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Ducati Corse indicates that it will kick out one of the three satellite teams it owns / Photo: MotoGP
Ducati Corse indicated that it would expel one of the three satellite teams it owns. Of the three satellite teams, only the team owned by Valentino Rossi (VR46) whose fate for MotoGP next season is unclear.
Ducati has one main team (Ducati Lenovo), and three satellite teams (Ducati Pramac, Gresini Ducati, and Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing). These three satellite teams have helped Ducati dominate in the last two seasons.
However, Ducati seems to be leaving one of its three satellite teams. Ducati Corse manager Gigi Dall'Igna said Ducati would find it difficult to retain all the teams next season.
“It will be difficult for us to maintain all the teams next year. Other manufacturers are pushing to have satellite teams. They also have the opportunity to offer big discounts because they receive bonus payments from the organizer (Dorna) when they manage satellite teams,” said Dall'Igna as quoted by Corsedimoto, Monday (18/3/2024).
Of the three satellite teams, only VR46 Racing has the potential to be left behind. The reason is, Ducati Pramac is known as the number one satellite team, while Gresini Ducati has just extended its contract with Ducati until the end of 2025.
Ducati Corse Sports Director, Mauro Grassili, said he had spoken with representatives of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing. However, according to him, negotiations were going tough between the two parties.
“We are talking with VR46 to expand our collaboration. But it's not easy,” said Grassilli.
Meanwhile, Sports Director of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing, Alessio Salucci, confirmed that his party had spoken with Ducati Corse. He also did not rule out the possibility that Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing could join forces with Yamaha next season.
“Maybe we will find the right way to sign it (the contract) soon. I asked Ducati something. We are quite close. I don't know,” said Salucci.
(fly)