Ducati MotoGP racer Danilo Petrucci has confirmed he will leave the team at the end of the current season, but remains committed to finding a future berth in the series.
Speaking to Italian TV network TGR Umbria yesterday, the Italian confirmed he would no longer be a part of Ducati’s premier class factory outfit following the promotion of Jack Miller to the team for 2021 last week.
Current number one rider Andrea Dovizioso is expected to remain with Ducati, therefore leaving Petrucci out in the cold.
“Ducati has decided not to continue our relationship,” said Petrucci.
“I’m sorry for this, but my objective is to stay in MotoGP and race in MotoGP.
“Only a year ago I was winning, so I would like to continue to win again.
“I thank them for the experience, there is still this year where we can take some satisfaction, so I am confident and I hope it starts soon.”
Ducati have yet to officially announce Petrucci’s axing themselves, but decided to replace him with Miller following his sub-par end to the ’19 season, in which he failed to stand on the podium after the Catalan event in mid-June.
Petrucci is thought to have been made an offer to remain within the Ducati ranks by moving to the manufacturers World Superbike squad alongside ex-MotoGP man Scott Redding, but his clarification that he remains committed to racing in the premier class makes a move to Aprilia’s MotoGP team more likely.
Petrucci’s manager Alberto Vergani confirmed last week that talks were underway with Aprilia for the one-time MotoGP winner to join Aleix Espargaro at the Noale-based team, although it is thought a deal is dependent on whether Andrea Iannone is able to emerge victorious from his doping appeal.
