Ducati have renewed Alvaro Bautista’s contract and are planning to renew teammate Michael Rinaldi’s contract as well: will Danilo Petrucci go away empty-handed?
Ducati is on course for its first World Superbike title since Carlos Checa eleven years ago thanks to Alvaro Bautista. After four events, Bautista leads the riders’ standings by a clear margin over record champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) and defending champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (Yamaha). Bautista has been by far the best Ducati rider so far and will also ride a factory Panigale in 2023. Team-mate Michael Rinaldi has been clearly overshadowed so far this season. But Ducati wants to continue with the Italian.
“Our plan for the coming season is to continue with both riders,” team manager Serafino Foti clarifies to ‘WorldSBK.com’. “However, it is still too early,” says the Ducati manager. At the home race in Misano, Rinaldi made it to the podium in both main races.
Before that, things were far from ideal for the Italian. Rinaldi has the backing of Ducati. “I am confident. I was already at the end of last season. Michael is a very sensitive rider,” said Serafino Foti.
Teammate’s wins add pressure
Bautista’s victories are putting pressure on Rinaldi. “Our bike is working really well and I hope he can fight for the podium in every race from now on. He has the potential to fight for the podium and top five finishes in every race,” said the Ducati team manager.
Ducati main sponsor Aruba is considered a big supporter of Rinaldi’s career. The Italian IT company made it possible for Rinaldi to move up to WSBK after winning the Superstock 1000 Cup.
Danilo Petrucci, who currently competes for Ducati in MotoAmerica, was also considered a potential candidate for the second spot in the factory team. Currently, the former MotoGP rider leads the rider standings in the US championship and enjoys life in the USA.
Rumours are circulating that Petrucci will receive a wild card in the World Superbike Championship at the season finale. Should Rinaldi also ride for the Ducati factory team in 2023, then there is no particularly appealing place left for Petrucci in the World Superbike Championship.