On Thursday 4th July at the HJC Helmets Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland, Ducati Team announced that current rider Danilo Petrucci will continue to partner Andrea Dovizioso in the factory setup in 2020.
Petrucci signed a one-year deal last season and the start of 2019 saw himself and Pramac Racing’s Jack Miller battle it out for the remaining factory seat for next season. However, with the charismatic Italian finishing inside the top six in every race this season, including two third places in Le Mans and Barcelona coming either side of his phenomenal maiden Grand Prix win at Mugello, Petrucci is the chosen rider to lineup alongside Dovi next season.
Petrucci: "I am very happy to continue with Ducati for one more season. It was my goal since I started this adventure and also because from the beginning I felt a great harmony with the team. In this first part of the championship we were able to progressively improve our performance, winning two podiums and one victory. Renewing before the summer break gives me even more serenity and confidence for the future. Now I just want to stay focused and continue my growth path to do it better and better on the track: we have reached the third position in the classification and the goal is to be in the top three until the end of the season."
Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Director: "I am very happy to have reached an agreement with Petrucci to continue working together next season. Danilo has shown his professionalism and talent from the first day he came out with the official Desmosedici GP and I think everyone has seen his qualities, as evidenced by the great results he has achieved this year, with special mention for the exciting victory won in Mugello. With Danilo in the box next to Andrea, our goal is naturally the World title, both for Drivers and for Constructors "
The duo sits second and third in the Championship ahead of the Sachsenring, with ‘Petrux’ sitting just eight points off Dovi. It has never been the easiest circuit for Ducati, but can they potentially eat into Marc Marquez’ (Repsol Honda Team) 44-point lead ahead of the summer break?