ride, just like any other Open Class rider on the grid.
However, he is said to have turned down offers from Suzuki and LCR Honda, so in case the rumors turn out to be true, it is to be believed that Dall’Igna was very convincing about the better Ducati in the works. Jorge Lorenzo is said to have been tempted by Ducati, as well, but apparently he reached an agreement with Yamaha at Sachsenring, with an official announcement imminent these days or weeks.
Confronted with the very high chances that Cal Crutchlow pulled out of his contract with Ducati, while Andrea Dovizioso still pondering between Borgo Panigale and Hamamatsu (Suzuki), some say Dall’Igna made a move on Espargaro and Iannone. It is uncertain at the time of writing if an official offer was made, or preparatory discussions have been all there was. One thing is sure: there is always a tiny bit of truth behind such rumors, so we’re expecting news soon.
However, he is said to have turned down offers from Suzuki and LCR Honda, so in case the rumors turn out to be true, it is to be believed that Dall’Igna was very convincing about the better Ducati in the works. Jorge Lorenzo is said to have been tempted by Ducati, as well, but apparently he reached an agreement with Yamaha at Sachsenring, with an official announcement imminent these days or weeks.
Confronted with the very high chances that Cal Crutchlow pulled out of his contract with Ducati, while Andrea Dovizioso still pondering between Borgo Panigale and Hamamatsu (Suzuki), some say Dall’Igna made a move on Espargaro and Iannone. It is uncertain at the time of writing if an official offer was made, or preparatory discussions have been all there was. One thing is sure: there is always a tiny bit of truth behind such rumors, so we’re expecting news soon.
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