Andrea Dovizioso: Lorenzo holds key to 2013 shake-up

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Andrea Dovizioso says current world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo has complete control of the rider market for next season.

Casey Stoner’s bombshell decision to quit MotoGP at the end of the campaign has blown the 2013 rider market wide open.

The Australian’s decision to retire has left Repsol Honda seeking a replacement, with many now expecting HRC and Yamaha to get in a bidding way for Lorenzo’s services.

The Spaniard is currently eight points clear of Stoner after four races having dominated last Sunday’s rain-hit French Grand Prix to claim his second win of the season.

MCN understands Yamaha had already offered Lorenzo a new two-year deal prior to Stoner’s retirement announcement in Le Mans last weekend.

But it is clear that numerous riders will now be waiting to see where Lorenzo’s future lies before they can form their own plans for 2013.

Dovizioso has made no secret of his desire to be part of Yamaha’s factory line-up in 2013 and he told MCN: “Casey’s decision to stop has changed everything for everybody.

“It is good that he made his decision at this time because it is professional for Honda and the other riders. If he waits until September, then as the world champion and fastest rider he had all the power.

“Lorenzo is the rider with the most power now. I am interested to see if Honda try to bring Lorenzo or if they have the power to change the rookie rule for (Marc) Marquez.

“Now everything is open and I would like to know more about the direction Honda, Yamaha and Ducati would like to have.”