There are strong rumors that Jorge Lorenzo will return to Dicati for the 2021 season. The Italian manufacturer currently has no contract negotiations with current rider Andrea Dovizioso. This is due to the huge salary demands from Dovizioso.
Speaking at media, Lorenzo said that it was not true that he would join Ducati for next year. However, the Spaniard admitted that he still has a good relationship with Ducati general manager.
“It’s not true. It’s true that I have a very good relationship with Gigi [Dall’Igna, Ducati general manager] from when we were together winning races in 125s with Derbi, we won two championships in the 250cc class with Aprilia, we believe in each other a lot.” Lorenzo said.
“And we have a human relationship, so he called me on my birthday and we spoke a little bit about life, about the family.
“But nothing more, nothing professional. For the moment I’m very much enjoying the things I couldn’t do when I was a professional racer, but I cannot tell you that I don’t miss the winning feeling and the celebrations with the team.” Lorenzo added.
Lorenzo decided to leave Ducati at the end of the 2018 season. After joining the Honda last year, he is now joining the Yamaha test tem programme.
“So that’s why I said that if the opportunity, or the call to win the championship arrived, I will hear it and I will study it, because for me the thing that wakes me up and makes me motivated is winning.” Lorenzo said.
“I still believe at 33 years old I am capable – with the right tools – to still win the championship. So, for the moment this call didn’t arrive, so I cannot study this situation at the moment.
“And for me there is only two possibilities to have the right tools to win – Yamaha, that has more or less already signed its four riders for 2021 and Ducati. There are no more chances.” he added.