MotoGP: Lorenzo signs for Suzuki?

MCN’s sources in the MotoGP paddock believe that Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo has told the Italian firm that he won’t remain with them for the 2019 MotoGP season, opening the door for the five-time world champion to make the switch to Suzuki for next year.

The Spaniard has had a rough time so far in his tenure at the Italian manufacturer, struggling to come to terms with the disadvantages of the Desmosedici machine and yet to take a race victory. His last win in the premier class came in his final race for Yamaha back at Valencia in 2016, going 21 races since without a victory in his longest dry spell by far since his debut in 2008.

Famous for his 250 style where he relies on huge corner speed to make his silky-smooth style work on the bike (and on a machine built around that style while at Yamaha), the weaknesses of the Ducati mean that he’s never been able to get the best out of the bike.

Still struggling for mid-corner turning, an issue that’s plagued them since the Rossi days, it means that no matter how much work Lorenzo has been able to do to adjust his riding style he hasn’t been able to return to his Yamaha pace.

However, while MCN’s sources believe that the deal has already been penned and that the news could be announced as soon as this weekend’s home race for him in Jerez, the 30-year-old remained cryptic about the chances of making a switch when MCN questioned him on the rumours.

“I’m still trying really hard to make this couple work, of Ducati and Lorenzo, and I believe that it can be done. That’s my only focus for now. The other part is something for my management to do when it’s time, and let’s see what will happen!”