Ducati Re-Sign Danilo Petrucci for the 2020 MotoGP Season

Probably the least surprising line up in motorcycle racing has been confirmed, as Ducati re-sign Danilo Petrucci for the 2020 MotoGP season.

Petrucci is still riding in his debut year for the factory Ducati Team. And with the ride for 2020 not confirmed, it was seen as a competition between the 28-year-old Italian, who previously spent four years on a Pramac Ducati, and the 24-year-old Australian racer Jack Miller, who currently competes for Pramac.

But Miller has had an inconsistent season with one podium and three DNFs. Meanwhile Petrucci has finished every race, with his lowest positions of sixth in the first three rounds. Since then he’s been on the podium three times, with third at both the French and Catalan Grand Prix. And a memorable first win at Mugello for the Italian GP.

As a result Petrucci is currently in third overall for the 2019 MotoGP championship, just 8 points behind teammate Andrea Dovizioso. The consistency of the Italian Ducati pairing means they lead the Team rankings

So it’s not surprising that Petrucci gets the nod over Miller, who is currently 8th in the standings. Particularly as a successful all-Italian team is a bonus for the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer.

“I’m very happy to continue with Ducati for another year,’ said Petrucci. “It was my goal ever since the beginning of this new chapter, because we immediately found great chemistry with the team. In this first half of the season we were able to progressively increase our competitiveness, taking two podiums and an unforgettable win. To renew our collaboration before the summer break makes me even more serene and confident about the future. Now I simply want to stay focused and continue to improve as a rider to achieve even better results on track. We’re third in the Championship, and we want to finish the season within the top three.”

Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna also commented as Ducati re-sign Danilo Petrucci for the 2020 MotoGP season.

“We’re very happy to have reached an agreement with Petrucci and to continue to work together on track also next year. Danilo has shown his professionalism and talent ever since the first outings with the factory Desmosedici GP, and I believe his qualities are now clear to everyone, as evidenced by the strong results he already achieved this season, which culminated in a fantastic maiden win at Mugello. With Danilo on track alongside Andrea, our goal is to fight for the title, both in the Riders and the Manufacturers championships.”

Do you think Ducati have made the right decision? And can Dovizioso and Petrucci topple the might of Marc Marquez in 2020? Or even in what remains of the 2019 MotoGP season?