There are three (possibly four) riders in line for the factory Ducati seat next to Andrea Dovizioso next year. I'd say Ducati will have decided by Barcelona. I figure this would be a good place to discuss the riders and which of them could potentially have a ride on arguably the most competitive bike on the grid in 2020.
Danilo Petrucci: Currently in the coveted spot, but not making the most convincing case to stay. He's been more consistent than fast, scoring a brace of 6th places so far. Considering how competitive his bike is, and his experience riding Ducati's (this is his sixth year on one), a lot of people have expected more. That being said, he's fifth in the world championship, which is hardly unimpressive.
Jack Miller: Riding on a factory GP19 in the independent Pramac team. This year is the first that Jack has had current machinery, and so far he's made the most of it. He's scored a 4th and a 3rd, and was well on his way to a top six finish in Qatar before a freak mishap with his seat unit. He's also out-qualified Danilo at each of the three rounds.
Francesco Bagnaia: Jack Miller's teammate, on the year-old GP18. I feel like this is a dead-cert, but not for 2020. He's Italian, 22 years old, and the Moto2 champion. There's no question Pecco is the future of Ducati, but it feels like he isn't quite ready yet. A retirement, a 14th and a 9th aren't bad for a rookie, but he'll have to make a massive step in the next four rounds to be considered.
Alvaro Bautista: The wildcard. He's on a tear in WSBK, having won all eleven races so far. All we really have to go on are rumors, but paddock gossip is that Ducati are seriously considering bringing Alvaro back into MotoGP on a factory bike. Whether that means Mission Winnow or the number one spot at Pramac is unknown. Of all motorcycle racers in MotoGP & WSBK not named Marc or Valentino, Alvaro might be in the best position to negotiate whatever contract he deems fit.
Personally, I think if things continue on the same trajectory for the next four rounds (which, let's face it, is rarely the case in MotoGP), Jack is the most likely. He's only 24, four years younger than Danilo and 10 years younger than Alvaro, and has had a fantastic start to the year. He's also one of the more marketable personalities on the grid, which is definitely accounted for in these kinda decisions. I could also see Alvaro getting the factory spot at Pramac, and Danilo taking his place in WSBK.
There are three (possibly four) riders in line for the factory Ducati seat next to Andrea Dovizioso next year. I'd say Ducati will have decided by Barcelona. I figure this would be a good place to discuss the riders and which of them could potentially have a ride on arguably the most competitive bike on the grid in 2020.Danilo Petrucci: Currently in the coveted spot, but not making the most convincing case to stay. He's been more consistent than fast, scoring a brace of 6th places so far. Considering how competitive his bike is, and his experience riding Ducati's (this is his sixth year on one), a lot of people have expected more. That being said, he's fifth in the world championship, which is hardly unimpressive.Jack Miller: Riding on a factory GP19 in the independent Pramac team. This year is the first that Jack has had current machinery, and so far he's made the most of it. He's scored a 4th and a 3rd, and was well on his way to a top six finish in Qatar before a freak mishap with his seat unit. He's also out-qualified Danilo at each of the three rounds.Francesco Bagnaia: Jack Miller's teammate, on the year-old GP18. I feel like this is a dead-cert, but not for 2020. He's Italian, 22 years old, and the Moto2 champion. There's no question Pecco is the future of Ducati, but it feels like he isn't quite ready yet. A retirement, a 14th and a 9th aren't bad for a rookie, but he'll have to make a massive step in the next four rounds to be considered.Alvaro Bautista: The wildcard. He's on a tear in WSBK, having won all eleven races so far. All we really have to go on are rumors, but paddock gossip is that Ducati are seriously considering bringing Alvaro back into MotoGP on a factory bike. Whether that means Mission Winnow or the number one spot at Pramac is unknown. Of all motorcycle racers in MotoGP & WSBK not named Marc or Valentino, Alvaro might be in the best position to negotiate whatever contract he deems fit.Personally, I think if things continue on the same trajectory for the next four rounds (which, let's face it, is rarely the case in MotoGP), Jack is the most likely. He's only 24, four years younger than Danilo and 10 years younger than Alvaro, and has had a fantastic start to the year. He's also one of the more marketable personalities on the grid, which is definitely accounted for in these kinda decisions. I could also see Alvaro getting the factory spot at Pramac, and Danilo taking his place in WSBK. http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png
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