Ducati has confirmed Danilo Petrucci for the 2020 MotoGP season with the factory team alongside Andrea Dovizioso.
Petrucci signed a one-year contract with Ducati for the 2019 MotoGP season and already from the season start, the Italian was under pressure to keep his seat alongside Andrea Dovizioso, with a threat of Pramac’s Miller looming around.
The Australian made his intentions clear of a factory Ducati seat – probably replacing Petrucci. However, as the season progressed and with good results from Petrucci including his maiden MotoGP victory, the Italian’s chances started to look brighter and brighter.
At the same time, Miller’s stance remained the same as well but he was open to continue with Pramac if he was to use the latest specification i.e the Desmosedici GP20. The trouble in that was the Italian manufacturer’s commitment to Bagnaia.
The Moto2 champion’s contract stated for a latest spec bike for his second season. While it is not yet confirmed about the situation of Miller and Bagnaia with Pramac and Ducati, Petrucci’s contract with the Italian manufacturer is confirmed for 2020 MotoGP season.
The announcement was made ahead of the German GP at Sachsenring with Petrucci having scored three podium finishes – including a win – in the eighth MotoGP races in 2019. The Italian sits third with 108 points, having leapfrogged Suzuki’s Alex Rins.
“I’m very happy to continue with Ducati for another year,” said Petrucci. “It was my goal ever since the beginning of this new chapter, because we immediately found great chemistry with the team.
“In this first half of the season we were able to progressively increase our competitiveness, taking two podiums and an unforgettable win. To renew our collaboration before the summer break makes me even more serene and confident about the future.
“Now I simply want to stay focused and continue to improve as a rider to achieve even better results on track. We’re third in the Championship, and we want to finish the season within the top three.”
Ducati’s Luigi Dall’Igna added: “We’re very happy to have reached an agreement with Petrucci and to continue to work together on track also next year. Danilo has shown his professionalism and talent ever since the first outings with the factory Desmosedici GP.
“I believe his qualities are now clear to everyone, as evidenced by the strong results he already achieved this season, which culminated in a fantastic maiden win at Mugello. With Danilo on track alongside Andrea, our goal is to fight for the title, both in the Riders and the Manufacturers championships.”
