“Jorge Lorenzo proposed himself…” – Ducati plays down shock move

Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi has played down the prospect of Jorge Lorenzo returning to the team for the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, saying the idea that he is on his way back is ‘in his mind’.

The three-time MotoGP World Champion recently suggested talks between himself and Ducati were underway  in response to Andrea Dovizioso’s reluctance to pen a new deal for the 2021 MotoGP season.

However, Tardozzi says that the only notable contact Ducati and Lorenzo have had has been between himself and Gigi Dall’Igna and that is as far as the interest has so far gone.

“Jorge proposed himself it’s obvious he has a very good relationship with Gigi and when it was his birthday he had a chat with Gigi and then from then something came up in his mind… but it is only a friendly talk. There is nothing serious so far.

“Andrea is willing to wait and we are not in a rush. It is the best opportunity for both of us, for him to have a competitive bike and for us to have a competitive rider.

Meanwhile, Tardozzi confirmed Ducati will now wait until August to make a decision on its riders for the 2021 MotoGP season. As it stands, there is a spot available in the factory outfit, at Pramac and also Avintia.

“The door is open to all the fast riders and Cal is one of the fast riders, we take no decision so far we have waited with all the riders. We are not in a rush, so we have taken the opportunity to do a couple of races until end of August to make a decision and to be sure what to do in 2021.”