In the middle of a transfer window more than ever agitated at the Catalunya Grand Prix, the sporting director of Ducati announced good news for Johann Zarcowho should be sure to keep his handlebars at Pramac in 2023.
“The good news is that Johann Zarco will be in the Pramac team in 2023”announced Paolo Ciabatti at the microphone of Canal +. “It hasn’t been officially announced yet, we are in the final discussions, but 99% Johann will still be there next year. He is very good with Pramac.” A statement confirmed by Paolo Campinoti, boss of Pramac who declared that he had to “just sign”.
Since the start of the season, the team had made no secret of its desire to keep its driver, and the Frenchman had always said he wanted to keep his place. The announcement of a renewal seemed to be getting closer, and this statement confirms an imminent announcement.
Never in the running for the second official Ducati handlebar alongside Pecco BagnaiaZarco had resigned himself, satisfied to ride with the same equipment and to perform well within the satellite team.
The question therefore remains on the side of the official team, and the Italian manufacturer should allow itself until August to announce its decision. After confirming that it was virtually certain that Jack Miller would not pursue on a Desmosedici, so Ducati now has to decide between George Martin et Enea Bastianini.
“We don’t know yet. We have always said that the objective was to have the two, Bastianini and Martín, at Ducati, and that will be the case. They are with us in 2023 and 2024. For the second official rider, we will decide a little later”added Ciabatti.
This choice will unlock part of the market, since depending on the driver chosen, it is at Pramac or at Gresini that a place will become available. Miguel Oliveira is one of the first interested parties, the KTM rider seeming to have been rejected by the Austrian brand in favor of Jack Miller.
Pol Espargaró is also appointed to return to KTM, himself probably excluded from Honda who would prefer him Joan Mir. The Spaniard and his teammate Álex Rinson the market with the withdrawal of Suzuki from MotoGP, are very popular with teams and the game of musical chairs is currently not ready to be over.
With Vincent Lalanne-Sicaud