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| MotoGP: Ducati: No secret Marquez, Lorenzo out of contract… |
Indeed, some say a deal has already been done.
But speaking in the paddock on Sunday evening, Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti insisted it was too early to decide on the team's 2017 riders - while admitting 'everyone is talking' and pointing out that Lorenzo is not the only MotoGP champion still available...
“We make no secret about knowing that both Marquez and Lorenzo have contracts that expire at the end of this season,” Ciabatti stated. “We have been looking into the possibilities and talking to our riders. Other teams are also talking to our riders. It's quite normal at the moment. Obviously we wouldn't be doing our job properly if we didn't look into the possibilities.
“This doesn't mean there is any contract signed. Everyone is talking like we have already made our decision and signed a contract but this is not the case. It's still a little early. Not early to discuss, but early to decide. We are not in a super hurry. It's only the second race. Let's say that exploring the possibilities.”
Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone have formed the Ducati line-up for the past two seasons, each claiming podiums and poles although the factory's win drought dating back to 2010 continues.
Ducati were on the verge of a double podium in Sunday's race, only for Iannone to fall while trying to snatch second from his team-mate at the penultimate turn, wiping them both out.
“We are happy with the performance of our two riders even if we would like them not to try too hard if there is not at least a clear possibility to pass,” Ciabatti said.
Dovizioso has said his future will be decided by results, while Iannone is rumoured to have received an offer from Suzuki.
Lorenzo already has an offer on the table to stay at Yamaha but, unlike team-mate Valentino Rossi, is yet to accept.
Suzuki's Maverick Vinales is thought to be Yamaha's main target should Lorenzo leave. Repsol Honda are also likely to be interested in the impressive young Spaniard, who fell from a podium place late in Sunday's race..
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