Scott Redding in talks with Ducati for 2013

Scott Redding could join Cal Crutchlow on a Ducati MotoGP bike in 2013.

The Bologna factory’s 2013 line-up could be dominated by fast and young British talent after Redding’s manager Michael Bartholemy had talks with Ducati management in Holland last weekend.

Redding finished third to claim his third Moto2 podium in the last four races and he made it clear to MCN that he aims to secure a MotoGP ride next season.

Redding believes he is at an unfair disadvantage in the Moto2 class because he is one of the tallest and heaviest riders in the 600cc four-stroke series.

He is unable to match the speed and acceleration of featherweight riders like Marc Marquez and unless a minimum weight limit for bike and rider is introduced then he has no desire to stay in Moto2.

Weighing heavily in Redding’s favour is Ducati boss Vittoriano Guareschi is a long-time admirer of his and has tracked the 19-year-old’s career closely.

Ducati briefly spoke to the Marc VDS Racing rider at the end of last season about a switch to the satellite Pramac squad, but Valentino Rossi’s dismal season put Redding off stepping up in 2012.

But fresh talks kicked off in Assen, as was exclusively revealed reported in the July 4 issue of Motor Cycle News, with Redding’s Marc VDS Racing squad checking the availability of a satellite GP13 machine for the Gloucestershire rider.

“It would be nice to move to MotoGP next year. If they put a weight limit in I wouldn’t be bothered about staying in Moto2 but I can’t see that happening, “said Redding.

The quandary for Redding is whether a move to MotoGP with Ducati would be a huge gamble.

Ducati continues to play catch-up to rivals Honda and Yamaha and the GP12 is still hampered by chronic understeer and aggressive power delivery issues.

Redding said: “Do I stay in Moto2 without a weight limit and suffer again or do I go MotoGP with a Ducati and find it hard? But I might get on the bike and not find it hard. It is a big gamble and it will be tough fighting with one of those animals for a season. But Ducati is working hard to improve and it could be a really good move.”

In a perfect world, Redding would move to MotoGP with his current team and Bartholemy, who is Redding’s personal and team manager, will hold further discussions with Ducati management during the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.

Redding has been with Marc VDS Racing since 2010 and he added: “I would love to stay with my team. If we could get a bike in our team it would be awesome.”

Bartholemy confirmed he had met Guareschi on Friday in Assen and that if a bike was available for Marc VDS Racing to lease, they would be seriously interested.

“We would be interested and I think for some manufacturers we could be an attractive partner. Scott would like to move to MotoGP and I want him to do that. We need to go somewhere though that he can prove what he is able to do. It makes no sense to put him on a bike where he might be finishing at the back

” He has the potential to fight with the big guys and it is time to go but it is important to be on the right package and one that he can show what he can do,“ Bartholemy told MCN.

Crutchlow is currently pondering a lucrative two-year offer to join Ducati’s factory squad.