Ducati eye Marco Simoncelli swoop for 2010

Ducati chief Livio Suppo has reiterated his desire to sign Marco Simoncelli` for the 2010 MotoGP campaign.

The Italian factory hotly pursued Simoncelli throughout 2008 as he blossomed into one of racing’s hottest properties during his surge to the 250GP crown.

And Ducati’s interest hasn’t waned despite Simoncelli’s refusal to quit 250s for a place in Ducati’s satellite squad for ’09.

Factory team boss Livio Suppo said: “We have spoken already in 2008 for ‘09 and that is not a secret. Marco preferred to stay in 250s and I have a lot of respect for his choice because he probably doesn’t feel ready to go, so that’s a good decision.

“If he felt like he was still not ready to come to MotoGP then it is much better for him to stay for another year in 250s. In my opinion the most important thing is that he believes in what we are doing.

Last season he was very impressive, but he came from two difficult seasons so perhaps he wants to build up his confidence even more.

“I have no doubt that he can stay at that level in 2009 and then I think he will be ready to move to MotoGP. And of course when he does, we will be very interested in him riding for us.”